Written Answers Nos. 1-56
36. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the turnaround time for passport applications; the number of persons waiting to have passport applications processed through the Passport Office; the number of persons awaiting a passport in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27993/18]
View answerThe turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted. The Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, an online passport application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and the network of Irish Missions worldwide. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 100,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018. The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other types of application, which are generally submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports require additional security measures including robust identity verification and entitlement checking and take longer to process.
The Passport Service is currently in its peak season for passport demand with the vast majority of applications being received between February and August each year. The Passport Service is currently processing over 63,000 passport applications. These applications are going through the normal checking, processing and security stages.
The Passport Service is doing everything possible to ensure that passports are processed as quickly as possible. Measures taken to enhance processing capacity include the recruitment of additional Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs); the use of targeted overtime and the redeployment of experienced staff from across the Department to processing applications and respond to customer queries.
The Passport Service does not classify or differentiate passports applications based on the county of residence of the applicant. All applications are processed in accordance with the application channel through which they were submitted.
37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has expressed his concerns to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the fact that a number of prisoners in the republican segregated unit of HMP Maghaberry are a long time on remand awaiting trial, which amounts to a form of internment; the response from the Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/18]
View answerI am aware that the Deputy has raised concerns about the length of the time some prisoners in the separated regime spend on remand prior to facing trial. My officials have engaged with the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Justice in relation to the concerns raised by the Deputy. A recent NI Audit Office report showed that there are significant delays in delivering justice in Northern Ireland; for example the average length of time from the reporting of a crime to completion of Crown Court proceedings is 515 days (over 17 months) which is twice as long as in England and Wales. In such a context, the time spent on remand is considered to be unacceptably high. The report found that the progress of cases through the system is punctuated by practices and processes that are not efficient and that work against the timely delivery of justice. The report made a number of recommendations which would shorten the time spent on remand, including the removal of the committal process; implementing such reforms would require a locally elected Justice Minister to be in place. With regards to the number of prisoners currently on remand awaiting trial in the separated regime at Maghaberry prison, I understand that there are currently two such prisoners.
38. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased repression in Spain, in particular the increased state repression against migrants and their supporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28060/18]
View answerThe humane approach of Spain to migration was evident in the recent decision of its Government to allow the Aquarius to dock at Valencia port and to permit over 600 migrants to disembark. There has been an increase in migration into Spain in recent months. So far this year over 10,000 migrants have arrived via the so-called Western Mediterranean Route. The represents an increase of over 50% compared with the same period last year. We are not aware of any reports of repression of migrants and their supporters.
There were reports in some Spanish media of a specific case which arose in 2010 involving a national from a South American country. As this case is the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
40. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that the appropriate staffing is in place in the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork to meet demand; his views on the turnaround times for the issue and renewal of all passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27642/18]
View answerThe turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend on the channel through which the application was submitted. The Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, an online passport application service and in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork. The quickest and easiest way for an adult to renew a passport is to apply using the online passport application service. Over 50% of the 100,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have got their passport back within a week and all have their passport issued within the advertised 2 week timeframe. The Passport Service plans to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.
The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days.
Other types of application, which are generally submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer. These applications must undergo additional processes including security checks, robust identity verification & entitlement checking and, as a result, take longer to process.
The Passport Service is working hard to reduce turnaround times where they currently exceed our targets. Measures taken by the Passport Service include the recruitment of additional staff; the reallocation of staff from support services towards processing applications; and the use of targeted overtime for all Passport Offices.
The Passport Service received sanction for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) this year to be appointed to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork . These TCOs are working together with permanent staff to process passport applications and to deal with the high number of enquiries being made through the Passport Service’s various customer service channels.
The number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service stood at 322 at the beginning of the year. This compares to 301 FTE staff assigned to the Passport Service at the same point last year. This year, since these figures were released, over 30 permanent staff have started with the Passport Service.
I wish to reassure the Deputy the Passport Service monitors passport demand on an ongoing basis to ensure that appropriate staff resources are available.
42. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on EU enlargement. [22603/18]
View answerIreland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement. As such, we have been pleased to see the renewed focus on enlargement that has been provided by the Bulgarian Presidency’s prioritising of the European perspective of the Western Balkans. We are glad to see that this is set to continue under the Austrian Presidency.
We believe that enlargement is a transformative driver for stability and peace, and that it will enhance stability and economic growth in the while also shoring up security on the borders of Europe. Providing the countries of the Western Balkans with a credible membership perspective, which the EU has done this year in its Strategy on the Western Balkans, is therefore essential. We should welcome those countries that are ready to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership.
