Written Answers Nos. 182-199
182. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the action the EU is taking in view of breaches of fundamental European principles by Poland and Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43312/18]
View answerDialogue has been ongoing between the European Commission and Poland regarding the rule of law since January 2016, when the Commission initiated its rule of law process following changes introduced by the Polish Government to the functioning and composition of Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal.
On 20 December 2017, the Commission proposed to the Council to initiate proceedings under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union, and adopted recommendations of actions for the Polish Government to take. Since then, there have been ongoing exchanges between the Commission and the Polish authorities and two hearings have taken place at the General Affairs Council on 26 June and again on 18 September.
On 24 September, the European Commission gave notice of its intention to initiate infringement procedures with regard to the law on the Polish Supreme Court. This is separate to the ongoing procedure under Article 7 (1). On Friday, 19 October, the European Court of Justice, in the context of interim proceedings before final judgment on the substance of the case is made, ordered that Poland adopt a number of measures that would have the effect of suspending the application of the provisions of this legislation.
At the most recent General Affairs Council meeting on 16 October, as part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Commission provided the Council with an update on recent developments. Ministers reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law in all EU Member States and stressed the need to achieve tangible progress.
Ireland has consistently stressed the importance of the rule of law, including at the hearings that have taken place to date at the General Affairs Council, and urged an early solution on this matter.
On 12 September 2018, the European Parliament, under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, adopted a reasoned proposal to the Council, inviting the Council to determine whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values on which the European Union is founded.
The President of the European Parliament formally communicated this proposal to the President of the Council of the European Union, the Austrian Chancellor Mr Sebastian Kurz, on 18 September.
At the General Affairs Council on 16 October the Presidency informed Ministers about the next procedural steps following the triggering of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Hungary. The Commission will provide the Council with an update on the relevant infringement procedures at its next meeting.
The Government’s concerns about issues relating to the rule of law and the importance it attaches to the values on which the European Union is founded are well known and stressed, as appropriate, in Council meetings and in bilateral engagements.
183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if financial support to assist the Yazidi, including support to assist with therapy and treatment, has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43341/18]
View answer184. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken at European level to assist the Yazidi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43342/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The Government attaches great importance to combatting all forms of discrimination or persecution based on religion or belief, as well as incitement to religious hatred, irrespective of where it occurs or who the victims are. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Many minority religious and ethnic communities across the Middle East are vulnerable to violence by state and non-state actors, including terrorist attacks. Ireland has consistently called for inclusive, democratic solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa region.
I participated in the Third International Conference on the victims of ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East, which took place in Brussels in May this year. The Conference brought together 67 countries and 13 international organisations, to find ways to further support the members of the communities targeted by Da’esh and other extremist organisations for ethnic or religious reasons, particularly in Iraq and Syria.
I unreservedly condemn the brutal atrocities which terrorist groups, including Da’esh, have inflicted in Iraq and Syria, including against religious minorities, notably the Yazidis. I am appalled by the suffering of the innocent people caught up in these events, especially women and girls who were targeted by sexual and gender-based violence. While the situation has improved, with a successful fight back against Da’esh in Iraq and Syria, challenges remain in terms of healing the trauma these groups have endured, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches them, and ensuring displaced populations can return to their homelands once it is safe to do so.
In the Iraqi context, Ireland has always emphasised that the security effort must be accompanied by national reconciliation to ensure an inclusive state, allowing for political, economic and social opportunities for all. The January 2018 EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Iraq reiterated the EU’s firm and active commitment to the preservation of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-confessional nature of Iraqi society, including the protection of its minority groups, building on the bond of a common national identity and inclusive citizenship. The EU stands ready to support Iraqi and international efforts to hold members of Da'esh to account, and ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as acts against persons belonging to minority groups. Ireland fully supports these conclusions.
Since 2012, Ireland has provided just over €9.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq including €2 million to the UN Iraq Humanitarian Fund (IHF) in 2018 alone. The IHF ensures funding is allocated to the best-placed organisations, and that these funds are targeted towards those in greatest need.
