Written Answers Nos. 279-298
279. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider changes to the tenant purchase scheme that would result in the inclusion of Part V properties in the scheme; and his views on whether the current rules, by which tenants of Part V properties cannot engage in the tenant purchase scheme, are grossly unfair. [31521/20]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
The provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure sustainable communities. Part V homes are excluded from the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 to ensure that homes delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time. The continued development of mixed tenure communities remains very important in promoting social integration.
Local authorities may also, within the provisions of the Regulations, exclude certain houses which, in the opinion of the authority, should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual local authority to administer the Scheme in its operational area in line with the over-arching provisions of the governing legislation for the scheme, and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation was undertaken. The review incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. The position of those who were tenants in Part V units prior to the introduction of the scheme is a matter for consideration.
I would hope to be in a position to publish the review and finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on all social housing reform measures is complete.
280. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the maximum net income a couple with two children can earn and still quality for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31551/20]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and 2.5% for each child, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%. On that basis if the household consists of two adults with two children, the maximum net income threshold for a household in Band 1 is €38,500, in Band 2 €33,000 and the maximum net income threshold for a household in Band 3 is €27,500.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced at that time also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will also have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.
281. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the report of the working group established in May 2017 to review the 2005 planning guidelines on sustainable rural housing; the number of times the group met and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/20]
View answer282. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made by his Department in 2020 on the scoping exercise for the updating of the sustainable rural housing guidelines, on foot of the 2013 Flemish Decree case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31604/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing.
A working group was established to review and, where necessary, recommend changes to the 2005 Guidelines and met on five occasions between May 2017 and January 2019. During this period, in 2018, the National Planning Framework (the NPF) was published and provides an important strategic basis for interpreting the 2005 Guidelines. National Policy Objective (NPO) 15 of the NPF fully supports the concept of the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades, while simultaneously indicating the need to manage certain areas around cities and towns.
The 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines are framed in the context of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2002. Given the superseding of the NSS by the National Planning Framework (NPF) in 2018, together with the long-standing need to address the implications of the 2013 European Court of Justice ruling in the "Flemish Decree" case, the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines require updating, in a broader rural development and settlement context. My Department has commenced scoping this work and I expect a draft by the end of this year.
In the interim, the NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to continue to draft and adopt county development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
283. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if budget 2021 contains a commitment to a project (details supplied). [31612/20]
View answerThe Cork Event Centre is included as a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 and it underlines the Government’s objectives around urban regeneration, enhanced amenity and heritage, associated quality of life standards, balanced regional development, and the regeneration and development of Cork City Centre.
It was agreed in the context of Budget 2020 that responsibility at central Government level for making the grant aid support available for the project would transfer to my Department.
Responsibility for the advancement of proposals for the development of the Cork Event Centre remains, in the first instance, a matter for Cork City Council.
284. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Cork social housing task force; the number of times it has met to date; the reports completed to date by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31732/20]
View answerThe Cork Social Housing Delivery Group was established in June 2015.
The Group is chaired by Ms Geraldine Tallon, former Secretary General of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Its membership includes the Chief Executives of Cork City and County Councils and their senior housing officials and the CEOs of the Housing Agency, Irish Council for Social Housing and Cooperative Housing Ireland, as well as relevant staff from my Department.
The Group committed to meeting 3 to 4 times a year to help develop a strong pipeline of projects in order to meet social housing delivery targets under the Social Housing Strategy and subsequently Rebuilding Ireland.
Both local authorities are on target to exceed their build targets and their combined build, acquisition, leasing targets under Rebuilding Ireland for the period 2016 to 2021.
Given the progress made and the strong delivery position the last meeting of the Group was held in November 2019 and it has not been deemed necessary to convene further meetings since that time.
My Department continues to support the work of the Cork local authorities through targeted monthly housing delivery meetings and quarterly technical review meetings. In addition, the newly formed Sectoral Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office is now established and operating, assisting local authorities and my Department in relation to delivery of sectoral housing targets.
