Friday, 7 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 46-65

Passport Applications Refusals

Questions (46)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

46. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a passport. [35948/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”). This Act 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 demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship in his/her application. The applicant to whom you refer is not an Irish citizen. The Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for all matters in relation to citizenship and information on how to obtain Irish citizenship is available on www.inis.gov.ie.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (47, 61)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

47. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to call for an end to violence in Yemen; if he has requested the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to explain recent horrific events in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35986/18]

Seán Crowe

Question:

61. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the air strike on a school bus in Yemen by the Saudi Arabia led military coalition on 9 August 2018 that killed 40 children; if his attention has been further drawn to another air strike by the Saudi Arabian led coalition on 24 August 2018 that killed 22 children; if these attacks and the Saudi Arabian led coalitions repeated targeting and killing of civilians and children will be condemned (details supplied); and if he will support requests to impose an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia until it ceases its military attacks in Yemen and abides by international law. [36408/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 61 together.

Yemen is currently the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over twenty million people in need of assistance due to drought and the disruptions of war. 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 weeks as multiple reports of attacks affecting civilians have circulated. I remain deeply concerned by the level of violence in Yemen, and by reports of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. I condemn in the strongest terms all actions which endanger civilians, including those attacks referenced by the Deputies.

Officials from my Department regularly convey to the Saudi Embassy in Dublin my strong concerns in relation to the situation in Yemen, and the impact the fighting is having on civilians, especially children. They also conveyed my condemnation of missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, which also have the potential to impact on civilians. There have also been EU contacts with Saudi Arabia in relation to concerns about civilians in Yemen.

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. Ireland is still examining the report of the findings of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen that was published last week. We look forward to discussing it further with our partners later this month at the next session of the Human Rights Council.

Ireland has provided €15.5 million in bilateral humanitarian assistance to Yemen since the conflict began in 2015. Of this, €4 million was contributed 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).

On the problems posed by arms transfers to conflict regions, Ireland’s efforts are concentrated on universalisation and implementation of the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which has been signed and ratified by all EU Member States. The ATT is the first legally binding instrument to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons. States which sign up to the Treaty are prohibited from exporting arms to countries if they know those weapons will be used to commit gross violations of human rights.

I would like to assure the Deputies 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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (48)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

48. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36065/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department takes its obligations in relation to the processing of applications for citizenship by descent very seriously. The Foreign Births Registration Unit of my Department is actively examining the application referred to in the Deputy’s question and, in this context, my officials are currently consulting with other Departments regarding certain aspects of it. A notification of the decision reached will be issued once the process is complete.

Rapid Response Initiative

Questions (49, 50, 51, 52, 53)

Clare Daly

Question:

49. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of applications by gender received by the deadline for the recent call for rapid response corps; the number that were shortlisted by gender for interview; the number selected for appointment by gender; the number of late applications received; if late applicants were admitted; the number of unsuccessful applicants that sought a re-mark; if this resulted in a change in the situation of each; if there is an independent appeal process open under the CPSA code or otherwise for unsuccessful applicants to apply to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36147/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

50. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the assessors for the rapid response corps call were selected; the remuneration and expenses paid to them; if there was a protocol in place to deal with possible conflicts of interest; if he is satisfied that they were followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36148/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

51. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the percentage weight allocated to languages in the competition for the rapid response corps; the reason the languages sought are now more restrictive than in the past with, for example, Spanish not being sought despite this being a language of communication in many countries in which rapid response assistance may be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36149/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

52. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there were safeguards in place to ensure existing members were not unfairly favoured over talented newer applicants during the application and assessment process for the recruitment of the rapid response corps; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36150/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

53. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the difference in the recruitment processes for the rapid response corps which involved interviews and the election observation roster which only involves a desk review exercise of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36151/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 to 53, inclusive, together.

Under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, highly skilled and experienced individuals from a Rapid Response Corps, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, can be rostered to provide short notice surge capacity to four UN partner organisations. A Rapid Response Strategy was developed in 2015 and governs Ireland’s overall approach. This Strategy is available on the Irish Aid website.

Individual members of the Rapid Response Corps are deployed at the request of those UN humanitarian agencies with which Ireland has concluded formal bilateral Stand-by Agreements, under the UN Stand-by Partnership Programme. The four agencies with which Ireland has a Stand-by Agreement are: United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR); World Food Programme (WFP); United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

These organisations identify the specialist support required in a given emergency situation and request assistance from partners, including Ireland, in filling their skills gaps. The support they require, and skill sets they demand, varies from emergency to emergency, and have changed over time as the nature, duration and location of crises have evolved.

