Written Answers Nos. 300-319
300. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given at an EU Council of Foreign Ministers level to pursue an agenda of democratic principles to underpin trade and international relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41138/20]
View answerIn 2012, the EU Council of Ministers adopted a 'Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy', setting out principles, objectives and priorities designed to improve the effectiveness and consistency of EU policy. This was the first time that the EU developed a unified Strategic Framework for this vital policy area. The EU Council of Ministers has adopted three Action Plans implementing the Framework, in 2012, in 2015, and, most recently, on 17 November 2020.
The most recent 'EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy' covers the period 2020-2024. In Conclusions adopted at the same time as the Action Plan, the Council made clear that respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights will continue to underpin all areas of EU external action, including in relation to trade.
Achieving the objectives of the Action Plan will require the systematic and coordinated use of the full range of instruments at the EU’s disposal, including political, human rights and sectoral policy dialogues with third countries and regional organisations; the development of human rights and democracy country strategies; actions in multilateral and regional human rights fora; election missions and their follow-up; regular dialogue with civil society, human rights defenders, national human rights institutions, the business sector and other relevant stakeholders; and restrictive measures.
The Action Plan includes specific commitments to strengthen the implementation of human rights provisions in EU trade policy, including through the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), and by promoting labour rights in the context of Free Trade Agreements.
The Action Plan also contains a wide-ranging series of commitments to promote implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for trade policy, and for the promotion of Ireland’s trade interests at EU trade policy negotiations.
301. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland is taking in relation to the ongoing crisis in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41140/20]
View answerIreland has taken a firm stance in relation to the deteriorating situation in Belarus. The repression of the Belarusian people and the denial of their democratic rights is unacceptable. We have seen mass and indiscriminate detentions of adults and minors, curtailments of fundamental freedoms, media freedoms and internet shutdowns, and credible reports of torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence against detainees. Ireland has repeatedly called for the repression to end and we have condemned the ongoing use of State violence against peaceful protesters, which recently led to the death of Raman Bandarenka in police custody.
Ireland strongly supported the imposition of EU sanctions against 55 key figures of the Belarusian administration who were responsible for the fraudulent Presidential election in August and the violence we have seen. The latest tranche of sanctions included Alexander Lukashenko and his son Viktor, and along with our EU partners, we stand ready to take further measures. We also strongly support the EU in re-directing EU funds towards Belarusian civil society and away from the authorities. Complementing these efforts, Ireland has contributed funds to projects in Belarus managed by the European Endowment for Democracy that seek to protect fundamental human rights and media freedoms in the country.
We have repeatedly expressed our deep concerns about the appalling state of human rights in Belarus in international settings, including most recently at the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 4 December. We have called on the Belarusian authorities to implement the recommendations of the OSCE Rapporteur's Moscow Mechanism Report and the recommendations made by the international community during the recent Universal Periodic Review cycle at the HRC.
Ireland also shares the concerns of UN Special Rapporteur Lawlor on the persecution of women human rights defenders and we are deeply troubled by the prosecutions of Maria Rabkova, Irina Sukhiy and Marina Dubina. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will not shy away from pressing the Belarusian authorities to adhere to their international commitments and to immediately and unconditionally release those unjustly detained, including political prisoners.
The future of Belarus is for the Belarusian people alone to decide and therefore we will continue to urge the Belarusian authorities to engage in a broad-based and inclusive national dialogue as the appropriate means to achieve a peaceful and democratic resolution of the current crisis.
302. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) which is receiving international attention; if he will contact the Government of Pakistan regarding the plight of the person; if the person will be granted asylum here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41160/20]
View answerMy Department is aware of this case and has liaised with our Embassy in Ankara, which is accredited to Pakistan. No request for assistance or application for asylum has been made to date.
The case raises serious issues and I would like to reiterate Ireland's commitment to the protection of the rights of children both at home and abroad. The Government attaches great importance to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which both Ireland and Pakistan have ratified, and which is central to the protection and promotion of children’s rights on a global level. We would expect Pakistan to fully adhere to the commitments of this Convention.
Ireland is already active on this issue and is to the fore, leading on UN Resolutions on the Rights of the Child and co-sponsored a UN Resolution specifically on the issue of child, early and forced marriage. This Resolution urges States to enact and enforce laws to ensure that marriage is entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses and there is a legal framework to ensure it is age appropriate.
Human rights, including women’s rights, are raised regularly in the EU’s bilateral dialogue with Pakistan, most recently during the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue on 3 November. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore has also had discussions with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights. Ireland looks forward to participating in preparations for the next EU-Pakistan Joint Commission planned in early 2021.
303. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken directly to the new US Vice President-elect since their appointment. [41409/20]
View answerIn addition to congratulating President-elect Biden, the Government has offered the warmest congratulations to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We recognise the significance of her election as the first woman and first person of colour to hold that office.
Although I have not spoken directly with the new Vice-President elect, the Taoiseach and President-elect Biden spoke by telephone last month, 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 COVID19, economic recovery and climate change.
Ireland's relationship with the United States is built on a deep foundation of ancestral ties and decades of close political, diplomatic and economic engagement. 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 will continue to 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. We look forward to working with the new administration to progress international peace and security, as well as with the United States Congress, across the aisle, to pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US. We are also committed to strengthening transatlantic relations more broadly.
Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
I hope that the President-elect and the Vice President-elect will visit Ireland, once the new administration is in place.
304. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the embassies that have been refurbished to date in 2020; and the embassies that are scheduled to be refurbished in 2021. [41410/20]
View answerNecessary renovations were carried out or completed this year at Ireland’s Embassies in Paris, London and Athens as well as at the Consulate-General in New York and at the Irish Liaison Office to Partnership for Peace in Brussels. For next year, large and medium-sized renovation projects are currently under consideration for a number of our Embassies including, London, Washington, The Hague and Bratislava.
305. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the up-to-date position with regard to passport applications; if the passport office is open and accepting applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41421/20]
View answer306. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the online passports processing service will be operational again given the backlog of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41466/20]
View answer308. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay at present in posting passports that were applied for online from the time they are printed; the action he plans taking to ensure online passports are posted the same day or the day after they are printed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41888/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 305, 306 and 308 together.
In line with the Government's Plan for Living with COVID-19 and the move to Level 3, the Passport Service began a phased return to full operations on 1 December.
The Passport Service had paused processing of routine passport and Foreign Birth applications when Ireland entered Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19 on 21 October. The Passport Service was considered to be a non-essential service and some personnel were redeployed into other, essential public service roles, such as COVID-19 contact tracing for the HSE and working with the Department of Social Protection to facilitate the processing of COVID-related benefits.
The resumption of routine passport applications on 1 December is being done on a phased basis with priority given to the online application stream, given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.
It is important to acknowledge that the online service is extremely easy to use. It has won awards for its user-friendly process, including a NALA award for the use of plain English. It is recognised that some applicants may not be familiar with using a computer. However, in such cases, a friend or relative with basic computer skills can help them to apply – the process only takes ten minutes to complete.
The online service is extremely popular with applicants and has, in fact, become the most popular way to make a passport application.
Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.
The Passport Service maintained an emergency service during the six week period from 21 October to 1 December. The emergency service was available for those who were required to travel urgently due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because the applicant required emergency medical treatment. The Passport Service was also able to provide assistance to those who required passports for urgent reasons such as taking up employment abroad. This emergency service was facilitated via the online system.
While staff were on site in the Passport Service during Level 5, carrying out the essential work of processing emergency and urgent passport applications, they took the opportunity to produce an additional 9,000 passports, in the majority of cases for renewal applications. This was done for operational reasons, to ensure that that the complex printing equipment involved in passport production remained in full working order. Following the resumption of operations on 1 December, the Passport Service is working to dispatch printed passports and to process further applications.
The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we believe that we are well-placed to ensure that those applications submitted online will be processed within usual turnaround times within approximately four weeks.
In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by phone or webchat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation.
307. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representatives of the UK Government he has engaged with following the decision of that government not to proceed with a public enquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied); the outcome of these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41694/20]
View answerThe Government has consistently supported the establishment of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, as provided for under the Weston Park Agreement reached by the UK and Irish Governments in 2001.
I spoke with the Secretary of State on Monday 30 November and conveyed the Irish Government’s disappointment with his decision not to hold a public inquiry into the Finucane case at this time, and underlined the position that a public inquiry remains the way forward. The Taoiseach has also made a statement in support of the Finucane family.
During a discussion of the McKerr group of cases at the European Council Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg on Tuesday 1 December, Ireland made a national statement which reaffirmed the Government position that only a full and independent public inquiry will provide a satisfactory resolution to the case of Pat Finucane. The Committee subsequently adopted an Interim Resolution in relation to a number of Northern Ireland legacy cases, including the case of Pat Finucane, on 3 December, and the case will be examined again in March.
The Government will continue to engage with the Finucane family, with the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and with the UK Government t to work towards a satisfactory resolution.
So many families lost loved ones during the Troubles and are entitled to support in finding truth and justice, as part of healing the wounds of that conflict and building reconciliation. We agreed a comprehensive framework for achieving that at Stormont House in 2014 and it is vital that such a framework is implemented urgently, for all families and for society as a whole.
309. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of engagements he has had with his Chinese counterpart in respect of a person (details supplied) who has been barred from leaving China for the past 20 months; and the status of the attempts made by him to secure a route without prejudice back to this State. [41901/20]
View answerI can confirm that I have engaged with my counterpart in China on this matter on a number of occasions, including recently via a phone call to discuss the case. I can further advise that the case has been raised regularly at senior political and diplomatic level with the relevant authorities in China, and with the Embassy of China in Dublin. These engagements have highlighted the humanitarian aspects of the case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to leave China and return home as soon as possible.
My Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to this citizen through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai.
Our Consul General has been meeting and engaging regularly with the citizen since we were first informed of this complex case last year, and continues to provide all possible consular support and advice.
Our focus has been on supporting the citizen’s well-being, while he and his legal team seek to resolve the outstanding legal matters with the Chinese authorities.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of any individual consular case, nor to comment on matters pertaining to a legal process in another jurisdiction. However I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.
310. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42144/20]
View answerAs of 31 December 2018, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported 3.6% of its employees having disclosed a disability status within the definition as outlined in the Disability Act 2005. In 2019 the percentage rate rose to 4.6%. It is planned that the Department of Foreign Affairs will carry out a full Staff Census for the 2020 statutory returns and this figure will be available next year.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for our employees with disabilities. Policies are guided by the national Disability Act 2005, Employment Equality Acts and the Civil Service Code of Practice for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities.
The Department’s Human Resources Division maintains regular contact with the Public Appointments Service (PAS), including on issues relating to enhancing diversity and inclusion through recruitment. The Department welcomes candidates with disabilities during recruitment processes and provides accommodations based upon a Needs Identifying Questionnaire. Our Department’s Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) can also provide workplace accommodations and supports to all our employees with disabilities when required for the purpose of recruitment, probation, ongoing employment and training.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and has been an active supporter of the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme. The Department has supported 12 placements since placements commenced in 2006 and our continued contribution to the programme was acknowledged under the WAM Leader Awards in 2019 and 2020 by the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD).
The Department holds regular events to raise awareness, promote and celebrate disability topics and to ensure that colleagues with a disability feel supported. Since 2017, the Department has a Sub Committee of the Management Board on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The Sub Committee is chaired by two members of the Management Board and is the governance structure for the consideration of equality and diversity issues. The Sub Committee has a specific Working Group on disability that develops actions and recommendations that feed into the implementation of our Human Resource strategy. Our most recent HR Strategy has a specific focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring the Department’s full commitment in advancing the needs of our current and future employees with disabilities.
311. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the Work Safely Protocol issued on 20 November 2020 are implemented with particular reference to the contents of section D3 (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42603/20]
View answerAs part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our workplaces are safe and comply with all current public health guidelines, my Department is considering very carefully the latest information provided in the Work Safely Protocol of 20 November 2020. This builds on the extensive work already undertaken within my Department to implement the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol published in May 2020.
The Department established a ‘Covid-19 Safe Working Group’ in May to oversee the implementation of the Protocol and other applicable public health guidelines at our HQ premises and our missions abroad. The Department continues to rely on the Covid-19 Safe Working Group’s guidance and work regarding necessary Covid-19 precautions, thereby protecting the health and safety of staff attending the office. Similarly, every diplomatic Mission abroad has its own Covid-19 response plan in place to ensure operations are conducted safely and in line with applicable public health guidelines.
With regard to the physical distancing requirements specifically raised by the Deputy, measures are in place in each building to promote compliance by all staff and other persons in the workplace. Staff have also been encouraged to follow best practice regarding the wearing of face masks while attending the office.
312. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps can have full responsibility for search and rescue services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41084/20]
View answerThere is currently a project ongoing under the remit of the Department of Transport, to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new Marine Search and Rescue aviation contract for future service provision.
The Defence Organisation is supportive of the Department of Transport’s programme to put in place the Next Generation SAR Aviation Contract. A strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal document in line with the Public Service Code was brought to Government for information in July. The preliminary appraisal included an appraisal of various service delivery options, including where the state assumed full responsibility for the service, either through the Air Corps or a dedicated Irish Coast Guard Aviation Branch. Both were ruled out for a variety of reasons but notably the risks to the state and questions around potential affordability and deliverability.
I agree with the strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal mentioned above and I do not see the Air Corps taking full responsibility for SAR services in Ireland’s search and rescue domain. I will not speculate beyond the medium term. However I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service as part of the next genration SAR service provision, given their historical role in this area. Having said that I am well aware of the challenges the Air Corps experienced in the past in providing this service and any exploration of them providing some element of the service would need to take into account their existing roles and the current challenges in delivering those roles.
