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Thursday, 4 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 109-133

Human Rights Cases

Questions (109)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken to date by the international community to assist a person (details supplied); if the EU and UN will intercede on their behalf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12452/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers, and the reports are a cause for serious concern.

We note that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised the case with the UAE authorities, and we encourage the UAE to engage fully with the UN's efforts.

My Department will continue to closely monitor this case, and we await the outcome of the UN engagement.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (110)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken or in hand by the EU and UN to address the situation in Myanmar in which the president has been deposed; if action will be taken against the instigators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12453/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland strongly condemns the coup carried out by the Myanmar military on 1 February and the unlawful and arbitrary detention of political leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. We call for the results of the November 2020 democratic elections to be respected and the legitimate civilian Government restored.

The coup is a reversal of progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that have taken years to establish, and does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar.

Ireland deplores the killing of innocent civilians. The escalating use of force by the Myanmar military, the killing of protesters, the wounding of others and the use of live ammunition is totally unacceptable. We are deeply saddened by the deaths and critical injuries sustained by peaceful protesters.

Ireland, the EU and UN, including the Security Council, have taken various steps to address the situation in Myanmar since February 1st.

Ireland set out its concerns in a discussion at the UN Security Council on 2 February. The Security Council issued a Press Statement on 4 February reflecting the concerns of all 15 members. Given the events of the past weekend, the matter may come again to the Council in the coming days.

An informal meeting of the General Assembly was convened on 26 February to hear a briefing from the Special Envoy on Myanmar and discuss developments. Ireland aligned with a strong and comprehensive EU statement at that session.

Military rule opens significant scope for further human rights abuses in Myanmar and Ireland is voicing its concern at sessions of the Human Rights Council and we welcome the unanimous resolution agreed at the special session of the Human Rights Council on 12 February.

In my statement of 11 February I called for a firm response from the international community, including sanctions that target the perpetrators of the coup. On 22 February, EU Foreign Ministers agreed to devise targeted sanctions on the leaders of the coup. In taking such decisions, Ireland is committed to ensuring that any course of action is appropriate, works to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and does not negatively affect developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the EU, with other members of the UN Security Council and with countries in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome to this crisis.

United Nations

Questions (111)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the UN can be reformed to assert itself as a human rights defender at various conflict locations globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12454/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland strongly supports the strengthening of the multilateral human rights framework to protect both human rights, and human rights defenders, across the globe.

Membership of the United Nations is central to Ireland’s engagement on human rights. Ireland is committed to ensuring that the UN is capable of continuous reform to adapt to emerging as well as to traditional global challenges such as preventing conflict and defending human rights. Ireland’s financial contributions across a number of UN organisations are an essential part of our engagement on human rights, and not least our contribution to the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (€1.865 million in 2020).

In my address at the current Human Rights Council session on 24th February, I reiterated that “Ireland is a long standing champion of civic space, in Geneva, in New York and in communities worldwide”, and that, “we remain gravely concerned by the unacceptable pressures being experienced by civil society around the world, including human rights defenders, LGBTI defenders, journalists and media workers”. I highlighted the unacceptable detention of human rights defenders in Myanmar and Belarus, while also underlining our concerns around human rights concerns in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; Syria; Yemen and Ethiopia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs works closely with the UN Treaty Bodies and also with the UN Special Rapporteurs including the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Ms Mary Lawlor who presents her report to the Council on the 4th March. Ireland strongly supports the work of the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, and we work closely with the EU to strengthen UN human rights resolutions and procedures to protect human rights defenders across the globe.

In conclusion I wish to assure the Deputy that the protection of Human Rights Defenders remains a key priority for the Government. Furthermore, once current restrictions are relaxed, I invite him to visit the memorial to global human rights defenders which I had the privilege to unveil with Front Line Defenders in the grounds of Iveagh House in December of last year.

Middle East Peace Process

Questions (112)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which a peace process is proposed in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to ensure the existence of a body to which complaints can be reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/21]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no. 397.

