Written Answers Nos. 66-96
67. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of his Department in preparing for visits to Ireland by heads of state; and the role it will have in planning for a visit by the President of the United States of America. [15464/19]
View answerInward visits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State or Government provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests and values internationally and contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States.
Depending on the nature and timing of such visits, they can include elements such as an official welcome ceremony, State hospitality and calls on the President, Taoiseach and the Oireachtas. Other elements can include business and community receptions and visits to places of historical, educational or cultural interest.
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade manages bilateral relations with countries overseas and coordinates efforts across Government, including the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as well as Áras an Uachtaráin.
The visit of any US President offers an opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties shared by the US and Ireland - as well as an opportunity for good, open discussions on current issues of interest. US Presidents have a standing invitation to visit Ireland, just as the Taoiseach has a standing invitation to Washington DC every March.
There are also frequent and ongoing contacts between the Government and the US Administration at ministerial and official level on the wide range of issues of mutual interest, and on international issues. We are not aware at present of any plan by President Trump for a visit to Ireland.
68. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made on the needs of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America since the 2019 St. Patrick's Day visit; the extent to which ongoing negotiations continue to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17342/19]
View answerThe Taoiseach and I have prioritised the issue of Irish immigration in the US since taking office. We will continue our efforts in this regard until we secure progress – both in terms of future legal immigration opportunities for Irish citizens; and in securing a pathway for those Irish who are undocumented in order to regularise their status.
Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, John Deasy T.D., has worked closely on these issues with my Department, and with Ireland's Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall, and his team at the Embassy in Washington DC in particular, since his appointment.
Building on this work, I visited the US in early February, for a series of engagements with the US Administration and Congressional leaders on the full range of issues of mutual interest. I raised immigration issues in these meetings, as I have done in all my interactions with the US Administration and US political leaders since taking office.
Additionally, the Taoiseach had a range of engagements at the highest levels of the US Administration and with Congressional leaders over the St Patrick's Day period. Eight other Government Ministers were also in the US over the St Patrick's Day period for one of our most ambitious ever programmes of engagement. They too were fully seized of the importance of securing relief for the undocumented Irish and raised the issue, as appropriate.
Following on from these many engagements over St. Patrick's Day, officials in my Department, including those in our Embassy in Washington, D.C., are following up with the contacts made and will reengage with US officials on issues of concern, such as the undocumented Irish, in close collaboration with Special Envoy Deasy.
In addition to this work, my Department, including through our Embassy and Consulates in the US, consistently work alongside the Irish Immigration Centres across the US to provide support to those Irish who are undocumented on an on-going basis. Each Irish Centre receives significant Government funding through the Emigrant Support Programme for its work, including support for vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. In 2018, over €3 million was allocated to 76 organisations across the US, including the Irish Centres.
70. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his commitment on business and human rights will be honoured; and if Ireland will be a leader in illustrating the way in which business should operate on increased ethical lines. [17594/19]
View answerI was pleased to launch the National Plan on Business and Human Rights in November 2017 on foot of the Government's commitment to give effect to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The principle objective of the Plan is to promote responsible business practice at home and overseas by all Irish business enterprises. Ireland is one of only 21 countries worldwide that have adopted national action plans on Business and Human Rights.
A key action was the establishment of the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, to monitor delivery of the Plan. The Group is chaired by Ms Breege O'Donoghue and brings together representatives of 23 organisations, from Government Departments and State Agencies, the business sector and civil society. The Group has had two meetings to date and work is currently underway on setting up three sub-Groups which will take forward actions identified under each of the three pillars of the UN Guiding Principles, namely the State's duty to protect human rights, corporate responsibility to respect human rights and access to remedy for those whose human rights may have been violated
My Department also commissioned a baseline study from independent consultants on the current legislative and regulatory framework for business and human rights in Ireland. The study has just recently been finalised and is available on my Department's website. It identifies gaps in the current provision and makes a number of recommendations that will be examined by the Implementation Group.
More broadly, Ireland supports the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, which brings together different stakeholders, including business and civil society, to share experiences and lessons learned regarding the promotion of responsible business practice. We will continue to engage with the Forum and look forward to the next meeting in November 2019.
