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Wednesday, 10 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 432-456

Passport Services

Questions (432)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

432. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are full-time documentary fraud experts working in the Passport Office. [12696/21]

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Written answers

The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously.

The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance.

The Integrity Section of the Passport Service was established in 2015 to improve all aspects of fraud detection and prevention in order to protect the integrity of the passport. Staff numbers in the Integrity Section have increased in recent years and new and improved systems have been put in place. This large investment in technology and structures has helped to improve our recording and detecting of fraud.

The Passport Service has Document Validation Officers who have received training in Document Fraud awareness. The Passport Service has access to Document Experts at Forensic Science Ireland and avail of their expertise.

Consular Services

Questions (433)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

433. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times he has spoken formally with the Irish Consulate General in Sydney since 1 March 2020. [12719/21]

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Written answers

Although I have not had occasion to speak formally to the Consulate General during the past year, I am kept fully informed of the Consulate General’s activities by officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs who are in almost daily communication with the Consulate General’s Office.

I wish to pay tribute to the staff of the Consulate General for their exceptional efforts during the early stages of the pandemic when they provided extraordinary assistance to the Irish community in New South Wales. Despite pandemic restrictions, the Consulate General has continued without interruption to provide consular services to the large Irish and Irish-Australian community in that region. In addition to providing consular services, the Consulate General has continued its broad range of activities promoting Ireland’s interests, especially in promoting our economic links with New South Wales.

Questions Nos. 434 and 435 answered with Question No. 430.

Departmental Internships

Questions (436)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

436. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of students who undertook work experience or internships with State and semi-State agencies under his aegis in 2019; the cost in terms of wages and allowances; and the estimated numerical capacity of State and semi-State agencies to provide work experience and internships on an annual basis. [12955/21]

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Written answers

There were no State or semi-State agencies under the aegis of my Department in 2019.

Northern Ireland

Questions (437)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

437. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) to ensure the case is adequately investigated by authorities in Northern Ireland; the steps he will take to ensure the family is supported by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12966/21]

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Written answers

My thoughts, and the thoughts of the Government, are with the family and friends of Noah Donohoe at this extremely distressing time, and as they contend with such a profound personal loss. The case of Noah’s death is a matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and an investigation is underway. There has been a renewed appeal for witnesses, and we would encourage anyone who may have any information to contact the PSNI. I understand that a Coroner's investigation is also ongoing. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (438)

Neale Richmond

Question:

438. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered altering the requirement for a person to register on the foreign births register before the next generation’s birth in order to avail of Irish citizenship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13030/21]

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Written answers

Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (“the 1956 Act”), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.

The 1956 Act provides that great-grandchildren of Irish-born persons are not eligible for entry into the Foreign Births Register (FBR) unless their parents were entered onto the Register at the time of their birth. To change this, an amendment of the 1956 Act would be required.

The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters. Any amendment to the 1956 Act is a matter for the Minister for Justice.

The Department of Foreign Affairs administers the FBR process and operates a clear and transparent general policy for processing FBR applications. In situations where the completion of registrations potentially impact on the rights of a person, it will consider urgent requests to expedite registered applications on a case by case basis. During Level 5 restrictions, applicants can make contact with the Passport Service through the WebChat service.

Shannon Airport Facilities

Questions (439)

John Brady

Question:

439. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the times that US military aircraft landed at Shannon airport on 11 January 2021 and 23 January 2021; the times that the aircraft departed; the identity of the aircraft, including the registration number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13058/21]

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Written answers

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am responsible for diplomatic clearance for overflights and landings by foreign military aircraft, on the basis of applications made by accredited Embassies of the countries concerned. It is not the policy of my Department to disclose the details of requests for diplomatic clearances, as such information is provided by Embassies in the expectation of the maintenance of confidence. The precise arrangements for arrivals and departures of aircraft are a matter for the aviation authorities, in the same way as for civil aircraft. My Department has no role with regard to that aspect.

Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 430.

Northern Ireland

Questions (441)

Brendan Smith

Question:

441. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13309/21]

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Written answers

I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and other political leaders on a range of issues, including in relation to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

On 3 March, I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, and with Lord Frost, who since 1 March is the Cabinet Minister responsible for EU-UK relations. At this meeting I expressed the Government’s grave concern and regret that the UK was planning to move in a unilateral way, rather than working in continued partnership with the EU in accordance with the EU-UK joint statements of 11 and 24 February.

