Written Answers Nos. 116-139
116. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details that were agreed or partially agreed regarding the withdrawal treaty at the General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council meetings in October 2019. [43225/19]
View answerNegotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union were not on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 14 October.
I attended the meeting of the GAC in Article 50 format held on the morning of 15 October, during which the EU’s Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier briefed Ministers on the status of the then ongoing negotiations between the Taskforce and the UK Government.
On 17 October, the European Council unanimously endorsed the revised Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration agreed between the EU and UK negotiating teams earlier that day.
Both sets of negotiators have worked long and hard to achieve this decisive progress, with compromises on all sides. Ireland has worked closely with Michel Barnier and his team, as well as with the UK, to help deliver this positive outcome.
117. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is a plan to address the serious and real concerns relating to citizenship consistent with the letter and spirit of the Good Friday Agreement following a ruling (details supplied). [43224/19]
View answer118. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the recent ruling on a case (details supplied) with his UK counterpart; if there were actions taken after the Taoiseach spoke to former UK Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May regarding same; and if there are implications for the Good Friday Agreement. [43223/19]
View answer126. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 8 October 2019, the action he will take following a decision regarding the citizenship of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43026/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 118 and 126 together.
The Citizenship and Identity provisions are central to the Good Friday Agreement and it is vital that they are upheld. The Government has consistently engaged with the British Government in support of this, and we will continue to do so.
It is important to say that Ms. Emma De Souza is an Irish citizen, and this is provided for and protected under the Good Friday Agreement. I am informed that the De Souzas intend to appeal the decision of the Tribunal. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is keeping in regular contact with Emma and Jake De Souza on behalf of the Government.
In December 2018, I wrote to the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to raise the case of Emma De Souza, the concerns in relation to the Citizenship and Identity provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, and to ask for a review of the issues.
In February, then Prime Minister Theresa May acknowledged the serious concerns in this area and pledged to “review the issues around citizenship urgently to deliver a long term solution consistent with the letter and spirit” of the Agreement.
In this context, the decision of the Tribunal in the De Souza case on Monday does not define the extent of the British Government’s obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.
In the Good Friday Agreement, the Governments “recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both” and “confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments”.
The Good Friday Agreement therefore includes an explicit right to both Irish and British citizenship, and an explicit right of people to identify and be accepted as Irish or British or both.
It is imperative that people in Northern Ireland have confidence in these provisions of the Agreement, in letter and in spirit. To provide for that, a positive outcome to the review mandated by the British Government is now urgently needed.
The Government is actively engaged in seeking that, in our bilateral contacts with the British Government at the highest levels and through the framework of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference, where the two Governments are also discussing Citizenship and Identity issues under the Agreement more broadly.
The Taoiseach raised the De Souza case with Prime Minister May and has confirmed that he will also raise it with Prime Minister Johnson. I raised the case with the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland again at our meeting on Tuesday 15 October, underlining the pressing need for a positive outcome to the review by the British Government.
Sensitive and generous approaches by the British Government are needed to ensure that the right of people in Northern Ireland to identify as Irish, or British, or both is meaningfully provided for in all relevant policy areas.
The Government will continue to strongly pursue this with the British Government, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
119. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42971/19]
View answerIreland’s relationship with China is broad and wide-ranging, covering political, trade, education, and people to people links. We share strong links in a range of areas, though there are nevertheless a number of differences in our relationship. In this context, Ireland frequently raises points of concern with the Chinese Government directly and in appropriate multilateral fora.
At a bilateral level, Ireland and our partners in the EU discuss human rights concerns during political and official contacts with the Chinese authorities. In April this year, the EU also raised human rights concerns with China at both the annual EU-China Summit and the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. Ireland and the EU also regularly raise human rights concerns in multilateral fora, in particular at the Human Rights Council. With regard to Hong Kong, Ireland and the EU have been consistent in our support for the One Country, Two Systems principle. As I have noted previously in this House, Ireland supports freedom of assembly and expression, and calls on all sides to refrain from violence. We have consistently encouraged engagement in a broad-based and inclusive dialogue.
Ireland will continue to raise issues of concern with the Chinese authorities as they arise. This does not however preclude us from developing our trade relations and from encouraging our educational institutions to engage in collaboration with Chinese institutions. I can assure the Deputy that in the pursuit of our bilateral relations, I and my Department take the full breadth of Ireland's values and interests into account to ensure that the best outcomes for Ireland are achieved.
121. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to statements from the UN Special Rapporteur, Mr. Daniel Kravetz, on the situation of human rights in Eritrea; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that members of Christian denominations have recently been targeted for harassment by the authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42984/19]
View answerThe UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea has expressed concern over the curtailment of church activities in Eritrea and the arrest and detention of members of the Orthodox and Christian congregations.
On 12 June 2019, the Eritrean authorities ordered the seizure of all health centres managed by the Catholic Church in Eritrea. The seizure is believed to be in response to a pastoral letter issued on 29 April in which Eritrea’s four Catholic bishops called on the authorities to adopt a comprehensive truth and reconciliation plan to promote dialogue and strengthen peacebuilding, and urged the authorities to implement reforms.
The Special Rapporteur has urged the Eritrean Government to allow the Eritrean people to exercise their right to freedom of religion or belief and to release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs.
Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We are committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. This commitment to promoting freedom of religion or belief is reaffirmed in the Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World.
Ireland consistently raises the issues of intolerance and advocates for inclusive societies at the UN’s Human Rights Council, including during the Council’s Universal Periodic Review of the human rights records of UN Member States. We consistently support EU-led resolutions on freedom of religion or belief, most recently at the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019 and the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in November 2018.
We are also members of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, a cross-regional and informal network which aims to encourage information sharing and cooperation between Governments to discuss joint advocacy strategies in the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief internationally.
Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address persecution on the basis of religion or belief, as well as that experienced by religious minorities. We played a key role in the adoption of EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief during our Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019 includes an explicit reference to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief, and we will continue to work to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is addressed within the framework of the EU’s external human rights policy.
Together with our EU partners, we remain strongly committed to addressing the human rights situation in Eritrea. In line with Article 8 of the Cotonou agreement, the EU and Member States representatives accredited to Eritrea regularly discuss political issues of mutual interest, notably human rights and migration. The EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, whose task it is to actively contribute to regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, and Eamon Gilmore, in his capacity as the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, have visited Eritrea for discussions with senior Government officials.
My Department will continue to monitor the situation in Eritrea, including through Ireland’s Embassy in Nairobi, and in cooperation with the EU Delegation in Asmara.
127. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Israeli Minister of the Interior has stated that they are taking action to force a person (details supplied) out of Israel; if he has raised the case with his Israeli counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43031/19]
View answer129. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to renewed attempts by the Israeli Government to deport a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43159/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 129 together.
The person in question is a leading advocate of the movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions, BDS, against Israel, which is intended to pressure Israel into ending the occupation. While the Government does not itself support such a policy, it is a legitimate political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as deeply hostile.
I do not agree with attempts to demonise those who advocate this policy.
In this case, my officials are not aware of any recent actions taken by the Israeli authorities, however, comments reported in the press suggest that the residency status of the individual to which the Deputy refers may be reviewed. My Department will continue to monitor this case through our Missions in the region.
More broadly, the issue of revocation of residence is one we have raised before with the Israeli authorities. I am deeply concerned about wider attempts to pressure NGOs and human rights defenders through legislation and other means to hinder their important work. We have raised this both at EU level and directly with the Israeli authorities.
128. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent attacks in Colombia (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43032/19]
View answer130. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his Colombian counterpart on the assertion by the special jurisdiction for peace in Colombia that between 500 and 600 persons could be buried in unmarked graves in the zone of the Hidroituango construction project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43243/19]
View answer135. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the peace process in Colombia; the actions taken by Ireland and the EU to ensure that the peace accords are implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43366/19]
View answer136. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland and the EU have made clear to the Colombian Government the need to ensure that the peace agreement is implemented in full and that there can be no backsliding in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43367/19]
View answer137. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions taken by the EU and the international community to protect human rights defenders in Colombia and in particular female human rights defenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43368/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 130, and 135 to 137, inclusive, together.
I understand that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has this month been hearing arguments regarding disappeared persons who might be buried in the zone of the Hidroituango dam in the region of Antioquia, and will decide whether to issue precautionary measures in this area. I understand that this is a process that will involve engagement with a number of stakeholders and bodies, including local groups, NGOs, the Governor of Antioquia, the project owners and the Unit for the Search of Disappeared Persons (UBPD). This matter demonstrates the crucial importance of the JEP, the UBPD, and the other bodies established under the peace agreement to ensure justice and reconciliation for those affected by the conflict which lasted for more than 50 years.
