Written Answers Nos. 147-165
147. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to ongoing concerns in respect of the health and welfare of the person; if he will consider offering the person and the person's family asylum here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48055/18]
View answerUnder Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs.
I am aware of the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of Blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction. Since the Supreme Court decision, I have received a number of Parliamentary Questions enquiring about the actons I have taken on this case and asking whether Ireland will offer asylum to Ms Bibi and her family.
I continue to follow developments in the case and strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are. Minister Flanagan raised concerns on the blasphemy laws with his Pakistani counterpart on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2016. Minister Flanagan also raised the case with the Pakistani Chargé d’Affaires en pied in January 2016. The European Union has also raised the case with the Pakistani authorities.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. I am well aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.
The Minister for Justice and Equality is aware of this case from his previous position as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and has followed developments in the case. Ms Bibi has not indicated a wish to come to Ireland and should such a wish be indicated, Minister Flanagan will look favourably on her case.
149. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of all State visits his Department is organising. [43911/18]
View answerState Visits provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests internationally and contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States.
A State Visit is the highest level of official visit from one country to another. It is undertaken by a Head of State and takes place at the invitation of one State to another.
State Visits differ from and are less frequent than other types of visit, such as Official or Working Visits. Since January 2018, there has been one State Visit to Ireland, by His Excellency Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, which took place between 14 and 15 February 2018. President Higgins has undertaken two State Visits abroad in 2018, to the Hellenic Republic from 21 to 24 February 2018, and to Latvia from 17 to 18 June 2018.
State Visits to Ireland include an official welcome ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance, a State Dinner hosted by the President and calls on the Taoiseach and the Oireachtas. Other elements can include business and community receptions and visits to places of historical, educational or cultural interest. State Visits abroad by the President normally include elements similar to these.
Possible State Visits to and from Ireland will be considered and confirmed in due course.
150. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of the UK's accession to the common transit convention with his European colleagues; and the details of such engagement to date. [48137/18]
View answerThe Government’s preparedness and contingency planning for Brexit has from the start included issues relating to the continued effective use of the UK landbridge. This is a priority for the Government given its importance for Irish exporters and importers as a means of access to the rest of the single market, in particular with regard to agri-food products. This is an important issue with regard to protecting the competitiveness of our producers and ensuring continued unhampered access to the EU Single Market.
To this end, I 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.
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.
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.
151. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he will announce the results of the election monitoring panel competition that closed on 20 August 2018; if the results will be announced before the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48228/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to responses to the following related parliamentary questions, namely Question 43 of 11 October 2018, Question 36 of 9 October 2018, and Question 70 of 7 September 2018.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The call for applications to establish a new election observation roster was issued on 2 July 2018. A total of 395 applications were received by the deadline of 17:30 on 20 August 2018.
Applications from individuals who applied to join the International Election Observation Roster have been appraised according to the criteria and competencies contained in the application form. An external company was contracted to ensure quality assurance across the panels marking applications. The Quality Assurance process is ongoing. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the QA process, the Department will release results to all applicants no later than 30 November 2018.
An update on the call for Election Observers was published on the Department’s website on Friday, 16 November 2018.
152. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons from Great Britain and Northern Ireland who have applied for an Irish passport in each of the years 2012 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [48253/18]
View answerThe Passport Service receives applications through a range of channels, including the online passport application service. The following figures reflect the numbers received through all channels.
|
Year |
Passport applications from Great Britain |
Passport applications from Northern Ireland |
|
2012 |
45,646 |
41,124 |
|
2013 |
42,441 |
44,122 |
|
2014 |
43,449 |
48,475 |
|
2015 |
46,229 |
53,715 |
|
2016 |
63,453 |
67,582 |
|
2017 |
80,752 |
82,274 |
|
*2018 |
73,583 |
85,180 |
*Figures from 1 January to 31 October.
