Tuesday, 20 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 104-125

Brexit Negotiations

Questions (104, 125)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

104. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of his Department's discussions on Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48120/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

125. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his discussions with Mr. Michel Barnier with regard to the Brexit deal. [48407/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 125 together.

Last week, the draft text for the Withdrawal Agreement was agreed by the EU and UK negotiating teams and subsequently accepted by the UK cabinet. This is an important and welcome breakthrough in the Brexit process. It would not have been achieved without the commitment and professionalism of EU and the UK negotiators who have worked intensively over many months to reach this outcome.

The Government, at both political and official levels, has remained in intensive contact with Michel Barnier and the EU Taskforce, and with other Member States throughout the process, and this will continue. We have also maintained very good channels of communication with British counterparts.

Yesterday I attended a General Affairs Council (Article 50) and expressed my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Michel Barnier and the EU Task Force for their tireless efforts, and to our fellow EU27 Member States who have consistently demonstrated solidarity and understanding for our concerns throughout this process. They understand that the importance of avoiding a hard border is not about concerns over the economic fallout, but about the harm it would bring to communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, setting back the gains of the peace process considerably.

On Sunday 25 November, there will be a European Council to sign off on the finalised Withdrawal Agreement. This agreement fully achieves our priorities at this stage, and we will support it.

This is an important step, but still only a step, on a much larger journey. It is important to us to secure the deepest and most comprehensive relationship possible with the UK following its withdrawal from the EU. It is only through that relationship that we can secure the trade and other interests that are important to Ireland, the UK, and our EU partners.

None of this can be taken for granted, however.

Brexit will bring real changes for Ireland. My Department leads co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. It is in continuous contact with all government Departments and State Agencies to advance work our preparedness and contingency planning to ensure that Ireland is Brexit ready.

Given the impact of Brexit across all levels of society, the Government has also been engaged in substantial public communications campaign on Brexit preparedness. Our “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” campaign will continue over the coming weeks to build further awareness among the public and key sectoral audiences on the steps being taken by Government, and the various financial and other supports that are available to assist with Brexit preparedness.

Human Rights

Questions (105, 115)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

105. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has sought action either here or at EU level against Saudi Arabia following the killing of a person (details supplied). [48123/18]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

115. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the approach that has been taken by his Department in relation to the allegations that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the murder of a person (details supplied); and the way in which this compares to the approach taken regarding Russian diplomats and the Salisbury poisoning. [48050/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 115 together.

As I have stated on a number of occasions, Ireland believes it is very important that an independent and impartial investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi takes place. On 20 October, High Representative Federica Mogherini 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’. On 17 November, the High Representative issued a follow up statement reiterating this call and noting that ‘the need remains to shed full clarity on the circumstances surrounding this horrendous crime’. As previously mentioned in the Dáil, I met with Saudi Ambassador Al-Jubeir on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have reiterated Ireland’s concerns to the Ambassador in recent weeks.

Having called for an investigation, we must wait and give consideration to findings based on verifiable evidence, before considering next steps. Though the media reports of the case are disturbing, we are still lacking verifiable facts at this stage.

In the Salisbury case there was an EU decision to stand in solidarity with a Member State. This decision was taken on foot of extensive briefings by the UK and a compelling case made by Prime Minister May in support of her government’s assessment that it was highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the poisoning. Our decision to expel a Russian diplomat was made following an assessment that included various factors, including our own national security.

At the UN Human Rights Council in September, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Safety of Journalists’, condemning all violence against journalists and urging all states to ensure accountability for such attacks. Ireland also specifically raised the Khashoggi case at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 November in our intervention during the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.

Northern Ireland

Questions (106, 111)

Brendan Smith

Question:

106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to have the Assembly and Executive restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48072/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to restore the power sharing Assembly in Northern Ireland notwithstanding the issues such as Brexit that have impeded progress in that area; if the UK authorities are conscious of the dangers of allowing the internationally accepted agreement arising from the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent discussions to drift and the need to ensure that adequate cognisance is taken of the importance of continued dialogue commitment to the peace agreements throughout the island of Ireland and the UK and continued recognition of the importance of an international agreement signed and accepted by all parties.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48116/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 111 together.

Since the Northern Ireland Assembly elections of March 2017, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form a new power-sharing Executive.

Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. The absence of the Executive also means that the North South Ministerial Council cannot meet.

I am currently engaging with Secretary of State Bradley on how both Governments can most effectively secure the full operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I met with Secretary of State Bradley in Dublin on 17 September, in Belfast on 8 October, and most recently in Dublin on Friday 2 November at the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference. I spoke further with the Secretary of State by telephone on Monday 12 November.

