Written Answers Nos. 31-45
31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that some European Union countries are making unsubstantiated claims in relation to the legitimacy of the outcome of the recent presidential election in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38460/20]
View answerThe Government joins with other EU Members States and countries across the world in offering congratulations to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris. We also recognise the significance of the Vice President-elect’s election as the first woman and first person of colour to hold that office.
As this House will be aware, the Taoiseach and President-elect Biden spoke by telephone two weeks ago during which the President-elect reaffirmed his full support for the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, they looked forward to working together bilaterally and across a range of international areas including EU-US relations, the UN including the Security Council, and on the important global challenges of COVID 19, economic recovery and climate change.
I find it particularly encouraging to see such high levels of participation in the democratic process in the US, which had a record voter turnout. The elections were closely contested, but, consistent with the judgement of independent media, the outcome of the Presidential election is clear. The results are currently in the process of being certified by the 50 US States.
While allegations have been made about voting processes, we have not seen and are not aware of any evidence to support such claims. In addition, the International Election Observation Mission for the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has found that the US elections were competitive and well managed.
Our relationship with the US is built on a deep foundation of ancestral ties and decades of close political, diplomatic and economic links. Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025.
With each successive administration in the White House and each successive US Congress, our relationship has been valued and strengthened, to the benefit of our people on both sides of the Atlantic. We maintain close relations with members of Congress and contacts from across the political spectrum, and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
32. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to reopen an Irish Embassy in Iran. [38303/20]
View answerThe closing of our Embassy in Tehran in 2012 was a decision based on deep cuts to Government spending. We maintain open relations with Iran on a range of issues, and Iran continues to have an Embassy in Dublin.
The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran. The Ambassador in Ankara supports our engagement with Iran, including the development of political relations, trade relations and supporting Irish businesses.
Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul. Honorary Consuls are an important element of the State’s global engagement and provide consular services and assistance, as well as supporting citizens.
A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
I am conscious of the factors that might warrant the opening of an Embassy in Iran, and I will continue to keep the configuration and scale of Ireland’s diplomatic network under constant review.
33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total financial allocation for the emigrant support programme in 2020; the funding to be allocated for 2021; if this allocation will enable additional programmes to be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38292/20]
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 allocation 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;
- 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 reinforces the importance of our communities abroad, central to Global Ireland: Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 which I launched last week and will allow us to respond to the increasing needs of our communities at this most challenging of times.
34. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s upcoming membership of the UN Security Council to highlight the increase in recent months in demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38479/20]
View answerThe Israeli-Palestinian conflict is regularly discussed by the UN Security Council, and the international parameters for a Two-State solution, which we support, have been set out in Resolutions adopted by the Council.
It is of course very challenging to reach agreement between members of the Security Council on the Middle East Peace Process, as on many other issues, but the Council continues to play a crucial role. I intend that Ireland would keep open lines of communication with both Israel and the Palestinians while we are on the Council, and to hear their views, as well as acting on our long-standing principles.
The demolition of Palestinian homes, and demolition or seizure of related structures are cruel and unjust actions. These practices also cause suffering to ordinary Palestinians, and impinge on the right of children to an education.
On 26 October, Ireland made a national statement in the Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, and called on Israel to halt demolitions.
Following the Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East on 18 November, the current and incoming EU members of the Council (Ireland, Belgium, Estonia, France and Germany), along with Norway as a fellow incoming member, delivered a joint media statement on the Middle East Peace Process in which we called on Israel to halt all settlement expansion and demolitions.
Beyond the UN Security Council, Ireland conveys our views on these actions to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. In my statement of 16 October I called on Israel to halt demolitions and allow for legal construction for Palestinian residents. I have also raised the issue on my visits to the region. Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli authorities, along with a group of EU and non-EU colleagues. Officials from Ireland's Representative in Ramallah visit have also visited demolition sites in recent weeks.
35. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current situation in South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38191/20]
View answerSouth Sudan continues to endure an ongoing crisis, in large part the consequence of civil war. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, almost 400,000 people have died and more than 7.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance out of an estimated population of 12 million. This has been compounded by the impact of flooding and COVID-19.
In 2018, President Salva Kiir signed a peace agreement with the opposition and a unity Government was formed in February of this year. A transitional three-year period is now under way. However, the situation is very fragile with key aspects of the peace deal still to be implemented, including the creation of a unified army, local governance and transitional justice measures.
It is critical that all the parties to the conflict maintain their commitment to implementing the peace agreement. While the ceasefire is largely holding between the main opposition parties, I am concerned that sub-national violence and human rights abuses continue to cause immense harm to civilians.
Ireland strongly supports efforts to build peace in South Sudan. Since 2018, funding of €800,000 has been provided to the regional bloc IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development). While a sustained resolution to the conflict is the ultimate goal, addressing humanitarian need remains a priority for Ireland. Almost €80 million in humanitarian funding has been provided since 2012 to our UN and NGO partners, for lifesaving support to those suffering from the conflict.
Ireland continues to monitor the situation closely, including via our Embassy in Addis Ababa which is accredited to South Sudan, and via the EU Delegation in Juba. In the context of our upcoming tenure on the UN Security Council, on which South Sudan will feature as a regular agenda item, Ireland will continue to engage closely on these issues including on the role of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and protection of civilians.
37. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is expected that the new consulate in Manchester will be in operation; if other consulates in the United Kingdom are being considered; the role and function of the various missions in the UK post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37960/20]
View answerThe new Consulate General of Ireland for the North of England will be established in Manchester in 2021. The opening of this diplomatic Mission will advance Ireland’s interests in the region and illustrates our commitment to the British-Irish relationship – and to the Irish community in Britain and Irish business – following the UK’s departure from the EU. It is also a key component of the Government's Global Ireland 2025 agenda - to double Ireland's global influence and impact by 2025. It is expected that the first Consul General will be in place in the first half of 2021.
The new Consulate will focus on political engagement, diaspora engagement, and economic and trade promotion. It will enhance Ireland’s collaboration with local and regional authorities in a consular area of 15 million people, including Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle. It will facilitate Team Ireland’s collective work to advance Ireland’s commercial interests, following the establishment of the Enterprise Ireland office in Manchester in 2019. The region has of course deep ties with Ireland based on history and our diaspora. Together with the Tánaiste, I discussed the role of the new Mission, and our ambitions for the relationship between Ireland and the North of England, with the mayors of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region on 16 November.
The Government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s vital relationship with the UK. Investing in our physical presence and engaging in every region is central to this. The reopening of Ireland's Consulate General in Cardiff last year, and the announcement in respect of the new Consulate for the North of England reflect this, as does our ongoing investment in the Embassy in London.
These diplomatic Missions, and the Consulate General in Edinburgh, will support the development of the British-Irish relationship in what will be a new phase post-Brexit. The resourcing of our diplomatic network will be kept under ongoing review, to ensure it is sufficient to protect and advance our interests.
38. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to ensure the inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) takes place in view of a debate in the UK Parliament on same. [38307/20]
View answerThe Government's firm view remains that a satisfactory outcome to the Finucane case can only be achieved through a public inquiry, as was provided for under the Weston Park Agreement reached by the UK and Irish Governments in 2001. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has committed to take a decision on whether to order a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane by the end of November.
I met with the Finucane family earlier this month to reiterate our support. Following this meeting, I wrote to the Secretary of State ahead of his decision, to underline the Irish Government’s strong position that a public inquiry is the correct and only satisfactory way forward.
The Taoiseach also met with the Finucane family earlier this week and the Government will continue to engage with the UK Government on this issue at this critical juncture.
It is important to note that the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in September expressed their deep concern that a decision has still not been made by the UK authorities on how to respond to the 2019 UK Supreme Court judgment with respect to the case of Pat Finucane. The next meeting of the Committee is to take place in December, and the UK Government’s decision is awaited.