71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he plans to take on the widespread and systematic abuse of the rights of Palestinian children who are subject to military law, arrest and interrogation and not accorded the same rights as Israeli children or the rights that would be expected to be given to children under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17629/19]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the unacceptable manner of, and practices around, the detention and trial of Palestinian children in Israeli prisons and the Israeli military court system. As a contracting party, Israel is bound by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). I am not satisfied that Israel is meeting its obligations under these Conventions.
All children subject to Israeli jurisdiction and criminal justice, including in territory occupied by Israel, should be afforded the same protections under the law as Israel considers appropriate for Israeli children.
During my visits to Israel and Palestine, I raised Ireland’s concerns about the detention of minors directly with the Israeli authorities, including on the practices of night-time arrests and blindfolding. I have strongly urged the Israeli authorities to use detention only as a last resort, and for the shortest possible period of time, in the case of minors, as stipulated in the CRC.
The Israeli military court system, which is used only in relation to Palestinians in the Occupied Territory, including children, has a near-one hundred percent conviction rate, a statistic which raises serious questions about the system’s compliance with international standards of due process. Ireland has recommended that Israel should urgently end the admissibility of evidence in military courts of written confessions in Hebrew signed by Palestinian children, the use of solitary confinement and the denial of access to family members or to legal representation.
In the most recent UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Israel in 2018, Ireland drew attention to concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Ireland raised the issue of administrative detention and recommended that Israel ensure full respect for international human rights obligations. Ireland has also raised these issues at EU level. In February 2019, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN human rights fora, which reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Protocols worldwide.
Ireland continues to support a number of key Palestinian and Israeli NGOs in their work on the monitoring, advocacy and legal defence of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
72. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the United States of America recognition of the occupied Golan Heights in conjunction with the previous recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; and his views on whether this will have a negative consequence on lasting peace and a two-state solution. [17591/19]
View answer77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures Ireland or the EU will take in response to the decision of the United States of America to recognise the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 77 together.
I regret the decision of the United States to recognise Israeli sovereignty over territory captured in the 1967 war. This is a breach of a central principle of international law, which will have unfortunate repercussions well beyond the immediate context of the Golan Heights. Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter. This is a fundamental principle of the relation of States and the rule of law in the modern world.
This decision by the United States in relation to the Golan Heights is an unhelpful step at a critical juncture in the conflict. I made clear in a statement on 25 March that Ireland continues to regard the Golan Heights as Syrian territory occupied by Israel. The EU also issued a statement which affirmed that in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 497, the European Union does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
I also made my views clear in December 2017 on the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It has been the united position of the international community for decades that a resolution of the Middle East conflict will include agreement for Jerusalem to be the capital of both Israel and the future state of Palestine.
Ireland continues to believe that the best way to achieve a just and lasting solution to this conflict is through substantive negotiations between all interlocutors, resolving all issues of disagreement, and leading to the development of a two-state solution. Contributing to the advancement of the Middle East Peace Process is a priority of the Government, and it is an issue to which I have dedicated a great deal of time since assuming my role, most recently by holding a Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in February. I am committed to continuing my efforts to support positive change in the region.
74. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the improvements ongoing within the passport office to improve the processing times and communication methods for those seeking passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/19]
View answerThe Passport Service issued over 860,000 passports in 2018, which was the highest number ever issued in a single year. This represented an increase of more than 10% on the previous year. We expect the number of passport applications to continue to increase throughout 2019.
The Passport Service is currently in its peak season for passport demand with the vast majority of applications being received between February and August each year. At present, renewal applications received through the Online Passport Renewal Service are being processed within the target turnaround time of 10 working days plus postage time. The current processing times for postal applications submitted through Passport Express depend on the category of application. Renewal applications are currently being processed within the target turnaround time of 15 working days plus postage time. First-time applications and applications from citizens who are applying to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport are being processed in 17 working days plus postage time, 3 days ahead of the target turnaround time of 20 working days. In the last 2 months, the Passport Service's dedicated Customer Service Hub has dealt with almost 6,500 enquiries each week through its phone and web-chat channels.