Ireland also contributes to the EU’s humanitarian response in Iraq which has provided over €40 million this year. This funding goes to the most vulnerable people, for a range of services. This includes a grant in recent months of €5 million towards emergency reproductive and mental health care for victims of violence.
185. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the public consultation paper on Ireland's international development policy makes no reference to LGBT issues; if he will review this in view of the ongoing discriminatory and violent treatment of the LGBT community in particular countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43343/18]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of Irish foreign policy. The 2015 foreign policy review, Global Island Ireland’s foreign policy for a changing world, recognises that human rights violations undermine development. Global Island commits the Department to promote and protect those who face persecution for defending human rights, with an explicit commitment to the promotion of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals. This is a recognition that LGBTI people frequently suffer disproportionately from violence and, in many countries, face systemic discrimination.
Global Island provides the overall foreign policy frame for the recent public consultation paper on international development, part of the process towards a new policy on international development. That public consultation paper reiterated Ireland’s commitment to upholding human rights, within the foreign policy context provided by Global Island and Ireland’s international development actions.
As part of the contextual analysis underpinning the new development policy, threats to civil society space and the role of human rights activists are identified, as is the importance of respect for human rights: this includes LGBTI community rights. The public consultation paper also highlights that our new international development policy will be informed by recent Irish experience in bringing greater equality for minorities in society.
The rights of all minorities, including those of the LGBTI community, and shrinking civil society space were raised at recent public meetings held to discuss the consultation paper, and in written submissions. These issues will be taken into consideration in the final drafting of the new policy which will aim to ensure coherence in our approach at international and country levels.
186. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 93 and 94 of 10 October 2018, the engagement the embassy in London has to support exporters to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43378/18]
View answer187. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 93 and 94 of 10 October 2018, the engagement of the Irish Embassy has to support exporters to the United Kingdom. [43384/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
In addition to the range of supports outlined by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphries, T.D., in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 93 and 94 on 10 October 2018, our Embassy in London also arranges and facilitates a range of export-related business events and has done so for many years. These events, which involve extensive collaboration with business networks, companies and development agencies across all sectors and regions, can take the form of networking receptions, lunches, dinner etc., all hosted on the Embassy premises. The events focus on business development opportunities in the UK and are highly regarded. So far this year the Embassy has hosted 12 such events and this programme will continue into 2019.
In addition, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor and the Agriculture Attachés deal with direct approaches from agencies, sectoral groups, companies, and individuals on an ongoing basis. The Embassy is also actively engaged with the Irish business networks operating in the UK and provide ongoing support to them.
When requested, and if possible, an Embassy presence at business events is also facilitated.
188. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of engagements, meetings or correspondence he has had with a person (details supplied) in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43394/18]
View answerIn the past three years, I have not met nor had correspondence with the named individual.
In the course of the work of my Department, there is regular interaction with prominent Irish citizens, including for example at Irish community or other official functions and correspondence can arise in relation to such events. For example, an invitation issued to the named individual from my predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan, TD, to attend the Global Irish Economic Forum in 2015 but the individual did not attend.
189. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the meaning of concurrent referendums as set out in the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement dealing with the question of Irish unity; his further views on whether these referendums will be held on the same day and whether citizens in the North and South of the island will be voting on the same question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43496/18]
View answer190. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations he is making for the holding of a referendum on the question of Irish unity; the discussions he has had with the British Government on the planning and preparations for such a vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43497/18]
View answer191. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations he is making for the outworkings of a potential Yes vote further to a referendum on the question of Irish unity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43498/18]
View answer192. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the adoption of a preparation and contingency framework to ensure effective and efficient planning for the outworkings of a potential vote further to the holding of a referendum on the question of Irish unity. [43499/18]
View answer193. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the creation of an all-island civic dialogue on the question of Irish unity as one part of putting in place preparations that include voices from civic society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43500/18]
View answer194. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request more clarity and certainty from the British Government on the circumstances that will trigger a vote on the question of Irish unity in Northern Ireland; and its plans and preparations for such a vote when the required threshold is reached. [43501/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 to 194, inclusive, together.
