Written Answers Nos. 382-401
382. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the need to appoint an ambassador to Ireland at an early date with the United States administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4127/21]
View answerThe appointment of Ambassadors by the United States is solely a matter for the U.S. authorities.
Pending the nomination of a new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland by President Biden and the subsequent confirmation of the appointment by the US Senate, we continue to engage closely with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin on the whole range of issues pertaining to the Ireland-US relationship.
We have a very strong and positive working relationship with the US Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires Alex McKnight and her team. I know that this will continue to be the case until, and indeed after, a new Ambassador is appointed. I am particularly grateful for their ongoing cooperation during the COVID 19 pandemic and for the work of the previous US Ambassador, Edward Crawford, during his time in Ireland.
We do of course look forward to the arrival of a new US Ambassador in due course. 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 United States and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise with the United States administration the need to appoint a special envoy to Northern Ireland at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4128/21]
View answerThe Government looks forward to working closely with President Biden and the new US Administration on our bilateral agenda, including in relation to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
A longstanding commitment to peace on the island of Ireland continues to be felt strongly in the US. The Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland are not simply an achievement of the Irish and British Governments and the political representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, but one to which successive US Administrations and Members of Congress have also contributed.
The role of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland has been greatly valued by the Irish Government over many years. In that regard, I would like to express my appreciation and that of my Government colleagues for the work carried out by the outgoing US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Mick Mulvaney. We recognise his strong engagement on Northern Ireland issues, particularly in relation to protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process throughout the Brexit negotiation process and on issues relating to the ongoing work of embedding peace and reconciliation.
The appointment of a Special Envoy would be warmly welcomed by the Government. In any circumstances, the US will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in supporting peace, stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland. I know that President Biden will continue to make an important contribution to this ongoing effort, as he has done consistently throughout his career to date, and that the United States will continue to stand in support of the Good Friday Agreement.
I look forward to engaging with the new US Administration at an early stage on these issues, as we work together for strengthened peace and reconciliation.
384. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the purpose and benefits of the new EU capacity building programme, Access Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/21]
View answerThe purpose of the EU Capacity Building Programme is to assist Irish civil society organisations, including NGOs, community groups, and local authorities, to better access European Union funds. This will be done by publicising EU funding opportunities through social media and website channels, and by providing a direct support service through targeted training and information events. This will particularly benefit smaller organisations.
The programme was launched last November by The Wheel, the organisation selected as the National Contact Point following a public tender. I am glad to see that activities under the programme are now taking place.
This new programme is very timely. It coincides with the introduction of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, which will release various funding streams for civil society groups over the coming years. It is important that Irish organisations are aware of, and prepared for, these opportunities. Indeed, the Programme for Government includes a number of commitments around increasing EU funding to Ireland, as well as making Irish civil society more aware of these opportunities.
Further information can be found on the programme’s dedicated website: www.accesseurope.ie.
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland proposes, through its membership of the UN Security Council, to focus on major human rights blackspots globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/21]
View answerIreland assumed its seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January 2021. We are committed to actively supporting human rights across the full Council agenda, which includes some 20 thematic files and 30 country and regional file.
Three core principles will frame our approach: building peace, strengthening conflict prevention and ensuring accountability.
In our approach to ensuring accountability, Ireland will promote respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, prioritise the protection of civilians, support the fight against impunity, and stand by the International Criminal Court.
Many of the countries on the Security Council agenda face serious human rights challenges, which will be an important consideration in our work on country-specific items.
UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions play an essential role in protecting civilians and promoting respect for human rights, and Ireland will support their crucial work in this area.
We will promote accountability and compliance with international human rights law in our engagement on thematic issues, and in our work on Security Council subsidiary bodies, including sanctions committees, the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, and the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, which we will co-chair.
We will also seek to promote interaction between the Security Council and Geneva-based UN bodies.