Efforts continue on the Middle East Peace Process.

On 15 February the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss developments and the situation on the ground. The Envoys agreed to meet on a regular basis to continue their engagement.

At the briefing by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East on 26 February, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations underlined our support for a Two State Solution, our concerns regarding the increase in demolitions and settlement activity, and highlighted the importance of Covid-19 vaccination provision in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Ireland will continue to work with international partners on this issue, including at EU level, and at the UN Security Council.

Human Rights

Questions (113, 116)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the international community can devise a means by which atrocities punishable by law can be referred quickly to the international courts with a view to bringing about a cessation of such violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12456/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if preparations will be made to refer the perpetrators of the various conflicts and abuses of human rights which appear to be going unchallenged by the international community to the International Criminal Court; the number of locations and perpetrators globally who fall into such a category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 116 together.

The International Criminal Court was established as the first permanent international court to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. By its very existence, the Court promotes and upholds not only the rule of law but also provides a means to bring to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In this way it contributes in a most fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice.

While the ICC is central to the overall framework for international criminal justice, it is a court of last resort. The ICC does not substitute for national judicial systems. States bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes.

Referrals to the International Criminal Court may only be made with respect to crimes under the jurisdiction of the Court namely: the crime of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Court’s jurisdiction is limited to the territory or nationals of States Parties to the Rome Statute or States that have accepted the Court’s jurisdiction on an ad hoc basis and situations referred to it by the Security Council of the United Nations. This jurisdiction must be triggered in one of three ways: a situation may be referred to the Court by a State Party to the Rome Statute; a situation may be referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council; or the Prosecutor may initiate a propio motu investigation into crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court (an investigation on the Prosecutor’s own initiative). Referrals by the United Nations Security Council are pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and must receive nine affirmative votes at the Council without one of the five permanent Council Members (P5) vetoing the referral.

The Office of the Prosecutor is currently engaged in 13 investigations and 14 preliminary examinations across 25 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. As a result of the Prosecutor’s investigations, there are currently 20 cases against 25 individuals active before the International Criminal Court.

Ireland, together with its EU partners has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, ensuring accountability is one of the key principles underpinning our engagement on the United Nations Security Council. We will support and defend the Court throughout our two-year term on the Council, which started on 1 January 2021.

Human Rights

Questions (114)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the attention of the international community has been drawn to the atrocities taking place in Yemen; the actions taken or pending to bring the perpetrators to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12457/21]

View answer

Written answers

Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Over six years of conflict have left over 24 million in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland is deeply concerned at the ongoing conduct of this conflict. I spoke this morning with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, about the situation. There have been numerous reports of acts which are contrary to international law, including damage and destruction to civilian infrastructure, targeting of journalists, mistreatment of prisoners, the recruitment of child soldiers, and conflict-related sexual violence.

International humanitarian law is clear; parties to a conflict are obliged to do everything possible to protect civilians. Ireland has consistently called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

At the UN Human Rights Council in 2017, Ireland was part of a core group of countries that drove forward the adoption of a Resolution establishing a UN Group of Eminent Experts (GEE) to carry out investigations into alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict in Yemen. The most recent report of the GEE highlights a consistent record of violations of IHL and human rights law.

On 25 February 2021, Ireland supported Resolution 2564 at the UN Security Council which reaffirmed the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights in Yemen.

Ireland supports all efforts towards a sustained end to the conflict in Yemen. We call on all parties to the conflict to enact an immediate cessation of hostilities, and engage seriously in the UN led political process.

Human Rights

Questions (115)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community can take action to bring about a cessation of atrocities in Ethiopia and Sudan; if the perpetrators will be referred to the International Criminal Court such as happened in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12458/21]

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Written answers

The ongoing armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the former regional authorities in Tigray, which began on 4 November, remains a major concern for Ireland. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of Tigray, and poses severe risks to the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in Tigray, there have been allegations of war crimes and of crimes against humanity. Ireland strongly support calls by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigations into these allegations, to ensure accountability and, where appropriate, justice.