I am well aware of the practical challenges, which some businesses and people in Northern Ireland have faced in relation to certain aspects of the Protocol’s implementation. I, and officials in my Department, continue to engage closely with counterparts and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including in the business and civil society communities. We are listening carefully to any concerns they have.

In this regard, Ireland has consistently advocated a pragmatic approach to implementation within the existing framework of the Protocol, including joint consideration of modest extensions to grace periods. This is, however, only possible in a spirit of cooperation and partnership and through the agreed mechanisms.

I have consistently said that we want the Protocol to work for Northern Ireland, and for the island as a whole, in as smooth a manner as possible. It is important that Northern Ireland is able to benefit from the considerable positive opportunities created by the Protocol.

The Irish Government’s focus remains on ensuring that the Protocol, as an international agreement concluded by the EU and UK, is fully implemented. It is the agreed and only solution to the problems created on the island of Ireland by Brexit.

We will continue to have regular contact with political leaders and engage with other stakeholders, including businesses and civic society in Northern Ireland in relation to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Questions (442)

Brendan Smith

Question:

442. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements for further discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the full implementation of the New Decade, New Approach policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13310/21]

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Written answers

One of the Government’s key tasks is to see the New Decade, New Approach agreement implemented. It was agreed that there would be regular review meetings involving the two Governments at Ministerial level and the parties to monitor progress on implementing the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement, and the delivery of commitments by each Government.

On Monday 11 January, I participated by videoconference in the first Implementation Review Meeting of the New Decade, New Approach agreement alongside the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and party leaders in Northern Ireland. During that meeting, we discussed the progress that has been made over the past year on the implementation of our respective commitments, and the shared challenges we face in the context of both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit. We reaffirmed our collective commitment to the ongoing implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. It is hoped that we can arrange a second implementation review meeting in the period ahead.

I will continue to engage closely with the Secretary of State as we move forward on these and other issues. Regular contacts are also maintained by officials in my Department with the Northern Ireland Office, as we seek to work together on a wide range of areas of cooperation.

Departmental Information

Questions (443)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

443. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the advice or briefings his Department received from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine ahead of his meeting with the French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs in Paris on 3 December 2020. [13348/21]

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Written answers

As part of my work on deepening the extensive and important partnership between Ireland and France, I visited Paris on 3 December for discussions with the French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian. I also met with the French Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr. Clément Beaune.

I exchanged views on Brexit and a number of European issues of common interest with Foreign Minister Le Drian and Minister of State Beaune. In addition, during my meeting with Minister Le Drian, I also discussed a number of matters on the UN Security Council agenda, in advance of Ireland taking up its seat at the Security Council in January

As agricultural issues were not on the agenda of any of these meetings, specific briefing was not sought from or given by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for this visit. However, I have ongoing engagement with the Minister on a wide range of matters including the impact of Brexit on the agri-food and fish sectors.

Maritime Jurisdiction

Questions (444)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

444. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made in discussions with the UK Government to resolve the conflict over the right of Irish fishing vessels to fish in the waters around Rockall. [13349/21]

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Written answers

I remain in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on Rockall. We, along with our respective officials, are working through consideration of all options for further engagement on the issues involved.

I have outlined Ireland's position on Rockall in contacts with both the UK and Scottish Governments in the last number of months. In my engagements, I have made clear the Government's position, which is consistent, and remains as has been clearly set out by successive Governments.

I spoke with my Scottish counterpart, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Mike Russell, on 14 January 2021, when this matter was raised. We agreed to keep in contact on the issue. Irish and Scottish officials have been in touch in the period since that call.

This contact and broader efforts will continue in the coming weeks. Irish officials also remain in ongoing contact with the European Commission on all matters relating to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including fisheries.

Through the range of engagements set out, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.

Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall, which is a small uninhabitable granite rock located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda and some 230 nautical miles to the north-west of Donegal. Nor has Ireland ever recognised British sovereignty claims over Rockall, and accordingly has not recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either.