I welcome yesterday’s General Affairs Council Conclusions which set out the progress in relation to Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Turkey. These Conclusions reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enlargement, and its continued belief that it represent a strategic investment in peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of opening negotiations and we are pleased that the General Affairs Council which took place yesterday was able to reach agreement regarding setting out the path towards opening accession negotiations in June 2019 with both Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The Taoiseach and Minister McEntee engaged with our EU and Western Balkan counterparts at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 17 May and I was pleased to host my Albanian counterpart here last month. From this engagement, it is clear that while challenges remain to be tackled in all countries, the accession process is the best tool to promote reform in the region, while also consolidating democracy and regional stability in the interest of Europe as a whole.
We share the EU’s view that considerable work remains to be done in all countries before accession can occur. Conditionality cannot be compromised and all criteria must be met. Comprehensive reforms are needed in crucial areas in each country, most notably on the rule of law, fundamental rights and good governance. Economic reform also requires progress.
This is why the EU-Western Balkans Summit was important. In the Summit Declaration, the EU pledged unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, promising to strengthen and intensify its engagement at all levels to support the region's political, economic and social transformation.
The Summit Declaration and associated Priority Agenda set out six flagship initiatives in the areas of rule of law, security and migration, socio-economic development, connectivity, Digital Agenda, and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans.
It is our hope that implementation of the initiatives in the Summit Declaration will lead to deeper continued engagement with the Western Balkans.
43. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on recent efforts to restart the Executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28000/18]
View answerOver the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive. The devolved, power-sharing institutions are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.
The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May and emphasised the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and our continuing determination to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.
I am in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, as we seek a way beyond the current impasse. The Secretary of State and I have each conducted contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how, at this stage, the two Governments can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement.
All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and issues to be addressed in seeking a way forward.
In light of this, the Secretary of State and I will consider how best the two Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can chart a way forward that will give the best prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.
I will continue to engage intensively, working with Secretary of State Bradley and the leaders of all of the political parties, until that is achieved.
The Good Friday Agreement is the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, and between the UK and Ireland.
44. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new initiatives the EU plans to pursue; if the EU will take a stronger role in seeking resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the announcement made by the United States of America that its embassy would be moved to Jerusalem. [28058/18]
View answerThe United States administration has been working for over a year on developing an initiative to restart direct negotiations to reach a final peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The details of the plan have been kept closely confidential, but there are some indications that it may be unveiled soon. The resolution of this conflict remains a high foreign policy priority for the EU, as it is for the Government and for myself. There is no intention at EU level to launch a separate initiative at this time, which could cut across the efforts by the United States. We recognise that the US is in a position to play a potentially valuable role on this issue. In EU discussions and statements we have sought to encourage the US in its efforts, and to encourage both parties to be open to any helpful initiative. In particular, the EU has sought constructively to help shape the US initiative, by underlining that a successful peace plan, and one that can be supported by the international community, must address the needs of both sides, and the basic parameters for a settlement which have been endorsed by the international community on many occasions. I have argued at EU level in favour of this engagement with the US, and have myself discussed and exchanged ideas with the US team on a number of occasions, including on my visits to the region and to the United States.
I am fully aware of the difficulties facing the US initiative, and I am of the strong view – which I have expressed directly to US interlocutors and outlined previously to this House - that the regrettable move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem has been detrimental to their efforts. But I believe it would be misguided not to try to support and influence the US’s planning for an initiative, as long as there is a chance that it can bring about a lasting peace.
45. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the response in relation to the December 2017 agreement on Brexit. [22611/18]
View answer52. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the latest position with regard to an all-weather agreement on the Brexit backstop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27640/18]
View answer58. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the backstop agreement between the EU and the UK Government with regard to ensuring no hard border on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/18]
View answerI propose taking questions 45, 52 and 58 together.
The EU’s objective remains that the full legal text of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, as well as a detailed political declaration on the framework for the future relationship, be agreed by the October meeting of the European Council.
With a view to achieving this goal, negotiations have been continuing between the EU and the UK to close the remaining gaps on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including through detailed discussions on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The draft Protocol, which is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement, reflects the principles and commitments set out in the Joint Report from the EU and UK negotiators published on 8 December 2017 with regard to the unique Irish issues. The Protocol seeks to maintain full alignment with those rules of the Single Market and Customs Union that are necessary to protect North South cooperation, the all-island economy and the Good Friday Agreement, as well as avoiding a hard border. This is the backstop and the draft Protocol makes clear that this must be in place unless and until another solution is found. In order words, it must be an ‘all-weather’ solution.