A number of measures have been taken by the Passport Service to manage the increase in demand and to ensure that they are meeting and exceeding turnaround times. Measures taken include the recruitment of additional staff, the continuous implementation of technological and service improvements and the re-organisation of production processes and administrative arrangements.
At the end of 2018, the Passport Service employed 363.2 Full Time Equivalent staff. This is an increase of over 40 staff since the same point in 2017. Already this year, over 60 additional Full Time Equivalent staff have taken up roles in the Passport Service. Targeted overtime has been sanctioned for both permanent and temporary staff when required. The Passport Service has received approval to recruit over 230 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) in 2019 to assist in processing passport applications and to deal with the queries from the general public. A dedicated Customer Service Hub has been established to deal with queries from the public and additional staff have been allocated. By the end of this month the number of officers answering Customer Service queries will have trebled since 2016.
The Passport Reform Programme continues to deliver major upgrades to the Passport Service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements. The award winning Online Passport Renewal Service has been the most significant project launched under the Programme to date. The second phase of the Online Passport Renewal Service was rolled out in November 2018. The online facility now allows for the renewal of children's passports and has expanded the cohort of adults eligible to renew online. The online service brings significant benefits to citizens with faster turnaround times and greater customer satisfaction. The online service has been instrumental in the management of overall passport operations and in allowing the passport service to allocate staff resources more efficiently to cope with unprecedented demand.
The Passport Service is satisfied that the combination of service improvements, upgrades to the technology platforms and increased staff allocations will be sufficient to meet anticipated demand during this year’s peak season.
75. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the outcome of the Israeli Knesset elections with his counterparts in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17628/19]
View answerThe final results of the Israeli election were only declared last Friday. The consultation process for coalition building has only begun, and it may be some weeks before the new Government is formed. As had been widely predicted, a coalition similar to the outgoing Government seems the most likely outcome. I have not yet discussed the results with EU colleagues.
76. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and his EU colleagues will act to demand that the Turkish Government cease its repressive approach to the Kurds in Turkey, restore the rule of law in south-eastern Turkey and enter into dialogue with Kurdish representatives in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17191/19]
View answerI have repeatedly stressed my deep regret at the breakdown of the ceasefire between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish Government in 2015. The escalating tensions and violence in the south-east are a cause for concern, as is the shrinking space for civil society due to breaches of human rights and democratic norms.
I would like to reiterate that the rights of all minorities in Turkey must be respected, including the Kurdish minority. Citizens must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights and freedoms.
I would also reiterate my concern at the arrest and detention of elected officials and members of parliament, including pro-Kurdish HDP politicians. It is critically important that the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are respected. I have also expressed my concern at the conditions in which those in detention are held.
It is clear that the Turkish-Kurdish conflict can only be resolved through the resumption of peaceful and constructive dialogue between the two sides. To this end, the Irish Government has called for a renewed ceasefire and the resumption of political dialogue. We are also continuing to support efforts to maintain contacts between the Kurdish and Turkish sides, primarily through our funding of the Democratic Progress Institute’s Turkey Programme.
On the wider backsliding on democracy and human rights in Turkey, both myself and my senior officials have repeatedly conveyed our concerns to our Turkish counterparts. In August last year I conveyed my concerns in person to the Turkish Foreign Minister and reminded him that allowing an active civil society and guaranteeing freedom of speech, along with other reforms, are required if Turkey is to maintain its European perspective.
Through our Embassy in Turkey, my senior officials and I will continue to monitor developments in Turkey, both on the Kurdish issue and the wider situation regarding human rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law and democracy, and will continue to use every appropriate opportunity to raise our concerns.
78. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his discussions with his counterparts across Europe on the abuse of women prisoners in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17631/19]
View answerRecent socio-economic reforms in Saudi Arabia have been overshadowed by reports from the UN and a number of human rights agencies of an intensive crackdown on domestic dissent and the imposition of significant restrictions on civil society. The ongoing detention of a number of women activists in Saudi Arabia is a particular cause for concern. As I have previously stated, it is absolutely not acceptable for women to be imprisoned, let alone mistreated, for peacefully pursuing their basic human rights.