The Rapid Response Corps was launched in 2007. Since then, there have been over 350 deployments of expert responders from the Irish roster, with in 2017 over 4,000 days of critical support provided by Irish corps members to stand-by partners.

Against a background of increasing humanitarian need internationally, changing stand-by partner demands, and in a context where a number of people were no longer available for deployment, it became clear that the roster of skilled people available for deployment as members of the Irish Rapid Response Corps needed to be replenished and supplemented. Contacts with Ireland’s UN stand-by partners identified the skillsets and expertise required, including language.

The requirements and format of 2018 selection process were set out in the Information Booklet accompanying the call for applications – we will provide a copy to the Deputy.

The recruitment was widely publicized, including in print, electronic media and radio, in order to encourage as broad a range of new and talented applicants as possible. While it is desirable that members of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps have an affinity with Ireland, the essential element is that members of the roster have the necessary skill sets to support Ireland’s UN stand-by partners in their humanitarian responses. Accordingly, Irish nationality is not a requirement of roster membership. A high number of strong applications were received. Current members of the Rapid Response Corps were not required to re-apply.

The process to assess applications received was managed in accordance with established best practice. Two expert shortlisting panels and three interview panels were constituted, made up of experienced Departmental officials with a knowledge of the Rapid Response Initiative, the Corps and the needs of Ireland’s UN stand-by partners, supplemented by three individuals with Rapid Response experience with a deep knowledge of the requirements. Panel members were required to identify from the list of applicants where a possible conflict might apply: where possible conflicts of interest were identified, the panel member concerned neither assessed the relevant application nor interviewed the person concerned. Unconscious bias training was also provided to panel members.

The three members of the Rapid Response Corps who participated in the process were remunerated in line with the daily rate paid to members on deployment. Two of the three also participated in the shortlisting in addition to the interviews. Hotel accommodation was provided during the shortlisting and interview process. Travel expenses, according to Civil Service rates, were paid.

197 applications were received by the deadline of 16 May, 2018. 65 applicants were female and 132 were male. Late applications were not considered. 24 female and 61 male applicants were shortlisted for interview, of which 22 female and 47 male applicants successfully passed the interview stage.

One applicant, who was not shortlisted for interview, appealed the decision of the Shortlisting Panel. In line with the appeals process, the application was re-assessed independently by a shortlisting panel not involved in the original decision. The appeal was not successful. There are no further stages of appeal. The Code of Conduct of the Commission of Public Service Appointments is not applicable to the Rapid Response Corps recruitment process, as it relates to permanent appointments to the civil service.

Applicants were required to be fluent in English. Additionally, French and Arabic were considered as desirable requirements, as requested by our stand-by partners in the UN – the goal of the Roster is ultimately to meet the demand driven needs of these partners.

Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps roster and the Election Observation roster have different objectives and requirements. This is reflected in the criteria and in the recruitment processes for both, with the nature, duration and location of Rapid Response Corps deployments a deciding factor in determining the need for interview in the case of this roster.

Departmental Funding

Questions (54)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

54. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if funding is available for cultural groups to travel abroad to tour and perform; if funding is available as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36159/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In an increasingly competitive world for investment and tourism, our culture is a unique selling point for Ireland. It helps to raise our visibility internationally, promotes a positive image for the country and represents a powerful means to forge connections with other countries. It is a key driver for our tourist industry. Culture is also an important economic sector in its own right, generating jobs and stimulating economic activity across the country.

The Government is committed to investing in and promoting our culture nationally and overseas. Primary responsibility for the promotion of Irish arts and culture overseas lies with my colleague, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and is operated through Culture Ireland.

My Department and the Mission network work closely with Culture Ireland to maximise the impact of our investment in cultural promotion overseas. Department officials participate in meetings of the Expert Advisory Committee, the group charged with evaluating and making recommendations on applications for Culture Ireland funding.

Culture forms a key part of my Department’s promotion of Ireland internationally. We do this through a range of activities undertaken at HQ and through the network of Embassies and Consulates. Under the Promoting Ireland programme, each mission is provided with a budget which is used to fund activities in pursuit of the five high level goals set out in “The Global Island – Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World”: Our People, Our Values, Our Prosperity, Our Place in Europe and Our Influence. Cultural performances play an important part in this regard. In 2017, 24% of missions’ spending under the programme was classified as support for cultural promotion.