Both Governments are continuing to engage with all of the political parties to seek a way forward to get the Institutions up and running again. All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and have provided views on their key concerns and issues.

In the period ahead, I believe a new political process is required to get beyond the current impasse and secure the necessary agreement between the parties on operating the devolved institutions again.

I do not underestimate the way to go in achieving that, but I firmly believe that a resolution is possible and that the calls from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland for the devolved institutions to operate will be heeded.

The Government is acutely conscious of the challenges that the UK exit from the European Union has presented for the political process in Northern Ireland and the totality of relationships addressed by the Good Friday Agreement. The Government has worked intensively with the Commission Task Force and all of our EU partners in the Article 50 process with the UK to secure the draft Withdrawal Agreement which was agreed between the EU and UK negotiators and published on 14 November, and which is now being considered by EU Member States and the UK. The Taoiseach has confirmed that the Withdrawal Agreement will protect the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the Peace Process and avoid a hard border on the island.

The Taoiseach and I in our engagement with the British Government and the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland have consistently underlined that, regardless of the challenges of the UK exit from the Union, there remains a pressing need to secure the operation of the devolved power-sharing institutions of the Agreement, which are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.

Middle East Issues

Questions (107)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

107. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the A Programme for A Partnership Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine has not been honoured to date. [48051/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Programme for Government states that Ireland will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict." Successive Governments have seen recognition coming in the context of an overall peace agreement. We have discussed here in the Oireachtas on a number of occasions the question of whether the formal recognition of Palestine, in advance of its full achievement on the ground, would be a helpful step in advancing a resolution of the Israel- Palestine conflict. I have also regularly discussed it with EU partners and with leaders in the region, including with President Abbas during his visit to Ireland in September.

One of the many factors bearing on this question is the importance of assessing whether recognition now would positively affect the peace process or merely be viewed as a symbolic gesture, swiftly overtaken and surpassed by events on the ground.

Unilateral recognition by Ireland will also undoubtedly affect Ireland’s ongoing influence on the Middle East Peace Process at EU and international level, and it is imperative that it does not diminish Ireland’s impact as a peace interlocutor without delivering a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people.

However, in the context of widespread frustration at the lack of political progress towards an agreement, and not least in light of the views expressed by the Dáil and the Seanad in 2014, I have stated that I will be ready to recommend immediate recognition of the State of Palestine to the Government if and when I believe it would be helpful in achieving our objective of a free and sovereign Palestinian state, or advancing the peace process to achieve it. I have not yet concluded that it would be helpful at this time, but situations change, and I keep this matter under continuous and active review.

Ireland remains fully committed to the resolution of the Middle East conflict, through an agreed settlement which includes the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine recognised by all, living side by side in peace with the State of Israel, bringing to an end to the occupation that began in 1967. All of my actions on this issue are taken in pursuit of that objective.

British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference

Questions (108, 112)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

108. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. [47145/18]

Brendan Smith

Question:

112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48073/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 112 together.

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place in Dublin on 2 November. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD, and I represented the Government. The UK Government was represented by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, David Lidington MP, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley MP.

Set up under the Good Friday Agreement, the Conference brings together the Irish and UK Governments to promote bilateral co-operation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments. Following on from the BIIGC in London on 25 July, the meeting on 2 November provided the opportunity to continue our discussions on legacy issues, security co-operation, East-West matters, and political stability in Northern Ireland.

At the meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to implementing the framework established in the 2014 Stormont House Agreement to comprehensively address the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past, taking account of the UK Government’s public consultation on establishing the legacy institutions.

On security co-operation, both Governments recalled the commitments made in the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement to ending paramilitarism and welcomed the first report of the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) established under that Agreement. In considering the findings and recommendations contained in the report, the Conference noted in particular the IRC’s view that the full operation of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement is essential to ending paramilitarism and achieving community transformation.

The Conference discussed a joint paper by Irish and British officials which outlined a number of possible models to maintain and strengthen the high level of bilateral co-operation between Ireland and the UK after it leaves the European Union. Both Governments agreed that these new structures for systemic bilateral co-operation should demonstrate the strength and depth of the relationship, provide opportunities for ministers and officials to continue to engage with each other, and provide an overall architecture for cooperation that is both meaningful and sustainable in the future.