153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had contact with the authorities in Great Britain or Northern Ireland about the conditions in the segregated wing of HMP Magheraberry and the need to urgently implement fully the agreement arrived at in Roe House in 2010; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48271/18]
View answerI am aware of the Deputy’s ongoing concerns about the accommodation situation for prisoners in Maghaberry Prison.
The management of the prison is a matter for the Northern Ireland Prison Service, an agency of the Department of Justice at Stormont. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s day-to-day role is limited to adjudicating on prisoners' access to the separated regime which separates paramilitary prisoners from the rest of the prison population, as well as loyalist prisoners from republican prisoners.
As the Deputy knows, the Stocktake of the 2010 agreement between the NI Prison Service and the prisoners in the separated regime at Maghaberry was published in November 2014. It made a number of recommendations to be implemented within a period of six months. At the time, the Government’s strong view was that the full implementation of the Stocktake report offered an opportunity to create a conflict-free environment in the prison. This view was conveyed to the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms. Theresa Villiers MP, to the then Minister of Justice in the Stormont Executive, Mr. David Ford MLA, and to their officials.
My officials at the Belfast Secretariat continue to engage on an ongoing basis with a range of parties including the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC), and others to discuss, explore and encourage progress. In recent months, officials from the Belfast Secretariat have met with members of the Education and training provision review for separated prisoners. In addition, a senior official from the Secretariat recently met the governor of Maghaberry and discussed a range of issues.
Officials remain in contact with the Criminal Justice Inspectorate for Northern Ireland whose most recent report on conditions in the prison, issued in August 2017, noted that health and educational provision is improving and that levels of disorder and violence were generally low. That report also found that there were still significant challenges around the separated regime, and officials have continued to monitor developments.
In seeking satisfactory outcomes in Maghaberry, the cooperation of both the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the prisoners themselves is required. I would encourage all with influence to move forward in the right spirit. The restoration of the Executive at Stormont and the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Minister for Justice would also be of great assistance in addressing the issues facing Northern Irish prisons.
154. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that trade between Ireland and both Northern Ireland and the island of Britain will continue unimpeded after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48272/18]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he remains satisfied that the recently announced draft Brexit agreement will stabilise the European Union while safeguarding the interests of the island of Ireland, North and South, and its relationship with the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48358/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 159 together.
Last week agreement was reached between EU and UK negotiators on the text of the Withdrawal Agreement. On 14 November, Prime Minister May and her cabinet indicated that, for the British Government, the draft text of the Withdrawal Agreement is an acceptable basis on which to proceed.
This is a very significant and welcome breakthrough in the Brexit process.
EU and UK negotiators have worked intensively, with great commitment and professionalism over a long period to achieve this.
There is no ‘good’ Brexit for Ireland. We deeply regret the UK’s decision to leave, however much we respect that decision. For us, the objective with Brexit has always been to minimise the damage and to lay the best possible groundwork for the future.
Even in the best possible agreement, it is still the case that the UK is leaving the EU, and that will bring change. However it was and continues to be absolutely necessary that any change that did occur would not result in a hard border on the island of Ireland.
This Withdrawal Agreement does that. It also underpins, in a dynamic way, continuing North/South cooperation and the all-island economy.
It provides for the maintenance of the Common Travel Area, ensuring that the arrangements by which Irish and British citizens can live, work and access services in each other’s countries, will continue into the future.
It confirms that people in the North will continue to enjoy rights as EU citizens.
It provides for a period of transition in which all of us can prepare for the new relationship between the EU and the UK, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
In addition, the Single Electricity Market will be maintained on the island of Ireland and North South cooperation will continue in a range of important areas.
While this is an important achievement, there is still considerable work to be done.
President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, has called an extraordinary European Council Summit for 25 November so that the Agreement can be finalised and formalized.
It will then be for Westminster and the European Parliament to consider the agreement according to their respective procedures.
None of this can be taken for granted.
This is an important step, but only a step on a much longer journey. It is important for 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. We are absolutely committed to working closely with the UK, and our EU partners, to achieve that end.