On 26th February, Amnesty International reported that hundreds of unarmed civilians were massacred in Axum last November and that these crimes were perpetrated mainly by Eritrean troops. Ireland supports the EU’s call for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia, whose presence remains a barrier to humanitarian access and is linked to these and other alleged atrocities.

Ireland raised the Tigray situation at the UN Security Council on 3 February and again today, 4 March, expressing deep concern at the humanitarian situation in Tigray and calling for unhindered humanitarian access. Ireland also called on all parties in Tigray to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law including those related to the protection of civilians and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.

Ireland will continue to advocate for an urgent response to the humanitarian situation, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through bilateral engagement, our EU membership and also at the UN Security Council, where we remain actively engaged with other Council members on further ways to address the crisis. Minister Coveney continues to raise these issues with key interlocuters, including with his counterparts in the region. He has condemned reported atrocities and identity-based attacks, and has called for the human rights of all Ethiopians to be upheld.

My Department, through Irish Aid, 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.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 113.

Human Rights

Questions (117)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top twenty most serious locations globally in which conflict and crimes against humanity are most prevalent; the extent of efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice through the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/21]

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Written answers

Conflict regrettably continues to be prevalent throughout the world, in spite of the call made by the UN Secretary-General to all warring parties to pull back from hostilities during the current pandemic. It is the most significant driver of humanitarian crises. The number and complexity of these crises globally has increased in recent years, as evidenced by a UN estimate that a record 239 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. Each conflict is unique in its character, scale and complexity, and as such cannot be ranked by any single set of criteria of severity.

Ireland is a strong contributor to global efforts to avoid and resolve conflict, prevent genocide, and eliminate the abuse of women and children and all vulnerable groups. Central to this is our strong and enduring commitment to effective multilateralism, particularly through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations.

The EU, through implementation of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Ireland is an active participant in and contributor to CFSP implementation and in supporting EU and UN efforts to address the root causes of conflict.

Ireland has a long tradition of contributing to UN and EU peace-support missions, including in some of the world’s most complex and intractable conflicts. Ireland has maintained a continuous presence in UN peace support operations since 1958, and has more than 570 personnel in United Nations mandated missions overseas. The Government is committed to participation in peacekeeping operations as a tangible contribution to the development of global peace and security.

Accountability, including for crimes against humanity, is important not only as a means of pursuing justice for victims, but also as a crucial component to create stability and peace in post-conflict situations. A strong international criminal justice system is central to fighting impunity. While states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of such a system. Ireland, together with its EU partners is a consistent and strong supporter of the Court. We will also support and defend the Court throughout our term on the United Nations Security Council, where ensuring accountability is one of the key principles underpinning our engagement.

Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 107.

United Nations

Questions (119, 120)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps now being taken to restore the status of the UN as an internationally respected entity in peacekeeping or peace enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which UN peacekeeping forces can be relied upon to protect persons at various locations in which abuses are currently taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

UN peacekeeping is one of the most collaborative, effective and visible tools of the UN in the promotion and maintenance of peace and security across the globe. There are currently 12 UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over 95,000 uniformed personnel from over 120 countries. It is a global effort to which Ireland is fully committed- with contributions from the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, Ireland is present in more than half of the current UN peacekeeping operations.

UN peacekeepers are increasingly deployed to complex and volatile environments, making it vital that peacekeeping operations are designed to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and focus on the protection of civilians. To this end, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a peacekeeping reform initiative in 2018, known as Action for Peacekeeping. It aims to refocus peacekeeping with more targeted mandates, stronger operations, mobilised support for political solutions, and better-equipped and trained forces to strengthen protection of civilians.

Ireland is fully supportive of this initiative. During our time on the Security Council, Ireland will work to ensure that the mandates for peacekeeping missions align with the needs of the people they seek to protect, and that the missions have the resources necessary to carry out their tasks.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 119.

EU Membership

Questions (121)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the situation in the western Balkans continues to be monitored with a view to eventual EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland 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 meet 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.