The cases of the remaining women, and allegations of mistreatment of women detainees, are being monitored closely by the Irish Embassy in Riyadh, in coordination with other EU Member States. The EU delegation in Riyadh has raised the cases directly with the Saudi authorities on multiple occasions.
Ireland consistently raises issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia both bilaterally with the Saudi Embassy in Dublin, and in international fora.
Ireland signed a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council last month, along with all EU Member States, calling on Saudi Arabia to release individuals detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms, including ten named women human rights defenders. The recent preliminary release of three women, including two of the named human rights defenders, was a welcome development.
Thematically, Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, and is committed to the prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Human Rights Council Resolution 36/16, which Ireland co-sponsored, calls upon states to ‘investigate promptly, effectively and impartially all alleged human rights violations and abuses suffered by persons deprived of their liberty, in particular cases involving death, torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to provide effective remedies to the victims, and to ensure that detention administrations cooperate fully with the investigating authority and preserve all evidence’. Ireland has co-sponsored thematic Resolutions in the Human Rights Council concerning human rights in the administration of justice and concerning torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Ireland also sponsored UN General Assembly Resolution 71/188, concerning human rights in the administration of justice.
During the last Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council in November 2018, Ireland expressed concern about the imprisonment of human rights defenders and recommended that Saudi Arabia bring its laws into line with international standards for the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
My Department will continue to monitor these cases and will continue to relay Ireland's concerns to the Saudi authorities bilaterally and in collaboration with our EU partners.
79. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the trial of persons (details supplied); and if so, the action he has taken on the matter. [17539/19]
View answerThe question of Catalan independence remains a deeply divisive and contentious issue in Spain.
The Government continues to follow developments there with interest and has consistently said that constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters that are best determined by its citizens and their public representatives.
I am aware that judicial proceedings are underway and a number of individuals are currently on trial. As these are matters before the Courts it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
80. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the escalating anti-Cuban rhetoric of President Trump including his latest threat to establish lawsuits against Cuban companies under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996, known as the Helms-Burton Act; if his attention has been further drawn to the damage this could pose to the continuity of co-operation that Ireland and other countries share with Cuba; the representations which have been made to the United States of America regarding the hardening of the blockade against Cuba in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17478/19]
View answer88. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the US Helms-Burton laws regarding Cuba are unjust; if he will push for the implementation of the EU-Cuba dialogue to counter growing aggression by the United States of America under the current administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 88 together.
The 1996 Helms Burton Act is a US federal law which reinforces the US's long standing economic embargo against Cuba.
Since 1996, European persons or entities have remained potentially affected by the extraterritorial elements in Titles III and IV of the Act, but a 1998 Memorandum of Understanding between the EU and US has waived Title III every six months and, as a result, European persons and entities have been protected from the relevant provisions of the Act.
On 16 January 2019, the US State Department announced that the next waiver, effective from 1 February 2019, would have a duration of 45 days only, the first time since the Act’s promulgation that the US has not waived Title III for six months. On 3 April, the State Department announced it would suspend application of Title III for a further two weeks.
This development has been noted by Ireland and our EU partners. The Helms-Burton Act has been discussed on several occasions at the EU Council Working Party on Transatlantic Relations (COTRA) at which Ireland has been represented at official level. My officials are in close contact with the EU Commission on this matter and are monitoring the situation closely.
This issue has also been raised in contacts between officials from my Department and the Ambassador of Cuba to Ireland. Officials have reiterated Ireland’s longstanding position on the US embargo against Cuba, which I have also expressed publicly on a number of occasions. Ireland believes that the embargo serves no constructive purpose and that the lifting of the embargo would facilitate an opening of the island’s economy to the benefit of its people. In addition, we and our EU partners are not persuaded that the continued embargo is contributing in a positive way to the democratic transition in Cuba.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has firmly and continuously opposed extraterritorial measures that seek to extend the US embargo against Cuba to third countries as contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. Our position in this regard was set out most recently at the UN General Assembly on 1 November last year in the context of the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba.
81. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the practice of sending officials and diplomats to men-only membership organisation events will be ceased in advance of St. Patrick’s Day and in honour of International Women's Day. [11970/19]
View answerThe Government believes in the politics of engagement, rather than the politics of boycott or non-participation. Consistent with that, we operate on the principle that the Government and Government representatives should engage in forums and at events where Ireland's interests and values might possibly be advanced.
There has been some public discussion about men-only organisations in the US, specifically in the last number of months. While Government Ministers have not attended such events in the US, Irish diplomatic representatives have done so on occasion. They have done so on the understanding that this engagement is an opportunity to effect change through relationship-building, which, the Government believes, has always been one of Ireland’s greatest strengths.
Maintaining strong and positive international connections is of vital importance to the Government, and key to that is the fostering of relationships with a broad and diverse range of groups and organisations. In the US context, the Government is working to ensure that the transatlantic relationship continues to deepen, and that it increasingly reflects our contemporary values, interests and politics. In this context, we review every opportunity to engage with officials, communities and organisations in the US carefully, with a view to maximising inclusivity and our overall impact.
St Patrick's Day, Lá Fhéile Bríde and International Women’s Day are excellent examples of this approach and to coincide with these occasions, Ministers and diplomats around the world work to connect with the broadest possible audience, and showcase modern Ireland on the world stage.
82. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic actions Ireland is taking in respect of new homophobic laws in Brunei; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17617/19]
View answer86. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to new legislation introduced in Brunei which includes punishments such as death by stoning or whipping for homosexuality; if he will condemn these new laws; and if he has raised the issue directly with the Government of Brunei. [17559/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 86 together.
I am aware of the recent implementation of certain measures under the Penal Code of Brunei-Darussalam which includes the potential imposition of the death penalty and corporal punishment against those engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activity. I add Ireland's voice to that of the EU and many other international partners in expressing our grave concern at these developments and call on Brunei to take urgent steps to ensure it upholds its international human rights obligations.
Some of the punishments provided for in this criminal code amount to torture, acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment which are prohibited by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed by Brunei-Darussalam in 2015. As well as going against the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, these punishments may also breach Brunei's obligations as a party to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
In relation to the specific provisions referred to by the Deputies, Ireland is committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries. In both our bilateral and multilateral engagement on human rights, Ireland focuses on ensuring individuals’ human rights and non-discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Irish Consulates and Embassies overseas cooperate closely with EU delegations and Embassies of the other EU Member States to advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists, and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.
Furthermore, Ireland also raises the rights of LGBTI+ individuals at international level through our work at the United Nations and the European Union as well as our engagement in regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
Our diplomatic network also actively supports LGBTI+ rights by participating in Gay Pride parades and similar events across the world.
Additionally, Ireland reaffirms its strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases. Ireland expects Brunei-Darussalam to maintain its de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Finally, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva we will take the opportunity of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Brunei-Darussalam next month to call on their Government to abide by its international and regional human rights commitments and obligations.
83. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he is addressing the negative consequences to the current cobalt rush in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulting from increased popularity of electric vehicles in developed countries; the way in which he plans to address the wide spectrum of corruption in the cobalt trade combined with abuses such as child labour at and around cobalt mine sites and links to state sanctioned violence and grand corruption; the extent to which he has incorporated the findings from a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/19]
View answerIreland plays an active role in seeking to address the underlying causes of instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes sub-Region. The Embassy of Ireland in Dar Es Salaam is accredited to the DRC, and actively monitors developments there, including through regular engagement with the EU, UN and bilateral partners. These engagements provide a forum to raise growing concern regarding the impact of cobalt mining, and the lack of transparency in the cobalt supply chain in the DRC. My Department will continue to support efforts to insist on greater transparency in supply chains, and adherence to fundamental human rights norms.
My Department provides around €11 million annually to the DRC, which helps enable vulnerable communities to articulate their rights to access, sustainable use and management of natural resources.
My Department also actively supports the EU’s engagement in the DRC to address causes of instability. The current European Development Programme for the DRC includes a priority to strengthen governance and the rule of law.