The Finucane family, like so many other families, have waited for far too long, and have had to campaign determinedly for decades in their pursuit of truth and justice. This underlines the clear need for the implementation of the framework agreed in Stormont House in 2014 to address the legacy of the past comprehensively and fairly, and in a way that responds to the needs of all victims and survivors, and indeed society as a whole.
39. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he plans to take on foot of the demolition of homes by the Israeli state in view of the recent illegal demolitions that have destroyed homes built by the EU and Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38337/20]
View answerThe demolition by Israeli authorities of private property is of grave concern. Demolition and confiscation of humanitarian assets, including education infrastructure, is contrary to Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law, and in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention.
I was deeply dismayed to learn of the demolition by Israeli authorities on 3 November of more than 70 structures, belonging to 11 Palestinian families in the community of Humsa Al Bqai’a located in the northern Jordan Valley. These demolitions include residential, livelihood and sanitation facilities.
I issued a statement on these demolitions on 6 November in which I underlined that destruction of private property such as this is clearly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Israel, as the occupying power, has clear obligations towards members of this community, including the 41 children impacted by the demolitions.
On 6 November, Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah visited the site of the demolitions, along with other diplomatic representatives. Ireland, the EU, and the wider humanitarian community are ready to support those impacted and the West Bank Protection Consortium, of which Ireland is a member, is providing emergency shelter and support to affected families.
While my primary concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families, it is important that the question of recompense for humanitarian relief funded by our taxpayers should be pursued. Ireland pursues this issue consistently through the West Bank Protection Consortium. It is the practice of the Consortium to raise this directly with the Israeli authorities and to date, the Consortium has sought compensation of over €625,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets.
41. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the interaction he has had with his European Council colleagues on the EU budget for 2021 to 2027; and when it will receive consent from the Council. [36657/20]
View answerThroughout the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU Recovery Fund, the Minister of State for European Affairs and I have had regular exchanges at the General Affairs Council with our EU counterparts.
Additionally, I have had close, substantive exchanges with EU Commissioner Hahn on the special Brexit Adjustment Reserve which was part of the July agreement on the MFF/Next Generation EU package. I have highlighted to the Commissioner Ireland’s unique vulnerability to Brexit, expected disproportionate impact compared to other MS and the exposure of key sectors of Ireland’s economy to trade with the UK.
Throughout the MFF negotiations, Ireland’s priorities have been maintaining funding for CAP, Cohesion, substantial budgets for programmes including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+; and traditional own resources collection costs remaining at 20%, which will help address infrastructure and other Brexit costs. I am pleased that Ireland’s priorities have largely been reflected in the provisional MFF agreement. We have successfully protected CAP funding for Ireland and secured a special allocation of €300 million in recognition of the challenges facing our agricultural sector. We have secured a special allocation of €120 million for a new PEACE PLUS programme to build a significant fund to further reconciliation and North-South cooperation. We have also secured an increase in the share of customs collection costs we can retain and the inclusion of the special Brexit Adjustment Reserve in the MFF.
A proposed compromise agreement on the MFF was reached with the European Parliament on 10 November. Since then, agreement on the overall MFF/Next Generation EU package has not been achieved due to opposition by a number of MS. The Presidency has our full support in its efforts to finalise a swift agreement so that the EU budget and Recovery Fund can be fully implemented from January 2021.
42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the ongoing outstanding requests with the UK Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37693/20]
View answerThis year marked the 46th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 in which thirty-three were killed and hundreds seriously injured, attacks which saw the largest loss of life on a single day in the Troubles.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings that was adopted by Dáil Éireann on 25 May 2016, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, calls on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these All-Party Dáil motions, as highlighted in the Programme for Government, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government, including at the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference.
We have made clear to our counterparts that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a response.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, at political and official level, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue until a resolution is found. I raised this issue most recently in my meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 8 October last in Hillsborough
The Government has also welcomed the announcement by the PSNI on 30 November 2019 that former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher will head an Independent Police Team to conduct an analytical report on collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang series of cases. This is very relevant to a number of cases including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. The Government will be supportive of facilitating this investigation, subject to the requirements of the law, as we have other investigative processes in Northern Ireland.