In terms of monitoring the progress individual countries in the Western Balkans are making towards meeting the criteria for EU accession, Ireland’s embassies accredited to the Western Balkans continue to keep track of each country’s progress and interact closely with the EU Delegations based there who provide annual comprehensive reports on the reforms within each country.

The European Commission published its latest 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, particularly in the areas of rule of law and justice, 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 General Affairs Council. Ireland believes the draft negotiating frameworks should be agreed at the earliest available opportunity to allow the first Intergovernmental Conferences to take place with both countries.

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. 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. 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 support the enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (122)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the activities of the Boko Haram and Al Shabaab continue to be monitored by the international community; if a peacekeeping intervention will be possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12465/21]

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Written answers

Ireland strongly condemns the violence and terror perpetrated by Boko Haram and Al Shabaab. 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.

Through Irish Aid, the Government's official aid programme, Ireland is tackling poverty, hunger and exclusion which can be a driver of support for groups such as Boko Haram and Al Shabaab, as well as responding to humanitarian need in regions affected by conflict. This includes €27 million in humanitarian funding to the Lake Chad region since 2015, and also funding for those displaced by conflict in North-East Nigeria. Since 2012, Ireland has provided over €51.6 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, 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.

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 the UNOWAS file at the UN Security Council, working to ensure that UNOWAS has a clear strategic direction in its work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in West Africa. In its Presidential Statement on peace consolidation in West Africa of 3 February, the Security Council condemned attacks against civilians in Borno State on 28 November 2020, and the abduction of schoolchildren in Katsina state, claimed by Boko Haram.

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 to encourage 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 to Somalia, and to countries affected by Boko Haram. Ireland is a members of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin (ISG), and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance: both are forum which enable donors to coordinate support in addressing the challenges in Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin.

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 19 Defence Forces personnel participating in EUTM Mali. Ireland also deploys one expert to the EUCAP Sahel Niger. 14 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 peace and security across the Sahel, help protect human rights, and put in place conditions for its sustainable development.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (123)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU, UN and the international community in general can assist with a view to bringing about peace in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12466/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland and the EU are monitoring developments in the region closely. The cessation of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains intact under the November 2020 agreement. This is welcome, but important issues have yet to be addressed, including the full exchange of Prisoners of War, the removal from the region of foreign fighters, and the issue of the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Work to restore economic and transport ties in the region is ongoing and will be an important part of any foundation for regional peace.

Access to the region remains a challenge for the international community. In December, the UN Secretary General stated that the UN is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance and we reiterate our call for all sides to allow access to UN bodies. The EU increased its contribution to humanitarian aid for the region in February by an additional €3 million, bringing the total contribution since the conflict began to €6.9 million. Ireland remains a strong supporter and contributor of funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which remains the major international humanitarian organisation present throughout the region.

Ireland continues to support renewed efforts towards a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, particularly on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. We believe the OSCE Minsk Group is the appropriate format through which to achieve this objective. The EU stands ready to contribute to the intensification of negotiations in this format. The EU, OSCE and the Council of Europe can also play important roles in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts through confidence building measures.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (124)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which bilateral and multilateral overseas development aid continues be targeted at those locations most in need globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12467/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland's official development assistance (ODA) in 2021 will be €868 million, of which €571 million will be managed by my Department. This will allow Ireland to maintain its longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food insecurity and conflict. It also allows for a continued emphasis on helping people cope with the impact of Covid-19 and a deepening of the Irish Aid response to climate change, targeted at those most in need.

Ensuring that our resources reach those in greatest need is central to our work and our ability to do so is well-recognised. In 2020, for example, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) highlighted Ireland as "an excellent humanitarian partner", with its funding models a "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 ODA is delivered through multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, as well as bilateral ODA spent through Irish Embassies abroad. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement, including now as a member of the UN Security Council. These complementary channels ensure that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.