Ireland supports the continued and extended mandate of the MONUSCO UN Peacekeeping mission, including through the deployment of peacekeepers. MONUSCO supports the stabilisation and strengthening of State institutions in the DRC and key governance and security reforms. Ireland has also regularly contributed to debates on the DRC at the Human Rights Council, most recently in March 2019, calling on the DRC to address concerns raised in relation to fundamental freedoms and civil society space.
A Better World, Ireland’s new policy for international development outlines the Government’s vision of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world through interventions aimed at tacking challenges including conflict, climate change and intensifying inequality. Effective and accountable institutions, underpinned by strong governance and adherence to the rule of law, are central to upholding human rights, strengthening accountability and fighting corruption, and to the reduction of poverty.
84. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to develop an additional passport printing facility for the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17590/19]
View answerThe Passport Service located in my Department is one unified service composed of 3 constituent offices located in Mount Street, Dublin, in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and in South Mall, Cork.
The Passport Service operates three passport printing machines, two of which are located in our main production facility in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and one located in the Passport Office in Mount Street, Dublin.
All applications are processed through the centralised Automated Passport Service (APS). This means that all production facilities can print a passport irrespective of what channel the application was processed. This printing system allows for flexibility between printing machines if any one machine has reached capacity. Each passport printer has a printing capacity of 250 passports per hour.
The three current printing machines are meeting the Passport Service printing demands and, indeed, have additional capacity. Therefore I am satisfied at this time that there is no requirement for an additional printing machine.
85. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of efforts by the EU to ensure that Hungary adheres to the rule of law, principles of democracy and European values and ideals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/19]
View answerRule of law matters are of serious concern to Ireland.
We have always said that fundamental values and the rule of law are a shared EU interest and call for a common approach.
Rule of law issues in Hungary have been discussed at the General Affairs Councils since last Autumn. These discussions have involved the Commission, Hungary and other Member States. Ireland has actively participated in the discussions highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law.
At the most recent General Affairs Council meeting on 9 April, Member States expressed concerns in relation to a number of issues, including media freedom, NGO freedom and academic freedom. Ireland stressed the need to stand by our shared values and that concerns, including around the civic space available for NGOs and the long term operation of the Central European University, should be addressed. The General Affairs Council will return to the issue again in June.
The Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D., discussed rule of law issues with Mr Szabolcs Takács, the Hungarian Minister of State for EU Policies and Coordination, when they met in Dublin on 4 April.
89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with his European counterparts with regard to complaints by Western Sahara about abuse by Morocco of its fishing waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/19]
View answerComplaints by groups from Western Sahara in relation to the issue of fishing in Western Sahara have been discussed by EU Member States on a number of occasions, and in a number of settings, in recent years.
The EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement was concluded in 2006, and entered into force the following year. Following a legal challenge, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a judgment in February 2018 determining that the existing fisheries agreement and the protocol implementing the agreement were not applicable to the waters adjacent to the territory of Western Sahara.
In April 2018, the Council of the European Union authorised the European Commission to begin negotiations to amend the fisheries agreement and its associated protocol with a view to providing a legal basis to grant preferences to products originating in Western Sahara. As part of this process, the European Commission and the European External Action Service conducted a wide-ranging consultation process with key stakeholders from Western Sahara. This process concluded that, while some parties objected to an agreement in principle, a majority favoured a new fisheries agreement. The consultation also found that a new agreement would be economically beneficial to local people in the region. Following those negotiations, a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, and a new Implementation Protocol were initialled, which the European Parliament and Council have since adopted.
In its discussions with EU partners, Ireland consistently emphasised the need for any agreement to be consistent with the judgment of the Court of Justice. My Department has received assurances from the Council Legal Service of the EU that the new agreement respects both international law and the Court of Justice's judgment.
I must stress that the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Morocco is entirely without prejudice to the position of the EU on Western Sahara. In other words, there is nothing in the terms of the agreement or its protocol which would imply EU recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty or sovereign rights over Western Sahara and the adjacent waters.
