Written Answers Nos. 116-134
116. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17261/19]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the response to Parliamentary Questions Number 68 of 12 March 2019 and Number 157 of 26 March 2019. The mustering in question has now been finalised. A detailed information note at the link accompanies this response.
117. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take following the adoption of a resolution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17273/19]
View answerIreland engages actively with its partners in the Council of Europe on issues relating to the Russian Federation. We also work closely with our partners in the European Union, the United Nations and other fora. Moreover, we continue to raise our concerns regarding human rights in Russia directly with the Russian authorities.
From the outset, the EU called on the Russian authorities to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation, and criticised their failure to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Magnitsky’s death.
Ireland fully supports and strictly adheres to the five principles adopted in 2016 by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council to guide the EU’s relations with Russia. EU economic sanctions have been in place against Russia since 2014 in response to its illegal annexation of Crimea and its further actions to destabilise Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Council carries out regular reviews of its Russia policy and implements additional measures when appropriate. Ireland continues to implement EU sanctions on a domestic level through the introduction of statutory instruments in accordance with EU policy.
A number of countries, including a small number of EU Member States, have put in place national “Magnitsky Acts” freezing the assets of, and withholding visas from, certain Russian officials believed to have acted in violation of human rights. The question of the nature and scope of EU sanctions is always complex and difficult. The adoption of sanctions requires a unanimous decision of the Council.
118. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to support a UN binding treaty on business and human rights in 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17340/19]
View answerThe question of a legally binding treaty to regulate the activies of transnational corporations and other business enterprises has been under consideration by the Inter-Governmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises. The Working Group was established on foot of a resolution to the Human Rights Council in 2014 led by a number of developing countries, including Ecuador and South Africa.
Four sessions of the Working Group have taken place to date. In advance of the fourth and most recent session in October 2018, Ecuador circulated the "zero draft" of a legally binding instrument. The next session of the Group will take place in October 2019. Notwithstanding our serious concerns about the way in which the work of the Group has been conducted to date, Ireland will work with EU partners to engage actively and constructively in the negotiation process.
While we are open to looking at options for progress on a legally binding treaty, we believe that all economic operators should be treated in a non-discriminatory manner. The "zero draft" treaty that has been circulated focuses on transnational corporations and it is Ireland's view that any new treaty should cover both companies engaged in purely domestic operations as well as transnational corporations.
Such a treaty should also reflect essential human rights principles, reaffirm the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights and stress the primary responsibility of States under existing human rights obligations to protect against human rights violations.
Ultimately, if it is to achieve its objectives, any legally binding instrument should enjoy broad support among UN Member States to ensure its effectiveness as well as international coherence in the framework of business and human rights. On this point, I would note that of the 21 countries which to date have adopted National Plans on Business and Human Rights, 16, including Ireland, are EU Member States.
We would like to see any new initiative build on, rather than duplicate, existing measures such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. Above all we believe that it should be rooted in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In this regard, we are of the view that the UN Working Party on Business and Human Rights and the annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights provide appropriate fora for consideration of any new initiatives.
119. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number or percentage of employees in his Department and in the agencies under his aegis with intellectual disabilities; his plans to increase this number to promote and support the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities as outlined in the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17488/19]
View answer120. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department and the agencies under his aegis track the number of employees they have with an intellectual disability; his plans to do so in order to help set targets and increase workplace opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities as outlined in the national disability inclusion strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17505/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
As of 31 December 2017, 3.5% of staff employed in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade disclosed a disability within the definition as outlined in the Disability Act 2005. The percentage rate increased in 2018 and figures are expected to be available from June 2019.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is unable to track the numbers of employees with an intellectual disability as it is not a requirement on the NDA Disability Status Form to "specify" what type of disability an employee has when disclosing a disability within the definition of the Disability Act 2005.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. The Department is a supporter of the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme. The Department has supported 11 placements since placements commenced in 2006, and one successful 2018 WAM candidate is currently employed with us. The Department has offered two placements on the 2019 programme.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is also supporting the Job Shadow Initiative and will welcome a participant from WALK on "Job Shadow Day", 2019. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is also supportive of the pilot Internship scheme for persons with a disability proposed by DPER and will offer a placement when the scheme is launched.
121. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the findings in a recent report by a person (details supplied) on the impact of a no-deal Brexit; and if he has spoken to his British counterpart, Ms Arlene Foster or Ms Michelle O' Neill since it was published. [11933/19]
View answerI have read the recent letter from the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to political parties in Northern Ireland on the grave implications for business and trade in the event of a no deal Brexit. The letter followed the UK Government’s paper of 26 February which noted that the cumulative impact of a ‘no deal’ scenario would be expected to be more severe in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain, and to last longer. The letter set out the work of Northern Ireland Departments across a range of sectors in advance of the UK leaving the EU and amplifies the UK Government assessment. It notes that, despite the considerable amount of mitigation work that has been undertaken to date across NI Departments, Northern Ireland will face considerable and unavoidable residual risks, notably on the local economy in ways that cannot be mitigated in the case of a no deal.
I share the letter’s assessment, including its stark warning about the changes to everyday life, potential border frictions and the potential for profound and long lasting impact on society. In my ongoing contacts with the political parties in Northern Ireland, I have discussed with them the impact of Brexit, and the deeply concerning potential issues around a no deal Brexit. I have also repeatedly discussed my concerns around the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland with my British counterparts.
I can assure the Deputy that the imperative of avoiding that scenario will continue to inform the Government’s approach. Indeed from the outset, I have highlighted the socio-economic risks which Brexit poses for Northern Ireland as well as for the wider political situation there. I have repeatedly stated that a no deal Brexit is in no one’s interests, least of all for the people of Northern Ireland who, as the report and letter confirm, will be most affected.
We are absolutely determined to avoid physical infrastructure at the border, but in a no deal Brexit there will be implications regarding disruption to the functioning of the all-island economy. The seamless trade we enjoy today would not be possible, and the benefits of the backstop for businesses in Northern Ireland would be lost, at least in the short term. These risks only serve to further highlight the absolute need to agree the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
122. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the advantages of the UK remaining in the customs union after Brexit. [10597/19]
View answerA key priority for the Government is to minimise the impact of Brexit on Ireland's trade and economy. We have therefore consistently stated our wish to see the closest possible relationship between the EU and UK, including on trade.
The Government has expressed a strong desire for the UK to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union. However, this is ultimately a decision for the UK. The UK Government has made clear its wish to leave the Single Market and Customs Union. The UK being outside the Customs Union and the Single Market will inevitably lead to frictions in trade, and will have negative economic consequences, in particular for the UK.
We are aware that the UK's future trading relationship with the EU is the subject of ongoing discussions between the UK Government and the Labour Party, aimed at ensuring an orderly UK withdrawal from the EU. In these discussions, the Labour Party has proposed that a permament Customs Union is agreed between the EU and the UK. In its conclusions of 10 April 2019, the European Council again made clear that should the UK’s position on the EU-UK future relationship evolve, the EU is prepared to reconsider the Political Declaration on the future relationship.
A permanent EU-UK Customs Union would have significant advantages in terms of facilating trade between Ireland and the UK, a major market for Irish exports. Such a Customs Union would also go some way to avoiding a hard border on the island of island, including by avoiding the need to collect tariffs and to undertake other customs checks. However, regulatory alignment with certain rules of the EU Single Market is also required to avoid checks and controls, for example to ensure product safety or animal health standards.
123. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his British counterpart about the public inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied) following the UK Supreme Court ruling on 27 February 2019. [10596/19]
View answerThe Government has noted the judgment of the UK Supreme Court in the Finucane case on 27 February, including the finding that an investigation compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights has not been held into the murder of Pat Finucane.
The Taoiseach confirmed to the Dáil on 27 February that the Government’s position remains that an independent public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane should be established, in line with the political commitments made by the British and Irish Governments at Weston Park in 2001. The Government has made this position consistently clear to the British Government, and will continue to do so.
I met with the UK Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington MP on 28 February and with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley MP on 5 March and as part of both discussions, I raised the UK Supreme Court judgment and the Government's position that an independent public inquiry is required in the Finucane case.
On 13 March, Ireland made a statement at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers which confirmed the Government’s position that a public inquiry is required in the Finucane case and our continued support for the reopening of individual measures in the case, in accordance with the request made by the applicant. A Decision of the Committee of Ministers on 13 March sought the response of the UK authorities to the UK Supreme Court judgment by 21 June.
