Written Answers Nos. 581-608
581. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, who provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14138/17]
View answerLegal advice and services are provided to the Department by Legal Advisors who are seconded to the Department from the Office of the Attorney General. That Office, together with the Chief State Solicitors Office, determines if, and procures and pays for, any external legal advice that may be required and incurs any expenditure arising.
582. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14158/17]
View answerCarer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 10 March 2017 and the first payment issued to their nominated bank account on 15 March 2017.
Arrears of allowance due from 5 January 2017 to 14 March 2017 have also issued to the bank.
The person concerned was notified of these details on 10 March 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
584. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a community group (details supplied) can expect to receive a response from Pobal to correspondence it sent to the body in which it queries the funding options available for the appointment of a project administrator through the community services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14197/17]
View answerThe community services programme (CSP) is designed to address gaps in the delivery of key local services, to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that community facilities are utilised. It provides valuable resourcing for service delivery undertaken by not-for-profit companies and co-operatives in communities around the country.
This group referred to by the Deputy is not currently in receipt of funding under CSP. The first step for this group is to submit an expression of interest. To this end, an expression of interest document and guidance note to assist in its completion has been e-mailed to the group.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
585. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will confirm that no Minister or Minister of State under his remit since 2011 has claimed overnight expenses for staying in Dublin. [14569/17]
View answerThere were no overnight expenses claimed by any Minister or Minister of State in my Department for staying in Dublin for the period 2011 to date.
The Minister’s and the Minister of State’s expenses are available on the Department’s website at www.welfare.ie.
586. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12808/17]
View answer587. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans in reaching the recommended target of 0.7% GDP towards poverty overseas aid in view of the current figure Ireland contributes which stands at 0.36%; his further plans on working towards meeting this target; when he plans to meet this target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13259/17]
View answer604. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount Ireland spent on overseas development assistance in each of the years 2007 to 2016; and the percentage of gross national product the spend represents in each year. [14112/17]
View answer605. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount he expects Ireland to spend on overseas development assistance in 2017; and the percentage of gross national product he expects this spend to be. [14113/17]
View answer606. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount he expects Ireland to spend on overseas development assistance in 2018; and the percentage of gross national product he expects this spend to be. [14114/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 587 and 604 to 606, inclusive, together.
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. Progress needs to be made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen 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 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 humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
Over the past two years we have managed to increase funding allocations for ODA, providing an increase of €40 million in 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 anticipate the ODA/GNP percentage outturn for 2016 will be at least 0.3%. However provisional preliminary figures show the outturn will surpass this level. For 2017 we are forecasting an ODA / GNP percentage level of at least 0.3%.
Ireland’s ODA contributions, together with the ODA/GNP percentage delivered for years 2007 through to 2016 are set out in the following table:
|
- |
- |
Total ODA €m |
ODA as a % of GNP |
|
Budget |
2016 |
641.04 |
0.30% ** |
|
Outturn |
2015 |
647.51 |
0.36% |
|
2014 |
614.86 |
0.38% |
|
|
2013 |
637.09 |
0.46% |
|
|
2012 |
628.90 |
0.47% |
|
|
2011 |
657.04 |
0.50% |
|
|
2010 |
675.83 |
0.51% |
|
|
2009 |
722.20 |
0.54% |
|
|
2008 |
920.66 |
0.59% |
|
|
2007 |
870.87 |
0.53% |
** Estimated based on Department of Finance Budget day Forecasts of GNP 2016.
We have not yet commenced the 2018 budget process. Final allocations to ODA, as with all public expenditure, will be a matter for Government, and will be set in the context of available resources and the competing budgetary demands we face. I and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will be making the strongest possible case for an increase in the ODA for next year.
588. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12963/17]
View answerI delivered a comprehensive statement on the matters referred to in this question to the House on 15 February, 2017. A copy of my statement to the House on that date is included for reference.
Statement on behalf of the Government:
US Executive Order (27 January, 2017) by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
Ceann Comhairle,
Executive Order of 27 January 2017
I wish to address the House with regard to the matter of the Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump on 27 January, 2017.
In particular, I wish to make clear the Government’s position on the following three issues: this Executive Order; the operation of pre-clearance facilities at both Dublin and Shannon Airports; and Ireland’s relationship with the United States.