The UK has accepted that a legally operative version of the ‘backstop’ for the border will be included in the Withdrawal Agreement, in line with paragraph 49 of the Joint Progress Report agreed last December, and that all the issues identified in the draft Protocol reflect those that must be addressed.
The draft Protocol includes elements on the rights of the Good Friday Agreement in Article 1 and provisions on wider North-South cooperation in Article 8 which are important for the normal daily life of people on this island. Agreement has already been reached between EU and UK negotiators regarding the Common Travel Area in Article 2, which will allow free movement of Irish and UK citizens between Ireland and the UK to continue.
Last week, the EU and UK negotiating teams published a Joint Statement, which set out the progress made since the March European Council. Disappointingly, the progress reported on the Protocol falls very far short of the EU’s, and the Government’s, expectations.
This is a message the Taoiseach conveyed very clearly to President Juncker when they met last week and the Members of this House also had the opportunity to raise their concerns with President Juncker later that same day.
I welcome that, in response, President Juncker reiterated the EU’s support for Ireland, and that the Protocol, including the backstop, is an integral and indispensable part of the Withdrawal Agreement. This is fully consistent with the strong message of solidarity I received from my EU counterparts, as well as Michel Barnier, when I met with them in Luxembourg yesterday.
On Friday, the Taoiseach will meet with his EU27 counterparts to take stock of developments in the negotiations and discuss the way forward. Ireland will seek to ensure that the EU sends a clear message to the UK that it must respect the commitments it has made and that, in the absence of agreement on a backstop, it will not be possible to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement as a whole, including the transition arrangements.
The overriding priority now is to proceed in the manner that is most likely to achieve agreement on all withdrawal issues, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. While this will ultimately be a matter for the European Council (Article 50) on Friday, the widespread view, which I share, is that stalling the negotiating process would not serve this aim and that talks should intensify with a view to making the necessary progress.
46. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagement with the EU Brexit negotiating team and the UK Government with a view to ensuring regulatory alignment on agriculture matters after the UK leaves the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27759/18]
View answerMy officials and I maintain intensive contact with the EU Taskforce. My most recent meeting with Michel Barnier took place yesterday, immediately in advance of the General Affairs Council (Art. 50). Such meetings provide an opportunity to take stock of progress in the negotiations and to communicate Ireland’s priorities, including in relation to agriculture, with a view to shaping the EU’s negotiating position with regard to the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including its Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the EU’s approach to the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. My Government colleagues and I also engage frequently with our UK counterparts. I have spoken with the Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington, on a number of occasions in recent weeks. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and The Marine, Michael Creed TD, recently met his UK counterpart, Michael Gove. Such engagement provides an opportunity to underline the importance of finalizing the Protocol as an integral and indispensable part of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The draft Protocol includes provisions which foresee full alignment with those rules of the EU's internal market and the customs union which, now or in the future, support North-South cooperation, the all-island economy and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement. As set out in Article 5 of the draft Protocol, this arrangement would include alignment with the provisions of Union law on sanitary and phytosanitary rules as well as provisions of Union law on the production and marketing of agricultural and fisheries products.
As concerns the framework for the future relationship, I welcome that the Guidelines on the future EU-UK relationship adopted by the European Council last March confirm the EU’s readiness to initiate work towards a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA) insofar as there are sufficient guarantees for a level playing field. The EU proposes that such an agreement should cover all sectors, including agriculture, and should address, inter alia, disciplines on technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and a framework for voluntary regulatory cooperation.
Last week, the EU and UK negotiating teams published a Joint Statement, which set out the progress made since the March European Council. Disappointingly, the progress reported on the Protocol falls very far short of the EU’s, and the Government’s, expectations.
On Friday, the Taoiseach will meet with his EU27 counterparts to take stock of developments in the negotiations and discuss the way forward. Ireland will seek to ensure that the EU sends a clear message to the UK that it must respect the commitments it has made and that, in the absence of agreement on a backstop, it will not be possible to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement as a whole, including the transition arrangements.
At the same time, progress should also be made on the future relationship and in this respect I look forward to seeing the UK’s white paper which they have promised to publish around 9 July.
Everything, including all elements of the Withdrawal Agreement and the framework for the future relationship should be wrapped up by October.