The Taoiseach and I have met with members of the Finucane family in recent months to confirm the Government’s continuing support for a public inquiry, and the Government remains in ongoing contact with the family, as they await a response from the British Government to the UK Supreme Court judgment and finding that there has not been an Article 2 compliant investigation into the Pat Finucane’s killing.
The efforts of the Finucane family, pursued with courage, dignity and resilience, are replicated in different ways by many other families across all sections of the community, North and South, East and West, who continue to seek truth and justice following the loss of their loved ones in the dark years of the Troubles.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government to seek progress with outstanding commitments and issues, to comprehensively address the legacy of the past and meet the needs and expectations of victims and survivors.
124. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the conditions in a camp (details supplied) have been discussed at recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings; the steps that have been taken by the EU and Ireland to address the appalling conditions in the camps; his views on whether the camp is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17683/19]
View answerThe Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) deals with the external aspects of migration, in particular cooperation with the countries of origin and transit. The FAC has held wide ranging discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and the Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration, António Vitorino.
Lead responsibility for migration policy in general, including issues within the EU, rests with the Justice and Home Affairs Council, on which Ireland is represented by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. In regard to the specific situation in Greece, there are approximately 14,500 refugees and migrants currently on the Aegean islands. This number, while very high, is still much lower than that in the earlier years of the migration crisis. According to the UNHCR, a total of 5,492 people have arrived in Greece by sea since the beginning of 2019. Over one-third of those arriving are children, with 15 percent of all children being registered as unaccompanied or separated. The majority of those reaching the Aegean islands arrive on Lesvos (which includes Moria camp) or Samos - both of which are experiencing overcrowding.
The European Commission has granted over €816.4 million in emergency assistance for the migrant situation in Greece since the beginning of 2015. The funding enabled the delivery of primary healthcare, better hygiene conditions and the construction of temporary housing for people in need. EU-funded projects also ensured the provision of food and other essentials such as sleeping bags, blankets, and personal hygiene items. The emergency funding comes on top of the €613.5 million already allocated to Greece under the national programmes for 2014-2020 (€328.3 million from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and €285.2 million from the Internal Security Fund).
Our Embassy in Athens constantly monitors the situation in the camps and officials have visited Moria camp on a number of occasions. In December 2018, the Embassy provided funding of €10,000 to a local NGO, METAdrasi, to support informal education activities for children resident in Moria camp. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D. has announced that Ireland would accept up to 36 unaccompanied minors from camps in Greece and it is expected that this initiative, led jointly by Tusla and the Department of Justice and Equality, will begin shortly.
125. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure the speedy issuing of a passport for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/19]
View answerIn the case the Deputy asks about, the child in question is the child of naturalised Irish citizens. In view of the current situation in Libya, my officials are looking at the application in question as a matter of priority.
The child's Irish citizenship must be established prior to an application being made for a Irish passport. as a passport can only issue to an Irish citizen. The route to Irish citizenship for the child, in this case, is through Foreign Births Registration. I understand that an application for Foreign Births Registration has been made through our Embassy in Rome.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the western Balkans continue to accede to the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17802/19]
View answer128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which European enlargement can be influenced by positive influences in consort with the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17804/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the enlargement of the European Union and the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans. Based on our own experience of EU membership, we believe it to be a transformative driver for stability, peace, and prosperity.
Both Montenegro and Serbia have been making steady progress in their negotiations with the EU and in implementing the reforms required to align with the acquis. Ireland would like to see these countries become EU members by 2025, dependent on them continuing to meet the obligations of membership. The Republic of North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo all have further reforms to implement if they wish to upgrade their status. We share the EU’s view that considerable work remains to be done before accession can occur. Conditionality cannot be compromised and all criteria must be met prior to accession. While we firmly support the European perspective of the six Western Balkan countries, Ireland has been clear that all benchmarks and criteria, particularly those relating to Chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis, which deal with issues relating to the rule of law, must be met before accession can be agreed.
We are also clear that the EU cannot import instability; the six Western Balkan states must resolve all outstanding bilateral issues before they can become members of the EU. The Prespa Agreement between the Republic of North Macedonia and Greece is a step in the right direction and shows that even the most fraught bilateral disputes can be resolved with committed leadership.