I am also aware of the worrying levels of violence, threats and intimidation against a number of groups in Colombia, particularly human rights defenders, members of civil society organisations, former combatants and those engaged in political activity. I wholeheartedly condemn such threats or attacks and would like to reiterate Ireland's strong conviction that everyone's right to freedom of expression, to defend their rights and to participate in public life must be respected.
Ireland is a long-standing and deeply committed supporter of the Colombian peace process. I firmly believe that Colombia’s peace accord provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society for decades can successfully be addressed.
I am concerned by any developments that might undermine the significant progress that has been made in securing peace in Colombia but, as we know from our own experience on the island of Ireland, peacebuilding is an ongoing process that will encounter many obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Ireland remains committed to supporting the Colombian Government in its efforts to overcome these challenges, something which I emphasised in my meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, H.E. Carlos Holmes Trujillo, during his visit to Dublin last month. I assured Minister Trujillo that we see our partnership with Colombia in sharing experience of peacebuilding as a long term commitment. We agreed that we had much to learn from each other as we strive to build and maintain peace in our two countries.
Ireland has provided over €14 million in funding to Colombia since 2007, focusing on the areas of human rights, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and supporting livelihoods for rural populations. The Department provides funding directly to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia to support its important work in promoting and protecting human rights, including in some of Colombia’s most isolated and challenging regions, as well as to the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, which provides protection measures to community leaders and activists operating in Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America.
My Department also provides funding to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Colombia, which works to support stabilisation in areas affected by the conflict, towards reincorporation of former combatants, and to support victims and systems of transitional justice, including by working to strengthen the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
In addition, Ireland was a founding member of the EU Trust Fund for Colombia, and will contribute €3 million over the five-year lifespan of the Fund. The Fund finances projects targeted at the marginalised rural areas of Colombia which have been most affected by conflict, and all projects incorporate a human rights and gender perspective.
Ireland also provides support to the Colombian Government through a series of lesson sharing programmes based on our experience of peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. In June, my Department supported the provision of technical inputs to the office of Dr. Emilio Archila, Presidential Counsellor for Stabilisation and Consolidation of Colombia, who is responsible for the implementation of the peace accords. Officials at my Department were also pleased to meet with him last month when he travelled to Dublin for a series of meetings.
The peace process is fundamental to improving the human rights situation in the country, which I am aware is difficult for many human rights defenders across Colombia. During the recent visits of Minister Trujillo and Presidential Counsellor Archilla, I understand that civil society organisations supporting the work of human rights defenders in the country had the opportunity to engage directly on these issues and on measures the Government is taking to protect human rights defenders.
Officials at my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá engage regularly with human rights defenders in Colombia. Last week officials in Dublin met with Christian Aid and representatives of Sisma Mujer, a partner organisation of women human rights defenders active in Colombia. Ireland welcomes engagement with these groups and we are pleased to support the valuable work that they do in defence of human rights and in support of the implementation of the peace accords in Colombia.
I will continue to monitor developments on this issue closely. My officials in Dublin and Bogotá will continue Ireland's regular engagement with relevant stakeholders across Colombia, including the Colombian government, human rights defenders, multilateral organisations and our EU partners, in support of human rights and the full implementation of the peace agreement in the country.
131. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken in respect of prisoners of conscience who are imprisoned in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43247/19]
View answerThe human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, there are ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms there, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the targeting of human rights defenders. Ireland attaches a high priority to safeguarding human rights defenders, and continually advocates for freedom for civil society actors to operate in a safe and enabling environment, without repression.
I am aware of reports of inhumane detention conditions as well as allegations that political prisoners in Bahrain have been tortured. 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.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard. Ireland regularly raises the case of human rights in Bahrain at that forum, in the form of national statements and its support to EU Statements. For example, in September 2018, Ireland expressed concerns about the ongoing restrictions on civil society space and the treatment of human rights defenders, and called on Bahrain to respect freedom of opinion and expression. In February 2019, Ireland reiterated concern at the ongoing detention of human rights defenders. In our Item 4 statement at the Human Rights Council in July 2019, Ireland called on Bahrain to ensure respect for freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to a fair trial. Ireland also took the opportunity at the most recent Council in September 2019 to reiterate its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.
