Written Answers Nos. 57-76
57. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to address the crisis in Yemen which is considered to be one of the world's worst humanitarian crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27997/18]
View answerAs I have previously stated, in this House and elsewhere, I am extremely concerned about the current situation in Yemen, which is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Three years of war have had devastating consequences for civilians, with allegations of violations of human rights, international humanitarian law, and significant loss of life. Three quarters of the population are estimated to require some form of humanitarian assistance. I, and officials in my Department, have been monitoring the state of affairs in Yemen with growing anxiety, particularly in recent days as the military operations around the port and city of Hodeidah have escalated. According to the United Nations, a majority of humanitarian supplies and the vast majority of commercial supplies entered Yemen through Hodeidah and the nearby port of Saleef. Any interruption of this flow would lead to further suffering for civilians in Yemen. Humanitarian access is a critical issue, and I have consistently called on all parties to the conflict to ensure that the people of Yemen receive the assistance they urgently need. Commercial access is equally important, since a population of over 20 million people cannot survive on aid alone. Officials from my Department consistently relay my strong concerns on humanitarian access to the Saudi and UAE Embassies in Dublin, including most recently this month, when they specifically raised the importance of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law, and also a consistent flow of essential goods, even as military operations are ongoing in Hodeidah.
Ireland has provided €15.5 million in bilateral humanitarian assistance to Yemen since the conflict began in 2015. Of this, €4 million was contributed in March this year alone. Ireland also provides global funding to a number of organisations which are particularly active in Yemen including the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
I believe that only way to bring about a long-term sustainable improvement in the situation for the Yemeni people is through a negotiated end to this conflict. Ireland fully supports the work of Martin Griffiths, the new Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Yemen, and his team, in particular his efforts to engage all parties to the conflict to come back to the negotiating table. I hope that peace negotiations can be re-launched soon. On Monday, the UN Special Envoy, who is working intensively in the region, spoke with the Foreign Affairs Council via video link, to brief us on his efforts. My EU colleagues and I are committed to supporting his work, we were happy to hear from him to discuss how best we can do that.
Ireland has also worked in the UN system to raise our grave concerns about human rights in Yemen. At the Human Rights Council in September 2017, Ireland was part of a small core group of countries that drove forward the adoption by consensus of a Resolution on Yemen. The resolution established a group of international experts to examine the facts in relation to violations of human rights and humanitarian law on the ground.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to take every appropriate opportunity to urge stronger international action, and will press for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Yemen, as well as respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, and improved humanitarian access.
59. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of applications received for the online passport renewal system since it was established; the way in which it can improve waiting times for those seeking passport renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27984/18]
View answerThe Online Passport Application service is the cheapest and most convenient way for an adult to renew a passport as it can be done online anywhere in the world, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and removes the requirement for forms, witnesses or printed photos. Since its launch, over 200,000 applications for passport renewals have been received online. For online applicants, the target turnaround timeframe of 10 working days (plus postage) is being met and in 50% of cases, applications are being processed in 5 working days (plus postage). I would urge adult applicants wishing to renew their passports, whether residing in Ireland or overseas, to avail of the online passport application service where possible. The Online Passport Application service is part of a wider Passport Reform Programme (2016 – 2021). This programme is informed by a customer engagement survey undertaken in 2015, the results of which indicated a very high level of interest in an online passport application service.
With this in mind, the Passport Reform Programme aims to roll out further online application services for children by 2018, with plans to extend this for other adult renewal categories.
The continued uptake of the Online Passport Application service, along with the rollout of online application options for further categories of applicants, has benefits for all applicants. As more applications are processed online, resources within the Passport Office can be reallocated towards reducing the turnaround times for other categories of applicants.
60. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the anti-democratic actions of the Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr Viktor Orbán; his further views on the actions that should be taken against Mr Orbán; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27998/18]
View answerRespect for the fundamental values on which the European Union is founded and which are set out in the Treaty, including respect for the rule of law and freedom of expression, are crucial underpinnings for all the EU Member States. There have been concerns over the civic space available for NGOs to continue to operate in Hungary.