Providing the countries of the Western Balkans with a credible membership perspective is essential. We therefore believe it is important that the candidate and potential candidate countries are supported and rewarded as they make progress on their respective European paths. For this reason, we support increasing the funding available to the Instrument for Pre-Accession Funding (IPA) in the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework of the European Union. Ireland also gives annual funding to the Regional Cooperation Council, which supports regional cooperation and connectivity across the Western Balkans. In addition, officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassies accredited to the region are working to strengthen our already warm bilateral relations with the accession countries. To this end, Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, visited Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia for various high-level meetings in February, while Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina for Saint Patrick’s Day. We will continue to cultivate our bilateral relations and support the enlargement process within the institutions of the European Union.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which positive steps can be taken to influence the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17803/19]
View answerEU leaders will meet for a special informal summit in Sibiu, Romania, on 9 May. During the meeting, leaders are expected to discuss priorities for the next institutional cycle and to prepare the Strategic Agenda for 2019-2024, with a view to agreeing it at the European Council in June.
In preparation for the summit, we will very shortly publish a statement on Ireland’s strategic priorities in the EU for the next five years. This statement will be informed by what we have heard during our own public engagement process, led by Minister of State McEntee through the Citizens' Dilaogues held last year, as well as consultations with all other Government Departments.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, through the EU and UN, can positively influence matters in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17807/19]
View answer132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and the international community can continue to exert pressure to bring about an amicable peace process in the Israel-Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 132 together.
Since I was appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, almost two years ago, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, has been a very high priority for me personally.
Ireland has consistently taken action at both EU and UN level to ensure that the international community retains a focus on the Israel-Palestine issue, in parallel to our engagement on other conflicts and crises across the Middle East region, and elsewhere. Our attention is focused both on specific issues and events in Gaza and the West Bank, and the broader objective of a resolution of the conflict and an end to the Israeli occupation, something which is essential for the long term future of the Palestinian territory, and indeed also for Israel.
At EU level, issues relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict are regularly discussed at both Ministerial and official level. The unacceptable situation in Gaza was specifically discussed at the May 2018 meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
The same issues are also discussed regularly at UN level, at the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council. At the most recent session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019, Ireland co-sponsored four draft resolutions pertaining to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which were adopted by vote.
Ireland continues to support action on the ground by providing humanitarian assistance and working on specific projects to improve the situation of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. In 2018, Ireland significantly increased our contribution to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), by some €3.5 million, bringing our total funding in 2018 to €9 million. In 2019, our increased support to the Palestinian people will include the expansion of the programme of scholarships for Palestinian students, and the delivery of solar power in Gaza to help to alleviate the critical shortage of power.
The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory will remain high on my agenda and I am committed to do everything I can to make a positive contribution to support credible efforts to resume negotiations and to advance the Middle East Peace Process. It is for this reason that I recently hosted a Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in February to discuss the present state of affairs. I will continue to press for strong EU engagement notwithstanding other problems in the region; on encouraging and seeking to influence the US initiative; and on exploring practical ideas to improve conditions on the ground, especially in Gaza.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community is willing to become involved in peacekeeping in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/19]
View answerThe United Nations is working to bring about a political resolution to the crisis in Yemen. The UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, has played a leading role in bringing the internationally-recognised Government and the Houthi de facto authorities (also known as Ansar al Allah) to the negotiating table. In December 2018, agreements were reached by the parties in Stockholm, including on a fragile ceasefire in the key port city of Hodeidah and an agreement on prisoner exchange.
To date, the UN Special Envoy has not indicated a need for international peacekeepers in Yemen.
However, following on from the December 2018 agreements, the UN Security Council established the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) in January 2019. The Mission includes UN Monitors tasked with overseeing the ceasefire, redeployment of forces and mine action operations in Hodeidah. A member of Ireland’s Permanent Defence Forces was seconded to UNMHA during its initial period.
At this point, the international community focus is on sustaining political pressure on the parties to the conflict to implement the agreements reached in Stockholm. UNSE Griffiths has thanked the EU for its support thus far, saying it would not have been possible to reach agreement in Stockholm without it. During the February 2019 Foreign Affairs Council, Conclusions were adopted which commit the EU to continuing to engage with all parties to the conflict, as well as with regional actors, in order to support the UN-led process.
