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Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 458-483

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (458)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter regarding foreign travel and self-isolation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14821/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department publishes Travel Advice for over 200 countries. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves. It is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of protecting public health, we have worked particularly closely with the Department of Health and the HSE.

In mid-March, the Department issued a general advisory for the public to avoid all non-essential travel overseas, and the security status rating for each country was amended to reflect this advice. This advice initially applied until March 29, and was subsequently extended until further notice. The Government continues to advise against all non-essential travel overseas.

As the Deputy will understand, requirements and conditions for entry into the State are a matter for other Departments. However, I can advise that, at the time of writing, all entrants to the State, other than those coming from Northern Ireland, and certain exempted categories, are required by law to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form, and to submit it to the relevant authority at their port of entry. They should also restrict their movements for 14 days after arrival. Any further questions on this matter should be referred to the Department of Health.

The Government is considering a roadmap for the resumption of safe international travel, which is likely to include a ‘green list’ of countries.

The Deputy will appreciate that any issues relating to terms and conditions of flights, holiday packages, insurance policies or refunds should be pursued directly with the airline, tour operator or insurer.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (459, 460)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

459. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for EU affairs; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15040/20]

View answer

Seán Sherlock

Question:

460. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development aid and diaspora; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15047/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 460 together.

There are two Ministers of State at my Department, Thomas Byrne T.D. and Colm Brophy, T.D.. Minister Byrne was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs at my Department and at the Department of the Taoiseach on 1 July 2020. Minister Brophy was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora at my Department on 1 July 2020.

The Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 1977 provides for the delegation of statutory Ministerial powers and duties to Ministers of State. This may be done at the request of the Minister concerned, by Government Order.

My statutory powers as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade relate to consular, passport and other technical matters and it is not the practice, nor is it considered necessary, to delegate these functions.

Passport Services

Questions (461)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

461. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the turnaround times of passport applications since the resumption of services post Covid-19 restrictions. [15066/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Passport Service begun a phased return to full operation on 8 June 2020. The Passport Service has processed over 65,000 books and cards since re-opening.. The Passport Service is currently meeting the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications.

This is 10 working days for simple applications and 20 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received.

I encourage all applicants to apply via the Passport Online service which has won awards for its user-friendly process, including a NALA award for the use of plain English. If an applicant is not familiar with using a computer, a friend or relative with basic computer skills can help them to apply online – the process only takes ten minutes to complete. Passport Online can also facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online expanded in 2019 to include first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. Irish citizens, including children, can also renew their passports online 24/7, from anywhere in the world.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (462, 476)

Neale Richmond

Question:

462. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has engaged with the Chinese authorities regarding events in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15100/20]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

476. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has expressed to the Chinese Government his concern regarding the situation in Hong Kong, the new national security law and its implications for human rights; and if he has expressed his concern with the Chinese Government at the treatment of the Uighur minority in China and human rights breaches against them. [15358/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 476 together.

The Government is closely monitoring the situation in Hong Kong, following the adoption of a national security law on the 30 June by the Chinese National People's Congress.

I made a statement on the 1 July to express my concern at the adoption of this law and reiterated Ireland's full support for fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. I also discussed the issue with the Chinese Ambassador.

The EU also issued a statement on this matter on the 1 July, which highlighted the EU's strong stake in the continued stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and outlined our concerns regarding the conformity of this law with China's international commitments. The matter was also raised by the EU during the EU-China Summit on 22 June, and in a statement by the EU at UN Human Rights Council on 1 July.

The situation in Xinjiang is different to that in Hong Kong and both should be considered in their own right. Ireland and our EU partners remain deeply concerned about the credible reports of the treatment of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, including arbitrary detentions, widespread surveillance, restrictions on freedom of religious belief, and recent media reports of forced sterilisation in the region. We have raised our concerns with China in both bilateral and multilateral contexts, and, along with other EU partners, we will continue to do so.

Ireland joined a Joint Statement at the UN Third Committee in October 2019, and a Joint Letter at the UN Human Rights Council in July 2019, which outlined our concerns in the Xinjiang. The matter was also raised at EU level during the recent EU-China Summit, and in the EU statement at the UN Human Rights Council.