As announced following the Conference, this model would include top level summits involving Heads of Government and senior ministers and would alternate between locations in Ireland and the UK. These summits would be supported by close bilateral work by ministers. Officials on both sides have been asked to turn these ideas into a detailed practical plan of work with a view to presenting a fully worked through proposal for future East-West cooperation for consideration at the next meeting of the Conference.

The Conference provided both Governments the opportunity to reaffirm our strong support for the Good Friday and subsequent Agreements. It was recognised that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement have been essential for the progress made in Northern Ireland over the past two decades and that they remain the indispensable framework for the political process in Northern Ireland. Both Governments reiterated their shared commitment to securing the operation of the devolved power-sharing Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly and the consequent resumption of meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council at the earliest opportunity.

It was agreed that the BIIGC would reconvene in Spring 2019.

Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 81.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (110)

Clare Daly

Question:

110. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of discussions at EU level that are taking place in relation to the EU advocating for the withdrawal of foreign military powers from Syria in order to facilitate an end to the conflict in that country on the basis of dialogue between domestic political forces there. [48080/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland and the EU firmly believe that there can be no military solution to the Syria crisis. The misery caused by the long-running conflict in Syria has been further prolonged by military support which has been provided to the Assad regime. There are significant Iranian forces in Syria, which have been assisting the regime in the violent suppression of its own people. This is unhelpful and unwelcome. It is also quite clear that Russia’s support for the Assad regime has prolonged the suffering of the Syrian people. Russia has also repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, which has seriously undermined the protection of Syrian civilians. Turkey has borne a heavy burden in terms of knock-on effects of the conflict, including hosting millions of refugees, as well as a risk of spill-over of violence and its concern about the conflict raging on its southern border is therefore understandable. Our messages to Turkey, in relation to its operations in Syria, have emphasised our overarching concern for the protection of civilians, including in the context of this particular operation, and urged caution to avoid escalating the conflict any further. Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the border, especially displaced and vulnerable communities. The Syria crisis is high on the EU agenda, and was last discussed at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Vienna in August, where EU support for the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict was restated. EU Foreign Ministers met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan di Mistura, in the margins of the UN General Assembly in September this year, and reaffirmed our strong support for his work and that of his team. The EU provides direct assistance to the Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.

The EU’s consistent position since the crisis began has been that the conflict can only be resolved by the Syrian people themselves. The UN Special Envoy’s work to bring about an end the conflict is undertaken in accordance with the 2012 Geneva Communiqué and UN Security Council resolution 2254, which are clear on the need for this to be a Syrian-led political process. We support UNSE di Mistura’s ongoing efforts to establish a constitutional committee, made up of Syrians of different political views, to chart the way forward for the country.

I take this opportunity to reiterate my unreserved condemnation of the violence perpetrated against civilians that has characterised the Syrian conflict to date. I have frequently called on all regional actors, and all those involved in the Syria conflict, to show restraint and avoid any escalation, which could further undermine regional stability, as well as adding to the suffering of civilians. I have also called on all parties with influence on the Syrian regime to exert that influence to ensure that civilians are protected, and to encourage the Syrian Government to engage fully with the UN-led peace process.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 106.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 108.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 100.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (114)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

114. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the embassies and consulates that have been opened in the past year; and the number planned for 2019. [48125/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In June of this year my colleagues and I in Government, launched ‘Global Ireland’, an ambitious plan to double the impact of Ireland’s Global Footprint by the year 2025. A key part of this plan is investing in our presence overseas – deepening our network by strengthening our presence in key existing locations and opening new offices which will leverage the opportunities to grow our trade and inward investment, to further strengthen political relationships with our partners and promote our values, and to support Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad. I believe it is prudent and wise to invest now in that global presence and I am delighted to say that work is well under way on the initial phase of the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network.

The Government has approved the set-up of 13 new offices including the opening of new embassies and consulates in Wellington, Vancouver, Bogotá, Santiago de Chile, Amman, Mumbai, Cardiff, LA, Frankfurt, Kyiv, Manila and Rabat. The Irish Aid office in Monrovia is also being upgraded to an Embassy.

The new offices in Wellington and Vancouver opened in August and October 2018 respectively. These openings marked significant milestones in our expansion plan and I look forward to the next group of openings which will include the opening of new Embassies in Santiago de Chile, Bogotá, and Amman; and new Consulates General in Mumbai and Cardiff in early 2019. Planning is also underway for the opening of Consulates General in Frankfurt and LA in quarter four of 2019 and the opening of Embassies in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat within a tight timeframe thereafter.