Irish Aid

Questions (445)

Emer Higgins

Question:

445. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the Ireland Fellows Programme for 2021; the way it has been adapted in the wake of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/21]

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Written answers

Each year the Department of Foreign Affairs' Ireland Fellows Programme offers promising individuals from ODA-eligible partner countries opportunities to study for a master’s qualification at an Irish University or Institute of Technology. The programme is intended to nurture future leaders; to develop in-country capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; and to build positive relationships with Ireland. The award covers course fees, accommodation, living costs, and flights.

The Ireland Fellows Programme has operated since 1974, bringing students from African partner countries and, since 2009, from Vietnam. Following a decision to expand the programme in 2019-20 it was enlarged to include students from the occupied Palestinian Territories, and in 2020-2021, from Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

There are presently 120 Fellows in Ireland, studying at 15 Higher Education Institutions. As is the case with all other students in Ireland, their higher education experience has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with classes, seminars and other group activities having moved on line. The Ireland Fellows Programme is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). Officials from this Department are working closely with ICOS and the HEIs to monitor the Fellows' welfare and ensure their Irish experience is as positive as possible.

Irish Aid

Questions (446)

Emer Higgins

Question:

446. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress being made on the implantation of Ireland’s Better World strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/21]

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Written answers

A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development was launched in February 2019. It provides the framework for Ireland’s development cooperation in the decade ahead and represents a step change in our approach, bringing together our development cooperation and diplomacy for optimum impact. In the two years since the policy was launched, there has been notable progress in delivering and advancing various aspects of A Better World including on strategy development, policy influence, whole of government initiatives, and new programme funding commitments, the latter facilitated by a €30 million increase in the allocation for Official Development Aid for this year. Clear deliverables achieved include the publication of Ireland’s first ever Small Island Developing States (SIDS) strategy; the launch of the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security; the creation of an Irish Trust Fund in the Asian Development Bank for support to disaster and climate resilience in member SIDS; and the launch of a Domestic Resource Mobilisation Initiative, in partnership with the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners.

A new Climate Unit has been established within the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of my Department - the Division which leads on the Irish Aid programme. This Unit is taking forward the Programme for Government commitment to double the proportion of Official Development Aid which tackles climate change. Last week I launched Ireland's Climate Finance Report for 2019, which set the baseline for that commitment.

While COVID-19 rolls back development gains around the world, the Irish Aid programme has proved its self well positioned to respond. Through country programmes in Africa, Ireland is supporting the strengthening of public health systems, amplified by Irish Aid's investment this year of €50 million in global public health, including COVAX which will see vaccines distributed to 90 lower and middle income countries. Ireland is also a member of the Team Europe response to the pandemic - the EU and its Member States are already supporting the vaccination of 20% of the world's population through COVAX, and this is likely to grow. My Department works closely with the HSE in its work on global health, including in the provision of mental health support to frontline workers in COVID-affected partner countries.

With approximately 35% of Official Development Aid generated by other Departments, coordination across Government has been strengthened over the past two years. In addition, the capacity to manage programmes, particularly in key thematic areas such as climate, food and health, as well as oversight, is being strengthened, building from a strong base as identified by the OECD's review of Irish Aid published last year.

Work is ongoing to increase investment in research, and improve our public engagement. In this regard, I am currently engaged in a public consultation towards a new strategy on development education, for finalisation this summer.

Taken together these steps will ensure that Irish Aid is fit for purpose as we implement A Better World over the next decade.

Irish Aid

Questions (447)

Emer Higgins

Question:

447. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way the Irish embassy in Ethiopia is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13362/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Ireland has a longstanding partnership with Ethiopia. The Embassy’s development programme, which has an annual indicative budget of €32 million, focuses on: regional and national peace and security; democratic governance and accountability; humanitarian response and social protection; health and gender equality; and economic development. Addis Ababa is an important hub for African regional and continental organisations, and Ireland’s Embassy there is accredited to the African Union and the regional bloc IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), through which we engage on regional peace and security issues.

The current Irish Aid programme in Ethiopia has a strong humanitarian focus, and responding to the devastating humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region is a major focus. Social protection is also a core element of the programme, through support to the flagship Productive Safety Net Programme, which provides food and cash transfers to food insecure households and highly vulnerable populations across the country. Ireland’s programme also focuses on support for the national health system, including the delivery of maternal health programmes. Given the gendered nature of poverty, the programme strongly prioritises the needs of women and girls.