Ireland and the EU continue to recognise the United Nation’s classification of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. Ireland supports the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, but does not have a view on the outcome of that decision, be it independence, integration, autonomy, or some other solution – so long as it is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
Ireland and the EU fully support the ongoing UN efforts to assist the parties in reaching a lasting political resolution to the dispute. I welcome the second UN-mediated roundtable meeting on Western Sahara that was held last month in Geneva. This is as a very positive step by all parties, and I hope that it will lead to the renewal of the negotiations process. This is the only path towards a sustainable resolution of the conflict which is mutually acceptable, and provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he continues to find support for the Irish position on Brexit and is mindful of the need to maintain a common position throughout the EU with a view to achieving a borderless market and taxation economy on the island of Ireland, respecting the needs of both communities in Northern Ireland and recognising the importance of a good relationship between the EU and the UK post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17596/19]
View answerThroughout the Brexit process there has been a strong understanding from EU partners of the need to address the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland. This was once again reiterated by partners, including at the highest levels, in the lead up to the European Council meeting on 10 April. Ireland and the EU are at one in our determination to do all we can, deal or no deal, to protect the peace process and to avoid a hard border.
The strong solidarity from EU partners resulted in the endorsement of the Withdrawal Agreement by the European Council on 25 November 2018, which includes the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. This protocol fully addresses issues specific to this island and protects the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process.
The Protocol underpins, in a dynamic way, continuing North-South cooperation and the all-island economy. It acknowledges the Common Travel Area, whereby Irish and British can live, work, study, and access healthcare, social security and public services in each other’s jurisdictions. It includes commitments to ensure no diminution of rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, and that people in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy their rights as EU citizens. Importantly, nothing in the Agreement will prejudice the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the principle of consent as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.
A key element of the Protocol are the measures included for a backstop to prevent the re-emergence of a hard border. The EU-UK shared customs territory which would apply under the backstop will involve no tariffs or quotas, and includes well established rules with regard to ensuring a level playing field, including in the area of tax. Northern Ireland would remain aligned to those rules of the Single Market that are indispensable to avoiding a hard border.
The backstop acts as an insurance policy, which we hope will never have to be used. It remains our priority to achieve a future relationship agreement that can resolve all these issues. We are determined to work towards that best possible outcome. The Withdrawal Agreement provides for a period of transition, during which EU rules and regulations will continue to apply to the UK, which provides us with the time needed to negotiate an agreement on the future relationship.
Without a Withdrawal Agreement, avoiding a hard border would become more complex and challenging. We have been working closely with the Commission over recent weeks on how we can work together to avoid a hard border, in the case of no deal, while also protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union and Ireland’s place in them. Any solutions in a no deal scenerio will be sub-optimal to the backstop and there would be serious disruption to the functioning of the all-island economy.
This is why the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop, is so important, and why we remain focussed on securing its ratification. It provides the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal, while fully protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the all-island economy. This is why in its conclusions of 10 April, the European Council made clear again that during the agreed extension to the Article 50 process, the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland cannot be re-negotiated.
Maintaining our strong relationship with the UK is a priority for Ireland, and we want to see a future relationship between the EU and UK that is as deep and comprehensive as possible. The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement by the UK will enable both sides to move on to agreeing this new relationship.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he in addition to his EU and UN colleagues continue to press for humanitarian assistance in the various conflict zones globally; if consideration continues to be given to the provision of safe or protective havens for civilian communities fleeing from war, genocide and terrorism; the extent to which peacekeeping interventions are being considered in the most sensitive war zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17597/19]
View answerThe number and complexity of humanitarian crises globally has increased in recent years, with the UN estimating that over 135 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. Conflict is the most significant driver of this increased need.
Ireland prioritises the provision of needs based, principled humanitarian aid to high profile humanitarian crises such as Syria but also to ‘forgotten crises’ which receive less attention such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Sudan. Over 90% of Ireland’s humanitarian funding in 2018 was directed in support of those affected by conflict.
Critical to maximising Ireland’s response is our strong and enduring commitment to effective multilateralism, particularly through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations. Ireland is a strong contributor not just to decisions regarding the international humanitarian response to crises but also to efforts to prevent conflict and to resolve conflict.