The Taoiseach, when he met with Prime Minister Orbán on 4 January last, raised concerns over the rule of law situation in Hungary and the concerns raised by the European Commission and other international organisations and NGOs regarding freedoms of the press and judiciary and migration – concerns which I share.
The Taoiseach also raised the Hungarian NGO law, and the law on Higher Education which threatens the Central European University in Budapest, for which Hungary has been referred to the European Court of Justice.
These concerns have been exacerbated by the passage of legislation recently by the Hungarian Parliament aimed at individuals and organisations providing lawful assistance to migrants and asylum seekers.
The strength of our common European Union depends on robust civic and democratic spaces, an active, strong and diverse civil society, and meaningful consultation between governments and civil society to promote peace, prosperity, national development and the well-being of all people.
The European Commission is, in the first instance, charged with ensuring the application of the treaties and is responsible for promoting the general interest of the Union.
Last December, the Commission announced that it was referring Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to inter-alia, the laws on higher education (the “Lex CEU”) and on NGOs adopted in 2017. In the case of these two issues, Hungary is considered to have failed to address EU concerns about these laws or amend the legislation to bring it in line with EU standards. These cases are likely to be heard by the Court later this year.
The European Commission has also announced that it will examine the legislation, popularly known as the “Stop Soros” legislation, adopted by the Hungarian Parliament on 20 June to determine if it complies fully with EU law. In doing so, the Commission will also take account of the report and recommendations of the Council of Europe Venice Commission which issued on 22 June and which criticised the new legislation as not meeting EU and international legal standards.
61. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which trade and co-operation between Ireland and Cuba will be progressed following on from the 2017 memorandum of bilateral co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28010/18]
View answerThe bilateral relationship between Ireland and Cuba has been a historically warm one and the very successful visit of President Higgins to Cuba in February 2017 marked a new high point in the relationship. The Memorandum of Cooperation to which the Deputy refers was signed in the sidelines of that visit and it provides a solid foundation upon which to expand our relations with Cuba. The primary aim of the memorandum is to open channels of dialogue and cooperation between Ireland and Cuba across various areas of interest, particularly in trade and cultural engagement.
The Agreement commits both countries to promoting cooperation in economic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, academic, cultural, scientific and tourism relations. Since the signing of the agreement, officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in conjunction with other Government departments and State agencies, have continued to work on growing the relationship across that range of areas.
Total bilateral trade in goods with Cuba has increased significantly in recent years, including by 43% in 2016. Goods trade in 2017 amounted to the more modest sum of €2.2 million, and Cuba is now Ireland’s 23rd largest goods trading partner in Latin America. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to support growth in this area.
Furthermore, the recently announced 'Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025', the Government’s initiative to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint in the period to 2025, is a clear indication of our intention to work more closely and intensively with partners across the globe.
This initiative identifies Latin America and Caribbean as a key region for Ireland to expand its influence, trade, and visibility, and the development of our relationship with Cuba will be an important part of this work.
The forthcoming whole-of-government strategy for the Americas and the Caribbean will also reflect the priority which the Government attaches to developing relationships with that part of the world.
62. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's priorities for the forthcoming Austrian EU Presidency. [25361/18]
View answerThe Austrian Presidency takes place at an important time for our Union as we continue to face key challenges. We will work with the Austrian Presidency to address these challenges including in relation to securing economic prosperity and competitiveness, the negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework post 2020, political challenges particularly in relation to the EU as a global actor, trade, security, migration and enlargement. The Irish Government’s priorities are well known. On Brexit, we will work to secure our core objectives: protecting the peace process, including avoiding a hard border and seeking the closest possible relationship between the EU and UK.
The Austrian Presidency will lead on an intensive negotiation process to decide on the shape and scale of next budget for the Union, known as the multiannual financial framework, or MFF. The negotiations promise to be particularly challenging – in addition to the UK’s exit, this will be the first MFF where Ireland will be a net contributor from the outset of the financial period.
While we have made considerable progress in recent years on the Digital Single Market, there is more work to be done. It is vital to deliver on the remaining legislative proposals concerning the Digital Single Market before the end of the current legislative cycle.
We will also support the Austrian Presidency efforts in strengthening the EU as a global actor and in presenting a resolute, coherent European approach on foreign policy priorities.