43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if overseas development programmes have been hampered by the Covid-19 virus; and if unspent money can be carried forward. [37952/20]
View answerAll countries have been affected by COVID-19, with low-income countries particularly impacted by the need to deal with multiple challenges simultaneously. Ireland, in responding to the global impact of the pandemic, has prioritised use of the international development programme to reduce the incidence of the virus and mitigate its secondary impacts. This is line with Ireland’s commitment to reaching the furthest behind first, as set out in our international development policy, A Better World.
Working with a variety of partners – including the WHO, other UN agencies, NGOs and partner countries - Ireland has continued to deliver development programmes and humanitarian response throughout the pandemic. Where programmes have been affected, we work with partners on a case-by-case basis to offer reasonable adjustments. We have provided partners with flexibility, including to reallocate a limited percentage of the grant to respond to emerging local issues. Partners are also able to apply for a no-cost extension to enable unspent funds to be carried forward.
To date, Ireland has allocated over €140 million to the global COVID-19 response, providing over €50 million to enable our partners respond directly to COVID-19 on the ground, as well as fast-tracking roughly €90 million of other funding to partners to help them to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
44. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to reintroduce legislation similar to that of the Control of Economic Activities (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. [38242/20]
View answerThe Occupied Territories Bill would not be compatible with EU law, and would not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will therefore not be taking it forward.
As it stands, however, EU law does already make a meaningful distinction between Israel, and settlements in occupied territory. This distinction has important practical effects. Since settlements are not part of Israel, the EU-Israel Association Agreement does not apply to them. This means that different tariffs apply to goods from settlements, and settlements are not eligible for participation in EU-Israel programmes.
Ireland has been vigilant to ensure that EU law in this regard is upheld. For example, in 2018, Ireland, as an interested Member State, lodged observations in a case which was referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union, challenging the implementation of EU rules on the labelling of foodstuffs originating from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The court’s judgment, issued on 12 November 2019, confirmed that foodstuffs originating in territories occupied by the State of Israel, must bear the indication of their territory of origin, and when these products originate from an Israeli settlement, this must also be made clear on the label. Clear and non-misleading indication of origin for certain goods is an essential part of the EU's consumer policy.
EU law and guidelines on goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory therefore, clearly differentiate between settlements on the one hand, and Israel, on the other. As such, they are an important part of the EU contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334. Ireland will maintain its vigilance to ensure full implementation of these laws and guidelines.
45. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the reason for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38190/20]
View answerThe conflict which began in 2015 is the principal cause of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, impacting on its capacity to address other serious problems such as flooding, cholera and COVID 19. Along with the UN and the EU, Ireland believes that the only way to bring about a long-term sustainable improvement in Yemen is through a negotiated end to the conflict. The UN’s repeated recent warnings of the risk of famine in Yemen underlines the seriousness of the situation there and the urgency that is needed to address it.
Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. We urge all parties to the conflict to engage with him without pre-conditions, to enact confidence-building measures to secure a sustainable peace, and to allow the people of Yemen to begin to rebuild their lives. Ireland also continues to call for full, secure and unimpeded access for humanitarian and health workers and supplies to all parts of Yemen, in line with Security Council Resolution 2532.
This year Ireland has provided €5 million in funding to the UN Yemen Humanitarian Fund, which mobilises and channels funding to NGOs and UN agencies that are best placed to deliver lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable. In total, Ireland has contributed over €27 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen since 2015.
Ireland also provides significant humanitarian funding at the global level, including to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). In 2020, the CERF has provided $35 million in funding to Yemen. As an EU Member State, Ireland also contributes to the EU response to the crisis in Yemen. Since 2015, the EU has allocated €554 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Yemen faces alarming levels of food insecurity and has received less than half of the humanitarian funds requested at the start of this year. My Department will be providing additional assistance in the coming weeks.