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he continues to find support for the Irish position on Brexit and mindful of the need to maintain a common position throughout the EU with a view to achieving a borderless market and taxation economy on the island of Ireland respecting the needs of both communities in Northern Ireland and recognising the importance of a good relationship between the EU and the UK post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28030/18]
View answerMaintaining frequent contact with EU partners has been a priority for Ireland throughout the Article 50 negotiations process. I discuss Brexit collectively with my EU27 counterparts on a monthly basis at the General Affairs Council (Article 50), most recently yesterday. Since the last meeting of the European Council in March, I have met with my counterparts from Sweden, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany France, and this week with the new Foreign Ministers of Italy and Spain. In addition to my own contacts, Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, has met with her Greek, Estonian, Swedish, Norwegian and Portuguese counterparts. The Taoiseach has met with the Prime Ministers of Belgium and Spain, and also met with other EU leaders at the Western Balkans Summit in May. The Taoiseach and I met with both the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker and the EU’s Chief Negotiator for the Article 50 negotiations, Michel Barnier, when they visited Ireland last week. I met with Michel Barnier again in Luxembourg on 26 June in the margins of the General Affairs Council. Further to my own engagement with Mr Barnier, officials from my Department, and in particular from the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels, continue to have very regular, almost daily engagement with Mr Barnier and his team. In all of these contacts, the Government continues to be assured of the continued support of our EU partners in addressing the unique issues posed by Brexit for the island of Ireland. The solidarity of the EU27 has been crucial in securing commitments and guarantees from the UK on the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border.
Mr Juncker confirmed the Commission’s support for the Irish position in his address to the Oireachtas last week. Michel Barnier has also been firm in his support and has consistently made clear that without a backstop, there can be no Withdrawal Agreement. He has also made clear that “this is an EU issue, not only an Irish issue”.
As concerns the future EU-UK relationship, I welcome that the Guidelines adopted by EU leaders last March which reaffirmed EU’s desire to establish a close partnership with the UK. At the same time, the Guidelines also place an important emphasis on the need to ensure a level playing field, stressing that any future agreement must be based on a balance of rights and obligations. The commitment that the EU is willing to revisit its position should the UK’s approach evolve is also of particular importance to Ireland.
48. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date with his British counterparts regarding release of files concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other legacy issues; and if the setting up of an historic investigation unit here will receive support. [28008/18]
View answerThe implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow. I met with Justice for the Forgotten in April to hear their views and update them on the Government’s continuing engagement on legacy issues, including with the British Government on the Dáil motions.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.
I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department. I have consistently underlined to the British Government that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin and Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
In relation to the Historical Investigation Unit (HIU), the HIU is one of the institutions provided for as part of the legacy framework of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the prompt establishment of which is supported by the Government. The Government has welcomed the launch of the UK Government’s consultation on Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past on 11 May, which includes draft legislative provisions for the establishment of the HIU.
The Stormont House Agreement sets out that the HIU will take forward outstanding investigations into Troubles-related deaths in Northern Ireland, from the Historical Enquiries Team process and the historical investigations of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
The HIU is being established in response to concerns about shortcomings with the investigation of outstanding Troubles-related deaths, which are unique to Northern Ireland. There is no provision under the Stormont House Agreement for a similar body in this jurisdiction. The investigation of crime, including unresolved, Troubles-related crimes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Garda Authorities will fully pursue any new or additional evidence or information presented to them in respect of such crimes.
The Government has committed to putting in place the necessary additional provisions for the HIU to co-operate with relevant authorities in this jurisdiction. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas in this regard is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Officials from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality are meeting with Justice for the Forgotten on 4 July to hear their further views on the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.
The Government remains determined to see progress on the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement institutions, on legacy inquests in Northern Ireland and on all outstanding legacy issues, including the three all-Party Motions adopted by this House on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
Progress on these issues is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.
49. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to support a boycott (details supplied) which specifically targets illegal Israeli settlement goods under international law in view of the recent killings in Gaza by Israeli state forces. [28009/18]
View answerThe question of boycotts and sanctions has been discussed on many occasions in the Oireachtas.The Government does not support boycotts on Israel. I believe that such actions would be ineffective and counterproductive. They would impact indiscriminately on Israelis, including those who agree with our views on the resolution of the conflict, as well as potentially isolating Israelis from the kinds of interactions where diverse views on these issues are expressed. Successive Ministers for Foreign Affairs have taken this view. The question of products made or grown in settlements, which are not a part of Israel, is a separate issue. Ireland and the international community regard the establishment and growth of these settlements as illegal under international law, and the EU has taken action to make a distinction between settlement goods, and goods from Israel. In the past, the EU has reached agreement on measures on labelling of settlement products, exclusion of settlements from access to EU research grants, and non-acceptance of Israeli certification for some settlement products. Since Ireland is part of the single market of the European Union, all action in relation to how trade with settlement goods is managed is governed by such actions at EU level. Regrettably, there is at present no political consensus in the EU on stronger action in this area.