The Government’s position on this matter is clear and was set out in my Press Statement on 29 January, 2017, immediately prior to my visit to Washington, DC, from 31 January to 2 February. As I noted in that statement, while US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities, it is clear that the Executive Order signed by President Trump on 27 January last could have far-reaching implications, both on humanitarian grounds and for relations between the United States and the global Muslim community. I would further note that the Government fully shares the concerns expressed by other EU partners regarding this development.
Alongside these concerns, a question arose about the possible effects on dual nationals. On 31 January 2017, the US authorities issued a clarification which was also publicised by the US Embassy in Dublin. This noted that the Executive Order in question does not restrict the travel of dual nationals to the United States, so long as they hold the passport of an unrestricted country and possess a valid US visa, if required.
That means that Irish citizens travelling to the United States on Irish passports should encounter no difficulties in this regard, as long as they have followed the relevant procedures governing the US Visa Waiver Programme and, if necessary, have obtained a US visa prior to travel.
I wish to underline that Irish citizens, who are dual nationals of one of the seven states listed in the Executive Order signed on 27 January last, have the same rights to avail of the US Visa Waiver Programme as all other Irish citizens. A total of 5,003 certificates of naturalisation were issued in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2016 to citizens of the seven states concerned. Around 8,000 current Irish passport holders were born in one of these seven countries.
As the House will be aware, I travelled to the United States from 31 January to 2 February 2017, as part of a pre-planned visit to Washington, DC. I had a number of meetings with several Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle – that is, both Republican and Democrat – including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Paul Ryan; House Majority Leader, Mr Kevin McCarthy; and House Minority Leader Ms. Nancy Pelosi.
I also travelled to the White House where I met with representatives of the US Administration, including the Former US National Security Advisor – Gen. Michael Flynn. During my meeting with Gen. Flynn I expressed the Government’s deep concerns with regard to the nature and impact of the Executive Order of 27 January. In response, Gen. Flynn outlined the rationale, in US immigration terms, for these temporary measures. I also pointed out to Gen. Flynn the damaging consequences of these measures in humanitarian terms, as well as the impact on the international reputation of the United States. I reiterated those views and concerns at my various meetings on Capitol Hill.
As the House will no doubt be aware, in recent days the US courts have intervened and imposed a temporary suspension on the implementation of the Executive Order of 27 January. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on a matter which is still the subject of legal proceedings.
Pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon Airports
In the context of discussions about the Executive Order in Ireland, the issue of Pre-Clearance facilities at both Dublin and Shannon Airports arose. The matter was discussed at Cabinet and the Taoiseach has already requested that a review of preclearance be carried out. This review – which is being chaired by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport – involves officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Justice and Equality, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I understand that this review is very close to completion.
However, I would like to clarify the facts regarding a number of questions that arose about Pre-Clearance facilities. The US-Ireland Pre-clearance Agreement was signed by the Minister for Transport and the Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security on 17 November, 2008 and given effect in Irish law on 8 July, 2009 by the Aviation (Preclearance) Act 2009 (No. 16 of 2009).
The US-Ireland Pre-clearance Agreement states that nothing therein diminishes the rights enjoyed by individuals under the Constitution and laws of Ireland or, where applicable, the United States of America. It expressly states that the pre-clearance facility is within Irish jurisdiction and that the laws of Ireland apply at all times.
US pre-clearance officers are not considered law enforcement officers. The only law enforcement officers at Irish airports are members of An Garda Síochána and Customs Officers. From an operational perspective, facilities are provided to the US Border and Customs staff to operate the facility and normal Garda assistance is available to passengers and US staff in these areas.
Passengers who wish to avail of pre-clearance do so on condition that they recognise and consent to the right of the US to grant or refuse pre-clearance in accordance with its laws. Passengers present voluntarily for pre-clearance and avail of the facility on a consensual basis. Until their flights depart, passengers remain in Irish legal jurisdiction and have the right to withdraw from the pre-clearance process at any time.
If an individual is refused leave to board, they revert to the Garda immigration officer and are considered in the same manner as if they had presented at the frontier of the State seeking permission to enter. Each case is examined on its individual merits, in accordance with Irish law. The existence of pre-clearance facilities therefore has no effect on the capacity of persons to claim asylum in Ireland nor on the way that such individuals are treated.
I would like to remind the House that pre-clearance of flights from Dublin or Shannon bound for destinations in the United States is not compulsory. Air carriers choose to apply to have their services pre-cleared in either Dublin or Shannon.