In light of the foregoing, the requirement for further meetings of the Cork Social Housing Delivery Group will be kept under review in consultation with stakeholders.
285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has responsibility for allotments and community gardens; and if not, the Department or body that does. [31733/20]
View answer286. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if allotments and community gardens are now classified as essential and will not be closed down under any of the phases of the national framework for living with Covid-19. [31734/20]
View answer287. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will introduce guidance documents for local authorities to help with the provision of allotments and community gardens under the Local Government Act 2001. [31735/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285 to 287, inclusive, together.
My Department has responsibility for the Local Government system, which in turn, has responsibility for the provision of allotments and community gardens.
Further to Covid-19 public health restrictions, the classifying of essential services is a matter for the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team for COVID-19 (NPHET) in the context of the ongoing public health measures.
I am of the view that having regard to local variation between communities living in different areas, it would not be appropriate to tailor general guidance on allotments to local circumstances. I have no plans to issue guidance on specific matters such as that raised in the question but I will keep the matter under review.
288. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces assigned to his Department in percentage and absolute terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31748/20]
View answerMy Department provides breastfeeding employees with access to flexible spaces across all our office locations in Dublin, Wexford, Ballina and in Met Éireann. These spaces include wellbeing rooms and rest rooms. Each one is shielded from view and is free from intrusion by co-workers or the public and is provided with appropriate furniture.
Although currently demand does not exist for these spaces to be permanently dedicated for lactation purposes staff have been made aware of their legal entitlement to breastfeeding breaks at work. The rooms outlined are continually available for these purposes and are fitted with locks.
289. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the €36 million provided for the Local Government Fund; the planned purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31759/20]
View answerIn 2021, the Exchequer, via my Department's vote, will allocate €192m to the Local Government Fund, an increase of €36m on 2020.
The vast majority of this funding is already committed and will be used for Local Property Tax equalisation and to support local authorities with increased pay and pension costs arising from the unwinding of FEMPI legislation. A further €10m is expected to be allocated to support local authorities with costs associated with the roll out of an energy efficiency retrofitting programme, as well as other climate measures. The final allocation of the remaining €16m will be decided at a later date in accordance with the powers set out in the Local Government Acts and will, as is the case every year, support various initiatives across the local government sector, including the Local Government Management Agency and the operation of various local government shared services.
291. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the engagement with the Chinese Government in relation to the continuing rule of law crisis in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32042/20]
View answer298. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent steps Ireland has taken to show opposition to the Hong Kong security law imposed from Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31215/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 298 together.
Ireland remains concerned at the adoption of national security legislation in Hong Kong. The law, which was adopted without any meaningful consultation of Hong Kong's Legislative Council or civil society, risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle.
I made a statement on 1 July to express this concern and reiterated Ireland's full support for fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The matter has also been directly raised with the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland.
In response to the adoption of this law the Council of the EU adopted Conclusions on Hong Kong on 28 July 2020. These set out a coordinated package of response measures in various fields, including the operation of Member States' extradition agreements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong.
My Department, in consultation with the Department of Justice and Equality, has carried out a review of the implications of the introduction of the National Security Law for Ireland's extradition arrangements with Hong Kong. Following this review, the Government on 13 October agreed to suspend Ireland's Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong.
This decision, which was taken in concert with a number of other EU Member States, clearly signals Ireland's concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the erosion of judicial independence promised under the One Country, Two Systems principle.
My Department, through our Consulate General in Hong Kong and our Embassy in Beijing, will remain alert to the situation in Hong Kong and, along with our EU partners, will continue to raise our concerns with Chinese authorities.
292. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider extending supplementary funding under the emigrant support programme, particularly for welfare-based organisations. [31010/20]
View answerThe Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support our most vulnerable emigrants overseas, to strengthen Irish communities abroad and to facilitate the development of closer and more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.