The locations for new missions were identified on the basis of maximising impact in promoting our economic and political interests; expanding our influence in terms of values and in delivering clear benefits for the State.

Global Ireland recognises the importance of reinforcing our existing network to enable us to better shape and influence international events in our interests. It will allow us to play a more active role in supporting and promoting a rules based international environment and will help us play our full role in addressing some of the global challenges that will impact us over the period ahead.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 105.

Brexit Issues

Questions (116)

Niall Collins

Question:

116. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to put new formal structures for dialogue in place between Ireland and the UK in recognition of the need to maintain close ties post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48017/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The question of new structures for dialogue between Ireland and the UK post-Brexit was considered at a recent meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference, which took place in Dublin on 2 November. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD, and I represented the Government. The UK Government was represented by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, David Lidington MP, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley MP.

At the Conference, we discussed a joint paper prepared by Irish and British officials. The paper outlined a number of possible models to maintain and strengthen the high level of bilateral co-operation between Ireland and the UK after it leaves the European Union. Both Governments agreed that these new structures for systemic bilateral co-operation should demonstrate the strength and depth of the relationship, provide opportunities for ministers and officials to continue to engage with each other, and provide an overall architecture for cooperation that is both meaningful and sustainable in the future.

As announced following the Conference, this model would include top level summits involving Heads of Government and senior ministers and would alternate between Ireland and the UK. These summits would be supported by close bilateral work by ministers. Officials on both sides have been asked to turn these ideas into a detailed practical plan of work with a view to presenting a fully worked through proposal for future East-West cooperation for consideration at the next meeting of the Conference. The next meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference will take place in spring 2019.

Middle East Issues

Questions (117, 123)

Seán Crowe

Question:

117. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn Israel’s unilateral violation of the ceasefire in Gaza by its military forces which has resulted in deaths on both sides; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Gaza remains under an illegal Israeli blockade and that Israel continues to carry out human rights abuses against its inhabitants; and the steps he is taking to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza and that the illegal blockade is lifted. [48132/18]

Gino Kenny

Question:

123. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent raid by Israeli covert special forces which resulted in the killing of seven Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the destruction of a six storey residential building which housed a kindergarten; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48012/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 123 together.

The recent large-scale outbreak of attacks in both directions across the Gaza border was reportedly preceded by an incursion of a covert Israeli unit deep into Gaza on 11 November, and subsequent fighting when its presence was detected. I do not know what the intended purpose of this incursion was, but the effect seems to have been tragically counterproductive, at a time when a temporary ceasefire was in operation, and a long term truce in relation to Gaza seemed to have been in prospect.

However, this provides no justification whatsoever for the very large-scale firing of rockets into Israel in retaliation. There appear to have been several hundred such rockets in a single day, and this could easily have resulted in much higher civilian casualties. Israeli forces, as is always the case, responded by attacking targets in Gaza they associate with Hamas.

A reported eight people have been killed by hundreds of aerial attacks in each direction. In addition, very large numbers of civilians on both sides, including young children, spent many hours sheltering from such attacks, which must have been a traumatic experience.

In view of the potential for further escalation, it is very welcome that an effective ceasefire was quickly re-established, and I commend all who were instrumental in achieving that, notably Egypt. I hope that this will allow progress towards a more durable truce to resume.

More importantly than what triggered this episode, these events strongly reinforce what I have stressed in all my discussions on Gaza, both in the region and at EU and international level. So long as the situation in Gaza is allowed to fester, these outbreaks of violence, each one threatening to be bigger and more destructive than the last, will only recur. The blockade is inhumane, and should be ended. All parties need to consider and attempt ways to change the dynamic and break this cycle. Such possibilities have been a major feature of my own discussions on Gaza, and Ireland is advancing specific projects on educational scholarships and power infrastructure to contribute to this effort.

Brexit Issues

Questions (118)

James Browne

Question:

118. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with his UK counterpart the issue of border checks on trucks originating here and arriving in the UK from Rosslare Europort but plan to travel onwards to another country within the Euopean Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47991/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government’s planning for Brexit has from the start included issues relating to the continued effective use of the UK landbridge, including by trucks originating in Rosslare Europort. This is a priority for the Government, given the importance of the landbridge in getting Irish products, in particular agri-food products, to market on continental Europe. This is an important issue with regard to protecting the competitiveness of our producers and ensuring continued unhampered access to the EU Single Market. A Landbridge Project Group is chaired by my Department and involves all relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, the Department of Health, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The Project Group has met four times to date.