Additionally, on 30 June 2020 Ireland was one of 27 States to sign up to a Joint Statement at the UN Human Rights Council which reiterates our concerns in both Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The Joint Statement urges China to allow the High Commissioner for Human Rights meaningful access to Xinjiang at the earliest opportunity, and called on China to reconsider the introduction of the national security law in Hong Kong.

The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and we will continue to monitor and assess these situations, and raise our concerns with the Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora.

EU Data

Questions (463, 464, 465)

Neale Richmond

Question:

463. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who completed an official traineeship in the European Commission in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15102/20]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

464. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who undertook the EU Concours competition in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15103/20]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

465. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who passed the EU Concours competition in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15104/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 to 465, inclusive, together.

Recruitment to the EU’s Institutions is carried out centrally by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO). EPSO regularly runs open competitions to recruit generalist and specialist EU civil servants. The most common form of entry to the EU Institutions is through the AD5 Generalist competition, which is the entry-level point for graduates. This competition is commonly referred to as the EU “concours”.

Since 2015, five Irish citizens have passed the AD5 Generalist competition. Two Irish citizens were recruited in 2015, one in 2017 and two in 2018. EPSO did not hold an AD5 Generalist competition in 2016. The 2019 competition is ongoing and has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2015, 172 Irish citizens applied to sit the AD5 Generalist tests. In 2017, 167 submitted a valid application and in 2018, 176 Irish people submitted an application. The ongoing 2019 competition saw 191 Irish people submit an application.

In addition, since 2015 Irish citizens have also been recruited by the Institutions through other avenues, including through competitions run for specialists (e.g. recruitment competitions for auditors or lawyer-linguists) and through competitions that employ individuals on the basis of a temporary or fixed-term contract.

The Blue Book Traineeship programme is run by the European Commission on a six-monthly basis. Participation by Irish citizens in that programme since 2015 is as follows:

- 2015: 24

- 2016: 19

- 2017: 23

- 2018: 22

- 2019: 27

- 2020: 35

Irish citizens also take part in the Junior Professionals in Delegation Programme, which is run by the European External Action Service and the European Commission and places highly-qualified junior professionals from Member States in EU Delegations around the world. Similarly, the National Expert in Professional Training programme is open to Irish civil service, giving Irish officials the opportunity to have a short-term placement in the EU’s Institutions.

It has become clear in recent years that there will soon be a significant reduction in the number of Irish officials in senior roles in the EU Institutions, as many high-ranking Irish officials will soon retire. At the current rates of recruitment of permanent staff, we are far below the replacement rate. This poses a serious challenge.

The Department of Foreign Affairs manages the EU Jobs campaign to promote careers in the EU in Ireland. The campaign publicises EU career opportunities, including traineeships, in Ireland’s third-level institutions. The campaign also provides support to Irish citizens who have applied for permanent jobs in the EU Institutions, providing information and advice for the duration of the recruitment competition.

Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels dedicates significant resources to building and maintaining relations with Irish citizens working in the EU. It also provides Irish EU staff with assistance to help them advance to the highest levels of senior management in the Institutions.

In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages the Centrally Funded Scheme for Seconded National Experts was established in 2014 to support the secondment of Irish Government officials to the EU. The scheme, which provides for secondments to international as well as EU institutions, has a budget of €1.8 million for 2020. To date in 2020, it has financed the secondment of twenty-four Irish officials to the EU Institutions.

Both programmes aim to increase Ireland’s representation in the staffing of the EU’s Institutions, though it is clear that more needs to be done in this area. The Programme for Government commits to the development of a new strategy to increase the presence of Irish people in the senior ranks of the EU Institutions. We will also aim to increase the number of young Irish people applying for traineeships in the EU’s Institutions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform continue to work together in analysing these issues, and in developing Ireland’s overall policy approach to EU staffing. These will help to inform the new strategy. In addition, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will reflect Ireland’s EU careers objectives in the forthcoming Civil Service HR Strategy, and in workforce plans of Civil Service Departments and offices from 2020 onwards.