The budget for the programme in 2020 is €12.595 million and is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to our people abroad.
Earlier this year, as the scale of the impact of the pandemic on our Diaspora Communities became clear, the Government established a dedicated Covid-19 Response Fund to provide support for Irish Communities Abroad.The four main priorities of the Fund are to support projects that:
- protect our elderly and mitigate the impact of social isolation;
- meet the needs of those made vulnerable by the crisis and respond quickly and effectively to cases of particular hardship;
- provide mental health supports and bereavement counselling; and
- support innovative ways to provide services online.
Projects are managed by our Mission network and are delivered through existing community welfare organisations and charities. My Department, through our Mission network, continues to engage with and support Irish community organisations and will continue to show flexibility in repurposing ESP funding should this be required. I am delighted to note the additional allocation of €500,000 for the Emigrant Support Programme for 2021, which will bring the total budget for the 2021 programme to €13,095,000. This increase recognises the importance of our diaspora and will allow us to respond to the increasing needs of our communities at this most challenging of times.
293. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeline for Ireland’s adoption of the EU traffic light system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31070/20]
View answerThe EU adopted a new coordinated approach to travel measures at the meeting of the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 13 October 2020. As already set out in the Living with COVID-19 framework, the Government supports this effort to improve co-ordination within the Union and has made clear our intention to align with the new Recommendation.
The new system categorises regions across Europe by their levels of COVID-19 risk based on a three-strand approach. This approach examines firstly, the 14-day cumulative incidence rate within the region, secondly, the overall level of testing in the region and finally, the testing positivity rate within the region. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will make a weekly assessment and issue advisory maps of which regions within the EU/EEA are green, orange or red, or, if data is unavailable, grey.
Under the Recommendation, Member States will lift restrictions applying to green regions within seven days of adoption of the Recommendation. It is for Member States to determine what restrictions should apply for incoming visitors from the areas that are not classified as green.
In accordance with the Recommendation, persons arriving from green zones will continue not to be subject to any restrictions upon arrival in Ireland. In view of the current epidemiological situation, those arriving from orange and red zones will continue to be required to restrict their movements for fourteen days upon arrival, as will those arriving from grey regions. However, those coming from orange regions may waive the requirement to restrict their movements if they can produce a negative test result from an authorised entity three days in advance of their journey to Ireland. This change, however, will not take effect before 8 November 2020.
Work will also continue in the coming weeks to amend the Passenger Locator Form so as to allow persons arriving into Ireland to avail of a series of exemptions from the requirement to quarantine provided for in the EU Council Recommendation.
The Government has also decided that changes for green regions should come into place from midnight Wednesday, 21st of October, with further changes to include the list of exemptions and changes to the requirements for arrivals from orange regions to be effective from midnight Sunday, 8th of November.
294. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke to the Governor of Washington during his recent visit to the United States of America. [31168/20]
View answerI travelled to the United States on 28th September for a series of engagements in Washington D.C. This included meetings with representatives from the Administration, as well as with members of Congress - Democrats and Republicans alike - from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Over the course of my visit, I met with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Richard Neal, Peter King, Brendan Boyle, Mary Gay Scanlon and other members of the Friends of Ireland caucus, as well as Senators Chris Murphy and Pat Toomey. I also met National Security Advisor, Robert O'Brien, and Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen Biegun. The visit came at an important time for both Ireland and the United States, and reinforced the commitment this Government has to strengthening both our bilateral relationship and wider transatlantic relations.
As I previously stated, the visit also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss key priorities including Brexit, Northern Ireland and Ireland's priorities for our upcoming term on the UN Security Council with contacts from across the political spectrum. In addition to political engagements, I used the visit to meet with members of the US Chamber of Commerce and to reiterate the strength and mutual benefits of our economic relationship with the United States. This will be more important than ever as both countries look towards recovery following the global pandemic.