Ireland’s programme in Ethiopia received a very positive assessment from the OECD 2020 DAC peer review, including for its principled political engagement on humanitarian issues, and for its strong advocacy for gender equality. The review also recognised that Ireland plays an important leadership role in terms of donor coordination in Ethiopia. We will continue to keep the development programme under close review, particularly in light of ongoing conflict in Tigray.

Irish Aid

Questions (448)

Emer Higgins

Question:

448. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Liberia is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13363/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

The Embassy of Ireland in Liberia was established in 2018, building on the foundations set in place by an Irish Aid office which had previously supervised Irish development cooperation in the country and, before that, the contribution of Irish peacekeepers in the UNMIL mission from 2003-2007.

The Irish Aid engagement in Liberia is deepening following the establishment of the Embassy, whose approach is strongly aligned to A Better World, in particular the commitment to reaching the furthest behind first.

The Embassy is working to strengthen institutions and enable active participation by Liberians in decision-making processes. Particular focus is given to increasing women’s participation in local peacebuilding structures, the promotion of peaceful elections, and support to protecting Human Rights Defenders.

Ireland has long been active in the health sector in Liberia and played a coordination role during the Ebola outbreak in 2014-16. The Embassy continues to work to improve health and nutrition services, and to prevent and respond to sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy supports the Liberian Ministry of Health's primary health response, including case investigation and management, isolation and contact tracing.

Nutrition is a strong component of the Irish Aid work in Liberia, with the Embassy working in an innovative partnership with NGOs, government, local civil society and communities to improve nutritional status of under-fives in two counties where chronic malnutrition indices are highest.

Irish Aid

Questions (449)

Emer Higgins

Question:

449. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Kenya is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13364/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

The Embassy of Ireland in Kenya has three pillars of development focus: 1) trade promotion and private sector engagement with a focus on women’s economic empowerment; 2) implementation of the Ireland Kenya Agri-Food Strategy; and 3) promotion of opportunities for youth and women through the Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) Initiative, and gender/gender based violence interventions. In 2021, the Embassy will also focus on strengthening governance in response to the evolving elections landscape in Kenya.

A highlight of Kenya’s development cooperation programme has been the flagship Young Scientists Kenya initiative, of which President Kenyatta is patron. In 2021, the Embassy will continue to support YSK’s efforts to reach youth in all 47 counties, and in particular the most disadvantaged. In 2020, YSK, with the Embassy’s support, was able to pivot online following the COVID-19 outbreak and continue its activities virtually, reaching 13,000 students directly before the outbreak COVID-19, and subsequently more than 10,000 through online outreach.

To implement the Ireland Kenya Agri-Food Strategy, the Embassy will work in partnership with Irish and Kenyan institutions focused on dairy, fisheries and potato initiatives which benefit smallholder farmers, in particular female farmers, as well as supporting climate change adaptation. In 2020, 3,827 smallholder farmers were trained on good agricultural practices and 197 ‘farmer field business schools’ were established which have improved farmer income and enhanced awareness on finance and credit.

In 2020, Irish Aid funding was also allocated to urgent humanitarian needs arising from COVID-19. This included supporting a social safety nets project providing cash transfers to vulnerable households in urban settlements implemented by an NGO consortium that included Concern. Additionally, the Embassy provided small grants to organisations addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on gender based violence and supporting female traders to protect their small businesses.

Irish Aid

Questions (450)

Emer Higgins

Question:

450. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Malawi is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, ranked 174 out of 189 countries in the 2020 UN Human Development Index. In recent years, Malawi has been particularly affected by annual food insecurity, which affects large cohorts of the population for several months of the year.

Since the opening of the Embassy of Ireland in Lilongwe in 2007, and the setting up of the Irish Aid programme, Ireland has worked with a variety of partners including government, United Nations, international and local NGOS, and research institutions.

A highlight of the Embassy's programme in recent years has been Ireland’s work on developing the social protection system in Malawi, which contributes to the reducing humanitarian need policy priority. Ireland has made a marked contribution to the development and piloting of flexible, shock responsive, electronic cash transfers. This investment has informed national policy and the manner in which the Government of Malawi and other donors now approach humanitarian crises, including the annual lean season. These flexible cash transfers reduce the impact of crises such as COVID-19, while contributing to sustained improvements in the nutritional status of household members and improving school attendance.