Ireland has 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. A key priority for Ireland as chair is to ensure that Ireland plays an effective international role on the protection of civilians and to uphold international humanitarian law. In international forums, Ireland consistently advocates for adherence to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and calls on all parties – for example, those engaged in the Syria conflict – to fulfill their responsibility to protect civilians and to allow the safe passage of humanitarian assistance.
Promoting international peace and security in regions of conflict is a core mission of the United Nations. By necessity, United Nations authorised interventions are required in the most sensitive war zones.
Ireland has a long tradition of contributing to UN and EU peace-support missions, including in some of the world’s most complex and intractable conflicts. Ireland has maintained a continuous presence in UN peace support operations since 1958, and has more than 570 personnel in United Nations mandated missions overseas. The Government is committed to participation in peace-keeping operations as a tangible contribution to the development of global peace and security. This commitment informs Ireland’s decision to seek election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2021-22. If elected, membership of the Security Council would allow Ireland to play an important influencing role in the international response to the needs of the most vulnerable.
93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the improvements being planned for the Cork passport office; his plans to add a printing facility to the Cork office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17589/19]
View answerThe Passport Office in Cork is one of the three constituent offices that make up the Passport Service; the other offices are in Mount Street, Dublin, and Balbriggan, Co Dublin.
Improvements to the current internal office accommodation in the Passport Office in Cork are under consideration, in consultation with the Office of Public Works. Plans to expand the facilities in Balbriggan and to source temporary back-office processing accommodation in the wider Dublin area are also under consideration at present.
The Passport Service operates three passport printing machines, two of which are located in our main production facility in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and one located in the Passport Office in Mount Street, Dublin. All applications are processed through the centralised Automated Passport Service (APS). This means that all production facilities can print a passport irrespective of what channel the application was processed. This printing system allows for flexibility between printing machines if any one machine has reached capacity.
The current three printing machines are meeting the Passport Service printing demands and have additional capacity. Each Passport Printer has a printing capacity of 250 passports per hour and the printing requirements of the Passport Office in Cork are met by the machines in Balbriggan and Mount Street, without difficulty. As the current machines are meeting and exceeding demands there are no plans to add a printing facility in the Cork office.
Overall, in response to the growing demand for Irish passports, my Department has strengthened the capacity of the Passport Service by recruiting over 80 permanent staff to respond to the general increase in passport applications. the Passport Service has also obtained sanction for the recruitment of over 230 Temporary Clerical Officers. The new staff are spread across all offices, including the Passport Office in Cork.
96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of efforts to win a seat at the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17582/19]
View answerThe campaign to secure a non-permanent seat for Ireland on the UN Security Council is a priority across the whole of Government. With approximately fourteen months remaining until the election, An Taoiseach, I, in my capacity as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ministers across Government, as well as Ministers of State, are actively promoting Ireland’s candidature in our multilateral and bilateral engagements.
During the recent St. Patrick’s Day period, a very large number of engagements were undertaken by Ministers and senior officials which allowed us to raise awareness of our candidature. They also increase the electorate's awareness of the principles and values informing our foreign policy, and our longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law.
In making our case to the UN Member States, we are highlighting our consistent record at the UN throughout more than six decades of membership. Among the areas in which we have built a strong reputation at the UN are peacekeeping, sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament and human rights.
Ireland last served on the Security Council for a two-year term in 2001-2002. In the intervening years, the understanding has grown among Member States that factors contributing to international peace and security are wide ranging and inter-related. Climate change, hunger, migration and access to natural resources are crucial issues which can determine the stability of societies, countries and entire sub-regions. The devastating and gendered impact of conflict of women and girls, and the unequal impact of conflict on youth, must be taken into account by the Security Council. We will highlight these issues, which we know Irish people view as important, during our campaign and, should we be elected, as members of the Security Council.
I am aware that in February, officials from my Department were invited to brief Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on the status of the campaign. I understand that the Deputy was present and contributed to what was a positive and constructive discussion, which again demonstrated the strong support in the Oireachtas for Ireland's UN engagement. I welcome the Committee’s interest in Ireland's candidature and on how the its Members, and colleagues across the Oireachtas, can contribute to the campaign effort.