It is important to have clear factual information about Pre-Clearance in the public domain given its considerable benefits for Ireland. Shannon Airport was the first airport in the world outside the Americas to offer a US pre-clearance facility. Over 204,000 passengers used the pre-clearance facility at Shannon in 2016. Pre-clearance is a major selling point with the airport’s business and tourism customers, supporting trans-Atlantic connectivity for its catchment area along the entire Western-seaboard: from Donegal to Kerry and also serving the Midland counties.
During 2016, almost 1.2 million passengers used the pre-clearance facility at Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport has seen continuous growth in trans-Atlantic flights since the commencement of pre-clearance in 2011. Pre-clearance has been a key driver of transfer growth at Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport is the fifth busiest airport for connectivity to North America in Europe, behind Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and Schiphol.
The availability of pre-clearance facilities at both Dublin and Shannon Airports is a key component of Ireland’s continued competitiveness in attracting US foreign direct investment, and Ireland’s position as a gateway to the wider EU single market.
It is worth noting in this context that the US is currently expanding the pre-clearance programme, with 10 airports short-listed as potential sites.
Relations between Ireland and the United States
Ceann Comhairle, I might make a few remarks regarding the relationship between Ireland and the United States.
The Government’s priority is to ensure that the long standing and warm relationship between Ireland and the US is protected in the interests of Irish citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. Our relationship is complex and multi-layered, is based on shared values, as well as our deep political, historic and economic ties.
In economic terms alone over 150,000 people are directly employed in over 700 US firms in Ireland and that these account for over 74 % of all IDA supported employment. In addition, Irish companies directly employ over 120,000 people in 227 companies at over 2,600 locations, in all 50 States across the USA. US firms in Ireland form a critical part of Ireland’s cutting edge, internationally traded goods and services economy in industries such as information & communications technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and financial services.
As a government we have a responsibility to protect and advance the interests of our country and our people. As the House will be aware, the Taoiseach was the first EU Head of State or Government to speak with then President-elect Trump immediately following his election on 8 November last. The Taoiseach also spoke with then Vice-President-elect Pence – who has strong links with Ireland. Separately, I spoke with Mr Paul Ryan, following his re-confirmation as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Following the US Presidential elections, there was some public debate about St. Patrick’s Day events, specifically in Washington DC. Collectively, the St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington provide invaluable opportunities for the Government to discuss, at the very highest levels with the US Administration, our priorities and concerns. It is also an opportunity to inform the new Administration and Congress of issues of Irish interest, including immigration reform and the Peace Process, and to reaffirm our longstanding relationship, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law, as well as economic and historic ties.
St. Patrick’s Day offers the Government the opportunity – in a spirit of honest friendship – to raise our concerns with the United States’ Administration, as well as to honour the longstanding relationship between our two countries and peoples. The tradition dates back several decades, and has facilitated contact with both Republican and Democrat Administrations. It is a key date each year in our multi-faceted bilateral relations.
President Trump, Vice-President Pence and Speaker Ryan have all indicated that they would wish to continue with the tradition of marking St. Patrick’s Day in Washington, DC.
As I have already noted, I visited Washington, DC, from 31 January to 2 February last and met, among others, Speaker Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, as well as a large number of members of Congress and representatives of the Administration. Our on-going engagement with US political leaders – from both sides of the aisle – is essential in advocating issues of interest or concern to the Irish people and I would like to publicly thank the Congressional Friends of Ireland for their commitment to our country.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am acutely conscious of the challenges facing the undocumented Irish in the United States. Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and agreement on a facility for future migration between Ireland and the US are longstanding Government objectives. The undocumented Irish in the United States are believed to number around 50,000 individuals, spread across the US.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has and will continue to seek practical, beneficial solutions to the plight of the undocumented Irish. The Government will also continue to support organisations that deliver frontline advisory services and community care to Irish emigrants through the Emigrant Support Programme, which is overseen by Minister of State McHugh, Minister of State for the Diaspora.
Many emigrants to the United States achieve great success but many others can find themselves in vulnerable circumstances. More than 70% of the funds allocated through this programme are directed towards welfare services, including in support of the undocumented Irish in the U.S. In the last funding round for the Emigrant Support Programme, my Department was able to allocate more than € 2.3 million in funding to organisations in the United States. I have visited Immigration Centres and I know that that funding makes a valuable contribution to vulnerable Irish citizens far from home and far from family networks.