EU Data

Questions (466)

Neale Richmond

Question:

466. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish civil servants who are currently on secondment to EU institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15105/20]

View answer

Written answers

In 2013 the Government approved a range of measures to support the placement of Irish officials on secondment to the EU institutions and other international organisation as part of our efforts to maximise our influence internationally.

This included the establishment of a Centrally Funded Scheme, coordinated initially by the Department of the Taoiseach, and by my Department since 2017. The Centrally Funded Scheme covers the cost of secondments to the EU’s Institutions and other international organisations, where these costs are not provided for by the host institution. On average, 24 secondments have been funded annually through the scheme. A total of 23 secondments have been funded to date in 2020. The scheme is vitally important in building up EU expertise within the civil service. All Government Departments and Agencies have access to funding through the scheme.

As well as the funding provided by the Centrally Funded Scheme, Government Departments and/or the EU Institutions also cover the costs of some secondments. In 2020, nine Irish officials were seconded to the EU’s Institutions in this manner.

In addition to the secondees mentioned above, there are eight staff in my Department who are serving in assignments in the EU Institutions are assigned to the European External Action Service (EEAS), including one at Head of EU Delegation level.

The EEAS is the European Union’s diplomatic service created to promote an EU-wide common foreign and security policy. It is staffed by officers from the EU Commission, the EU Council Secretariat and the Foreign Ministries of EU Member States, including my Department. The recruitment of diplomats from Member States to serve in the EEAS enhances the links and interaction with the diplomatic services of the Member States. My Department takes all reasonable steps to support the candidacies of Irish applicants for EEAS posts. Officers who are offered positions have been, and will continue to be, granted special leave for the duration of their assignments.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to ensuring that Ireland is adequately represented in EU Institutions, including the EEAS. This will be an area of focus for my Department in recognition of the value of placing Irish civil servants in key positions to enhance our influence and contribute to the effective functioning of EU institutions.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (467)

Patrick Costello

Question:

467. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will use its membership of the United Nations Security Council to push for resolution in respect of Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/20]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s approach on the Security Council will be informed by our record as a country that has a consistent, principled and independent foreign policy. Ireland is now working on preparations for taking up our Security Council seat in January, including by reviewing all items on the Council’s agenda, which includes the situation in Western Sahara.

Our position on the situation in Western Sahara remains one of support to the UN-led process and the Secretary-General’s efforts to reach a definitive political settlement on this issue. We support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, but we do 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.

This will remain our position when we take up our seat on the Security Council, and we will be ready to support all efforts to advance the UN-led process and reach a lasting settlement. We would like to see the appointment, as soon as possible, of a new UN Special Envoy, to take forward that process and build on the momentum which had been developing under the previous Special Envoy, Horst Köhler, before his departure last year.

Ireland continues to support the important work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), where two members of Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed. On 30 October 2019, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2494, which extended the mandate of the Mission by 12 months. In extending the mandate of the Mission, the Security Council reaffirmed its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise.

Passport Services

Questions (468)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

468. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the processing of passports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15189/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Passport Service begun a phased return to full operation on 8 June 2020. The Passport Service has processed over 65,000 books and cards since re-opening.. The Passport Service is currently meeting the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications.

This is 10 working days for simple applications and 20 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received.

At present, there are over 29,000 Passport Online applications in the system. Of these, approximately two-thirds are awaiting further action from the application such as submitting supporting documentation or a suitable photograph.

The paper based application channel, Passport Express, will not re-commence until later in the summer. At present, there are approximately 200 applications received until March 2020 being processed.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (469)

Michael Ring

Question:

469. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the location of each of Irish embassy and consulate across the world; and the staff complement in each embassy and consulate. [15193/20]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s network of diplomatic and consular Missions around the world is critical to the achievement of our foreign policy objectives. The network also ensures efficient delivery of passport and consular services to our citizens, support to emigrant organisations and outreach to the diaspora and other networks of influence.