These issues were discussed in the Seanad earlier this year in the debate on the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill, a debate which I expect to be resumed next month. In my contribution to that debate, I stated that I respect the motives of those supporting the Bill, but I also explained why the Government opposes it. First and foremost among these reasons is the fact that external trade is an exclusive EU competence. I also set out in that debate my belief that, even if it were possible under EU law to take unilateral action on settlement goods, taking such a step at this moment would not be helpful to the objective we all share, that is, the end of the Israeli occupation and the achievement of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
It is important also not to over-emphasise the issue of settlement products, which are of limited economic significance in themselves. Settlements are a political, not an economic project. Most settlements do not export anything, and the volume of settlement goods arriving in Ireland is thought to be extremely small.
I have made very clear the Government’s strong views on the recent actions of Israeli forces in Gaza – in public statements, here in the Oireachtas, and directly to Israeli authorities. Ireland has also supported appropriate responses at the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.
50. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28003/18]
View answerI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and my officials in the Belfast Secretariat monitor this and other cases as part of their ongoing work on prison issues generally in Northern Ireland. Senior officials from the Secretariat have twice visited the person in custody in Maghaberry prison, at his request. I have previously raised the case with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, during our meetings. On 3 May of this year, I wrote to her outlining the concerns which have been aired by Deputy Ó Cuiv and others. In my correspondence, I emphasised the negative impact that the detention was having on the individual’s family and on the local community. In her response to my letter, which I received on 28 May, Secretary of State Bradley acknowledged the issues raised and underlined that the responsibility for the continued detention or release of the individual concerned resides with the Northern Ireland Parole Commissioners, which is an independent body.
The Parole Commissioners carried out a full review of the case in June 2017 and made a decision to uphold the revocation of this person’s license. My understanding is that a further parole hearing on the continued detention is due shortly.
The Parole Commissioners are charged with taking into account the obligations on the State of the European Convention on Human Rights in making their recommendation. This includes assessing the risk to the public should the person remain at liberty. Those whose licence is revoked under this process are provided with a copy of the independent Parole Commissioners recommendation, which sets out the reasons the licence was revoked.
My officials will continue to actively monitor the case and remain in contact with the NIO on this issue.
51. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement his Department has held with the Vatican regarding the forthcoming Papal visit. [26474/18]
View answerThe Government has warmly welcomed the Pope’s forthcoming visit to Ireland, which it regards as a major event with a high degree of public participation and a strong international profile. As the primary focus of the Papal visit will be to attend the World Meeting of Families, the Catholic Church, together with the World Meeting of Families, are the key stakeholders and in this capacity are working closely with the Vatican on the programme of events for the visit. As is usual with such visits, there has been engagement by my Department with the Vatican through the Irish Embassy to the Holy See. The Embassy has liaised with appropriate Vatican officials and has facilitated visits to the Holy See by relevant Irish officials. There have also been a number of advance preparatory visits by Vatican officials to Ireland.
Officials from my Department participate on a steering group, headed by the Department of the Taoiseach, which meets regularly to coordinate key aspects of the visit, including security, media/communications, public safety and transport.
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is possible through the aegis of the EU or the UN to motivate the global community into treating refugees, whether political or economic, in a manner which is respectful of their status and dignity and in keeping with international human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28029/18]
View answerThe UN Refugee Agency reported on 19 June that the number of refugees and displaced persons worldwide reached in excess of 65 million in 2017, increasing at a rate of one person every two seconds. Most of these people are hosted in developing countries, such as Uganda or Ethiopia. Many also try to come to Europe. The European Union has been striving to put in place a better managed migration system. While joint EU efforts have continued to show results, the situation remains fragile.
Ireland plays an important role in efforts to bring the international community together behind a more humane and coordinated response to migration.
In 2016 we co-facilitated the unanimous adoption of the New York Declaration by the Member States of the United Nations. This committed the world community to putting in place two Global Compacts by the end of this year – one on refugees and one on migration. Ireland is actively engaged in the negotiations for both these Compacts, advocating strongly - including within the EU - for an approach which places the dignity and human rights of all people on the move at the centre of our response. Any approach or solution needs to be comprehensive, addressing all aspects of the issue, from the causes of mass exodus to the responses necessary to cover the range of refugee situations.