155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and other consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48303/18]
View answerMy Department engages in advertising and public awareness campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens. Some examples of these campaigns have included the Online Passport Renewals Service and a ‘Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe’ initiative. A public information campaign to promote awareness of Government-wide supports and resources that are available to assist with Brexit preparedness is also currently being coordinated by my Department.
In the time available it has only proved possible to gather information requested by the Deputy for the period 2016-to date. Details of relevant advertising campaigns carried out during this timeframe are as follows.
2018
Online Passport Renewals Service
In 2018 we have concentrated on highlighting the Online Passport Renewal Service as a fast and secure way for adults to renew their passports. Specific activities have included advertisements in local publications throughout the country and on social media platforms, press releases and attendance at relevant promotional events, as well as participation by the Director of the Passport Service in over 25 interviews on regional radio stations. The direct costs of advertising to raise public awareness in this regard are set out in Table 1.
Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe
Against the background of debate which is underway at EU level and beyond about how best to address the challenges of a rapidly changing the world, and in cooperation with European Movement Ireland, my Department hosted a series of ‘Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe’ events throughout spring 2018. These events took place in Galway, Cork, Donegal, Kildare, Meath and Dublin and enabled citizens to share ideas and priorities on the future of Europe and on such themes as the economy, security, social responsibility and globalisation.
To raise awareness of these opportunities for citizens to engage with and attend these events, my Department undertook a communications campaign that included advertisements in local papers and on local radio in each of the locations concerned. The direct costs of this advertising are set out in Table 1.
Ireland’s Campaign for Election to the UN Security Council
On 2 July 2018, the Taoiseach and I publicly launched Ireland’s campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in June 2020 for the 2021-2022 term. Ireland’s campaign is premised on three themes: Empathy, Partnership and Independence. To coincide with this launch, my Department used social media platforms to promote public awareness of Ireland’s campaign online and the direct costs incurred in this regard are set out in Table 1.
Public Consultations on I nternational Development Policy
A public consultation process in relation to Ireland’s new international development policy took place in 5 locations around the country over the period July – October 2018. The goal of the process was to hear the views of the public on how Ireland’s international development policy can contribute towards meeting the ambitious objectives of such initiatives as the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals agreed by the United Nations in 2015. To raise awareness of these opportunities for the citizens to engage and attend these events, my Department undertook a communications campaign that included advertisements in local papers. The direct costs of this advertising are set out in Table 1.
Government Brexit Update and ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’
The Government Brexit Update email service and the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready public information campaign forms part of the Government’s overall strategy to keep the Irish public fully informed and up-to date on the implications and challenges of Brexit.
The Update is issuing on a regular basis via a commercial provider (MailChimp) and provides information on latest developments in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, on the latest available research publications and on engagement at Government level. It also highlights the range of business supports that are available through the various Government Departments and State agencies.
My Department is also coordinating a Government-wide ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready Campaign’ which I and Ministers Humphreys and Creed launched together on 20 September. This campaign has updated citizens, communities and businesses about Brexit preparedness and support measures that are available as well as public workshop events which were held over successive weeks throughout October. A programme of awareness raising via web and social media platforms and radio and print media advertising also took place.
2017
Online Passport Renewals Service
In 2017 to coincide with the launch of the online adult passport renewals facility, my Department advertised in order to ensure awareness by citizens of this innovative service.
The advertising in question took the form of a multi-format outdoor transport campaign combined with digital units in Dublin and Belfast Airports to promote the online passport service. The outdoor transport campaign ran over two two-week cycles in May and June 2017. The digital units in Dublin and Belfast Airports ran from May to August. In addition to the outdoor campaign, a further online and social media campaign was also run with ads being placed around digital articles and social media activity on travel-related themes. This part of the campaign ran from April until August of 2017.
2016
TravelWise App
In 2016, my Department launched the TravelWise smartphone app to help Irish people traveling abroad to stay safe and informed while traveling, living or working overseas. TravelWise makes all of the Department’s travel advice available to citizens offline and in their pockets as well as being a valuable messaging tool for use by our Consular Service during a crisis situation overseas. My Department advertised the TravelWise app widely to ensure a good uptake of this valuable service by citizens.