Since 2012, Ireland has signed five Human Rights Council joint statements on the human rights situation in Bahrain, which expressed concern on a number of fronts including the mistreatment of detainees, repression of demonstrations, and the arbitrary deprivation of nationality without due process.
Our principled stance on human rights also feeds into our bilateral dialogue and we raise our human rights concerns directly with the Bahraini authorities at every opportunity. When I met the Bahraini Foreign Minister in New York last month I made a point of raising the human rights situation directly with him, expressing the hope that we can have an open and honest discussion on these issues. In addition, officials from my Department meet regularly with advocacy groups and Bahraini human rights defenders to discuss the situation in Bahrain.
With regard to the rights of prisoners and detainees in general, Ireland co-sponsored HRC Resolution 36/16, which 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 also co-sponsored; Resolution 30/7, concerning human rights in the administration of justice; Resolution 31/31, concerning torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and UN General Assembly Resolution 71/188, also concerning human rights in the administration of justice.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights. We shall do so both directly with Bahraini officials, as well as at EU and international level, whenever opportunities arise.
132. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consultancy service providers engaged by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); the reason for each service engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43315/19]
View answer133. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the cost of each exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43332/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes - Vote 27 (International Co-operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade).
The Department seeks to minimize expenditure on consultants. It commissions external expertise in line with national and EU procurement rules in areas where highly specialised skills are not available, in particular where independent evaluation of projects is required. During the course of their engagement, these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other analysis or documentation for the Department.
In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform, the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
Consultancy Services and Value for Money and Policy Reviews are charged to subhead Administration (vii) in both Votes. Details of the amount of expenditure for these under subhead Administration (vii) in 2018, and up to 18 October 2019, and the reason for each service are detailed in the following table.
Details of Subhead Administration (vii) Consultancy Services and Value for Money and Policy Reviews 2018
|
Name |
Costs |
Reason |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
€ 25,830 |
For the provision of evaluation-related services to the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. |
|
RA Consulting |
€ 6,900 |
Customised Workshop Programme to develop Objectives and Key Performance Indicators for Managing the Performance of Business Units. |
|
Democrashe (Bronagh Hinds and Debbie Donnelly) |
€ 14,367 |
A Final Review of Ireland's second National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (the Women, Peace and Security Agenda). Building on a mid-term review undertaken in 2016, the purpose of the final review was to measure progress in the implementation of commitments and plans set out in Ireland’s second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2015-2018. |
|
Leading Edge |
€ 24,293 |
Giving effect to a commitment in the National Plan on Business and Human Rights, a tender was awarded to Leading Edge for the baseline assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework pertaining to business and human rights as it applies in Ireland. |
|
Tara Shine and Martin le Tissier |
€ 28,895 |
Small Island Developing States Scoping Exercise – to inform development of a new strategy for engagement with Small Island Developing States. The Strategy was subsequently launched in June 2019. |
|
Tara Shine |
€ 14,760 |
Concept Paper on Earth Air and Oceans to contribute to DFAT’s and the broader Government’s work on responding to the challenge of climate change. |
|
Deirdre Clancy |
€ 11,782 |
Consultancy for Somalia Strategy. |
134. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland will have access to the European Court of Justice in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [43358/19]
View answerThe European Union citizenship of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland continues under all circumstances, including a no deal Brexit. As Union citizens, Irish citizens in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy the right to move and reside freely throughout the EU, benefiting from the important right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of nationality while doing so. They will continue to be able to rely on EU law in the courts of the Member States and to seek, for example, a preliminary reference to the European Court of Justice. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, however, the courts in Northern Ireland will no longer make such preliminary references. The rules governing the standing for individuals to bring a direct form of action – such as an action under Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union challenging the legality of an EU legal act – are very strict. An individual may institute such proceedings against an EU act that is addressed to that person or which is of direct and individual concern to them, or against a regulatory act which is of direct concern to them and does not entail implementing measures. If these conditions were fulfilled, an Irish citizen living in Northern Ireland would be able to institute proceedings before the European Court of Justice. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, however, EU law would no longer apply in Northern Ireland, and so it is likely to be in only very particular circumstances that these conditions would be fulfilled.