We continue to maintain close relations with members of Congress and with our contacts from across the political spectrum at federal, state, city and local levels. Through the Consulate General in San Francisco in particular, my Department remains engaged with high-level contacts in Washington State, including the Governor's office. Once the current Covid-19 crisis has abated, and in line with public health advice, I hope to get to the opportunity travel to the West Coast of the US.
295. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current wait time for an online passport application; the reason for backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/20]
View answerThe Passport Service is currently meeting the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications. This is 5 working days for simple applications and 10 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received and 20 days for first time applicants. Paper based Passport Express applications are being processed in the target turnaround time of 6-8 weeks. There are currently no backlogs.
The awarding-winning Passport Online service is the cheapest and most convenient way to apply for a passport. It provides a user-friendly process which is available 24/7 to adults and children seeking to renew their passports from anywhere in the world. Applicants in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe who are applying for the first time are also eligible to use the Passport Online service.
296. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish financial aid given abroad in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by country, in tabular form. [31212/20]
View answerIrish Aid is the Government's official development aid programme, of which approximately 65% is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Irish Aid was found by the OECD in its peer review published earlier this year to be 'a strong voice for sustainable development'.
The table below sets out Irish Aid grants to countries over the reference period. Data for 2020 is preliminary: more complete data will be included in the Irish Aid Annual Report for 2020 when published.
As Ireland is committed to the Paris Principles for international development assistance and, also, to the Grand Bargain on humanitarian aid, Irish Aid contributions through multilateral organisations are usually unearmarked. In addition, a significant portion of Irish assistance is channelled through the European Union or to address thematic issues, such as global health or climate change.
|
Country |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Grand Total € |
|
Afghanistan |
2,485,487 |
2,368,056 |
1,497,010 |
1,972,358 |
1,657,152 |
1,143,014 |
11,123,078 |
|
Africa, regional/multi-country |
2,941,890 |
287,609 |
2,399,497 |
2,954,805 |
1,303,675 |
2,618,651 |
12,506,126 |
|
Albania |
18,000 |
318,801 |
336,801 |
||||
|
Algeria |
24,228 |
25,000 |
49,228 |
||||
|
America, regional/multi-country |
63,530 |