Brexit Issues

Questions (125)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the business sector on the island of Ireland continues to meet the challenges of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12468/21]

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Written answers

On 1 January this year the transition period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement ended. For almost nine weeks now, the UK has been outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has applied to our trade and cooperation with the UK. The Government has been assisting businesses as they adapt to the new trading environment, including the new requirements concerning customs and SPS checks and controls. While some businesses have experienced specific issues, more than 80% of the trucks landing in our ports from the UK are now being ‘green routed’ to leave our ports directly having correctly completed the required customs formalities prior to arriving.

Government Departments, including my own, continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders, whether business representative groups, retailers and individual businesses or shipping companies, hauliers and logistics companies, to manage the issues arising from the new trading relationship with the UK. A range of Government supports, including training and grants, are in place to assist businesses in dealing with these changes. This includes the Ready for Customs Grant of up to €9,000 per eligible employee hired, or redeployed within the business, to a dedicated customs role. Further information on these and other supports is set out at Gov.ie/Brexit.

The Government is also monitoring a number of issues in relation to the implementation and outworking of the TCA, including its provisions in relation to fisheries and Rules of Origin, and will continue to provide guidance and assistance on these matters. Given the expected impact of Brexit on our fisheries sector, the Government has been engaging with EU partners, with the fisheries sector and coastal communities regarding possible mitigation measures.

A strong stakeholder engagement and communications programme continues to be a key element of our Brexit response, particularly in light of the new UK checks from 1 April. These engagements provide a valuable platform to engage with sectors impacted by the post transition trading environment. This includes regular meetings with the hauliers and ferry companies (D/Transport) and regular engagement at the Retail Forum (D/ETE), Enterprise Forum (D/ETE), Brexit Stakeholder Consultative Committee (D/AFM), Revenue’s Customs Consultative Committee and the Brexit Stakeholder Forum (D/FA), which I chair.

We and our EU partners also continue to engage with stakeholders on the island of Ireland, including in relation to the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. The Protocol is designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, to protect vital all-island supply chains, and to ensure the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. Commission Vice President, Maros Sefcovic, engaged with stakeholders North and South on the week of 15 February.

With the new UK checks coming into effect on certain EU imports from 1 April, the Government’s preparedness message is being recalibrated towards exporters, particularly those moving food and other agri-products. In addition to a nationwide advertising campaign across all platforms: print, radio and digital advertising, a number of webinars for exporters are taking place throughout February and March 2021 including joint webinars from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Revenue Commissioners and webinars together with their UK counterparts (DEFRA, HMRC). Sector-specific information and training are also being provided by Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Further information on the steps they need to take and on the supports available are provided on Gov.ie/Brexit.

Human Rights

Questions (126)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions taken by the EU directly or in conjunction with the UN to address issues such as the imprisonment of opposition leaders in the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12473/21]

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Written answers

Having survived an attempted poisoning on Russian soil, Mr. Navalny chose to return home of his own free will. His imprisonment raises serious questions around the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. I am deeply concerned by the mass detentions and scenes of police violence during peaceful protests, linked to his arrest and imprisonment, across Russia in January and February.Ireland's view on this matter has been communicated directly to the Russian Ambassador at official level in addition to my statements on 18 January and 3 February. EU Foreign Ministers considered this issue at our meeting on Monday 18 January and again on Monday 22 February. Agreement was reached on moving ahead with sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime in response to events surrounding the arrest and detention of Alexei Navalny, and these were published 2 March.

On 16 February the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) granted an interim measure on behalf of Mr. Navalny, indicating to the Russian Government that he should be immediately released, on the basis of “the nature and extent of risk to the applicant’s life, demonstrated prima facie for the purposes of applying the interim measure, and seen in the light of the overall circumstances of the applicant’s current detention”. In 2017 the ECHR condemned his original conviction for fraud and money-laundering as "arbitrary and unfair" and ordered Russia to pay compensation.

Both the EU and Ireland will continue to work with the international community to keep pressure on the Russian Government to uphold rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Russia. I will continue to call for Russia to carry out a transparent investigation into the poisoning of Mr. Navalny in full cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (127)

Gerald Nash

Question:

127. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if his Department was contacted by CHO 8 to assist in nursing homes in early April 2020; if so, the details of any such communications and actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12356/21]

View answer

Written answers

Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.