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish consulates overseas are engaged with the promotion of Irish exports with particular reference to issues arising in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/21]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs’ Mission Network, Embassies and Consulates General, play an important role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as a key component of Team Ireland overseas. They provide support for Ireland’s State Agencies, including through supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. The role of the Mission Network in supporting the promotion of exports is particularly pertinent in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
Since the referendum result in 2016, we have been taking steps to build up the resilience of the economy in the face of Brexit. This involved actions across the whole of Government, including through Ireland Connected, to diversify trade beyond the UK market while working to consolidate the exports we currently send to the UK.
In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network and strengthening of Ireland’s State Agency presence overseas. Each of these measures will increase Ireland’s international visibility, facilitate market diversification and intensification, and deepen bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives, including in the context of Brexit.
To date, the Government has approved funding for new Missions in locations as diverse as Wellington, and Bogotá, as well as in Santiago de Chile, and Amman. Plans are advanced to open Embassies in 2021 in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat, and a Consulate General covering the north of England, in Manchester.
New Missions have been opened in locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets, to increase trade and investment with Ireland, and to enable Irish companies to better take advantage of new opportunities.
As of 1 January 2021 the UK is outside the seamless trading environment of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. Officers based at all Missions continuously engage in economic and public diplomacy to promote Irish exports and to advance Ireland’s prosperity and raise awareness of Ireland as a place to live, study, work, visit and do business.
They engage on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements.
The mission network also supports Irish businesses in market, by providing contacts and information, organising visits overseas by ministers, and supporting trade missions, in partnership with the state agencies.
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Ireland protocols in the context of Brexit are being observed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/21]
View answerThe Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, which forms part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, came into effect on 1 January. It plays a vital role in protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, as well as protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it.
It means that while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory, it is subject to certain provisions of EU law. These EU law provisions are effectively those necessary to avoid a hard border on the island, and include the Union Customs Code and EU legislation across a range of areas necessary to protect the integrity and operation of the Single Market in goods. In short, it ensures that NI traders continue to have access not only to Great Britain but to the Single Market of 450 million consumers - access which is vital for all-island supply chains.
The EU and the UK last December agreed an approach to the implementation of the Protocol, including in a number of EU-UK Joint Committee Decisions and unilateral declarations, taking account of Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances.
In line with Article 12 of the Protocol, UK authorities are responsible for implementing the provisions of EU law made applicable by the Protocol in respect of Northern Ireland. EU representatives have the right to be present during these activities, and have been exercising that right.
At the same time, the Government continues to engage closely with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including in the business community, on issues related to implementation of the Protocol. We have been consistent in our position that we want the Protocol to work as smoothly as possible for people and businesses in Northern Ireland, and indeed for the island of Ireland.
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland’s overseas aid continues to respond to the needs of the most serious situations globally whether by bilateral or multilateral provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/21]
View answerIreland's commitment to those in greatest need is well recognised. In 2020, for example, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) highlighted Ireland as "an excellent humanitarian partner", with its funding models "useful inspiration for other DAC donors", while respected international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor in its index, the second successive year in which Ireland scored highest.
Ireland's official development assistance (ODA) in 2021 will be €868 million, of which €571 million will be managed by my Department. This enables Ireland's longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food insecurity and conflict, to be maintained, with a continued emphasis on helping people cope with the impact of Covid-19. Irish Aid's support for development and humanitarian activities helps reduces the severity of a crisis, and helps the poorest people to withstand future crises.
A Better World, Ireland's international development policy, re-emphasizes this approach throughout with an overarching principle to reach those that are furthest behind first, as well as a core priority of reducing humanitarian need.
These objectives are central to our work, and supported through ODA to multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, and bilateral ODA spent through Irish Embassies abroad, complemented through Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement, including now as a member of the UN Security Council. This ensures that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of new Irish embassy legations and consulates currently in operation globally; the extent of anticipated further developments in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/21]
View answerAt present, the Department of Foreign Affairs mission network consists of over 90 offices, including Embassies, Consulates and Representative Offices.
'Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025', sets out the Government’s ambitions for expanding and deepening our international presence. To date new Embassies have opened in Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Monrovia and Santiago de Chile, and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Mumbai, Cardiff, Frankfurt and Los Angeles. Our new Missions are working to enhance Ireland’s international visibility; promote our prosperity, build new community and political contacts and protect and advance Ireland’s interests and values
Plans are underway to open a further four Missions in 2021, including Embassies in Kyiv, Manilla, Rabat and a Consulate in Manchester. In considering any further expansion of the Diplomatic network a range of factors will be taken into account including our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
The Government is conscious of the factors that might warrant the opening of new Missions in a number of countries and will keep the matter under active review.
390. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which, through the EU, he continues to focus on the western Balkans, with particular reference to the focus on European membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4185/21]
View answerIreland recognises the value of EU accession as a transformative driver for stability and peace in the Western Balkans. We have always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries met the necessary conditions for membership. In this regard, we welcome the reform agenda underway in the countries of the Western Balkans and the progress that has been made in the areas of security and rule of law.
The European Commission published its Annual Enlargement Package and country reports in October 2020. In terms of the progress of individual Western Balkan countries, Serbia and Montenegro are both currently negotiating Chapters of the Acquis with the EU. Serbia has opened negotiations on 18 Chapters, with two provisionally closed. Montenegro has opened all Chapters and provisionally closed three. The country reports for 2020 assessed both Serbia and Montenegro as having both made limited progress. Serbia needs to accelerate its reforms and make significant progress in the normalisation of relations with Kosovo, while Montenegro must address shortcomings in the areas of media freedom, fight against corruption and trafficking, and turn its attention to the closing of Chapters.
Regarding North Macedonia and Albania, it was agreed by the European Council in March 2020 to open negotiations with both countries. It was regrettable that Member States were unable to reach agreement on the draft negotiating frameworks for both countries at the November 2020 General Affairs Council. Ireland believes the draft negotiating frameworks should be agreed at the earliest available opportunity and that bilateral issues should not form part of the accession process. North Macedonia has made excellent progress and should be able to begin its accession process right away with an Inter-Governmental Conference.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has made limited progress over the last year and faces significant challenges to ensure implementation of the Commission’s 2019 recommendations in the areas of democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, and public administration reform. These are not insignificant, when added to the ongoing migration issues facing the country, which require greater political cohesion. Progress in these areas must be seen before the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina can be considered.
Kosovo is a potential candidate for Membership of the EU. The Commission’s report on Kosovo in 2020 noted that the political situation in Kosovo remains challenging. This is compounded by recent rulings of the Constitutional Court calling into question the legitimacy of the current government and thereby necessitating snap elections on 14 February 2021. Rule of law, judicial reform, public administration reform, organised crime and normalisation of the relationship with Serbia are just some of the areas that must be comprehensively addressed in order for Kosovo to advance on its European path. It will be some time before Kosovo can qualify as a candidate country.
Ireland will continue to actively support the enlargement process and accession negotiations to the EU.
391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the European Union continues to address threats to the rule of law in all European member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4186/21]
View answerIreland is a firm supporter of the rule of law and the values of the EU enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union. The rule of law is and should remain a fundamental principle that all EU Member States respect, protect and promote, both within and beyond the EU.
Ireland has advocated broadly for respect for the rule of law at EU and international level. We believe that it is important for the EU to have the necessary tools to monitor the rule of law across Member States and effectively respond to challenges where they arise. To that end, a number of tools have been introduced or agreed over the past year.
This includes a rule of law conditionality mechanism agreed in December 2020 as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework and Next Generation EU package for 2021-2027. The mechanism requires Member States allocated funding from the EU’s budget, including NGEU grants and loans, to respect the rule of law, which is an essential precondition to comply with the principles of sound financial management enshrined in Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The mechanism covers breaches of rule of law, the procedure that will apply and possible measures (e.g. suspension of funding, early repayment of loans and a reduction of funding under existing commitments) against Member States found in breach. Once the regime of conditionality is introduced, Ireland will support its fair, proportionate and effective implementation.