The work of my Department in promoting a more just, fair, secure and sustainable world continues through Mission engagement with multilateral institutions and agencies, including those of the United Nations, and via implementation of the development aid programme in partner countries. Activities of our multilateral Missions in New York and Geneva will be of increasing importance as Ireland prepares to take a seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January 2021 for a two year period. Our largest overseas Mission is the Permanent Representation in Brussels which brings together civil servants from almost every Government Department to promote and represent Ireland’s interests in the EU.

Our staff in Embassies and Consulates also make a strong contribution to job creation, exports, tourism and education in Ireland by assisting Irish businesses overseas in close cooperation with State Agencies.

Our Missions are staffed by Departmental officers posted from headquarters; by staff seconded from other Government Departments in certain Missions, including the Permanent Representation in Brussels and visa officers seconded to Missions from the Department of Justice as set out in the table below.

LOCATION

TOTAL*

ABU DHABI

9

ABUJA

6

ADDIS ABABA

4

AMMAN

2

ANKARA

7

ATHENS

2

ATLANTA

2

AUSTIN

2

BANGKOK

3

BEIJING

15

BERLIN

9

BERNE

2

BOGOTÁ

3

BOSTON

2

BRASILIA

2

BRATISLAVA

2

BRUSSELS (Emb.)

2

BRUSSELS (PERM REP/PfP)

98

BUCHAREST

2

BUDAPEST

2

BUENOS AIRES

2

CAIRO

3

CANBERRA

3

CARDIFF

2

CHICAGO

2

COPENHAGEN

2

DAR ES SALAAM

5

EDINBURGH

4

FRANKFURT

2

FREETOWN

3

GENEVA

11

HANOI

5

HELSINKI

2

HOLY SEE

1

HONG KONG

3

JAKARTA

2

KAMPALA

4

KUALA LUMPUR

2

LILONGWE

4

LISBON

2

LJUBLJANA

2

LONDON (incl PPO)

45

LOS ANGELES

2

LUSAKA

3

LUXEMBOURG

2

MADRID

5

MAPUTO

5

MEXICO

4

MONROVIA

2

MOSCOW

7

MUMBAI

2

NAIROBI

3

NEW DELHI

8

NEW YORK - C.G.

4

NEW YORK - PMUN

15

NICOSIA

2

O.S.C.E. Vienna

3

OSLO

2

OTTAWA

3

PARIS (incl OECD)

13

PRAGUE

2

PRETORIA

5

RAMALLAH

2

RIGA

2

RIYADH

2

ROME

5

SAN FRANCISCO

2

SANTIAGO de CHILE

2

SAO PAULO

2

SEOUL

2

SHANGHAI

3

SINGAPORE

2

SOFIA

2

STOCKHOLM

2

STRASBOURG

2

SYDNEY

2

TALLINN

2

TEL AVIV

2

THE HAGUE

4

TOKYO

5

VALLETTA

2

VANCOUVER

2

VIENNA

2

VILNIUS

2

WARSAW

4

WASHINGTON DC

11

WELLINGTON

2

Zagreb

2

TOTAL

451

*In addition to civil servant officers posted abroad, a number of technical, administrative, policy and development activities are carried out by staff recruited locally by Missions.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (470)

Michael Ring

Question:

470. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the premises of each Irish embassy are either owned or leased or rented by the State. [15194/20]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s diplomatic and consular missions play a crucially important role in the achievement of foreign policy and economic objectives. Currently they occupy a total of 165 premises, of which 130 are rented and 35 are State-owned, as set out in the following table:

Chancery/Office

Owned

Official Residence

Owned

Combined

Office and Official Residence Owned

Chancery/Office

Rented

Official Residence

Rented

Combined

Office and Official Residence Rented

Abu Dhabi

1

1

Abuja

1

1

Addis Ababa

1

1

Amman

1

1

Ankara

1

1

Armagh

1

2

Athens

1

1

Atlanta

1

Austin

1

Bangkok

1

1

Beijing

1

1

Belfast

1

1

Berlin

1

1

Berne

1

1

Boston

1

Bogota

1

1

Brasilia

1

1

Bratislava

1

1

Brussels Embassy

1

Brussels PfP

1

Brussels PR

1

3

Bucharest

1

1

Budapest

1

1

Buenos Aires

1

1

Cairo

1

1

Canberra

1

Cardiff

1

Chicago

1

Copenhagen

1

1

Dar-es-Salaam

1

1

Edinburgh

1

Frankfurt CG

1

Freetown

1

1

Geneva

1

1

Hanoi

1

1

Helsinki

1

1

Holy See

1

1

Hong Kong

1

Jakarta

1

1

Kampala

1

1

Kuala Lumpur

1

1

Lilongwe

1

1

Lisbon

1

1

Ljubljana

1

1

London

2

1

Los Angeles

1

1

Lusaka

1

1

Luxembourg

1

1

Madrid

1

1

Maputo

1

1

Mexico

1

1

Monrovia

1

1

Moscow

1

Nairobi

1

1

New Delhi

1

1

New York CG

1

1

New York PMUN

1

1

Nicosia

1

1

Oslo

1

1

Ottawa

1

1

Paris Embassy

1

Paris OECD

1

Prague

1

1

Pretoria (incl. Capetown)

1

2

Ramallah

1

1

Riga

1

1

Riyadh

1

Rome

1

San Francisco

1

Santiago

1

1

Sao Paulo

1

Seoul

1

1

Shanghai

1

Singapore

1

1

Sofia

1

1

Stockholm

1

1

Strasbourg

1

1

Sydney

1

Tallinn

1

1

Tel Aviv

1

1

The Hague

1

1

Tokyo

1

1

Valletta

1

1

Vancouver

1

Vienna Embassy

1

1

Vienna OSCE

1

Vilnius

1

1

Warsaw

1

1

Washington

1

1

Zagreb

1

1

Wellington

1

1

Sub-Total

8

23

4

78

50

2

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (471)

Michael Ring

Question:

471. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new build and purchase programme for embassies undertaken over the past ten years. [15195/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Embassy network plays a key role in the pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy objectives. At present, the Department is responsible for the management of 166 properties comprising of Embassies, Consulates General, Permanent Missions, Permanent Representations, Secretariats, Representative Offices and official accommodation

Ireland’s diplomatic network has expanded significantly in recent years following the launch of “Global Ireland” in 2018. The locations for new Missions agreed by Government were identified on the basis of maximising impact in promoting Ireland’s economic and political interests; expanding our influence in terms of values and in delivering clear benefits for the State.

Properties are purchased in locations where there is a clear economic advantage to owning rather than renting property and where the necessary funds are available. Properties are otherwise leased following due diligence including on health and safety, accessibility and value for money criteria.

The following overseas properties have been purchased since 2010:-

- Lilongwe Official Accommodation purchased in 2017

- Tokyo site for new Ireland House and official accommodation in 2017

- Property neighbouring the Embassy in Washington D.C. to extend space in 2018

The following new builds have been completed or initiated since 2010:-

- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Chancery completed in 2010

- Tokyo, Japan - Ireland House and Official Accommodation - ongoing

- Abuja, Nigeria - Chancery and Official Accommodation - ongoing

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (472)

Michael Ring

Question:

472. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of embassy staff in the allocation and distribution of overseas foreign aid; and the amount of such aid per embassy in each of the past five years. [15199/20]

View answer

Written answers

Annual financial allocations of overseas foreign aid are approved by an Interdepartmental Committee under Vote 27 (International Cooperation). Over the past five-year period (2015 to 2019), aid expenditure totalling €740,975,324 has been channelled via thirteen Irish Missions, including Embassies, in Africa, Asia and Palestine. Details are set out below.

Allocations managed by Ireland’s Missions abroad are made in line with clearly defined objectives and indicative annual budgets set out in approved Mission Strategies, normally covering five year periods.

Embassy staff play a key role in planning Mission Strategies, programming, distributing, monitoring and evaluating grants to partner organisations. A standard approach to grant management is in place in relation to all expenditure under Vote 27, including through Missions, for all grants made to partner organisations. It provides a framework for evidence-based decision-making, accountability in terms of expenditure and results and allows for a routine and rigorous consideration of risk.

This approach is aligned to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Public Spending Code and grant management circular (Circular 13/2014), providing structure to the manner in which value for money considerations are reflected in the allocation of, and reporting on public funds.