66,805 |
130,335 |
||||
|
Angola |
609,463 |
501,960 |
405,976 |
422,686 |
431,347 |
2,371,432 |
|
|
Antigua & Barbuda |
300,000 |
300,000 |
|||||
|
Argentina |
130,379 |
10,259 |
4,500 |
4,000 |
149,138 |
||
|
Armenia |
40,000 |
40,000 |
80,000 |
||||
|
Asia, regional/multi-country |
36,640 |
579 |
67,835 |
17,894 |
122,948 |
||
|
Bangladesh |
1,177,810 |
1,375,000 |
1,521,269 |
2,252,851 |
2,272,686 |
1,060,687 |
9,660,303 |
|
Belarus |
10,654 |
10,922 |
21,576 |
||||
|
Benin |
29,966 |
21,792 |
42,093 |
91,376 |
14,000 |
199,228 |
|
|
Bilateral, unallocated |
1,052,022 |
586,764 |
1,638,786 |
||||
|
Bolivia |
249,589 |
325,236 |
317,129 |
184,062 |
35,525 |
1,111,541 |
|
|
Bosnia-Herzegovina |
12,700 |
12,000 |
5,359 |
30,059 |
|||
|
Botswana |
75,000 |
108,981 |
157,096 |
341,077 |
|||
|
Brazil |
249,503 |
357,271 |
206,294 |
354,605 |
389,210 |
12,000 |
1,568,883 |
|
Burkina Faso |
219,272 |
357,285 |
307,099 |
455,396 |
591,830 |
634,519 |
2,565,401 |
|
Burundi |
1,666,507 |
1,912,964 |
1,441,885 |
1,533,850 |
1,916,883 |
405,000 |
8,877,089 |
|
Cambodia |
526,035 |
552,976 |
597,046 |
601,101 |
654,137 |
250,000 |
3,181,295 |
|
Cameroon |
495,057 |
578,903 |
528,142 |
897,495 |
1,047,645 |
646,811 |
4,194,052 |
|
Central African Republic |
4,878,501 |
6,062,302 |
6,446,638 |
6,091,117 |
6,046,053 |
3,737,425 |
33,262,036 |
|
Chad |
1,080,254 |
1,321,184 |
1,100,000 |
1,290,237 |
2,560,408 |
892,036 |
8,244,119 |
|
Chile |
15,636 |
15,636 |
|||||
|
China |
7,500 |
8,000 |
29,500 |
33,964 |
78,964 |
||
|
Colombia |
708,990 |
1,325,628 |
2,343,492 |
2,413,441 |
2,563,750 |
1,596,020 |
10,951,321 |
|
Comoros |
100,000 |
100,000 |
|||||
|
Congo, Dem. Rep. |
4,924,558 |
6,399,016 |
8,149,882 |
7,534,825 |
9,415,230 |
4,754,457 |
41,177,968 |
|
Congo, Rep. |
1,731,298 |
2,616 |
26,459 |
85,890 |
14,800 |
1,861,063 |
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire |
6,060 |
6,651 |
13,975 |
15,043 |
13,628 |
14,946 |
70,303 |
|
Cuba |
1,062 |
1,062 |
|||||
|
Djibouti |
99,882 |
32,972 |
132,854 |
||||
|
Dominica |
150,000 |
150,000 |
|||||
|
Dominican Republic |
70,749 |
31,569 |
102,318 |
||||
|
Ecuador |
83,051 |
95,454 |
178,505 |
||||
|
Egypt |
77,970 |
52,000 |
76,000 |
- 59,314 |
96,789 |
243,445 |
|
|
El Salvador |
83,595 |
93,266 |
151,358 |
151,367 |
114,521 |
594,106 |
|
|
Eritrea |
690,089 |
1,240,982 |
1,235,284 |
1,235,284 |
1,239,933 |
1,000,000 |
6,641,572 |
|
Ethiopia |
33,710,575 |
34,147,127 |
35,257,870 |
36,113,347 |
38,478,981 |
9,590,537 |
187,298,436 |
|
Europe, regional/multi-country |
421,983 |
267,056 |
156,721 |
349,096 |
246,159 |
157,133 |
1,598,149 |
|
Fiji |
2,301 |
2,301 |
|||||
|
FYR - Macedonia |
14,698 |
15,161 |
29,859 |
||||
|
Gabon |
6,667 |
6,667 |
13,333 |
||||
|
Gambia |
158,015 |
74,032 |
97,909 |
36,925 |
253,337 |
620,218 |
|
|
Georgia |
86,328 |
133,176 |
140,372 |
223,757 |
242,565 |
426,193 |
1,252,391 |
|
Ghana |
388,478 |
364,975 |
281,616 |
43,574 |
275,741 |
1,354,384 |
|
|
Guatemala |
875,150 |