Ireland also welcomed the publication, in September 2020, of the Commission’s first Annual Rule of Law Report, which presents a broad overview of the rule of law situation across EU Member States and the EU as a whole. It provides a valuable, impartial assessment of both positive and negative developments relating to rule of law. We look forward to discussing the Irish Chapter of the Report with fellow Member States at a meeting of the General Affairs Council during the Portuguese Presidency in 2021.
Proceedings against Hungary and Poland under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union are ongoing and there have been a number of hearings at the General Affairs Council. Ireland has actively participated in these hearings - and will continue to do so - highlighting the importance we attach to respect for the rule of law.
Conversations among EU Member States regarding the rule of law can be difficult, and each Member State has its challenges in this area, but it is important for Member States to be willing to engage on these issues. We will remain open to dialogue on the rule of law and we encourage our fellow Member States to do the same.
392. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to focus on events in Ethiopia and the Sudan with particular reference to strife, human rights abuses and starvation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4187/21]
View answerIreland remains deeply concerned by the ongoing armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the former regional authorities in Tigray, which began on 4 November. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of Tigray, and poses huge risks to the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared the end of the offensive in Tigray following the taking of control of the regional capital, Mekelle, by Federal Government forces on 28 November 2020. However, the crisis is far from over.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) went into hiding and there are risks of a long-term insurgency, notwithstanding the recent high profile capturing and killing of some senior TPLF figures. There are also credible reports of atrocities, the killing of civilians and ethnic profiling, including outside Tigray. Communications with Tigray remain very difficult.
Prior to the outbreak of the current conflict, Tigray had been home to many refugees, displaced persons and local communities impacted by COVID-19, flooding and the desert locust invasion. The humanitarian situation has been greatly exacerbated by the current conflict. Access for humanitarians is severely constrained due to restrictions by the federal authorities and ongoing insecurity. Reports indicate food shortages are beginning to severely affect Tigray.
Credible reports of Eritrean military involvement in the Tigray conflict are a particular cause for concern, as are reports of grave mistreatment of Eritrean refugees within Tigray, strongly condemned by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The overflow of over 60,000 Ethiopian refugees into neighbouring Sudan, the rising tensions at the border between Ethiopia and Sudan, and tensions amongst ethnic groups which spill across Ethiopia’s borders into other countries in the region, mean that the conflict risks further destabilising the wider Horn of Africa. The escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan is also negatively impacting the already stalled African Union-led trilateral negotiations with Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ireland is actively supporting the efforts of the EU, UN and wider international community to address the crisis, including through engagement with the African Union. We are strongly supportive of regional efforts to try to find a resolution to the conflict, however progress has been limited to date.
In contacts with key interlocutors, Minister Coveney has called on all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and begin dialogue, as well as for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. He has condemned reported atrocities and identity-based attacks, and has called for the human rights of all Ethiopians to be upheld. The Minister continues to engage with regional actors in this regard, including in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Pretoria, and through our membership of the European Union.
Ireland fully supports the statement by HRVP Borrell on 25 December on behalf of all EU Member States, which reiterated the EU’s deep concern at the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, stressed the need to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law, and encouraged all parties to end the conflict and establish dialogue.
My Department has provided over €2.6 million to date to support the humanitarian response to the Tigray crisis. This includes €1.4 million to Irish NGOs within Tigray, €500,000 to the UN refugee agency to support the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, and almost €750,000 towards humanitarian stocks, and supports for the protection of women and girls.