This funding covers a number of activities including support for side events linked to performances by individuals and groups travelling independently from Ireland or those in receipt of Culture Ireland funding. Funding is also provided for cultural performances by Irish citizens and the wider diaspora living overseas. Missions may also directly arrange for cultural groups to travel from Ireland to perform in their countries of accreditation, usually around the St Patrick’s Day period. In such cases, funding is generally confined to travel and subsistence costs and with effect from 2018 on a pilot basis, a modest performance fee may occasionally be paid.

My Department’s Trade Division also has a limited budget to support the promotion of Irish culture internationally. This includes the provision of €150,000 annually to the Centre Culturel Irlandais, which promotes Irish culture and performers in Paris. The Division also provides resources to missions, principally in the form of exhibitions which showcase Irish literature and culture.

Human Rights

Questions (55)

Seán Crowe

Question:

55. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the practical toolkit on business and human rights for public and private entities that was promised in the national plan on business and human rights has been developed; if not, when it will be completed; and if so, if it has already been circulated to relevant public and private entities. [36351/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The development of a practical toolkit on business and human rights for public and private entities is one of the initial priorities for the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, to be established under the National Plan on Business and Human Rights.

As provided for under the Plan, work is currently underway on a comprehensive baseline assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework pertaining to business and human rights as it applies in Ireland. This work is expected to be completed by October and will guide the work of the Implementation Group in delivering on the Plan’s key commitments, including the toolkit.

Human Rights

Questions (56)

Seán Crowe

Question:

56. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he, or his officials, have contacted the ESB to encourage and support awareness of effective human rights due diligence; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a commitment to encourage and support awareness of effective human rights due diligence by State owned or controlled companies formed part of The State Duty to Protect Human Rights section of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights; and the support that has been extended to the ESB in this regard. [36352/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The goal of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights 2017 -2020, published in November 2017, is to promote responsible business practices at home and overseas by all Irish business enterprises. A key commitment of the Plan is the establishment of a Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, to comprise representatives from Government, the business community and civil society, which will have responsibility for delivering and reporting on a number of actions. In this regard, a number of initial priorities have been identified in the Plan, including a commitment to encourage and support awareness of effective human rights due diligence by State owned or controlled companies. Work is currently underway in my Department on the appointment of the Implementation Group and I expect it to take up this task once it is in place.

Human Rights

Questions (57)

Seán Crowe

Question:

57. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the report of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar of 27 August 2018; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the report found that Myanmar's armed forces had taken actions that amounted to the gravest crimes under international law including genocide; and his views on the report’s findings and recommendation that Myanmar's senior military officials must be prosecuted for genocide and war crimes against the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities. [36353/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (IIFFM) on Myanmar makes for harrowing reading. Ireland has strongly supported the mandate of the IIFFM since it was established in March 2017 and I offer my thanks to them for their work and for this report. The findings of the IIFFM corroborate many of the eyewitness accounts which have emerged from Myanmar in recent times. In particular the report provides credible findings that human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed by members of the Burmese Military (Tatmadaw) and other security forces in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States. These crimes include the widespread killing of civilians; rape and sexual violence; torture and enforced disappearances.

The IIFFM’s report also finds that there is sufficient evidence of crimes committed in Rakhine State being so grave that they warrant a competent court to determine the liability for the crime of genocide of those in the Tatmadaw chain of command.

I fully support the findings of the IIFFM. The work of the IIFFM in investigating allegations, recording victim testimony and gathering other evidence, so that it can be preserved for further criminal proceedings, is crucial to ensuring full accountability.

The report of the IIFFMM notes that the crimes in Myanmar “stem from deep fractures in society and structural problems that have been apparent and unaddressed for decades.”

It is therefore imperative that Myanmar and the international community respond comprehensively to the findings of the report and its recommendations in a way that addresses the long-standing root causes of this crisis and in a manner that ensures the perpetrators of the crimes described in the report are swiftly brought to justice.

I have taken note of the recommendations and Ireland is actively engaging with our international partners in preparing responses, including at the upcoming 39th Session of the Human Rights Council where this report will be formally presented.

Human Rights

Questions (58)

Seán Crowe

Question:

58. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that to date in 2018, 18 environmental activists have been killed in Guatemala and it is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists (details supplied); if the killing of these activists will be condemned; and if the issue will be raised with his Guatemalan counterpart. [36354/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the difficult situation that currently exists for environmental activists and other civil society actors in Guatemala, and across Latin America, and my Department is monitoring developments closely.