With other development partners, Ireland has provided support to the agricultural sector and for agricultural research in Malawi. This has contributed to diversification of crop production, resulting in, inter alia, improved dietary diversity and improved nutrition.

Ireland has also become a recognised champion of innovative, climate-smart and affordable energy solutions and was a key supporter of the Government of Malawi’s ambitious National Cookstove Initiative, which successfully saw two million households switch from open fires to energy saving stoves by the end of 2020. The success of this initiative has led to a reduction in the rate of deforestation, and a reduction in the incidence of respiratory tract infections associated with cooking over open fires.

Irish Aid

Questions (451)

Emer Higgins

Question:

451. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Mozambique is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13366/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May of 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Ireland has been delivering development and humanitarian assistance in Mozambique since 1996, after the country emerged from almost thirty years of civil war. Investments in development began from a very low base and today Mozambique remains one the world’s poorest countries, with access to basic services such as water, healthcare and education still challenging.

The Embassy of Ireland in Mozambique aims to make a distinctive and principled foreign policy contribution that includes managing the delivery of the Irish Aid programme. A key objective of the programme is to improve access to quality health and education services – both critical tasks as Mozambique faces the continuing spread of COVID-19.

Ireland’s Embassy is working at both political and technical levels in support of the Government of Mozambique’s COVID-19 response. In 2020, Ireland made an advance disbursement of funding for Mozambique’s health sector pooled fund, amounting to €8 million, and worked with the Ministry of Health to reprioritise donor expenditure in order to procure PPE and to support the recruitment of auxiliary health workers to provide surge capacity in the health system. Ireland’s support was critical in ensuring that front line staff were in place to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and that essential health services to the poor, particularly to women, children and vulnerable groups could continue.

Ireland’s support to the education sector in Mozambique was also adapted in 2020 in light of COVID-19. As all schools were closed in March, Ireland worked with the Ministry of Education to reprioritise expenditure to support an adapted learning environment, including the provision of virtual classes via television and radio platforms, while also supporting teacher training and preparations for the resumption of primary and secondary education.

Reducing humanitarian need is another key element of Ireland’s work. In March and April 2019, Cyclones Idai and Kenneth caused widespread devastation to infrastructure and crops, displaced 400,000 people from their homes, and left more than 2 million people in urgent humanitarian need. In response, Ireland provided just over €4 million to UN and NGO partners. These funds enabled the delivery of lifesaving food assistance, health care, and access to water, sanitation and hygiene to impacted families, and later, provided those displaced with supports to return to their homes. The Embassy’s partnerships with Government health, education, and disaster management agencies also contributed to an effective response to the outbreak of cholera following the cyclones, the rehabilitation of schools and hospitals using climate-resilient construction techniques, and to overall coordination of emergency response efforts.

In northern Mozambique, where a violent insurgency has been underway since 2017, Ireland is at the forefront of humanitarian response efforts to meet the needs of more than 660,000 people displaced from their homes by violence, and more than 950,000 facing emergency levels of food insecurity. In 2020, Ireland provided €4.8 million euro to UN, NGO and Red Cross partners working to meet humanitarian needs. This included €2.2 million to the World Food Programme in support of its efforts to provide emergency food assistance to those displaced, and €700,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross for work to uphold humanitarian law in conflict-affected areas, to support victims of violence, and to provide those displaced with access to health services, water and sanitation.

Irish Aid

Questions (452)

Emer Higgins

Question:

452. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Sierra Leone is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13367/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Ireland's approach to engagement with Sierra Leone is informed by ‘A Better World’, with an overarching goal being that women and girls, living in poverty, contribute to and benefit from a more inclusive, resilient and equitable Sierra Leone.

The Embassy of Ireland in Freetown has adopted a number of different, but complementary, approaches to delivering the Irish Aid programme in Sierra Leone, including working with government, other Development Partners and engagement with Civil Society Organisations.

The Embassy of Ireland has a particular focus on improving outcomes for child health through its nutrition programming across a range of partnerships, which address child malnutrition. The Embassy has also partnered with organisations that have developed integrated nutrition sensitive agri-food programmes to respond to the changing global climatic conditions at community level.