907,729 |
1,293,207 |
1,115,097 |
1,356,624 |
5,547,807 |
|
|
Guinea |
343,438 |
282,168 |
241,290 |
373,738 |
325,973 |
1,566,607 |
|
|
Guinea-Bissau |
246,472 |
225,323 |
214,169 |
354,183 |
221,242 |
1,261,389 |
|
|
Haiti |
2,070,504 |
3,022,141 |
1,114,965 |
1,122,737 |
1,670,021 |
229,792 |
9,230,161 |
|
Honduras |
1,073,170 |
1,064,077 |
1,128,751 |
1,144,363 |
1,299,841 |
5,710,202 |
|
|
India |
1,669,991 |
1,161,149 |
1,735,993 |
1,382,999 |
924,253 |
6,874,385 |
|
|
Indonesia |
11,667 |
8,500 |
348,413 |
40,000 |
30,000 |
438,580 |
|
|
Iran |
74,673 |
32,901 |
10,654 |
10,522 |
128,750 |
||
|
Iraq |
1,579,965 |
2,886,310 |
2,066,874 |
2,000,000 |
1,544,908 |
1,185,740 |
11,263,798 |
|
Jamaica |
2,150 |
2,150 |
|||||
|
Jordan |
1,716,462 |
1,714,079 |
1,787,205 |
3,044,734 |
3,138,317 |
2,879,050 |
14,279,847 |
|
Kenya |
7,123,790 |
7,274,583 |
6,656,420 |
6,533,859 |
7,189,622 |
1,512,752 |
36,291,025 |
|
Kiribati |
5,933 |
5,933 |
|||||
|
Korea, Dem. |
650,000 |
400,000 |
479,236 |
350,000 |
500,000 |
2,379,236 |
|
|
KOSOVO |
55,166 |
103,283 |
121,720 |
169,692 |
178,821 |
213,451 |
842,133 |
|
Kyrgyz Rep |
11,667 |
11,667 |
|||||
|
Laos |
500,000 |
400,000 |
500,000 |
550,000 |
500,000 |
837,512 |
3,287,512 |
|
Lebanon |
2,420,737 |
4,016,620 |
4,112,684 |
4,631,692 |
4,296,850 |
2,646,191 |
22,124,775 |
|
Lesotho |
411,201 |
97,675 |
893 |
31,662 |
541,431 |
||
|
Liberia |
6,881,654 |
3,358,359 |
3,928,713 |
4,705,243 |
3,996,225 |
981,573 |
23,851,767 |
|
Libya |
1,099,988 |
60,445 |
144,728 |
101,167 |
43,991 |
1,450,319 |
|
|
Madagascar |
126,421 |
25,878 |
83,018 |
26,999 |
13,708 |
276,024 |
|
|
Malawi |
18,860,721 |
18,776,838 |
19,115,866 |
20,406,741 |
21,119,065 |
6,581,250 |
104,860,482 |
|
Mali |
1,234,672 |
758,357 |
339,105 |
362,883 |
1,326,706 |
531,857 |
4,553,580 |
|
Mauritania |
231,503 |
195,123 |
328,291 |
359,758 |
359,287 |
1,473,962 |
|
|
Mexico |
26,493 |
35,000 |
30,000 |
50,355 |
290,227 |
- 10,184 |
421,891 |
|
Middle East, regional/multi-country |
1,641,000 |
673,765 |
640,617 |
728,694 |
535,288 |
168,200 |
4,387,564 |
|
Moldova |
50,000 |
50,000 |
|||||
|
Mongolia |
11,666 |
11,666 |
|||||
|
Montenegro |
25,000 |
6,400 |
19,000 |
50,400 |
|||
|
Morocco |
11,666 |
11,666 |
|||||
|
Mozambique |
35,024,390 |
25,805,643 |
25,539,001 |
19,525,116 |
25,726,530 |
12,385,862 |
144,006,543 |
|
Myanmar (Burma) |
1,138,413 |
1,583,855 |
2,044,901 |
1,756,221 |
2,104,771 |
860,143 |
9,488,304 |
|
N.&C. America, reg./multi-country |
1,302,109 |
1,303,273 |
359,399 |
339,895 |
378,406 |
3,683,082 |
|
|
Namibia |
21,796 |
19,087 |
32,976 |
73,859 |
|||
|
Nepal |
501,827 |
339,240 |
425,522 |
366,953 |
454,160 |
90,175 |
2,177,877 |
|
Nicaragua |
1,243,345 |
1,201,000 |
1,157,787 |
1,088,924 |
1,159,992 |
5,851,048 |
|
|
Niger |
1,948,244 |
3,109,977 |
2,536,761 |
2,363,621 |
3,516,922 |
960,492 |
14,436,017 |
|
Nigeria |
1,295,962 |
3,404,060 |
3,273,159 |
3,040,928 |
2,091,502 |
1,164,775 |
14,270,386 |
|
Not Analysed |
132,497,856 |