During my recent short visit to Washington, DC, I had an opportunity to be fully briefed by our Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Anne Anderson, and her colleagues at our Embassy on a range of issues of importance in our bilateral relations with the United States, including immigration reform. Indeed, my officials regularly update me on this priority issue for the Irish government, which my colleague Minister McHugh and I, along with all of our government colleagues, are dedicated to progressing.
Our Embassy in Washington and Consulates across the United States remain in active and ongoing contact with Irish immigration centres throughout the U.S. Ambassador Anderson hosted a meeting of stakeholders in the area of immigration at the Embassy on 12 January last for an exchange of views on how progress might best made in the new political context, and to underline the Government’s continuing commitment to those working with Irish immigrants in the United States.
The bottom line is that it is only by continuing to engage with policy-makers in the US – both in the Administration and in Congress, as well as at State and local level – that we can articulate our concerns and seek to advance the interests of Irish citizens. Whether it be with regard to the recent Executive Order or concerning the need for immigration reform. As a Government we are determined to use every opportunity to set out our priorities on a broad range of issues, in the interests of our people, and of the values which both Ireland and the US share.
589. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken in the diaspora policy to engage and support the Irish LGBT plus community abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12974/17]
View answer“Global Irish,” Ireland’s Diaspora policy, encompasses all Irish communities overseas. As this policy was launched two years ago the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently reviewing the implementation of the policy, and how we can better and more effectively implement the policy to the benefit of all our citizens and diaspora around the world. The stated vision of the Policy is for a “vibrant, diverse Global Irish community, connected to Ireland and to each other.” One of the means through which the Department supports this is through the Emigrant Support Programme. This Programme, established in 2004, has always been available for suitable projects addressing the needs of Irish communities abroad, including members of the Irish LGBTQI community abroad. In recent years the Emigrant Support Programme has through its funding supported LGBTQI projects in the USA and in Britain.
In 2016 the Presidential Distinguished Service Award was also awarded to New York based activists Brendan Fay and Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy for their work on LGBTQI community support. This Presidential Distinguished Service Award recognises the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland. The Awards for Mr Fay and Ms Walsh D’Arcy marks the significance of their work in New York with the St. Pats For All parade and LGBTQI group Lavender and Green. I, along with the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Diaspora, was delighted to be there on the night when President Higgins made the presentation, and we are rightfully proud as a nation of their great work over many years.
My Department is currently preparing for the second Global Irish Civic Forum which will be an important opportunity for dialogue for Irish community organisations abroad, both with the Government and between themselves. I am pleased to hear from my officials in the Irish Abroad Unit that people representing the LGBTQI community both in the United States and in Britain have already registered to attend the upcoming Global Irish Civic Forum.
Similarly my officials in the Department’s Consular Unit have been actively engaging with LGBTQI groups in Ireland to see how the Department can mainstream their concerns and needs into the Department’s consular work. The Consular Unit and Irish Abroad Unit, which sit in the same Division, are liaising with each other on efforts to continue to support LGBTQI members of Ireland’s diaspora and this is a welcome development.
My officials and Ireland’s Missions around the world will continue to value, promote and support the vision of a vibrant, diverse and connected Global Irish community. The current review of the implementation of the Diaspora Policy seeks to improve how we do this and I would like to thank you for supporting and engaging with our efforts.
590. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a law passed by the Israeli Government which will ban entry of foreigners who call for the boycott of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13232/17]
View answerEvery country has of course the right to determine for itself the conditions for entry to its territory. Nonetheless I consider that the recent Israeli law on visa restrictions, which was strongly opposed by many parties in the Knesset, is deeply regrettable and unjust. It aims to exclude people on the basis of their having expressed non-violent political opinions, and is cast in the broadest and most general terms, which could apply to very large numbers of people. It is akin to earlier legislation which used the same broad definitions to make Israelis who advocated the same opinions liable for financial damages. This law, and other recent legislation in Israel, are deeply damaging to that country’s international image, and reputation as a democracy. Close scrutiny will now be paid to how the law is operated in practice.
As well as the territory of Israel, Israel also de facto controls entry to the occupied Palestinian Territory, and it would be further unjust if persons are prevented from entering that territory on the basis of non-violent political opinions held about that occupation, and the behaviour and actions of the occupation authorities. I am already concerned that Israel is in practice more and more acting to exclude from Palestinian territory international aid and human rights workers, and even political observers, who seek to examine and document the operation of the occupation and the actions of the authorities. No military occupation should endure in the longer term, but if it is justly operated it should have nothing to hide.
591. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that the US Administration has failed to name a new US ambassador to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13233/17]
View answerThe appointment of Ambassadors by the United States is a matter for the US authorities, in accordance with the relevant US legal and constitutional provisions. Pending the nomination and confirmation – by the US President and Senate respectively - of a new US Ambassador to Ireland, we will continue to engage closely with the US Embassy in Dublin under the leadership of its designated Chargé d’Affaires. We look forward to the arrival of a new US Ambassador in due course.
592. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that in line with the one person one salary principle, no public servant who is a member of a State board or agency under the control of his Department is currently in receipt of remuneration in the form of board fees and if any such remuneration is being paid that such payment will be discontinued and payments that were wrongfully paid will be reclaimed. [13327/17]
View answerThere are no State boards or agencies under the aegis of my Department so the issue raised by the Deputy does not arise.
593. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is an expenses grant to assist students who have been selected for a one week Iveagh scholarship with his Department as part of their transition year work experience at secondary school for accommodations and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13417/17]
View answerThe Iveagh Scholars programme is an island-wide competition which offers Transition Year and Year 12 students the chance to spend a week at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This aims to encourage second-level students to consider Ireland’s role in the world in an independent and creative way. The competition inspires students to learn the basic tenets of Ireland’s foreign policy, and to consider how they can contribute to shaping it. Based on the competition students from schools across the island of Ireland are selected to participate in a week-long interactive programme held in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Iveagh House on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin.
The programme is based in Dublin and competition winners are responsible for their own accommodation and travel needs. In certain cases, a financial contribution towards travel and accommodation costs may be available to competition winners. This is on a case by case basis. Successful candidates receive details of how to apply for this.
594. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland is taking to encourage Ethiopia to lift the state of emergency and to encourage the Ethiopian Government to address the grievances of protesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/17]
View answerWe have been following the situation in Ethiopia closely, and with concern, since the declaration of a state of emergency in October last. Ireland and Ethiopia have developed a strong bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. Ethiopia is one of Ireland’s key partner countries for development cooperation, and we have developed strong political and economic relations. We provided over €29 million through our bilateral development programme to Ethiopia in 2016. Ireland’s humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia amounted to a further €6.65 million in 2016.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa has been monitoring the situation closely since public demonstrations and protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions took place in late 2015. The protests grew in scope and scale throughout 2016 and culminated in violent clashes between protestors and security forces. Following an incident resulting in the deaths of at least 52 protesters, the Ethiopian Government declared a state of emergency on 9 October 2016. While it appears to have restored calm to the regions where protests took place, this has been accompanied by worrying reports regarding the high levels of detention and a tense human rights environment.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa engages regularly with the Ethiopian Government to express our concern at these political developments, and to encourage the Government to address the underlying causes of discontent. Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue this active dialogue with the Ethiopian Government and will continue to encourage the Government to engage with civil society and other political actors in Ethiopia.
Ireland has also raised concerns relating to the state of emergency at the Human Rights Council on 15 March 2017, expressing concern at the large number of arrests and detention of protestors. This followed our statement at the Human Rights Council in September 2016, supporting the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an independent, impartial and international human rights assessment of the Government’s response to the protests which led to the introduction of the state of emergency. The EU has also engaged with the Ethiopian Government and raised concerns. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini, spoke with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister in October 2016 and expressed her concern about the possible effect on democratic principles and civil rights of Ethiopian citizens.
On the 15 March, the Government of Ethiopia announced that there would be a partial lifting of the state of emergency, stating that arrests without court orders and searches without court papers will stop. The Government also announced that restrictions imposed on radio, television and theatre and dawn-to dusk prohibitions on unauthorised movements around infrastructure facilities and factories have been repealed.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa will continue to monitor the situation closely, and engage regularly with the Ethiopian Government.
595. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he is taking to ensure that development assistance is reaching the most vulnerable Ethiopians, regardless of their political affiliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13447/17]
View answerEthiopia has been a key partner country for Ireland’s development assistance since 1994. Our assistance has at all times been focused on the most vulnerable people and communities in the country, regardless of their political views or affiliation. Last year, we provided some €29 million in long term development assistance in Ethiopia and a further €6.65 million in humanitarian assistance.