Work on is being taken forward in two strands. The first is through the Article 50 negotiations. In the mandate provided to the European Commission by the EU27 in May 2017, it was agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement would take account of Ireland’s unique geographic situation, including the transit of goods (to and from Ireland via the UK).

The importance of maintaining the landbridge has been recognised and agreed through the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland in the draft Withdrawal Agreement which reaffirms the commitment of the UK to facilitate the efficient and timely transit through the UK of goods moving from Ireland to another EU Member State or another country, or vice versa.

To this end, I also welcome the UK’s formal notification to the European Commission of its intention to join the Common Transit Convention. The UK’s accession to the Common Travel Convention will play an important role in ensuring Ireland’s access to other EU Member States via the UK landbridge.

The second strand is our work with the European Commission and other affected Member States (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden) with a view to preparing EU ports to facilitate the transit of EU products through the UK once it becomes a third country through the use of EU rules on internal transit set out under the Union’s Custom Code. This work is intensifying and good progress is being made.

Relevant Departments have also been tasked by the Government to roll out detailed Action Plans with a view to advancing, as appropriate, the mitigating measures which have been identified in the areas of their responsibility from the planning to the implementation phase. In line with this approach, the Government has already approved a number of key Brexit preparedness measures focused on East-West trade which will also take account of the continued use of the landbridge.

Middle East Issues

Questions (119)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the killing of 200 Palestinians by the Israeli Defence Forces since the beginning of the great march for return in March 2018 with his counterparts in Europe; if he will meet with the Israeli Ambassador for urgent discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47967/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I, and my Department, have been monitoring the increase in violence in Gaza over the past number of months with great anxiety. These events that have led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians, and the wounding of very many more, were senseless and avoidable.

I have given a high priority to the Middle East conflict since I assumed office, and discuss it regularly with my European colleagues, as well as with my Israeli and Palestinian counterparts during my visits to the region. Following the horrific events of 14 May 2018 in Gaza, I summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Iveagh House to convey the Government’s view that the actions by Israeli security forces were unjustified and unacceptable. I made clear, as I have done publicly, that Israel’s right to defend itself did not justify these actions.

I also raised Gaza with my EU counterparts, at the Foreign Affairs Council in May. I stressed the need to find practical ways to begin to ease the situation there, and to provide hope for an end to the cycle of recurring violence. Once again, we reiterated out commitment to reviving the political process, along the lines of the two- state solution.

Subsequently, Ireland and other states requested the calling of a Special Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to discuss these events. At that session, Ireland co-sponsored a motion in which the Human Rights Council set up a commission of inquiry into what happened. Ireland also supported a resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York which called for examination of means of protecting Palestinian civilians.

Ireland has worked consistently, particularly at EU and UN level, to encourage international attention to focus on the long running and worsening problems in Gaza, and the need to end the restrictions imposed by Israel which have a debilitating effect on the population, as well as the need to end rocket fire, shootings, and other violence in both directions.

I have met the new Israeli Ambassador and raised with him my increasing concerns about the effects of the ongoing occupation of Palestine. I will continue to raise my concerns at every appropriate opportunity.

I have replied separately to other Questions today about the exchange of fire across the Gaza border, which took place in the last week.

UN Security Council

Questions (120)

Niall Collins

Question:

120. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Ireland’s efforts to win a seat on the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48018/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland is seeking election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. The election will take place in the General Assembly of the United Nations in June 2020.Ireland’s candidature was announced in 2005 and the campaign underway and intensifying as the election date draws closer.

Alongside the Taoiseach and cabinet colleagues, I am taking advantage of every available opportunity to promote Ireland’s candidature and make the case for the strong and independent role we would play on the Council. In addition, my Department’s diplomatic staff in Ireland, our Permanent Representation to the UN in New York, and our entire Embassy network have been actively presenting our case and seeking support.

At the United Nations General Assembly this year, the theme for the General Debate was "Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”.

I delivered Ireland’s National Statement to the General Debate in which I emphasised Ireland’s strong support for multilateralism as the best way to address global problems. I stated our conviction that we are stronger acting collectively than acting alone. We do not hold that unilateralism and protectionism are viable alternatives to the multilateral system.

Ireland is a global island, and it is our conviction, in today’s interdependent world, that we must live in each other’s shelter and not in each other’s shadow.

While attending September’s UN General Assembly, An Taoiseach, Minister of State Cannon and I met with a large number of Heads of State and Government and Ministers from all regions. During these constructive bilateral engagements, we received a strong hearing.