The full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements is a priority for my Department and indeed the Government as a whole. The Government fully endorses the legitimate aspiration to unity expressed in Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998.
The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South. The Agreement states clearly that “it is for the people of the island of Ireland alone, by agreement between the two parts respectively and without external impediment, to exercise their right to self-determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given, North and South, to bring about a united Ireland, if that is their wish, accepting that this right must be achieved and exercised with and subject to the agreement and consent of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland”.
Furthermore, under the Agreement, the two Governments “recognise the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland with regard to its status, whether they prefer to continue to support the Union with Britain or a sovereign united Ireland”. And should such a choice be made in the future, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.
The trigger for a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. This would occur when the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland considers it likely that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.
At present, the Government does not believe it likely that such a border poll in the near future would result in a decision on the part of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland in favour of constitutional change. In these circumstances, it is the Government’s clear view that such a poll would only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.
In the absence of the prospect of a referendum in the near future, the Government has no immediate plans for specific preparations on this issue. My immediate priorities are to secure the functioning of the devolved power-sharing institutions and the North South Ministerial Council, which are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement, and to ensure the protection of the Agreement in all its parts and the gains and benefits of the Peace Process, through the ongoing Article 50 negotiation between the European Union and the UK, which are at a critical point.
In the event of a future referendum within the consent provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government would make all necessary preparations in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the Agreement.
There are of course aspects of this constitutional issue which relate to my Department’s ongoing work. In the context of Brexit, the Government has made clear its determination to ensure respect for all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including those provisions relating to a possible change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, regardless of the UK’s status within the EU. As a result of intensive political and diplomatic engagement by the Government, we have secured the solidarity and support of all our EU partners on ensuring the protection of the Agreement in all its parts and of the gains and benefits of the Peace Process, through the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
On 29 April 2017, the European Council adopted Guidelines for the EU-UK negotiations which included a strong acknowledgment of the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland and the importance of preserving the achievements, benefits, and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. These Guidelines remain the basis of the Union’s approach to the negotiations with the UK, including on the Ireland-specific issues. Also on 29 April last year, the European Council agreed a statement acknowledging that the Good Friday Agreement provides for an agreed mechanism whereby a united Ireland may be brought about and that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union.
The Government has been very clear that we do not see the UK exit from the European Union as a pretext or an opportunity for the holding of a border poll in Northern Ireland, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
195. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the categories of funding available to local authorities through his Department; the amount of funding provided for each scheme in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43731/18]
View answerMy Department administers a number of funding programmes, including Ireland's official overseas development programme, Irish Aid, and the Emigrant Support Programme which supports Irish communities overseas. There is no funding designated specifically for local authorities under any of these programmes.
Other funding programmes include the Reconciliation Fund through which my Department awards funding to organisations and projects aimed at advancing peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, on a cross-border basis and between Ireland and Britain. Information on Reconciliation Fund grants awarded to 2017 is available at www.dfa.ie/reconciliation. The funding awarded to local authorities in 2016 and 2017 through the Reconciliation Fund is set out in the table below.
As part of annual Africa Day events coordinated by the Communications Unit of my Department, city and county councils can apply for funding through a small grants scheme for the organisation of regional events nationwide. €48,000 annually was made available to local authorities through this scheme in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, Cork City Council, Galway City Council, Waterford City and County Council and Limerick City and County Council availed of funding under this scheme. In 2017, Cork City Council, Galway City Council, Kildare County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Limerick City and County Council were granted funding. In 2017, an additional €500 was made available to each local authority to support the marketing and promotion of the events organised through the scheme, amounting to a total of €2500.
In addition, since 2017, my Department has also been administering funding for strategic projects that will have a long term positive impact on diaspora engagement and that support the work of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad and existing government strategies. No funding was awarded to a local authority under this heading in 2017.