126,548,346 |
136,533,630 |
180,745,503 |
179,088,647 |
184,837,055 |
940,251,036 |
|
Oceania, regional/multi-country |
1,215,000 |
4,350,000 |
5,565,000 |
||||
|
Pakistan |
511,796 |
640,495 |
901,991 |
787,519 |
587,507 |
3,429,308 |
|
|
Palestinian Admin Areas / West Bank & Gaza Strip |
8,552,970 |
8,087,211 |
5,467,189 |
5,770,037 |
11,594,251 |
6,999,230 |
46,470,888 |
|
Papua New Guinea |
258,334 |
104,211 |
362,545 |
||||
|
Paraguay |
2,588 |
45,282 |
74,794 |
122,664 |
|||
|
Peru |
465,527 |
489,627 |
414,976 |
468,444 |
534,541 |
2,373,115 |
|
|
Philippines |
452,408 |
271,673 |
168,178 |
32,074 |
104,303 |
1,028,635 |
|
|
Rwanda |
2,138,901 |
1,866,127 |
2,076,226 |
2,152,960 |
1,866,870 |
10,101,083 |
|
|
Samoa |
100,000 |
705 |
100,705 |
||||
|
Senegal |
218,558 |
218,558 |
662,360 |
602,615 |
596,453 |
14,035 |
2,312,579 |
|
Serbia |
52,800 |
51,000 |
103,800 |
||||
|
Sierra Leone |
9,674,735 |
10,069,478 |
11,773,383 |
11,450,514 |
12,797,084 |
7,413,202 |
63,178,397 |
|
Solomon Islands |
869 |
869 |
|||||
|
Somalia |
6,442,350 |
6,850,695 |
6,317,568 |
6,316,407 |
6,182,141 |
5,569,854 |
37,679,015 |
|
South Africa |
4,237,786 |
3,822,180 |
3,157,349 |
3,075,849 |
3,605,234 |
1,829,941 |
19,728,339 |
|
South America, reg./multi-country |
56,618 |
145,425 |
10,520 |
76,471 |
73,858 |
362,892 |
|
|
South Asia, reg./multi-country |
131,744 |
38,843 |
170,587 |
||||
|
South of Sahara, reg./multi-country |
250,565 |
553,710 |
440,392 |
276,941 |
837,047 |
2,358,655 |
|
|
South Sudan |
11,009,517 |
9,443,707 |
10,693,909 |
11,420,810 |
11,130,560 |
4,912,205 |
58,610,707 |
|
Sri Lanka |
16,347 |
11,667 |
101,010 |
138,104 |
267,128 |
||
|
States of ex-Yugoslavia unspecified |
45,802 |
19,715 |
65,517 |
||||
|
Sudan |
5,207,259 |
5,697,077 |
5,751,816 |
5,574,865 |
5,408,129 |
4,309,173 |
31,948,319 |
|
Suriname |
363 |
363 |
|||||
|
Swaziland |
163,277 |
39,054 |
30,040 |
15,000 |
12,856 |
260,227 |
|
|
Syria |
8,980,768 |
9,520,974 |
3,098,904 |
7,196,841 |
5,980,410 |
6,670,970 |
41,448,867 |
|
Tajikistan |
|
|
|
|
9,542 |
|
9,542 |
|
Tanzania |
27,453,268 |
24,112,933 |
19,065,903 |
22,762,075 |
22,118,694 |
13,222,127 |
128,735,000 |
|
Thailand |
255,164 |
353,387 |
310,440 |
273,089 |
111,483 |
|
1,303,563 |
|
Timor Leste |
44,102 |
54,775 |
- 25,689 |
- 406,155 |
|
|
- 332,967 |
|
Togo |
|
11,666 |
|
|
|
14,800 |
26,466 |
|
Tonga |
|
|
|
|
|
1,575 |
1,575 |
|
Tunisia |
|
405 |
404 |
|
383 |
|
1,192 |
|
Turkey |
425,000 |
5,621,045 |
12,507,451 |
6,070,095 |
4,985,713 |
4,669,838 |
34,279,142 |
|
Tuvalu |
|
|
|
|
|
45,241 |
45,241 |
|
Uganda |
21,641,163 |
22,612,316 |
22,575,543 |
25,182,940 |
20,266,975 |
11,037,514 |
123,316,451 |
|
Ukraine |
190,810 |
105,641 |
121,720 |
141,672 |
246,470 |
180,789 |
987,103 |
|
Unallocated / Ireland |
22,700,697 |
40,243,838 |
41,273,824 |
21,099,471 |
32,156,053 |
58,837,011 |
216,310,895 |
|
Uruguay |
|
2,071 |
|
|
|
|
2,071 |
|
Vanuatu |
|
|
|
|
|
1,618 |
1,618 |
|
Venezuela |
|
|
|
45,814 |