In the context of our membership of the UN Security Council, Ireland will continue to advocate for an urgent response to the humanitarian situation, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
393. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his colleagues at EU and UN level can combat the practice of child brides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4188/21]
View answerThe troubling practice of child, early and forced marriages is one in which the Government is committed to ending both at home and abroad. However, this is not a task that can be done single handedly and Ireland will continue to work with partners in multilateral fora.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is central to the protection and promotion of children’s rights on a global level. The Convention contains many clauses protecting children from child, early and forced marriages.
Within the EU, Ireland has a leadership role on negotiating UN Resolutions on the Rights of the Child in Geneva and New York. Ireland is also a traditional co-sponsor of the UN Resolution on the issue of child, early and forced marriage. This Resolution recognises that child marriage is a human rights violation that disproportionately affects girls and that it perpetuates other violations of human rights. It 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 to raise the minimum age for marriage.
Ireland continues to call on States to eliminate harmful practices such as child, early or forced marriage. At the current session of the Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council, for instance, we made a recommendation to Oman to end practices that are harmful to the health of the child, including child, early and forced marriages.
Internationally, Ireland has supported a number of UN partners in the prevention of child, early and forced marriages, including UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women. Gender equality is a central priority for Ireland’s foreign and development policy and in 2019, 76% of our bilateral ODA contributed to gender equality.
394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of locations globally known to use child soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4189/21]
View answerThe recruitment of child soldiers remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world.
The UN Secretary-General issues an annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) which examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.
In his latest 2019 report, the Secretary-General identified nineteen countries where more than 25,000 grave violations against children were verified. Verified cases of child soldier recruitment were identified in thirteen of these countries. Nevertheless, positive progress has also been recorded including the release and reintegration of 13,600 children in 2019.
Ireland’s membership of the Security Council offers us an opportunity to play an active role in combating violations against children in conflict situations. The Security Council has established tools to strengthen child protection and to support international standards on CAAC including a comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism. Ireland has joined the UN Security Council Working Group on CAAC which adopts conclusions on country situations of concern and ensures follow up of the recommendations at country level.
Ireland is also an active member of the Group of Friends of CAAC as well as the Group of Friends of the Reintegration of Child Soldiers. Ireland continues to combat the use of child soldiers through our development programme, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic causes that contribute to this situation, through providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities.
395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to be aware, and combat the abuse, of women and children at various locations globally; the extent to which the Boko Haram and Al Shabaab continue to be monitored and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4190/21]
View answer396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to make efforts to combat the kidnapping of women and children throughout Africa and other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4191/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
Ireland strongly condemns the violence and terror perpetrated by Boko Haram and Al Shabaab, including kidnapping of, and violence against, women and children. Ireland supports the EU, UN and other international efforts to reduce the influence of Boko Haram and Al Shabaab and to prevent their attacks, especially against civilians. Ireland continues to monitor the activities of these groups and to assist populations affected by their actions.
Ending gender based violence is a core commitment of Ireland’s development and humanitarian programmes. It is a central component of Ireland’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which commits to upholding UN Special resolution 1325, reaffirming the important role of women in prevention and resolution of conflicts, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction. Ireland will use its seat on the UN Security Council to ensure that the protection of women is at heart of approaches to conflict prevention and resolution, as well as humanitarian response.
The UN is active in the Lake Chad Basin areas affected by Boko Haram, through its Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission. Ireland is penholder together with Niger on UNOWAS at the UN Security Council, working to ensure that UNOWAS has a clear strategic direction in its work of conflict prevention and peacebuilding in West Africa.
The UN-mandated African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) supports the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to combat Al Shabaab. Ireland is Chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee at the UN Security Council. That Committee oversees an arms embargo and other tools available to the international community in support of a more peaceful and secure Somalia, including engagement with Al Shabaab. This complements Ireland’s role as an EU Member State supporting Somalia, including the strengthening of its government institutions. The EU provides significant development funding in Somalia, and in the countries affected by Boko Haram.