Table 1: Online Advertising and Public Awareness Campaigns Expenditure 2016-to date
2018
|
Campaign/Theme |
Supplier |
Cost |
|
Online Passport Renewals (March 2018-June 2018) |
Mediavest |
€40,538.65 |
|
Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe - (Feb-May 2018) |
Topic Media, Celtic, Media, Highland Radio, Connacht Tribune, River Media, Irish Examiner, LMFM Radio & Galway Advertiser |
€6,473 |
|
UN Security Council Campaign July 2018 |
Twitter and Facebook |
€461 |
|
Government Brexit Update (Jan 2018 - to date) |
Twitter and MailChimp |
€1,280.08 |
|
Getting Ireland Brexit Ready (20 Sept 2018 - to date) |
PhD Media/TBWA |
28,948.10 |
|
Transforming Our World public consultations |
Mediavest & Vermillion Design |
€6,653.53 |
2017
|
Campaign/Theme |
Supplier |
Cost |
|
Public Information Campaign to raise awareness of the Online Passport Service (April to August 2017) |
MEC |
€210,324.15 |
2016
|
Campaign/Theme |
Supplier |
Cost |
|
Public Notices |
Golden Pages |
€5,881.86 |
|
Public Advisories & Notices/ |
Media Vest |
€12,039.67 |
|
TravelWise |
Focus Advertising |
€27,606 |
156. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the situation of detainees in a prison (details supplied) going on hunger strike; the efforts being made at EU level to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48312/18]
View answerOver the past seven years, we have been horrified by the suffering caused by the Syria conflict, and by the acts of the Assad regime in relation to its people. This conflict actually began, in March 2011, as a result of popular revulsion against the mistreatment of people in custody.
Ireland and the EU have repeatedly condemned violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria, some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. Ireland has called on numerous occasions for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court.
I am aware of reports that a hunger strike began in Hama Central Prison on 12 November. The same prison was reported to be the site of conflict in 2016 when hundreds of detainees were reported to have protested over the transfer of prisoners to the notorious Saydnaya prison near Damascus, where they expected to be sentenced to death by an extra-judicial military tribunal.
It has been reported that the current hunger strike was commenced by prisoners in protest of death sentences issued against them by the Assad regime. Ireland is opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. Accordingly, Ireland, together with the rest of the EU, seeks the universal abolition of the death penalty.
I unreservedly condemn any violation of the human rights of prisoners, and call on all parties to the Syria conflict to ensure protection of human rights. The EU has made very clear, over a period of many years, our strong condemnation of all the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Assad regime. The regime is in no doubt about the strength of our views.
157. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the criteria for selection for OSCE election observation missions; the weightings attached to the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48313/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to related parliamentary questions on this matter Question 71 of 7 September 2018, Question 138 of 10 July 2018, Questions 167 of 4 July 2018, Questions 167 and 172 of 25 October 2017, Questions 357 and 358 of 13 December 2016, Question 243 of 2 November 2016, Questions 157 and 158 of 20 October 2016, and Questions 335, 336 and 337 of 14 June 2016.
International election observation missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The criteria for selection for OSCE election observation missions is exactly the same as applied in all observation missions, which was set out in the Information Note for Applicants accompanying the call for applications to join the Election Observation Roster established in 2013.
For each election observation mission to which Ireland proposes to deploy observers, all roster members are invited to express their interest in the mission with a view to ensuring the widest possible participation. A shortlist is drawn up based on the specific criteria set out by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience, language proficiency, gender and length of time since serving on a mission. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate new observers or observers with limited experience. However, the final decision rests with the inviting body, usually the OSCE or the European Union.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he expects the draft Brexit proposals to be approved by all parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48357/18]
View answerThe Brexit negotiations have been a long and complex process, and we should first welcome the progress made in getting to the current juncture.
Prime Minister May’s Cabinet have indicated that, for their side, the draft text for the Withdrawal Agreement is an acceptable basis on which to proceed towards a meeting of the European Council to sign-off on it.