Ireland also provides significant support through our aid programme to, amongst others, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is charged with upholding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers under international law and with providing essential humanitarian assistance. In addition, the Irish Naval Service helps save lives through its actions to assist those who get into difficulty trying to cross the Mediterranean.
54. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised concerns with the Government of the United States of America regarding the separation of children from their parents and the detention of vulnerable children in cages at the US-Mexican border; his views on whether this violates children's and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27900/18]
View answer74. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations he has made with the Government of the United States of America in relation to its policy to separate minors from their immigrant parents; his views on whether this is a breach of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28023/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 74 together.
I was appalled by the images which recently emerged of immigrant children being separated from their parents at the southern US border and held in detention by the US authorities.
I made my, and the Government’s, view of this policy very clear when I spoke on June 20 last week in the course of the Dáil debate on this issue.
I stated in the course of that debate that the policy of separating children from their parents was inhumane and simply wrong, and I urged the US Government to immediately reverse the policy.
Ireland, in common with all member States of the European Union, has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which establishes clear universal standards for protecting all children. The Convention states that signatories shall ensure that children shall not be separated from their parents against their will, unless such a separation is necessary for the best interests of the child.
As I stated in my contribution to the Dáil debate, I cannot see any way in which a policy of separating children from their parents in such circumstances could be said to be in the best interests of children.
In advance of the June 20th Dáil debate, I spoke that afternoon with the Chargée d’Affaires in the US Embassy in Dublin, Mr. Reece Smyth, and conveyed to him the Government’s strong views on the issue. He undertook to convey those views without delay to the relevant authorities in Washington, D.C.
I was pleased to see that, following the grave concerns which were expressed both domestically and internationally about this policy, President Trump signed an Executive Order on the afternoon of June 20th , Washington, D.C., time, aimed at ending the practice of separation. I welcome this move towards a more humane practice of border protection and immigration control.
I very much hope that we have seen the last of this practice and the priority now must be reuniting all of the affected children with their parents, without delay.
55. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to an improved passport renewal reminder system at which there is an automatic renewal reminder opt-in with an optional opt-out in view of the recent delays at the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27905/18]
View answerThe Passport Service already has a system for reminding passport holders that their passport is due for renewal. Passport holders must first enter their passport details on https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/ and they will be sent a reminder three months prior to the expiry date of the passport. Passport renewals for all categories of applicants seeking to renew a passport in Ireland are currently being processed within targeted processing times. Applicants using the online renewal service are currently being processed within 10 working days, with 50% of applications processed within 5 working days. Renewal applications submitted through Passport Express or the Northern Ireland Passport Express service are processed within the target turnaround period of 15 working days.
Other categories of applicants, such as first time applicants and applicants whose previous passport was reported as lost or stolen are currently taking longer as these require additional security checks, including robust identity verification and entitlement checking and as a result take longer to process.
56. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied); his views on the calls for the International Criminal Court to open a formal investigation into Israel’s actions in Palestine; and his further views on the demand for third countries to impose targeted sanctions against officials responsible for Israel’s ongoing serious human rights violations. [27899/18]
View answerThe report issued by Human Rights Watch is a careful and sober account of the violence on the Gaza border in recent months. It is largely in line with the analysis I received at the time from my Department, on which I based my public statements and my contributions in the Dáil on this awful situation. I stated clearly that the lethal force used by Israeli forces was not justified by the actions of the protestors, that many of those shot had been well away from the border fence and posing no obvious threat, including identifiable medical workers and journalists. I stated that this level of violence seemed clearly to be in breach of international law applicable to a conflict, even if one considered this a conflict situation, which itself is a contested assertion. I also said that an independent international investigation of these events was needed. All of these points are echoed in this report. The report urges Governments to support moves at the United Nations General Assembly to explore mechanisms for the protection of the Palestinian people. Ireland voted in favour of Resolution 12028 which was adopted by the General Assembly on 13 June, which included such a provision.
The report also urges Governments to support an international investigation. Ireland supported the calling of a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 18 May, and co-sponsored a resolution adopted at that session which provided for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry into these events. The commission is now being established.
The report discusses the question of accountability for the use of unjustified force. This would be an issue to be considered after the commission has examined the events.
The call in the report for an investigation by the International Criminal Court is referring to broader continuing issues in the Occupied Territory. I understand that the Office of the ICC Prosecutor is already reflecting on this question.