Under any scenario for the UK’s exit from the European Union, the obligations and commitments of the Irish and UK Governments under the Good Friday Agreement remain and the Government will continue to work with the UK Government as co-guarantor to secure the full implementation of the Agreement.
There is an onus on the UK Government to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts in any scenario, and it should ensure relevant issues are part of its detailed position and pursued in the discussions on the EU-UK future relationship. The UK has also made a commitment that there will be no diminution of rights arising from Brexit and it is important that this is something that would be maintained by the UK under a no deal scenario. Also, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement, the European Convention on Human Rights will remain incorporated in law in Northern Ireland, and the UK Government has confirmed its membership of the Convention.
The Government will continue to proactively engage to ensure that people in Northern Ireland continue to enjoy access to EU rights, opportunities, and benefits in to the future. The Government has made commitments in respect of access to the benefits of the European Health Insurance Card and the Erasmus+ programme in the context of a no deal scenario and the Government is committed to achieving the outcome that the people of Northern Ireland can access these entitlements in any circumstance.
It is important to note that in the event of an orderly Brexit, under Article 18 of the Withdrawal Agreement, the transition period would ensure no change in terms of access under EU law until December 2020 at the earliest.
138. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the recommendations in a report (details supplied) on addressing barriers facing returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/19]
View answerThe Indecon Economic Report on Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants made thirty recommendations, twenty of which have been addressed. Of the remaining 10 areas, 8 have been partially addressed or are pending further policy development. Two recommendations were not accepted.
Among the recommendations that have been addressed most recently is the development of a single-window information service for returning Irish emigrants. This service, which was initially developed by my Department, is now operated by the Citizens Information Board with support from my Department. Discussions between my Department and the Citizen's Information Board about further strengthening this resource and targeting the information provided more closely to the identified needs of returnees are currently underway. This service allows returning Irish emigrants to plan more effectively for their move back home.
The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, at its meeting in November 2019, will discuss progress made to date in addressing the recommendations contained in the Indecon Report. A report of progress will be submitted to the Government.
139. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken by the EU and the international community to protect Kurds in northern Syria in view of the military operation by Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43370/19]
View answer141. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if economic and other sanctions proposed to be imposed on Turkey were discussed at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting for its military action on the Syria/Turkey border. [43400/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together.
Ireland is deeply troubled by Turkey’s unilateral military action in Syria, which has severely destabilised a region which is still reeling from the fight against ISIS. I am particularly concerned about the humanitarian impact of the action and the further displacements of civilian populations that are occurring as a result.
While we understand Turkey’s security concerns about its own territory, these concerns should be addressed through political and diplomatic means. I have stressed that the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law must be paramount.
At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 14 October, my colleagues and I condemned this action, and Member States agreed to halt arms export licensing to Turkey. The Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council were endorsed by the European Council on 17 October.
Officials from my Department met the Turkish Ambassador on 11 October, and made Ireland’s views on the situation clear. We emphasised our belief that these hostilities will undermine stability and threaten progress achieved in the fight against ISIS.
The rights of local populations in north-east Syria, including the Kurdish population, must be respected. The EU has been clear that any attempt at demographic change would be unacceptable, and that no stabilisation assistance will be provided in areas where the rights of local populations are ignored. Ireland and the EU have maintained that returns of refugees and internally-displaced people to their places of origin must be voluntary, dignified and safe. It is unlikely that the so-called ‘safe zone’ in north-east Syria, as envisaged by Turkey, would satisfy international criteria for refugee return as laid down by UNHCR.
Ireland is a strong and consistent humanitarian donor to the Syria crisis response. In March 2019, Ireland pledged a further €25 million to the crisis, bringing the total amount of humanitarian assistance committed to the Syria crisis to over €143 million since 2012 – our largest ever response to any single crisis. This funding is provided on the basis of humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and therefore is not targeted at any one ethnic group.
However, it does include cross-border funding into northern Syria, and Ireland has been in contact with partners in recent days about their response in response to the upsurge in displacements and increased humanitarian need in north-east Syria as a result of the military offensive. A number of Ireland's humanitarian partners work in north-east Syria, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). For example, WFP is currently assisting over 100,000 people with emergency food assistance in north-east Syria.
All military action in Syria risks undermining the work of the UN in attempting to facilitate a negotiated end to the conflict, and a political transition which meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. I take this opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s strong support for the work of the UN Special Envoy and urge all parties to engage with the UN-led process.