I unreservedly condemn the violence being perpetrated against these groups, and would like to extend my sympathies to all those affected. The rights of freedom of expression and to peaceful demonstration are essential to a functioning democracy and must be protected.

Although great advances have been made in Guatemala since the signing of peace accords in 1996 that marked the end of three decades of civil war, I am aware that there are concerns about a culture of historic impunity that remains. I urge the Government of Guatemala to fully investigate the incidents to which the Deputy refers and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ireland engaged in the Review of Guatemala during the 28th Session of Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in November 2017. We took this opportunity to voice concerns over attacks and intimidation against human rights defenders in Guatemala, and called on the Government of Guatemala to take all necessary measures to protect human rights defenders.

We also took the opportunity of the Universal Periodic Review to urge the Government of Guatemala to continue with its efforts to address inequality suffered by indigenous peoples, a group which I understand is heavily affected by the violence outlined by the Deputy. I reiterate these calls today and urge their Government to protect all civil society actors and their ability to carry out their important work across the country. While we do not have a resident embassy in Guatemala, my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin meet regularly with civil society organisations and human rights defenders active in Guatemala and the wider region, and raise concerns at EU and international level.

Departmental Communications

Questions (59)

Seán Fleming

Question:

59. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position in his Department and the organisations under its aegis that have arrangements in place for lo-call numbers or 1800, 1850 and 1890 phone numbers for members of the public to contact his Department or organisations under its aegis; the number of these that are completely free to call to persons who use mobile phones and may incur major bills phoning such organisations; if the situation will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36400/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not operate lo-call numbers.

Human Rights Cases

Questions (60)

Seán Crowe

Question:

60. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Saudi Arabia; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that they have been charged for organising peaceful protests and are being tried in a military tribunal and face the death penalty; if the Saudi Arabian regime's arrest and detention of this person and the other human rights activists arrested with them will be condemned; if he will request their release and the end of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia; and if he will raise the case with his Saudi Arabian counterpart. [36407/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy. I am concerned by reports that the death penalty is being considered by the prosecutor in this case, as well as the reports of the conduct of the pretrial proceedings. Ireland is unequivocal in its stance on the death penalty and we oppose its use in all circumstances. The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use. The continued imposition and scale of death sentences in Saudi Arabia continues to be a cause for grave concern.

Ireland has consistently availed of appropriate opportunities to raise issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, bilaterally with interlocutors from Saudi Arabia, as well as at EU and international level. During the last Irish Foreign Minister level visit to Saudi Arabia, a Trade Mission to the Kingdom in late 2016, my predecessor, Minister Flanagan, had a discussion around human rights, including the use of the death penalty, with his counterpart.

Officials from my Department regularly raise human rights cases with the Saudi Embassy here in Dublin. Our Embassy in Riyadh raises a range of human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities.

The EU in Riyadh also takes the opportunity to raise concerns with the Saudi authorities. In August, the EU had a frank and constructive first dialogue on Human Rights with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia. The EU is now seeking to follow up on this by establishing a permanent bilateral dialogue forum on Human Rights between the EU and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is hoped such a dialogue will allow for further candid discussions on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, and the possibility of cooperation in the field of human rights protection and promotion.

Officials from my Department have raised our concerns about the use of the death penalty generally, and Saudi Arabia’s use in particular, in relevant human rights fora. At the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2018, Ireland made a specific reference to Saudi Arabia in our national Item 4 statement, highlighting our grave concerns over “the continued use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia”.

My officials and I will continue to raise our concerns about human rights issues, and specifically the continued use of the death penalty, directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever opportunities arise.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 47.

Human Rights

Questions (62, 63)

Niall Collins

Question:

62. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made at national, EU and international level regarding the concerns of the detention of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36487/18]

Niall Collins

Question:

63. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding human rights in Bahrain; the steps that have been taken to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.

I am aware of the case referred to by Deputy Collins, and of the reports that the individual in question has been denied adequate healthcare in prison. Ireland attaches great importance to safeguarding the human rights of all prisoners with due regard for the international standards enshrined in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

I remain very concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain. Statements from the Bahraini Government on its commitment to safeguarding human rights enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution are undermined by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression. A number of worrying developments suggest an increasingly restrictive approach, targeting those who express disagreement with or criticism of the Government. The shrinking of civil and political space is especially concerning in light of parliamentary elections which are due to take place in November this year.