In designing and implementing Ireland’s development assistance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Addis Ababa work in close consultation with Government and local authorities in Ethiopia and with local communities and civil society.
A central element of Ireland’s assistance is the Productive Safety Net Programme, which provides food and cash transfers to vulnerable people, on the basis of objective criteria, developed to ensure that those suffering from chronic hunger are reached. It is closely monitored to ensure that it reaches those most in need and is not subject to political interference.
Our programme aims to build the resilience of Ethiopia’s poorest households, including through access to drought-tolerant, high-yielding seeds for small holder farmers and working to ensure that women and children have improved nutrition. We work closely with civil society organisations to promote education for minority groups, tackle violence against women and girls. As part of its work with civil society, Ireland is encouraging organisations and support vulnerable citizens, including people with disabilities to argue for and access quality services.
Ethiopia suffers from cyclical droughts and chronic food insecurity. The Government of Ethiopia has developed an impressive capacity to respond to climatic events, but still, last year, some 10.2 million people required and received emergency food assistance. In addition to these challenges, Ethiopia is hosting one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with almost 800,000 refugees in need of annual humanitarian assistance.
In addition to our financial assistance, since the onset of the El Nino climate effect, in 2015, six members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps have been deployed to Ethiopia to work with UN response operations. Three of these responders were deployed in recent weeks. We have also airlifted 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies for distribution to those most in need. We are keeping the situation under close review and I expect that it will be necessary to provide further humanitarian support to Ethiopia in the coming period.
596. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average waiting time for Passport Express applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/17]
View answerThere is currently a very high volume of Passport applications in the system (over 60,000) and applications for the month of February ran at over 20% higher than the same month last year. Up to 16 March a total of 191,428 applications were received compared to a total of 155,163 for the same period in 2016. The turnaround times for the each category of applicant are updated weekly on the Passport Service website. The average processing time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently 16 working days (our aim is a 15 working day turnaround). First time applicants or those with lost/stolen passports take longer because of additional anti-fraud measures and these applications are being processed in an average of 23 working days (our aim is a 20 working day turnaround).
We are working extremely hard to manage the ongoing surge in passport applications. A total of 230 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) have been assigned to the Passport Service to assist with the processing of passport applications and respond to customer queries. The majority of the TCOs are now in place. I am continuing to closely monitor the situation.
As a matter of best practice, the Passport Service advises customers to apply at least six weeks prior to travelling and to submit their application through Passport Express if they have no immediate travel plans. There are a limited number of appointments available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork for those travelling in three weeks or less. These appointments can be made online.
The Passport Office offers a free email reminder service to Passport holders whose passports are due for renewal and I would urge the Deputy to promote use of this facility where possible. See: https://www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/top-passport-questions/when-should-i-apply-for-a-new-passport/
We are also engaged in a major programme of passport service reform which will result in greater efficiencies for applicants. I expect to make further announcements on this matter in the near future.
597. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bahraini Government revoked the nationality of a person (details supplied) on 20 June 2016; and if he will raise the case with his Bahraini counterpart. [13516/17]
View answerI am aware of the decision by the Bahraini authorities to revoke the citizenship of this person last June. In addition to revoking his citizenship, this person was tried on a number of grounds. Judgment was due to be handed down on 14 March, but latest reports are that a verdict will now be delivered in May.
Officials from my Department met this month with an official from the Bahraini Embassy in London to discuss human rights in Bahrain, including the issue of revocation of citizenship.
The right to a nationality is a fundamental human right. I am aware that, since 2014, Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of over 250 people. This is a worrying development, in particular in light of other recent moves in Bahrain to restrict freedom of expression, such as the dissolution of Al Wefaq, the largest opposition political grouping. I call on Bahrain to fully respect its international human rights obligations.
Actions like these increase sectarian divides, and only serve to stall Bahrain’s path towards national reconciliation. The decision to revoke the citizenship of this person, and to put him on trial, has already triggered protests and demonstrations. Preventing people from expressing their views does not quash people’s grievances; it only reinforces them. I call on the protesters and the Bahraini authorities alike to exercise restraint, for the protesters to express their views peacefully and for the authorities to permit them to do this.
The decision to revoke this person’s citizenship also risks increasing regional tensions. I call on all leaders in the region, political and religious, to avoid actions and statements that would further increase these tensions. I urge Bahrain to recommit to an inclusive, peaceful and open dialogue for national reconciliation that will serve the interests of all Bahrainis, regardless of religious beliefs or political preferences.