Fundamental to the Embassy's work is the empowerment of women and girls to uphold their rights. Through work with its Irish Aid partnerships, it provides healthcare and supports for survivors of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), while also supporting the government of Sierra Leone to realise its commitment to provide free, quality education for all children at primary and second level.

The Embassy also works with a variety of partners to support democracy, accountability and women’s political participation in Sierra Leone, aligning closely with two of Ireland's key policy priorities of gender equality and strengthened governance. It has helped build the capacity of a coalition of women leaders to help diffuse political tensions around elections and by-elections.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy collaborated with the EU and three Irish NGOs on a €1.2 million ‘Team Europe’ COVID-19 response programme. An adaptive programming approach allowed an agile response which promptly met the needs of vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone as a result of the pandemic.

Irish Aid

Questions (453)

Emer Higgins

Question:

453. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in South Africa is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13368/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Ireland’s Embassy in South Africa manages the delivery of Irish Aid programmes in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the southern Africa sub-region. Ireland has been engaged in development cooperation with South Africa since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994, and with Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. Irish Aid programmes focus on education, maternal and child health, human rights and accountability, and tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Since 2020, the Embassy and its partners have also been working to address the impacts of Covid-19.

Gender equality is at the centre of the full range of the Embassy’s work. Addressing harmful gender norms, violence, and promoting women’s participation in society are core elements of Irish Aid’s work, which comprises two streams: at national level, supports to UN and civil society partners aim to influence policy and national processes which address gender equality. At community level, direct interventions support women and children affected by violence and work with men and boys to reduce the incidence of violence.

In South Africa, where GBV is endemic, Ireland has supported the development and roll-out of a National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The Embassy’s work also supports research and community-level engagement with men and boys to encourage behaviour change. In Zimbabwe, the Embassy has worked with UNFPA to lobby for the review of laws and policies to prevent child marriage, and to hold perpetrators of intimate partner violence to account, while civil society organisations supported by the Embassy run shelters and provide access to essential services for survivors of GBV. At regional level, the Embassy supports UN Women’s multi-country office for South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia, to implement the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Framework for Action on GBV.

In South Africa, the Embassy’s flagship education programme is the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, named in honour of the late Professor Kader Asmal who taught at Trinity College Dublin, co-founded the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, and was part of the team that negotiated South Africa’s transition to democracy. Through this programme, Ireland supports students from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Lesotho to study at Master’s degree level in Ireland in strategically important disciplines. 81 Fellowships have been awarded since the programme commenced in 2013, and 14 South Africans were offered fellowships for the 2020/21 academic year.

Irish Aid

Questions (454)

Emer Higgins

Question:

454. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Tanzania is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13369/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

Ireland has been providing development assistance to Tanzania since 1975. Over that time, Ireland has worked with a wide variety of partner organisations including government institutions, UN agencies, international research institutions, civil society organisations and other donor agencies to deliver on the overall goal of inclusive growth and reduced poverty and vulnerability in Tanzania.

In line with ‘A Better World’, gender equality, strengthened governance, and climate change adaptation are the priority areas for Ireland’s current programme in Tanzania, as well as continued efforts to reduce humanitarian need through support for refugee response efforts.

Ireland works in Tanzania to address gender equality through partnerships that improve healthcare for women and children. These efforts are complemented by support for primary and community based health care services, including reducing malnutrition and stunting, in isolated and under-served rural communities and especially among pregnant women and young children. This programme provides targeted support to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Irish Aid supports technical skills training for adolescents and support to farmers, including and especially women farmers, to produce climate adapted food crops. In seeking to reach the furthest behind first, Ireland plays an important role in supporting and strengthening social protection systems in Tanzania.

To reduce humanitarian need and support the refugee response in Tanzania, Ireland has provided much-needed support to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This has helped in the voluntary repatriation of refugees, the provision of basic healthcare services at refugee camps, and assisted in the response to COVID-19 amongst refugee populations.

Improving governance and supporting effective institutions is another major focus of Ireland’s programme in Tanzania. In this respect, the Embassy works with UN partners to strengthen access to justice, in conjunction with the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance.