It is also vitally important that the international community contributes to the humanitarian effort in Yemen. The UN plays an important role in delivering and coordinating humanitarian support in Yemen, in facilitating access for commercial goods, and in providing oversight through the work of the Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies. The EU also has a significant role to play in the delivery of aid and has committed over €700 million to the Yemen crisis. Ireland has provided almost €23 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen since 2012.
Ireland, the UN, the EU and the wider international community will continue to play an important role in attempting to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and facilitate a political solution for the people of Yemen.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish aid continues to find its intended target in the various trouble spots throughout the globe with particular reference to ensuring maximum beneficial effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/19]
View answerIreland's new development policy, a Better World, sets out the clear commitment of the Government to reach the furthest behind first.
One of the core aspects of this policy is reducing humanitarian need, focused on providing vital humanitarian assistance to those in greatest need around the world. A recent study by the ODI, a leading development think-tank, highlighted Ireland as the most effective international donor in directing resources to those in greatest need.
Ireland works with a variety of partners in order to reach those in greatest humanitarian need around the world. We are committed to the multilateral system, and are one of the top ten donors to the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund - a global fund which ensures a rapid, coordinated response to the most significant global crises. We engage closely with the UN's Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance, and are currently chair of OCHA's Donor Support Group.
Ireland strongly supports the Red Cross Movement, and in 2018 concluded a three year MOU to provide core, unearmarked funding to the ICRC. This will allow the ICRC to conduct vital work in some of the most difficult and protracted crises around the world.
Ireland also delivers humanitarian assistance through our NGO partners through the Humanitarian Programme Plan (HPP). Under this Plan, Ireland provides multi-annual funding to support partners’ responses in protracted and predictable crises.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish embassies abroad continue to be actively involved in the promotion of increased volumes of trade with Ireland with particular reference to the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17811/19]
View answerThe Embassy network plays a central role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as part of Team Ireland overseas. Embassies and Consulates around the world provide vital support for Ireland’s State Agencies, including by supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. This is particularly important in the context of Brexit. Embassies also play a central role in supporting Ireland’s trade objectives in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network and strengthening of Ireland’s State Agency presence overseas. Its aims include increasing Ireland’s international visibility, facilitating market diversification and intensification, and enhancing bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives, including in the context of Brexit.
To date, the Government has approved funding for 13 new Embassies and Consulates, which are either already open, or set to open during 2019 or 2020. We have already opened new Embassies in Wellington, Bogotá, Santiago and Amman, and new Consulates in Vancouver and Mumbai. The Irish Aid office in Liberia has been upgraded to an Embassy. New Consulates will open in Cardiff, Los Angeles and Frankfurt this year, followed by the opening of Embassies in Kyiv, Manila, and Rabat.
These locations have been chosen based on a range of factors, including their potential to diversify our markets, to grow trade and investment with Ireland, and to enable Irish companies to better take advantage of new opportunities.
Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade across the Embassy network continuously engage in economic and public diplomacy, to advance Ireland’s prosperity and raise awareness of Ireland as a great place to live, study, work, visit and do business.
The Department’s officers overseas engage with host country Governments and multilateral institutions on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and Double Taxation Agreements.
The Embassy network also supports Irish businesses in market, by providing contacts and information, organising Ministerial visits overseas and supporting trade missions, in partnership with the state agencies.
My Department works closely with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and other State Agencies, both at home and overseas, to support Enterprise Ireland-led trade missions, and to ensure that firms based in Ireland are enabled to take advantage of new market opportunities. This approach is aligned with the objectives set out in the Government’s trade strategy Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World.
Finally, my Department convenes four Joint Economic Commissions. Through these formal inter-governmental fora the Department, along with other Departments and State Agencies, advances mutually beneficial initiatives with China, Russia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
134. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to set up an operations centre similar to the model being established in Northern Ireland to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. [11931/19]
View answerSince before the Brexit referendum took place, the Government has been preparing for all possible Brexit scenarios.
On 11 December 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediate priority to the preparations for a no deal Brexit. Cross-Departmental co-ordination structures have taken forward work since then on a whole of Government basis, including preparing for a possible intensification of co-ordination and operational engagement in a no deal Brexit.
The European Council Decision of 11 April 2019 means that the immediate risk of a no deal Brexit has reduced.
However, while the risk of a no deal Brexit has receded, it has not been fully averted, and preparations by Government for all possible scenarios are therefore continuing. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to monitor developments and make appropriate arrangements in this regard, working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach.