I can confirm that I have asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport, to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for search and rescue and represents value for money for the State. This engagement is ongoing.
313. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of whiste-blowers the Defence Forces is currently attempting to dismiss using medical boarding procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41233/20]
View answerThe term "whistle-blower" is often used to describe a person who discloses relevant information in relation to relevant wrongdoings, as set out in the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. A person whose information satisfies the criteria set out in the Act also has the benefit of the protections set out in the Act such as protection of identity and protection against penalisation. Subject to exceptions, a person to whom a protected disclosure is made, and any person to whom a protected disclosure is referred in the performance of that person’s duties, shall not disclose to another person any information that might identify the person by whom the protected disclosure was made.
The making of a protected disclosure does not necessarily prevent the conduct of any other statutory procedure. Any member of the Defence Forces who feels that s/he has been penalised or threatened with penalisation for making a protected disclosure has the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
314. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of disclosure requests that have been made to service providers by the Defence Forces in relation to section 6 of the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011; and the number of disclosure requests per year since 2011 by service branch that made such requests. [41236/20]
View answerThe Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 governs the retention of certain communications data and access to such data by the Defence Forces and certain other statutory bodies.
Under the provision of Section 6(2) of the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 an officer of the Permanent Defence Force not below the rank of Colonel may make a disclosure request to a service provider where the data is required for the purpose of safeguarding the security of the State.
I am informed by the military aithorities that during the period 2011 to 2019, the Defence Forces made applications for data requests as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Defence Forces applications for data |
|
2011 |
93 |
|
2012 |
174 |
|
2013 |
181 |
|
2014 |
250 |
|
2015 |
209 |
|
2016 |
307 |
|
2017 |
427 |
|
2018 |
288 |
|
2019 |
245 |
The figures for 2020 will be prepared at year end and are therefore not yet available.
All applications were made in respect to the relevant provisions of the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 and all applications submitted pertained to matters relating to the security of the State.
315. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if a new cadetship competition for both the Naval Service and Air Corps apprenticeship competition will be launched early in 2021. [41417/20]
View answerPermanent Defence Force (PDF) Recruitment plans for 2021 have not yet been finalised.
PDF recruitment plans will be informed by a review of the 2020 campaign and taking the COVID situation into account.
316. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if funding will be provided for a new control tower at the Air Corps Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; when these works will commence; and estimated time frame for such works. [41418/20]
View answerThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. The programme recognises the development of a new Control Tower as being of strategic importance to the Defence Forces. The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will progress further as the Plan is implemented. The programme will ensure that the required capital funding is prioritised as building activities increase over the lifetime of the Programme.
317. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if he has spoken with his UK counterpart since his appointment. [41435/20]
View answerOn the 8 July 2020, I had an introductory telephone conversation with the UK Defence Secretary of State, Mr. Ben Wallace, MP.
The topics we discussed included our common interest in further developing defence cooperation particularly in the Maritime domain through the UK/IRL Memorandum of Understanding which was signed in 2015. We both recognised the value of the work undertaken to-date under the agreement and the desire to continue the development of the relationship post-Brexit, and the value of collaboration in security and defence for Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The Secretary of State and I undertook to meet in Capitals, when circumstances permit.
318. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on refurbishment and maintenance to Gormanston Camp, County Meath in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [41436/20]
View answerMy Department has allocated in excess of €9m to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This is a devolved budget assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out under the devolved budget, is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget. In this regard, the below table sets out the details of the amount spent on refurbishment and maintenance at Gormanstown Camp in the years 2018 to 2020 as advised by the military authorities.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
€347,845.12 |
€244,677.75 |
€372,794.27 |
319. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42139/20]
View answerIn compliance with the Disability Act 2005, statistics on the number of staff working with a disability within my Department are compiled and submitted to the National Disability Authority annually. The figures are compiled retrospectively during the first quarter of each year in respect of the previous year and therefore, the return for 2020 has not yet been made. The following table outlines those who have declared a disability in 2018 and 2019. However, it should be noted that there is no onus on a staff member to declare a disability.
|
- |
2019 |
2018 |
||||
|
|
Total No. Employed |
Total No. with Disability |
Percentage with Disability |
Total No. Employed |
Total No. with Disability |
Percentage with Disability |
|
Civil Servants |
371 |
16 |
4.3% |
355 |
15 |
4.2% |
|
Civilian Employees |
451 |
28 |
6.2% |
431 |
29 |
6.7% |
The only State body under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board which is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department.
In compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, the Department of Defence has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.
Recruitment for my Department is open to all suitably qualified applicants and reasonable accommodation is afforded to those with a declared disability.