I stand with our EU partners in continuing to support Bahrain, in promoting further reforms aimed at strengthening human rights and the rule of law in a context free of violence and where freedom of expression is respected.
598. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which a submission to the inter-departmental committee on the Irish abroad can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13734/17]
View answerThe Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad oversees the implementation of “Global Irish – Ireland’s Diaspora Policy.” Chaired by the Minister for Diaspora Affairs, the Committee works to ensure that Government works in a joined-up way to realise the objectives of the diaspora strategy, including addressing issues affecting the Irish abroad and those seeking to return.
The Department of the Taoiseach provides the Secretariat for the Committee. Submissions in respect of the Interdepartmental Committee can be made directly to the Department of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2.
599. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 2 March 2017 and in view of the fact it is claimed that these birth certificates were not returned from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, the avenue open to these persons in view of the fact the original birth certificates were issued in South Africa and it can take up to two years to obtain a replacement original. [13794/17]
View answerAs stated in my response of 2 March, under the Passports Act, 2008, my Department must be satisfied as to the identity of an individual before a passport can issue. The provision of an original birth certificate is a key requirement for the purposes of identity verification before the issuance of a passport.
All citizens are required to submit full, civil birth certificates in order for their application to be considered. The onus is on the applicant to provide my Department with documentary evidence of their identity. In this case, the applicant should pursue this matter with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in order to retrieve the birth certificates before submitting a passport application.
600. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish passports issued outside the State in each of the years 1997 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/17]
View answerThe numbers of passports issued by the Passport Service issued between 2006 and 2016 inclusively to citizens living outside the State are as follows:
|
Year |
Passports issued |
|
2006 |
92,243 |
|
2007 |
88,603 |
|
2008 |
85,961 |
|
2009 |
86,494 |
|
2010 |
84,762 |
|
2011 |
82,300 |
|
2012 |
86,115 |
|
2013 |
83,150 |
|
2014 |
85,738 |
|
2015 |
94,634 |
|
2016 |
114,455 |
The Passport Service does not have detailed statistics for the number of passports issued to persons outside the State prior to 2006. However, the following table provides the total number of passports issued between 1997 and 2005. Passports issued via our Embassies and Consulates overseas typically account for approximately 15% of all passports issued annually.
|
Year |
Total |
|
1997 |
327,862 |
|
1998 |
374,351 |
|
1999 |
430,662 |
|
2000 |
463,055 |
|
2001 |
468,625 |
|
2002 |
536,823 |
|
2003 |
552,047 |
|
2004 |
607,000 |
|
2005 |
672,000 |
There has been a steady increase in the number of passports issued to citizens living outside the State over the past three years. The most significant increase (at 21%) in the number of passports issued to citizens outside the state has been between 2015 and 2016. While the Passport Service does not compile information on why citizens apply for passports, it is reasonable to conclude that the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership has led to an increase in demand. Other factors include the growth in outbound travel from Ireland and demographic changes.
601. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when passports for the children of a person (details supplied) will issue; if any outstanding documentation is remaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13964/17]
View answerAll applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (the Act), which provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this legal requirement, each person must, therefore, demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship in his/her application.
The applicants referred to were born in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Their entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 as amended (the 1956 Act). Section 6A provides that a person born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction at the time of that person’s birth may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four preceding his/her birth. Proofs of the lawful residence in the State are required to determine if a parent has the required three year residence. For non-EU parents, permissions to remain in the State on passports, and/or registration cards, as issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), are acceptable proofs of a parent’s lawful residence in the context of a passport application.
In this case, the applicants’ non-EU father submitted his passport and GNIB registration card with his children’s passport applications. These proofs show that his lawful residence dates from November 2013 to November 2018.
Given that this period postdates his children’s dates of birth, none of this residence can be reckoned for the purposes of Section 6A of the 1956 Act.
The Department is aware that applicant’s father had earlier residence in the State. However, this was authorised under permissions to remain in the State to study. It should be noted that the 2004 amendment of the 1956 Act, excludes such periods of residence for the purposes of Section 6A.
On the basis of the above, the children’s entitlement to Irish citizenship has not been demonstrated under Section 6A of the 1956 Act.