We can now look ahead to a meeting of the European Council on 25 November to endorse what has been proposed, and it will then be for the UK Parliament and the European Parliament to give their respective approval in accordance with their own procedures.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and his EU and-or UN colleagues continue to monitor the situation in various trouble spots globally including Yemen, Syria and on the African continent with particular reference to non-compliance with international human rights standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48359/18]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights internationally is a foreign policy priority for my Department. Ireland works closely with EU and UN partners in the multilateral fora to monitor non-compliance with international human rights standards.
Ireland frequently raises issues of human rights abuses, in a national capacity, through the human rights mechanisms of the UN including the Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York. At the most recent session of the Human Rights Council, in September 2018, Ireland made a national intervention during the Interactive Dialogues with the Commissions of Inquiry on Syria and South Sudan. During this session, Ireland also expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Yemen and South Sudan in our statement during the Item 4 General Debate.
During the most recent session of the Universal Periodic Review, which concluded last week in Geneva, Ireland made two recommendations to all fourteen countries under review. Countries under review included Senegal, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Chad and Congo. Recommendations covered issues such as eradication of Female Genital Mutilation, LGBTI rights, human rights defenders, sexual violence, the death penalty and freedom of association and assembly.
Ireland strongly believes in the importance of multilateral engagement, both in a national capacity and through the EU. Ireland inputs into EU policy through meetings of the EU Working Party on Human Rights in Brussels and coordination with the EU Delegation in New York and Geneva. At the current session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the EU delivered a statement on behalf of all member states on “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”. This statement made reference to a number of country specific human rights situations including in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. During the 39th session of the Human Rights Council, the EU also delivered a statement during the Item 4 General Debate. This statement expressed concern over the human rights situations in, among others, Yemen and South Sudan.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community continues to positively influence the situation in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to encourage peace initiatives between Israel and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48360/18]
View answerThe peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and I have made clear my view that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued political vacuum. Ireland has worked consistently to maintain an international focus on the issue, and support for the two state solution.
The EU remains firmly committed to a two state solution to the conflict. With the prospects for peace continuing to deteriorate on the ground EU Foreign Ministers have discussed the Peace Process on numerous occasions over the last year, most recently at the informal Foreign Ministers meeting in August. There we considered how the EU can productively engage and better use all the levers at our disposal to influence the parties to the conflict. We must ensure that the EU’s support for the region is focused on delivery of the two-state solution.
However, there is also great concern among EU colleagues about threats to the viability of that solution, stemming principally from the settlement policy of the Israeli Government. The Middle East Peace Process has been effectively stalled for four years now.
Along with other EU colleagues I have sought to encourage and influence the United States in its current consideration of a Middle East initiative, so long as it addresses the needs of both parties to the conflict. And I have indicated my intention to hold an informal ministerial meeting in Ireland, for a small number of Arab and European Foreign Ministers. I believe this style of gathering could be useful in promoting the exchange of ideas on how to restart the stagnated peace process.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the bilateral aid programme continues to reach those for whom it was intended with the least interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48361/18]
View answer163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures continuously in operation in respect of international aid in view of the necessity to ensure that all such aid reaches its intended targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48362/18]
View answer165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland’s international aid programme remains unconditional as opposed to some countries which currently promote an aid for trade policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48364/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 163 and 165 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas development assistance programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Ireland’s development assistance programme is focused on delivering our goals of reducing poverty and hunger, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and building more equitable and better systems of governance.
Ireland’s aid programme is delivered through a wide range of partners and channels, including partner government systems, Irish and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionary organisations, and UN and other multilateral agencies and organisations. Throughout, the ability of these funding channels to reach the poorest and most fragile countries and regions in the world, and deliver real results on the ground, is at the forefront of Ireland’s engagement. In this way, Ireland is playing a strong role in supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Irish Aid Annual Report 2017, published on 2 October last, indicates that last year Irish bilateral assistance reached 87 of the world’s underdeveloped countries. Irish assistance 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. Sub-Saharan Africa remains our priority focus, where we direct assistance to the poorest communities, delivering real and sustainable improvements to the lives of some of the world poorest and most vulnerable people in the areas of basic health, education, agriculture, and food production. This focus is reflected in the adjudication in September by the Overseas Development Institute in the UK that Irish Aid is the world’s most efficient donor at targeting extreme poverty.