The EU Council Conclusions of June 2020 reaffirm the EU’s commitment to tackling terrorism across Africa, particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. The EU has three Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions in the Horn of Africa. A number of Irish nationals are deployed to EUCAP Somalia, including the current Head of Mission. In the Sahel, Ireland currently has 20 Defence Forces personnel participating in EUTM Mali. Ireland also deploys one expert to the EUCAP Sahel Niger. 13 Defence Forces personnel are deployed in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Ireland’s participation in these missions allows us to contribute to international peace and security, protect human rights, and support conditions for sustainable development in the region.
Ireland also works bilaterally to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups. Ireland places a strong emphasis on tackling the poverty, hunger and exclusion which can contribute to radicalisation, including through Ireland’s membership of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin (ISG), and observer status at the Sahel Alliance. Both groups offer international partners a forum to coordinate support in addressing the challenges in Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin.
In addition, Ireland works with partners to respond to humanitarian need in regions affected by conflict. Ireland has provided €27 million in humanitarian funding to the Lake Chad region since 2015. Ireland’s Embassy in Abuja also contributes funding for those displaced by conflict in North-East Nigeria through its Humanitarian Fund. Ireland has also been a consistent supporter of the humanitarian response in Somalia, providing over €51 million in humanitarian assistance since 2012, including to communities displaced by conflict in Al Shabaab-held areas. With humanitarian needs in these regions likely to remain acute, Irish funding will continue to target those most in need.
397. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which ongoing efforts continue to establish a peace process in the Middle East, with particular reference to the need for a legally recognised centre to investigate complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4192/21]
View answerI have given high priority to the Middle East Peace Process since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2017, and I continue to do so in the current Government in line with the Programme for Government.
Ireland remains ready to support any peace initiative that respects the international parameters for a Two-State Solution and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and which provide a basis to meet the aspirations of both peoples.
The Middle East Peace Process continues to be regularly discussed in meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and EU Foreign Ministers have had separate discussions in recent months with both the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers.
I welcome the decree issued on 15 January by the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas on the holding of Palestinian elections this year, which is a positive development.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East (UNSCO) represents the United Nations Secretary-General and leads the UN system in all political and diplomatic efforts related to the peace process, including in the Middle East Quartet. This month UN Secretary General Guterres appointed a new UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr Tor Wennesland.
Mr. Wennesland provided a briefing to the UN Security Council yesterday, at the 'Quarterly Open Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question'. At this debate, I outlined Ireland’s position on the Middle East Peace Process and called for a renewed role for the Middle East Quartet to re-energise the peace process.
Ireland will continue to work with international partners on this issue including while we are on the UN Security Council.
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects relations between the EU and the US to prosper over the next four years; his views on the importance of such a good relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4193/21]
View answerThe EU and the United States enjoy close diplomatic and political relations as well as enduring economic, cultural and people-to-people connections, which span across the political spectrum in the US. The EU is strongly committed to the transatlantic partnership and is eager to work with the new US Administration in addressing the key global challenges of our times.
I welcome the EU's new transatlantic agenda and look forward to working with the new Administration on strengthening this relationship. We hope that Secretary of State-designate Antony Blinken will join a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in the coming months.
There will be no shortage of areas where the EU and US can usefully work together, particularly with regard to cooperation on COVID-19, combatting climate change, working together on trade and technology, and promoting peace and security. I welcome moves already taken by the US to re-join the 2015 Paris climate agreement and reverse the process of leaving the World Health Organisation.
For our part, Ireland is well-placed to play a constructive role in promoting closer EU-US relations. We are a committed member of the European Union and we contribute to and benefit enormously from that membership. At the same time, Ireland has strong ties in the US, with members of the US Congress and with contacts from across the political spectrum.
We will work to deepen the EU–US relationship and to encourage greater political and economic cooperation between us. We also look forward to a close working relationship with EU partners and with the US on the UN Security Council to strengthen the UN’s ability to address global challenges.