Ireland’s track record at the UN is widely respected as is our sense of Empathy, Partnership and Independence which are hallmarks of our Security Council campaign. Through all of our interactions and the extensive range of meetings taking place in the coming months, UN Member States will be very aware of Ireland’s candidature, our commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism and the values we seek to bring to the work of the Security Council.

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Questions (121)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

121. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional level of expenditure allocated to Irish Aid in 2019 under budget 2019; the areas in which the additional moneys will be allocated; and the locations in which the extra spending will be committed by programme. [48126/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

For 2019, the Government has allocated almost €817 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This level of allocation represents an increase of approximately €110 million – or 16% on the revised 2018 budget allocation. Of this, €544.9 million will be managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose Vote 27 – International Co-operation – is known publicly as Irish Aid. The allocation to Vote 27 has been increased by €44 million, or almost 9% on last year’s allocation.

Priorities will be determined in the detailed programme budget planning cycle for Irish Aid in 2019, a process that will be completed before the end of this year. The Government is committed to increased allocations to education, to humanitarian assistance and to peacebuilding. Tackling climate change is another policy priority area that will benefit from the extra budget resources in 2019.

Irish support for development cooperation is a basis for partnerships across the globe, reaching 130 countries in 2017. Our development cooperation is given in support of countries development needs, typically in response to their poverty reduction strategies, and through the provision of humanitarian assistance in response to emergencies and protracted crises.

A further estimated €272 million of Ireland’s overall ODA will be managed through other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU Development Co-operation Budget. This represents an increase of €65 million on 2018.

Brexit Issues

Questions (122)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

122. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the backstop agreement between the EU and the UK Government with regard to ensuring a no-hard Border on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48118/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

From the outset of the Brexit negotiations, the Government has been clear on the need to ensure that a hard border cannot return to the island of Ireland. The backstop, included in the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland in the draft Withdrawal Agreement agreed by EU and UK negotiators, and accepted by the UK Cabinet, achieves this. We hope it will not be needed. Both sides are committed to the negotiation of a future EU-UK relationship that will be sufficiently close and comprehensive as to make it unnecessary. However, if a future relationship agreement delivering that outcome is not operable by 31 December 2020, or by the end of any extended transition period, if that is requested, the backstop will apply unless and until it is superseded by alternative arrangements that ensure the same outcome.

In the event that the backstop were applied, there would be a single EU-UK customs territory, negating the need for tariffs, quotas or checks on rules of origin between the EU and the UK.

The EU and the UK have agreed on a set of measures to ensure that there would be a level playing field between the EU and the UK.

Certain elements, such as the Union’s Custom Code, will continue to apply to Northern Ireland, ensuring that Northern Irish businesses will not be subject to restrictions when selling into the EU’s Single Market. They will also be aligned with a limited set of rules related to the EU’s Single Market that are essential to avoiding a hard border. This includes elements related to legislation on goods, SPS checks, agricultural controls and VAT and excise in respect of goods.

This meets the commitments given by the UK last December that, in the absence of a full agreement to avoid a hard border as part of the future relationship, the UK would maintain full alignment with those rules of the Single Market and Customs Union necessary to protect the all-island economy, North-South Cooperation and the Good Friday Agreement.

Let me be clear. We hope this backstop is never needed, but its inclusion is a necessary insurance policy to guarantee that a hard border never returns to the island of Ireland.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 117.

Brexit Issues

Questions (124)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

124. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagement with the EU Brexit negotiating team and the UK Government with a view to ensuring regulatory alignment on agriculture matters post the UK leaving the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48119/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I, as well as officials from my Department, am in ongoing contact with representatives of EU Member States, the Commission Task Force under Michel Barnier, and the UK. We liaise very closely on agricultural issues with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his officials.As regards the movement of animals and agricultural products between North and South, the backstop in the draft Withdrawal Agreement agreed on 14 November at negotiator level and endorsed by the British cabinet provides for the necessary regulatory alignment between Northern Ireland and the EU on those elements of the EU Single Market relevant to the avoidance of a hard border. They includes sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls, and rules on agricultural production and marketing.

With regard to the future EU-UK relationship, both the EU and the UK have identified cooperation in the area of agriculture and trade in agri-food products as important aspects of the future trading relationship. Ireland wants the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK, including in the area of trade, and in particular as regards agriculture and trade in agri-foods. This will be a priority for us in negotiations on the future relationship. A draft political declaration of the future relationship, to be adopted at the extraordinary European Council Summit on 25 November, will form the basis for negotiations on a detailed legal agreement once the UK has left the EU on 29 March 2019.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 104.