We have a particularly strategic input into poverty reduction in countries in Africa where we have a resident embassy – particularly Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania Uganda, Zambia - allowing Ireland to play a key role in their long-term development. A similar strategic role is played by the Embassy to Vietnam. Smaller more focused programmes are delivered in countries and territories such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Liberia, Kenya and Palestine.
Our bilateral assistance is complemented by our engagement with UN and multilateral agencies whose core mission and objectives are closely aligned to Ireland’s aid priorities, allowing us to work with and support vulnerable communities across most developing countries. A total of 143 countries received Irish support channelled through the multilateral system. A full list of all of the countries and multilateral agencies receiving ODA from Ireland is reflected in Irish Aid’s annual report, which is available at: https://www.irishaid.ie/news-publications/.
A key principle underpinning Irish development cooperation is that it should remain untied - that is, not conditional on acquiring goods and services from Ireland. This is regularly positively remarked upon by the OECD Development Assistance Committee in their regular assessments of Ireland’s international development cooperation and humanitarian programmes. Untying aid – removing the legal and regulatory barriers to open competition for aid-funded procurement – increases the effectiveness of aid by reducing transaction costs and improving the ability of partner countries to set their own course. Ireland is leading the way in this by making its bilateral Official Development Assistance 100% untied.
For example, Ireland has been to the forefront in encouraging the EU and its Member States to untie more of their aid. Progress is being made. The proportion of EU and Member States’ aid that is untied now stands at over 80%. The European Commission has increased its share of untied aid from 48% in 2010 to 72% in 2016. We will continue to encourage further progress in that regard and maintain our international record of keeping our ODA 100% untied.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community has delivered on its various commitments in respect of aid to the various victims of natural disasters globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48363/18]
View answerIn 2017, over 95 million people were affected by disasters linked to natural hazards worldwide; over 9,000 people directly lost their lives; and economic losses from major disaster events were estimated at almost US$335 billion.
Climate change, together with poverty and poor environmental management, means that an increasing number of countries, in particular developing countries, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters.
The international community is providing record levels of funding, with a coordinated response that is reaching tens of millions of people affected by natural disasters.
Ireland’s humanitarian programme leads our response to global natural disasters, working with partners in the UN, EU, the International Red Cross Movement (ICRC) and Irish and international NGOS.
Ireland has developed a deep partnership with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA. OCHA coordinates and leads coherent and effective international responses to humanitarian crises. Amongst other funds, OCHA manages the Central Emergency Response Fund, which responds to sudden onset disasters and to under-funded crises. Ireland is a strong supporter of both mechanisms and the current chair of the OCHA donor support group, which works with the Office the UN Humanitarian Coordinator. In 2018 OCHA has assisted millions of people affected by natural disasters around the world, including the response to the earthquake in Indonesia, drought in Afghanistan, and floods in Nigeria.
Ireland also works closely with the ICRC and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, comprising 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent member societies, and reaches 160 million people annually through 17 million volunteers, members and staff. Ireland is providing €1.85 million to the Federation in 2018 to support its coordination of relief operations to assist victims of natural disasters, including those affected by the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Indonesia.
Ireland also works with our NGO partners in order to provide rapid assistance following natural disasters. For example, in response to the eruption of the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala on 3 June 2018, Ireland provided €75,000 to Plan International to assist with shelter for those affected.
As well as responding quickly and effectively in the event of a disaster, it is also important to work with countries to build up their resilience to disasters. Ireland provides core support to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction worth €0.5m to help them build capacity in Ireland’s key partner countries to prepare for and manage the impact of disasters.