Expenditure of Ireland’s overseas foreign aid by mission 2015-2019:

Missions

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Ethiopia

27,829,913

29,210,332

28,993,115

29,689,145

31,986,723

147,709,228

Kenya

236,510

493,040

451,299

802,858

1,000,000

2,983,706

Liberia

5,463,631

1,889,823

2,382,763

2,986,226

2,468,690

15,191,132

Malawi

12,637,263

13,710,375

13,599,017

14,859,389

15,520,540

70,326,584

Mozambique

33,566,005

24,426,273

25,049,059

19,481,467

24,317,367

126,840,170

Nigeria

66,015

96,450

162,465

Palestine

4,700,000

4,400,000

4,887,709

8,178,810

12,720,430

34,886,949

Sierra Leone

5,302,148

6,264,573

6,618,997

6,441,303

8,066,079

32,693,101

South Africa

5,680,120

5,940,244

5,908,497

6,150,366

6,723,791

30,403,018

Tanzania

25,521,309

21,902,561

17,091,553

20,875,097

19,129,096

104,519,616

Uganda

15,974,734

17,530,497

17,815,820

19,238,898

13,562,747

84,122,696

Vietnam

11,933,229

10,985,925

9,976,067

10,026,514

9,966,061

52,887,796

Zambia

13,725,485

7,795,700

9,213,676

3,412,639

4,101,362

38,248,861

Total

162,570,348

144,549,343

141,987,571

142,208,726

149,659,335

740,975,324

International Agreements

Questions (473)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

473. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legal analysis on the revised international legally binding instrument to regulate in international human rights law the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises that has been conducted by a group of EU countries including Ireland; when this analysis will be publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15238/20]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland has exchanged views with a number of other interested EU Member States on the draft legally binding instrument circulated last year by the chair of the inter-governmental working group. Ireland has not undertaken a formal legal analysis in respect of the draft instrument with other EU Member States and the exchange of views that we have had with other MS is intended to inform policy deliberations on the EU's approach to the issue.

As with all exchanges of views with other EU Member States on policy issues, the views that other Member States have shared with us in this context have been shared confidentially. I do not therefore intend to comment publicly on policy formulation on this issue that is underway in other Member States.

As noted in replies to previous parliamentary questions, Ireland is open to looking at options for progress on a legally binding treaty. With regard to its scope, we believe that all economic operators, whether transnational or purely domestic, should be treated in a non-discriminatory manner. We would also wish to see essential human rights principles reflected in any possible instrument, which should 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. We would also 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.

I would also note that the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, recently announced plans by the European Commission to develop a legislative proposal by 2021, aimed at requiring businesses to carry out due diligence in relation to the potential human rights and environmental impacts of their operations and supply chains.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (474)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

474. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken formally to his Japanese counterpart to date in 2020. [15264/20]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland enjoys excellent relations with Japan, fostered by strong cooperation at all levels, both here and in Japan. Since my meeting in December last with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Toshimitsu Motegi, we have exchanged a number of letters covering topics such as the ongoing COVID-19 situation and Ireland's election to the UN Security Council, and have also reaffirmed our mutual commitment to growing the ambition of our bilateral relationship.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (475)

Michael Ring

Question:

475. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the foreign birth registration unit will recommence the processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15356/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Foreign Births Registration (FBR) team was reassigned to our consular services at the beginning of the current public health emergency to operate a COVID-19 crisis call centre, assisting our citizens abroad.

Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. The Department has seen an increase in the number of applications received, from approximately 6,000 applications in 2015 to over 32,000 in 2019. Almost 10,000 applications have been submitted to date this year. There are currently 27,000 applications waiting to be processed.

Applications that have been sent to the FBR team are being held securely and will be processed when normal services resume later in the summer. The expected processing time for FBR applications is between 12 and 18 months.

Question No. 476 answered with Question No. 462.

Human Rights

Questions (477)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

477. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent steps taken by Ireland, the EU and the international community to address the arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators and issues regarding forcibly disappeared persons by the Assad regime in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15457/20]

View answer

Written answers

Over the past nine years in Syria, deliberate repression by the Assad regime against its own people has caused enormous suffering.