It would remain open to the father of the applicants to pursue his children’s entitlement to Irish citizenship by way of naturalization. To do this, he should contact the Department of Justice and Equality, who have responsibility for processing naturalization applications. In the event that their applications are successful, the children would be issued with certificates of naturalization, which can serve as evidence of their Irish citizenship in any future passport application.
In the meantime a formal decision on these applications will be taken on the basis of the documentation submitted and the Passport Service will be in touch with the applicants shortly.
602. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the referendum taking place in Turkey in April 2017, which could give President Erdoğan more powers; his further views on the future relationship with Turkey if the referendum passes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13973/17]
View answerI have repeatedly raised my ongoing concerns about human rights, democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression in Turkey. I am monitoring closely the Constitutional amendment package which was approved by the Turkish Grand Assembly on 21 January and which is now to be put to the people in a referendum scheduled to take place on 16 April. If passed, the amendments will invest considerably more power in the office of President, and reduce the role of Parliament. While the Head of State in many democracies has a strong executive function, the ongoing concerns at EU level and internationally about democracy and the rule of law in Turkey mean that there are serious considerations about the substance, timing and context of the constitutional proposals. The assessment of the Venice Commission emphasises those concerns very directly in its assessment of the proposed amendments, and also expresses concerns that the referendum is not being conducted in line with democratic standards due to the restrictions in place as part of the on-going State of Emergency imposed on 20 July after the attempted coup.
I would stress the EU statement of 13 March on the issue, which highlights concerns at the excessive concentration of powers in one office, with consequent effect on the necessary checks and balances in a democracy and on the independence of the judiciary. The EU encourages Turkey to deepen its cooperation with the Council of Europe and its bodies, and to address the concerns they have raised.
We also agree with the EU in acknowledging that Turkey is facing many challenges and reiterate that we stand by Turkey in the fight against terrorism.
Ireland believes that constructive engagement at all levels within the established political framework is the best way to encourage Turkey to renew a commitment to human rights, democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law, and that matters of concern can only be resolved through open and direct communication channels.
That said, I must also express my strong regret that in the course of the referendum campaign, President Erdogan has made totally unacceptable claims about two fellow EU Member States. Such claims have no place in the dialogue between friendly countries.
603. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 23 February 2017, if he can provide details with regard to the one member of staff currently suspended in his Department, in tabular form (details supplied). [14058/17]
View answerFurther to parliamentary question 268 of 23 February 2017, I confirm that there is one such case in my Department. It would not be appropriate for my Department to provide the additional details requested as so doing could potentially identify the individual in question. My Department applies the provisions of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circulars in relation to investigations, including that all civil servants must be treated in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
607. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration will be given to banning goods produced in Israeli settlements in Palestine, in view of the fact these settlements are illegal under international law and the continued human rights violations that these illegal settlements create. [14115/17]
View answerIreland has consistently highlighted the issue of settlements in EU and other international discussions. This includes the illegality of the settlement project as a whole, its destructive effect on the chances of reaching a peace agreement, and the multiple injustices and human rights concerns to which it gives rise. These issues have been at the centre of my interventions at the Foreign Affairs Council when the Middle East Peace process is discussed.
I was therefore also supportive of the UN Security Council’s recent call on States, in Resolution 2334, to distinguish in their dealings between the territory of Israel and of the occupied territory. This differentiation is something which I have argued for at EU level and, as reported here to the House on many occasions, there have been a number of important steps taken in that regard in recent years, including in relation to product labelling and EU research funding.
I would be open to considering in principle a proposal that the EU should exclude products from illegal settlements from entering the EU market. However, the inescapable fact is that there is no prospect of such a proposal gaining wider support at present.
608. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, that provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14133/17]
View answerMy Department generally seeks advice on legal matters from the Office of the Attorney General, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the Department’s own Legal Division. In particular, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office provides legal advice in relation to commercial contracts and public procurement matters. The Department has not engaged external private sector legal advice on these matters for 2016 and to date in 2017.
Depending on the subject-matter, litigation, including before the Court of Justice of the European Union, is dealt with on my Department’s behalf by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency which engage external lawyers to act for the Department where necessary, including for personal injuries claims and other matters. At the international level, my Department, working closely with the Office of the Attorney General, acts as agent for the Government in relation to legal proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights and other international legal courts and bodies. The costs of any external lawyers engaged for litigation are not charged to my Department’s Votes.
The Department’s Missions abroad engage local legal advisers from time to time to deal with a range of miscellaneous matters.