Irish Aid

Questions (455)

Emer Higgins

Question:

455. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Uganda is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13370/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.

This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.

The Embassy of Ireland in Uganda opened in 1994, with the establishment of the Irish Aid programme in the country. Guided by the priorities of ‘A Better World’, Ireland’s focus on the most vulnerable sections of society has been consistent, including through the longstanding prioritisation of the poorest and most marginalised region of Uganda, Karamoja. Ireland’s engagement is recognised for its strong focus on girls’ education, HIV prevention, and support of social welfare grants for senior citizens. This focus remains highly relevant in providing targeted support to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Embassy and its partners will continue to address the impacts of COVID-19 through its programming in 2021.

Ireland has played a key role in supporting an expanded social protection programme in Uganda. A critical component of this programme is the provision of social welfare payments to senior citizens. Ireland’s support has helped provide cash transfers and reduce vulnerability of elderly people and their families. This has improved the quality of life across many households, through supporting improved diets as well as increased access to basic health care and education for children. It has also provided opportunities for households to engage in small enterprises.

Improving access to education is a key priority of Ireland’s investment in Uganda. In Karamoja, where education and literacy indicators are the lowest in the country, Ireland supports primary and post primary education, vocational training and skills development, as well as bursaries for the most vulnerable students. Support for strengthened governance also remains an important area of focus, and Ireland has worked closely with the EU and other EU Member State partners through the flagship Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which provides coordinated support to over ninety organisations working to promote democratic governance and human rights.

As a result of its progressive open-door refugee policy, Uganda hosts approximately 1.4 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa. The needs of this population are greater than ever, with refugee settlements facing increased food insecurity and risk of malnutrition due to financial constraints. The situation has been compounded further by the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, Ireland has increased our support for cash transfers, food assistance and provision of basic services to refugees.

Irish Aid

Questions (456)

Emer Higgins

Question:

456. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Vietnam is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13371/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland's longstanding programme of development cooperation in South East Asia is implemented by the Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi in conjunction with a number of partner organisations. The programme operates primarily in Vietnam itself, with a smaller range of activity in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar.

Consistent with the commitment to the "furthest behind first" in Ireland's Policy for International Development, A Better World, the largest component of the Irish Aid programme in Vietnam focuses on poverty reduction for ethnic minorities, aimed at some of that country's poorest and most marginalised communities. The populations and geographical areas targeted by the Ethnic Minorities Programme include more than half of those living in poverty in Vietnam. Irish Aid supports the Vietnamese Government in implementing the programme in five provinces, with a focus on small-scale infrastructure (local roads, schools, clinics, etc.). Ireland's Embassy in Hanoi also coordinates an Ethnic Minority Working Group which helps to shape policy and ensure that the social and economic development of ethnic minority communities remains a priority on the Government’s agenda.

Another important element of Irish activity is the Vietnam-Ireland Exchange Programme (IDEAS), which brings together Irish and Vietnamese experts to build technical, governance and policy development capacity in institutions responsible for economic decision-making in Vietnam. IDEAS also brings promising individuals to Ireland to undertake Master's-level study through the Ireland Fellows programme run by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Ireland’s also supports civil society in Vietnam, focusing on the themes of disability, poverty reduction, gender empowerment, capacity development and participatory local governance. Ireland provides funding to national and international civil society partners to strengthen their capacity in research, network building and the creation of coalitions for advocacy and potential social change. This support to civil society aims to influence policy response and service delivery in favour of groups that are marginalised on the basis of gender, migrant status, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability. Ireland also funds youth development projects supporting young, creative and enthusiastic people to grow their ideas and turn them into organised actions. The Embassy has made distinctive choices of partners based on shared values and a commitment to sustainable development, gender equality, human rights and good governance.

Ireland’s Regional Programme operates across Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR and addresses issues of humanitarian need, vulnerability and fragility. The support addresses hunger and under-nutrition; promotes livelihood support for very vulnerable groups; facilitates humanitarian de-mining to reduce loss of life and injury and enable post conflict reconstruction; and provides humanitarian assistance for immediate needs in Myanmar.

During the course of 2020, the programme put in place additional supports to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable in the region as well as to respond to the impact of devastating floods on hundreds of thousands of people in the last quarter of the year.

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