Ireland has provided financial support to the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, which was established to gather evidence of abuses and facilitate accountability. Ireland has also called on numerous occasions for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court.

Despite the fear which the regime spreads, there are recent reports of people peacefully protesting in Government-controlled areas in southern Syria - and also reports that many of them have been detained. We support their right to freedom of assembly.

The Syrian Government has not varied its repression over the last decade, despite sustained international pressure. Ireland and the EU have repeatedly condemned violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Syrian regime and other actors such as ISIS, some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.

In the absence of a consensus at the UN on implementing sanctions, the EU has imposed its own sanctions regime on Syria, which includes bans on exports of arms, of goods which could be used for internal repression, and goods which could be used to make chemical weapons. A number of individuals against whom there is evidence of significant human rights abuses in Syria are also subject to individual EU sanctions.

Ireland has worked both at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council to highlight infringements of human rights in Syria. On 22 June 2020, for example, Ireland co-sponsored a Resolution at the Human Rights Council which condemned the use of arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by the Syrian authorities, demanded the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, and noted the importance of ensuring justice for all those detained. Ireland also noted several concerns relating to violations of international law and human rights abuses in Syria in a national statement delivered at the Human Rights Council on 10 March.

Ireland will continue to call on all parties in Syria to ensure protection of human rights. The EU has made very clear, over a period of many years, our strong condemnation of the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Assad regime. We will continue to prioritise this issue in the context of our forthcoming tenure on the Security Council for 2021/2022.

Referendum Campaigns

Questions (478)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

478. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when it is planned to hold a referendum on presidential voting rights for those living outside the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15847/20]

View answer

Written answers

We are committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State.

The Government will shortly restore the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill to the Dáil Order Paper.

The date for the holding of the referendum will be decided once the legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (479)

Patrick Costello

Question:

479. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to the ambassador to Russia since 1 April 2020. [15940/20]

View answer

Written answers

I most recently addressed our Heads of Mission, including our Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador McElduff, at the recent virtual European Heads of Mission conference held on 29 June. I have regular engagement with Irish Ambassadors across our Mission network as part of my role, as do my Minister of State colleagues and senior officials at my Department. Acting on my behalf, officials from my Department engage directly with our Ambassador to Russia on a very regular basis.

Public Inquiries

Questions (480)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

480. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16144/20]

View answer

Written answers

There are no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigations underway within my Department.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (481)

Alan Kelly

Question:

481. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the aide de camp (details supplied) for the Tánaiste can be justified; and the amount this will cost. [14985/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Tánaiste is a constitutional appointment, and is required to act in the place of the Taoiseach during his or her temporary absence.

Under the Partnership Government, there is a plan in place to facilitate a rotating Taoiseach. The current Tánaiste will become Taoiseach and vice versa. Furthermore, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will both be conducting a number of public roles including State occasions.

Consequently, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will retain an Aide de Camp (ADC) in order to fulfil the greater level of representation at public functions and other duties.

The aide-de-camp will be a serving officer of the Permanent Defence Force and will hold the rank of Captain. The appointment will be made from within the existing establishment for Officers of that rank and will incur no extra cost.

The proposed tenure of this position will be for the duration of this Government.

Defence Forces Deployment

Questions (482)

Neale Richmond

Question:

482. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of peacekeeping missions until 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15101/20]

View answer

Written answers

As of 8 July 2020, Ireland is contributing 541 personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 321 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel.

In relation to UNDOF, Defence Forces personnel are currently based in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. On 12 June 2020, the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNDOF for a 12 month period up to June 2021.

The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 15 May 2020 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. Irish troops are currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Polish Battalion in UNIFIL.

Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with 13 personnel; MINUSMA, the UN authorised operation in Mali with 13 personnel, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel and Syria with 10 personnel, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with two (2) personnel, the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with five (5) personnel, the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 13 personnel and the EU Naval mission (Operation Irini) with three (3) personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Questions (483)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

483. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence his views on an organisation being affiliated to a union (details supplied). [14695/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment.

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