I would like to wish the Austrian Presidency well in the coming period and look forward to achieving meaningful progress across the range of policy areas.
63. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to ensure that those that applied for passports are kept up to date in relation to their application status (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27641/18]
View answerThe Passport Service has a dedicated Communications Units to respond to queries from passport applicants. This Unit can be contacted by telephone, email or by web chat. 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. Accordingly, the Communications Unit has been dealing with a very high volume of queries from applicants in recent weeks. The Passport Service makes every effort to respond to as many applicant queries as possible. In recent weeks, the Passport Service has allocated additional resources to the existing Communications Unit. The Communications Unit is a dedicated customer service team that processes applicant queries received via its phone, email and webchat communication channels. Measures taken to improve responsiveness include the assignment of TCOs and the redeployment of experienced staff from across the Department to this unit and the use of targeted overtime.
Many queries received by the Communications Unit can be answered with information readily available on the Passport Service’s website www.DFA.ie/passport. Detailed and regularly updated information on passport services; current average turnaround times and comprehensive guides to the various application processes can be consulted here.
With particular reference to individuals seeking updates, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that applicants can track the status of existing applications at any time through the Passport Service’s online tracker which can also be found on the Passport Service’s website. Information on this tracker is updated daily and reflects the current target turnaround times.
The Passport Service also has a Customer Care desk in the public offices (Mount Street, Dublin and Cork) where applicants can visit without an appointment for an update on their application.
64. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if work has been undertaken in relation to putting in place new formal structures for dialogue between Britain and Ireland in the post-Brexit era in view of the fact that they are our nearest neighbours and co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27999/18]
View answerWhile the UK’s decision to leave the EU has serious implications for Ireland, we maintain a strong and constructive bilateral relationship with the UK. We are fully committed to developing and enhancing this relationship over the coming years. Additionally, we will work to secure the closest possible positive relationship between the UK and the European Union. The Good Friday Agreement, of which the Irish Government is a co-guarantor, is the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships on and between these islands – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and, indeed, between the UK and Ireland. A number of channels for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the Irish and British Governments exist, and will continue after the UK leaves the European Union. The Good Friday Agreement provides for important institutional cooperation on an east-west basis through the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference (BIIGC) and the British Irish Council (BIC).
In addition, the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) brings together elected representatives from the Oireachtas, Westminster, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Scottish and Welsh devolved assemblies.
The British Irish Council continues to work on areas of shared importance, with the Taoiseach and Minister Murphy attending the most recent British Irish Council Summit meeting in Guernsey last week. Three of the four British Irish Parliamentary Assembly Committees carried out inquiries into the consequences of the UK exit from the EU for various sectors across this island in the last year, meeting with practitioners and stakeholders to hear evidence and further the discourse around this issue of primary importance.
Other channels of contact and cooperation have developed over the years as the relationship between these islands has grown closer. For example, in 2012, a process was established involving summits between the Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister, supported by a Joint Work Programme managed at official level by the heads of all Government departments in Dublin and London.
These structures have shown their value and will continue to evolve in response to the changing circumstances. In addition, we will also explore other avenues to maintain the “habit of cooperation” that currently exists where Irish and UK Government Ministers regularly meet their counterparts and work together in Brussels on a range of EU matters. This deeper working relationship should allow for cooperation across a broad range of issues of shared interest.
65. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations to the Russian Government in relation to the situation faced by LGBT persons there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28025/18]
View answerThe Government closely follows developments in relation to the treatment of members of the LGBTI community in Russia and, in particular, the widespread reports of the persecution of gay men in Chechnya. Senior officials of my Department met the Russian Ambassador last year to convey the grave concerns of the Government, and of the Irish public, at these reports. During the meeting, officials urged the Russian authorities to fully investigate these allegations, to ensure that any such persecution is ended immediately, to provide all affected persons with the assistance they require, and to ensure the safety of activists and journalists investigating the reports of abuse in Chechnya. Ireland continues to raises its concerns over the treatment of the LGBTi community in Russia, and especially in Chechnya, through international fora such as the Council of Europe. The issue of persecution against the LGBTI community in Chechnya is due to be discussed at the Parliamentary Assembly later this month, which will be attended by several Members of the Oireachtas.