Table of Funding to Local Authorities under the Reconciliation Fund
|
Local Authority |
Project and Location |
Funding Approved 2016 |
Funding Approved 2017 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Dublin City Council Libraries: Cross-Border Commemorative Visit Cross Border |
€3,500 |
Nil |
|
Louth County Council |
Comhairle na nÓg: Youth Councils for Peace Dundalk |
€18,000 |
€25,000 |
196. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is reviewing Ireland's diplomatic relationship and plans to deepen the country's relationship with Saudi Arabia in view of the recent revelations regarding a person (details supplied); his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43904/18]
View answer197. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the circumstances and reports of the disappearance of a journalist (details supplied) in Turkey were discussed at the EU Council; and if he contributed to same. [43488/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
The case referred to by the Deputy was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 October. All were in agreement that an investigation into the case is the priority now. In the meantime, following confirmation that Mr Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul, High Representative Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it. I join her also in expressing our deepest condolences to Mr Khashoggi’s family.
I met with the Saudi Ambassador on 18 October, stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. He informed me that the King has ordered an investigation which is in the hands of the Public Prosecutor and conveyed assurances that the investigation will be competent, thorough and transparent and will hold those responsible to account. The Saudi authorities intend to work with Turkey in their enquiries. While there are clearly very serious questions to answer, we must allow the investigation to proceed now, and await its outcome.
Ireland is committed to promoting and protecting freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and civil society space. The right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in international human rights law, constitutes a basic building block for an open and free society. A free and independent media is indispensable, and journalists, together with civil society, play a vital role in holding governments to account. At the 39th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2018, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on “Safety of Journalists” which was adopted without the need for a vote. This resolution condemned all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and urged all states to ensure accountability for such attacks.
Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. Ireland makes its position known through Ireland’s Embassy in Riyadh, through the Saudi Embassy in Dublin, and in cooperation with the EU delegation in Riyadh and other EU Member States. We will continue to raise our concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
198. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he met Mr. Michel Barnier when he attended the EU Council meeting in October 2018. [43490/18]
View answerI met with Michel Barnier on 16 October, ahead of the October General Affairs Council meeting that same day. We discussed developments in the ongoing negotiations between the EU and UK on the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
We also had a constructive exchange on the issue of fundamental rights and EU citizens’ rights in Northern Ireland, following from what was agreed in the Joint report from the negotiators of the European Union and the United Kingdom Government of 8 December 2017.
Mr Barnier later briefed EU27 Member States at the GAC Article 50, and EU leaders at the European Council Summit (Art. 50) on 17 October, on the negotiations.
Mr Barnier reported that, despite the intensive efforts of both sets of negotiators, it was not possible to make decisive progress ahead of the October European Council. There remains substantial work to be done, in particular in relation to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, he felt overall that a deal could be done in the coming weeks.
Regarding the backstop, Mr Barnier is well aware, and has been strongly supportive, of our position that a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland must be avoided under any circumstances. As the Taoiseach made clear at Council, the backstop is about peace in Ireland and the EU has a shared responsibility to protect this. Mr Barnier has been flexible and imaginative in seeking to find ways to address and de-dramatise this issue, and Ireland strongly supports his approach.
A legally operable ‘backstop’ which avoids a hard border, and protects the integrity of the single market, is essential for agreeing the Withdrawal Agreement, so as to provide the certainty that no matter what the outcome of the negotiations on the future relationship, there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland. As agreed last March, it must be in place unless and until another solution is found. This was clearly reaffirmed by all colleagues at the GAC, and subsequently at the European Council meeting on 17 October.
We are now in the end game of these negotiations, and time is short. We need to engage intensively over the coming weeks to make sure that we can successfully complete negotiations and agree a deal.
199. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the involvement of State bodies under his aegis or the details of representatives of State-backed banks that are attending Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43221/18]
View answerI am informed that none of the bodies under the aegis of my Department have an involvement in or have representatives attending Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative.
Regarding State-backed banks, my Department does not hold the information that the Deputy is requesting. However, officials from my Department have contacted the banks in question and have received the following responses:
AIB Investor Relations: “As far as we can ascertain, no one from AIB is attending the Saudi Arabia Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on 23-25 October.”
PTSB Investor Relations: “We have no representation at the event mentioned below”.