The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support. The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis include:

- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;

- support for contact tracing efforts;

- transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;

- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;

- support for HSE testing efforts including through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;

- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;

- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;

- transportation of patients for testing;

- a range of non clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities;

- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);

- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and

- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.

In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support was also coordinated by the Joint Task Force. Examples include:

- Support has been provided to the National Ambulance Service through Defence Forces ambulance and crew supports along with tele-triage supports.

- Support to the Office of Government Procurement through assistance with storage and distribution of PPE.

- Support to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the use of lands at Sarsfields Barracks for the location of one of the National Temporary Body Storage Facilities. The Defence Forces were also on standby to provide support if required at the Dublin based National Temporary Body Storage Facility at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

With regard to the specific enquiry raised by the Deputy, the Defence Forces Joint Task Force received no requests through the HSE from CHO 8 for Defence Forces assistance in residential care facilities during April 2020.

In supporting the national effort in countering Covid 19, the Defence Forces provided assistance to the HSE and the National Ambulance Service in conducting a significant number of Covid 19 tests within residential care facilities during April 2020.

Pension Provisions

Questions (128)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

128. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education when retired teachers who receive their pension payments through the PSSC and NSSO will receive the 2% increase in the pay and the restoration of allowances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12268/21]

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Written answers

My Department pays the salaries and pensions for current and former school staff who work or have worked in primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools. All pay and pension increases have been implemented for the current and former school staff who work or have worked in primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools.

In relation to retired staff of Education and Training Boards (ETBs), their pensions are paid by the Payroll Shared Service Centre (PSSC) which is part of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO). These pensions are paid on instruction from each individual ETB.

My officials have made enquiries with the PSSC in respect of the matter raised and I am informed that the PSSC are engaged in a clarification process with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the representative body for the ETBs, in respect of this issue. I understand that the relevant parties are endeavouring to finalise this clarification process as soon as practicable and, once this process has been finalised, the relevant pension increases will be implemented for this cohort of former ETB employees.

State Examinations

Questions (129)

Robert Troy

Question:

129. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if the practical music exams are going ahead for leaving certificate students; and if so, the format in which the practical music exams will be undertaken. [12188/21]

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Written answers

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (130)

Mark Ward

Question:

130. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if additional funding will be made available to support second-level students who are blind or vision impaired on their return to the classroom given that they face additional difficulties in their home-school studies as resource teaching and special needs assistant supports are not available to them in a home-school setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12199/21]

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Written answers

Phase 2 of schools reopening has seen all Primary and Post-Primary Special Classes reopened on Monday 22nd February with pupils expected to attend these classes on a full-time basis.

Special classes at primary and post-primary level are supported in their return by the enhanced school teams put in place by the HSE and my Department. Updated guidance and information on the supports for schools has also been made available in advance of the return.

Recognising that remote learning has been particularly challenging for some students with complex needs, my Department has also put in place a supplementary programme to support the education and/or care needs of students with complex needs at primary and post-primary level.

Eligibility for the programme comprises:

- All pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in primary and post-primary schools

- Pupils in mainstream primary and post-primary schools who are accessing the highest levels of support in school at the School Support Plus/Support for a Few stage of the Continuum of Support. This includes pupils with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities, as well as pupils who were identified for the Summer Provision Programmes of 2020.

- Schools have flexibility to identify pupils that require the highest level of support at any given time. This will ensure that pupils presenting with exceptional needs due to school closures can participate in the scheme.

This programme of in-person support is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.

An allocation of five hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports is available to eligible students for four weeks.

The support programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (i.e. evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.

Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (131)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

131. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to revise the plan for the March 2021 return to school in order that in cases in which there is a confirmed case of Covid-19 in a class that the whole class, the class teacher and any learning support teachers or SNAs who have been physically in the classroom will be required to isolate and be sent for testing given the high prevalence of the new more transmissible Covid-19 variants in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12227/21]

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Written answers

The response to confirmed cases or outbreaks of COVID-19 in the community or in a school is the responsibility of, and will be led and managed by, Public Health HSE. My Department has confirmed with Public Health that the enhanced Public Health schools teams will be available to fully support schools that have reopened, and that full contact tracing and bulk fast-track testing within the school setting will resume immediately for schools as they reopen.

In all instances where COVID-19 is positively confirmed in a school age child in community testing (referred by G.P) or as part of close contact testing in the community, Public Health are immediately notified and a Public Health Risk Assessment(PHRA) is initiated with the school by local HSE public health Schools Teams. Where COVID-19 is detected in an adult in the community, either through symptomatic or close contact testing and when initial contact tracing confirms that they work in a school setting, Public Health are immediately notified and the Public Health Risk Assessment(PHRA) is initiated with the school by HSE School Teams in a similar way.

The findings of the Public Health Risk Assessment (PHRA), which is undertaken by a Public Health Doctor, where a confirmed case has attended school whilst infectious, assesses many different aspects of disease transmission as laid out in the Schools Pathway document and this determines the identification of close contacts. This enables the most accurate and effective determination of the relevant information allowing tailored, measured protection and prevention of Covid-19 in schools

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (132)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the definition of a close contact with regard to primary schools in the context of Covid-19; if this definition has been updated in view of the high prevalence of the new more transmissible variants in Ireland and the fact that primary school children are not required to wear face masks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12228/21]

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Written answers

My Department has no role in providing guidance of a clinical or medical nature. However the HPSC have published the following definition of a close contact in an educational setting

In accordance with current HPSC close contacts guidelines a clinical Public Health Risk Assessment (PHRA) will be undertaken for all educational settings where a confirmed case has attended whilst infectious. PHRA describes close contacts as:

- Any person who has had face to face contact within less than 1 metre with a confirmed case of COVID-19 for >15 minutes in a school day.

- Any person who has been between 1 and 2 metres from a confirmed case of Covid-19 for >15 minutes in a school day with consideration of other mitigation measures e.g. face-coverings, pods, ventilation, IPC measures or uncertain compliance with mitigation measures in place (assessed through clinical PHRA)

Contacts are assessed from contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 during their infectious period - 48 hours before the onset of symptoms if symptomatic, or 24 hours before the test for Covid-19 was taken in those who are asymptomatic.

The response to confirmed cases or outbreaks of Covid-19 in the community or in a school is the responsibility of, and will be led and managed by, Public Health HSE. All decisions as to appropriate actions following a confirmed case or outbreak will be made by their teams in the context of a full Public Health Risk Assessment procedure.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) keep infection prevention and control measures under review in all sectors. This includes the wearing of masks by primary school students and it is understood that an expert sub group will report to the NPHET on Thursday in this regard. My Department will await the outcome of this advice from NPHET and any subsequent Government decisions.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (133)

Martin Browne

Question:

133. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to an application by a family (details supplied) for assistive technology for their child which has been rejected despite the recommendations of their doctor; and if there is another way the required assistive technology can be provided. [12246/21]

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Written answers

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications for assistive technology. SENOs then make recommendations to my Department. Therefore, I have referred the query in relation to this application to the NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, as set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on my Department’s website.

https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf

In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link:

https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Grants-and-Additional-Support/Assistive-Technology-Grant/

Underpinning the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools, my Department provided €100m in grant funding to schools to address their ICT needs during 2020. Schools were advised that they can use this funding to support the continuity of teaching and learning should a period of partial or full school closure occur arising from Public Health advice owing to Covid-19 restrictions as is the current situation.

This ICT Grant funding issues to schools, as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements. In the context of the current public health crisis this funding can be focused on assisting schools to address ICT needs including devices, software and other ICT solutions to support the provision of remote learning. This can include the purchase of ICT devices including laptops, which can be shared with students who do not have access to devices, essential learning platforms and other ICT infrastructure to support the provision of remote learning.

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