399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community has been in a position to positively influence developments in the areas of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4194/21]
View answerAlong with the EU, Ireland welcomed the cessation of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan and we hope that the November 2020 agreement can lead to renewed efforts to settle the long-standing territorial dispute. The trilateral agreement provides for a lasting truce and the restoration of economic and transport ties in the region and the early indications suggest that its provisions are being fulfilled by the sides. The agreement however excluded any involvement of two of the three OSCE Minsk Process co-chairs – France and the US – and the future role of the Co-Chairs Group has yet to be defined, especially their role in the determination of the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh although work on this is ongoing.
Ireland supports the call for renewed efforts towards a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, particularly on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Along with the EU, we maintain our full support to the international format of the OSCE Minsk Group to pursue this objective. We believe it is important that the EU also play a role in the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.
The humanitarian situation in the region is severe with thousands affected and displaced persons, a number of whom will not be returning to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh. In this context I will highlight our support to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which remains the major international humanitarian organisation present throughout the region. The ICRC is playing an indispensable role in providing assistance to affected populations. Ireland provides the ICRC with flexible, un-earmarked funding of €10 million per annum precisely to enable it to respond effectively to emerging crises such as this. The EU, through DG ECHO, has provided almost €4m in humanitarian aid since the recent conflict began. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a press statement on 3 December 2020 indicating that the UN is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance.
There is also an urgent need for a fact-finding mission on the ground to investigate and verify alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law during the 2020 clashes. Ireland will continue to call for the establishment of such an independent mechanism that is agreeable to all sides, and which will have the necessary tools to establish the facts.
A final resolution can best be achieved with the support of the international community through the OSCE Minsk Group and by providing real supports to those affected by this conflict. Ireland and the EU continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement closely, with the ceasefire being just the first step towards a lasting peace.
400. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4199/21]
View answer403. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address the ongoing serious human rights violations and lack of democratic institutions in Bahrain; and if the Government demanded the release of the leader of the political opposition in Bahrain (details supplied). [4227/21]
View answer410. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing detention of the leader of the political opposition in Bahrain (details supplied); the efforts Ireland can make to progress their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4359/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 400, 403 and 410 together.
The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, we are concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the targeting of human rights defenders.
I note with concern reports regarding the health and well-being of the person in question. Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela rules.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard. Ireland has raised the human rights issues in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in the form of national statements and through support to EU Statements.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain through the EU. The EU, through its Delegation in Riyadh (which is accredited to Bahrain) is monitoring the case in question along with a number of other individual cases and inquiries have been made regarding the health condition of the individual.At the most recent informal EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in November 2019, issues discussed included the right to a fair trial, prison conditions, and the overall human rights situation in the country. The case of the individual in question was raised.
The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues, including the detention of a number of individuals including that of the person in question, as well as the conditions of their detention.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
401. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will issue an official invitation to the new President of the United States of America to visit Ireland and County Mayo at the earliest opportunity. [4203/21]
View answerStrengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland, as set out in the Programme for Government. Ireland takes great pride in President Biden’s election, and we in Government look forward to working closely with the new Administration on our bilateral agenda, on developing the EU-US relationship, and on tackling the pressing global challenges facing us all.
The President has always been a stalwart friend and supporter of Ireland, including of the peace, prosperity, and opportunity made possible by the Good Friday Agreement to which he has pledged his ongoing steadfast support. We look forward to working with him in the years ahead to sustain and strengthen Irish American relations. We also look forward to working with the new Administration on the many global challenges facing the international community, from the pandemic to climate change to promoting peace and security, as well as on issues of particular importance to our bilateral relationship.
High level visits between our two countries are an intrinsic part of this relationship and will continue to play an important role in strengthening the ties between Ireland and the US. President Biden has visited Ireland many times before, including as Senator and as Vice President. An invitation has been extended by the Taoiseach to President Biden and we very much hope to welcome him to Ireland again, early in his Presidency and once circumstances allow.