The European Union continues to press the Russian authorities to ensure that the allegations are fully investigated and that those fleeing persecution are given full protection. In meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, High Representative Mogherini has highlighted the serious concerns of the European Union and its Member States over the allegations and urged the Russian government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the gay community in Chechnya and elsewhere in the country are respected, in line with Russia’s international human rights commitments.
68. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has carried out an analysis of the potential impact of Brexit on County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27994/18]
View answerCo-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by my Department. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern. This work is therefore providing baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations, including in regard to transition arrangements and the future relationship. This approach is also enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. This planning, as appropriate, includes any specific responses necessary according to regional needs and at the county level, including those of Cork, of which I am, of course, acutely aware.
It also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.
The Government is already acting in order to get Ireland Brexit ready. Dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for the agri-food sector as well as additional supports for capital investment in the food industry and Bord Bia marketing and promotion activities, amounting to over €50m in total. Capital expenditure of €116 billion under Project Ireland 2040 will also allow the State and its agencies to properly plan major infrastructure projects while ensuring that communities and businesses can plan ahead. There was also increased funding provided to my Department in Budget 2018 for the opening of six new diplomatic missions. A further seven new Missions will be opened as part of the next phase of expanding Ireland’s global footprint. These thirteen new Missions will be located in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania and will contribute to helping our exporters find new markets.
Our Government’s enterprise agencies continue to work with companies, helping them to deal with Brexit – making them more competitive, diversifying market exposure, and up-skilling teams. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation published last November ‘Building Stronger Business: Responding to Brexit by competing, innovating and training’ . In total 34 reports analyzing the effects of Brexit across a broad range of sectors and in some cases setting out responses have been published to date by Government Departments. All these reports are available on a dedicated Brexit webpage on my Department’s website.
69. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to protect the Rohingya, particularly women that are in danger of or are experiencing sexual violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27996/18]
View answerSince the most recent escalation of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, in August 2017, approximately 700,000 members of the Rohingya community have fled across the border to Bangladesh where they now reside in precarious conditions in refugee camps. The exodus of refugees has been accompanied by credible claims of serious human rights violations by the Myanmar Security Forces. These include reports of widespread killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, arbitrary arrests, and the burning of Rohingya villages. While any instances of sexual or gender based violence are to be condemned, the accounts emerging from Rakhine State are particularly harrowing.
Ireland, both through bilateral and multilateral contacts, has repeatedly called for an end to disproportionate security operations in Myanmar and for the protection of human rights of those who have remained in Rakhine State. Ireland has actively participated in efforts by the international community to press for accountability for crimes and other violations of human rights abuses that have occurred. In that regard, we have strongly supported the extension of the mandates of the UN Fact Finding Mission and UN Special Rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee, and have asked the Government of Myanmar to cooperate with them and allow them access to the country. Their work in investigating and recording survivor testimony and gathering other evidence, so that it can be preserved for further criminal proceedings, is crucial to ensuring full accountability.
There is also a critical need for a coherent humanitarian response to the extremely difficult conditions faced by the huge numbers of displaced members of the Rohingya community now mainly in Bangladesh. This includes treatment and support for those women and girls who have survived sexual and gender based violence. Ireland has actively supported the international humanitarian response to the refugee crisis and we provided direct funding of €1 million in 2017 with an additional €1 million allocated for 2018. In addition, as the 6th largest donor to the UN-administered Central Emergency Response Fund, Ireland’s estimated contribution through UN pooled funding amounted to a further €1 million to deliver life-saving support.
Ireland also contributes to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA, the lead UN agency on addressing gender-based violence in emergencies), which currently operates nine women-friendly spaces in Cox’s Bazar District, where women and girls can safely receive a range of services, including referrals to health care and counselling. Ireland contributes to the UNFPA both through core funding and pooled funds.
My Department will continue to liaise closely with EU and other international partners to press for progress in resolving this crisis including through our Embassy in Thailand who are closely monitoring the situation. Ireland will be active on this issue at the 38th Session of the Human Rights Council.
70. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the public information campaigns his Department is running to advise of the current backlog regarding passport applications; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many are currently unaware of the significant backlog and that many are complaining that they are unable to contact the Passport Office; and his plans to update the current communications systems in place in the Passport Office. [27902/18]
View answerThe 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. So far this year, the Passport Service has received over 500,000 applications. Applications received in the first 5 months of this year have increased by over 8% compared with the same time period last year. The Passport Service is currently processing over 63,000 passport applications. These applications are going through the normal checking, processing and security stages. My Department has an extensive communication strategy to promote good practice amongst passport holders when planning to travel abroad. We regularly advise applicants of 3 golden rules: - to check the validity of the passports in advance of booking travel;
- to apply at least 6 weeks in advance of their travel plans; and
- for eligible adults renewing their passport to consider the Online Passport Renewal Service passport application online facility, which is a fast, secure way for adults renewing their passport.
We promote these and any other relevant messages through various means - the Passport Service website, social media platforms, press releases, posters and leaflets, video material, radio interviews with the Director or staff of the Passport Service and attendance at numerous promotional events.
Regularly updated information on current average turnaround times can be consulted my Department’s website www.dfa.ie/passport. Links to website information on turnaround time are regularly posted on the Passport Service’s various social media channels. Information on available passport services; comprehensive guides to the various application processes and an online tracker that allows applicants to track the status of existing applications at any time can also be found on this website.
In addition, the Passport Service continues to work closely with Communications Unit of An Post to ensure that information on turnaround times disseminated by An Post staff is accurate and up-to-date.
The Passport Service makes every effort to respond to as many applicant queries as possible. In recent weeks, the Passport Service has allocated additional resources to the existing Communications Unit. The Communications Unit is a dedicated customer service team that processes applicant queries received via its phone, email and webchat communication channels. Measures take to improve responsiveness include the assignment of TCOs and the redeployment of experienced staff from across the Department to this unit and the use of targeted overtime.
My Department will continue to work hard to promote important messages relating to passports. I am satisfied that the promotional strategies currently used are the most cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents to submit their application in good time before their planned travel date and to consult the Passport Service’s webpage on my Department’s website before applying.
71. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the staffing levels dealing with passports has increased in the past two years to deal with the high demand. [27896/18]
View answerIn 2017 the Passport Service issued over 780,000 passports. This represents an increase of over 6% compared to 2016 when over 730,000 passports were issued. Over 500,000 passport applications have been received by the Passport Service so far this year. Applications received in the first 5 months of this year have increased by over 8% compared with the same time period last year. The Passport Service closely monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand. Among the measures taken by the Passport Service to facilitate the management of overall demand and seasonal applications increases are: the recruitment of additional staff; targeted overtime; reorganization of production processes and administrative arrangements and the continuous implementation of service improvements through the Passport Reform Programme.
With particular reference to staff, additional staff have been employed by the Passport Service both on a permanent basis to manage overall demand and on a temporary basis to manage seasonal demand.
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 and 268 at the same point in 2016. This year, since these figures were released, over 30 additional permanent staff have started with the Passport Service.
The Passport Service received sanction this year for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) for appointment 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.
72. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has concerns regarding the discussions on the slow progress in the British Houses of Parliament on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill 2017-19. [27697/18]
View answerThe European Union (Withdrawal) Bill 2017-2019 has been under consideration from the British Houses of Parliament since July 2017. It is a significant element of the UK’s legislative preparation in advance of its withdrawal from the European Union. While this is first and foremost a domestic matter for the UK, it is very much in Ireland’s interests that the necessary preparations proceed in the UK in a manner that will ensure that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU is orderly. The parliamentary process in regard to the Bill was completed last week and on 20 June Royal Assent was sought. A number of related Bills remain under consideration in the Houses of Parliament, or await introduction. The House of Commons will have to approve the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, once completed.
My officials, in particular in our Embassy in London, are continuing to monitor developments with regard to the UK’s legislative process related to its withdrawal from the EU.
73. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations to the Chinese Government in relation to the ongoing attacks on democratic rights in Hong Kong which include the prosecution of opposition members of the Legislative Council, the banning of candidates in elections, prosecution of pro-democracy protesters and the preparation of repressive national security legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28027/18]
View answerThe Government is closely following the political developments in Hong Kong, and I had an opportunity to discuss these issues directly with Chief Executive Carrie Lam during my visit to Hong Kong on 12 March. Ireland fully supports the 'One Country, Two Systems’ principle, which provides the basis for the high degree of autonomy which Hong Kong enjoys. The Basic Law provides the basis for the independent judiciary, rule of law, democratic separation of powers, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, which have been central to Hong Kong’s standing as an open society and an international business centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Annual Report 2017, which was submitted to the European Parliament and Council by HRVP Mogherini and the European Commission, reflected the EU’s position that despite a number of challenges, judicial independence and respect for the rule of law have overall been maintained in Hong Kong. The EU has nevertheless issued statements expressing concerns about developments in Hong Kong on a number of occasions through local or spokesperson's statements, including on the decision to bar Agnes Chow from running for a Legislative Council by-election in January 2018.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland fully supports the upholding of the framework of the Basic Law and the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle and will continue to call for its full implementation. We will continue to stress the importance of delivering electoral reform in a manner that is democratic, fair, open and transparent.
75. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of discussions he has had with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the way in which legacy issues in Northern Ireland are to be dealt with. [27698/18]
View answerDealing with outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles is of the utmost importance to the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to building on the progress made to establish the comprehensive institutional framework for dealing with the past that is provided for under the 2014 Stormont House Agreement. Victims and survivors have had to wait for far too long for a suitable and effective system in Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Over the last 12 months, I have engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with all of the political parties to support a way forward on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework. Secretary of State Bradley and I are agreed on the imperative of now moving ahead with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework. On 11 May, I welcomed the launch of a public consultation by the British Government on their draft legislation to establish the legacy bodies provided for in the Stormont House Agreement. This is an important step in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, the full implementation of which will help to provide families with a means of accessing whatever truth and justice is possible in their case and will be an important step towards achieving a truly reconciled society in Northern Ireland.
While this consultation is about UK legislation to establish the institutions, legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Regarding legacy inquests in Northern Ireland, I have consistently emphasised in my discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties the need to ensure proper resourcing of these inquests, and I will continue to raise this matter with the Secretary of State. I have also urged all those with responsibilities in relation to legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible with the implementation of the proposals made by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland in this regard.
The Government remains determined to see progress on the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement institutions, on legacy inquests in Northern Ireland and on other 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.
76. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will voice concerns at EU and international level to request the government of Honduras to release all political prisoners and to demonstrate a commitment to ensure the safety and human rights of those detained for exercising their right to peaceful protest. [28007/18]
View answerI am aware of the difficult situation which human rights defenders continue to face in Honduras. The loss of life and violence which has occurred since elections took place in Honduras in November 2017 is particularly worrying. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are the cornerstones of any functioning democracy and those rights must be guaranteed. While Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Honduras, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade do raise issues relating to human rights in Honduras both at EU and UN level. Officials also engage with the European External Action Service through its EU delegation in Tegucigalpa and meet regularly with human rights defenders and civil society organisations active in Honduras.
Most recently, officials met in April with representatives of Trócaire, the Latin America Solidarity Committee and a Honduran NGO, the Broad Movement for Dignity and Justice, to hear first-hand accounts of the challenges which are being faced on a daily basis by those working directly on these issues .
These different interactions play an important part in shaping our insight into the challenging conditions faced by human rights defenders on the ground in Honduras and inform our interventions on the matter at international level.
Honduras was last reviewed under the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism in May 2015. Ireland intervened on that occasion to express its concern at the climate of violence and insecurity in which human rights defenders operate in Honduras, and asked that adequate financial and human resources be allocated by the Honduran authorities to ensure the implementation of legislation protecting human rights defenders and journalists.
I can assure the Deputy that, in keeping with Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, we will continue to closely monitor developments in Honduras in the period ahead and will stay in touch with our various contacts.
I can also assure the Deputy that we will continue to raise concerns regarding threats to the work of human rights defenders in discussions on Honduras at both EU and international level, as necessary.