1,209,704 |
1,021,016 |
2,276,535 |
|
Viet Nam |
11,294,463 |
10,265,626 |
9,083,330 |
8,899,516 |
8,936,245 |
2,358,311 |
50,837,490 |
|
Yemen |
1,757,420 |
4,100,000 |
5,250,000 |
5,009,718 |
5,008,956 |
5,016,667 |
26,142,760 |
|
Zambia |
16,707,877 |
10,352,732 |
11,590,412 |
5,364,359 |
5,679,067 |
1,795,363 |
51,489,811 |
|
Zimbabwe |
6,512,362 |
6,655,583 |
6,663,853 |
7,229,160 |
7,434,854 |
5,107,503 |
39,603,315 |
|
Grand Total € |
454,444,736 |
453,846,605 |
462,914,620 |
484,806,357 |
512,446,091 |
388,586,175 |
2,757,044,584
|
297. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland has taken to support the rights of the Belarussian people to access free and fair elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31214/20]
View answerThe deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus remains deeply troubling and Ireland continues to seek a peaceful solution that is inclusive and democratic. The Belarusian people continue to make a dignified and resilient stand in defence of the principle that they alone have the right to determine their political leaders.
Joint action through the EU and with other partners is the optimal way for Ireland to demonstrate our clear and strong support for and solidarity with the Belarusian people. Ireland is working closely with our EU partners to support the Belarusian people and civil society in their simple and clear call for free and fair elections. Having adopted a sanctions regime against those responsible for falsifying the August Presidential election result and the use of State violence against peaceful protesters, the EU is now engaged in a full review of EU-Belarus relations. A "business as usual" approach is not possible and Ireland fully supports the EU Commission's proposal to re-programme EU funds away from the Belarusian authorities and deliver support more directly to the people. Work is ongoing to implement this task and Ireland is actively contributing at EU-level to realise the proposal.
A national and inclusive dialogue in Belarus is needed to ensure a peaceful and sustainable solution and we continue to support the OSCE offer to visit Minsk and help facilitate talks. As Belarus is a participating Member of the OSCE, we will also continue to encourage upholding of OSCE commitments.
Free and fair elections require an environment in which human rights are respected. We have called for the immediate and unconditional release of those unjustly detained, for an end to the use of State violence, and for the authorities to respect the rights to freedom of assembly, association and media freedoms. Ireland has been strong in highlighting our deep concerns for the human rights situation in Belarus and we will continue to raise our concerns at human rights fora, including during the upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.
In keeping with the approach being taken by our EU partners, Ireland will also examine what actions we can take to support civil society in Belarus.