Ireland’s concerns about human rights issues in Bahrain are regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain. In February of this year, officials from my Department met with the Ambassador of Bahrain in Dublin, and raised Ireland’s concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, including the case referred to by the Deputy.

Ireland also regularly raises the case of human rights in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, in the form of national statements and its support to EU Statements. In Ireland’s Item 4 Statement (human rights situations that require the Council’s attention) at the HRC session in June 2018, we called on Bahrain to “maintain its commitments to respect freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to fair trial.” Ireland also supported the references made to Bahrain in the EU Item 2 Statement (on the reports of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) which highlighted the deterioration of the human rights situation, with particular reference to the shrinking of political space in Bahrain.

My Department will continue to monitor the situation in Bahrain, and will continue to call on the Bahraini Government to make good on their stated commitment to make progress in the area of human rights.

Official Engagements

Questions (64)

Niall Collins

Question:

64. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I visited Germany on 28 August at the invitation of the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, who invited me to speak at the “Economic Day” at Germany’s annual Ambassadors’ conference. The event was attended by over 200 German Heads of Mission and some 700 German business people from all sectors of the economy. Later, I had a constructive bilateral meeting with Minister Maas where we discussed Brexit at some length. Germany has been a consistent supporter of Ireland in the Brexit negotiations, something we greatly appreciate, and this was reaffirmed by the Minister both in our meeting and in the subsequent press conference. We also had very useful exchanges on the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework, migration and the implementation of the recently-published review of Irish German relations, including the opening next year of a Consulate in Frankfurt.

I then met with the CEO of Siemens, Joe Kaeser, and this was followed by a background briefing, hosted by Reuters, for a number of political correspondents in the German press and broadcast media. I also did an interview with Reuters TV.

Germany is an indispensable partner for Ireland, both in the European Union and bilaterally. It is our fourth largest trading partner; our third largest tourism market and our second largest inward investor. The Government places the highest priority on maintaining and developing our relationship.

Brexit Negotiations

Questions (65, 83)

Niall Collins

Question:

65. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36490/18]

Lisa Chambers

Question:

83. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the Brexit negotiations; the progress on reaching agreement on the backstop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36905/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 83 together.

We are in a critical phase of the Article 50 negotiations, which resumed on 16 August and have been continuous since then. Both sets of negotiators have committed to bringing new energy to the talks, including on the Irish specific issues, and I welcome these commitments. It is important to recall that there are in effect two separate, though linked, negotiations: one to agree a full legal Withdrawal Agreement, and the other to reach a political understanding on the framework for future relations. It is the former which is the immediate priority.

In his statement on 31 August following his meeting with the UK Secretary of State, Dominic Raab, the EU’s Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier noted some progress on a number of remaining issues in the recent negotiations, including on the handling of data in the context of the withdrawal, though more progress is needed on the issue of geographical indications. Discussions to agree a political declaration on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship have also begun in earnest since the resumption of negotiations last month. This has been enabled by the UK’s White Paper on the future relationship and is being taken forward on the basis of the European Council Guidelines agreed in March. In this context, there has been a convergence of views on the ambition of future EU-UK cooperation on foreign policy, security and defence. However, it is also clear that there remain very substantial differences on many issues.

Regarding the backstop, Michel Barnier again stressed on 31 August that a legally operable solution for the Irish backstop is essential for agreeing the Withdrawal Agreement and called on the UK to provide the necessary data for the purpose of examining technical issues on the nature, location and modality of the controls needed in the event of the backstop being implemented.

Our position and that of the EU remains that while we would like to see the border issue resolved through the future relationship, there must be a backstop in the Withdrawal Agreement that provides absolute certainty that no matter what the outcome to the negotiations on the future relationship, there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland.

We have a firm commitment from Prime Minister May – if no other solution is agreed – to full alignment with the relevant rules of the Single Market and Customs Union to deliver on her guarantee of avoiding a hard border. In March, she also agreed to having a legally operative ‘backstop’ in the Withdrawal Agreement.

The EU and Ireland will hold the UK to these commitments. As the European Council made very clear at its meeting in June, nothing is agreed until everything is agreed and there can be no Withdrawal Agreement, and therefore no transition, without an agreement on the backstop. Ministers reiterated this in Brussels on 20 July and agreed that renewed efforts are needed to conclude, as soon as possible, all outstanding issues in the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop. The EU27 also reaffirmed their solidarity and support for Ireland.