Wednesday, 21 Apr 2021

Written Answers Nos. 837-855

Middle East

Questions (837)

Bríd Smith

Question:

837. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the detention of a person (details supplied) with the Ambassador and officials of the Egyptian Embassy in Ireland; if he will convey concerns in relation to the continued detention of the person and the lack of engagement with their family on their location or status; if he will convey the concerns of human rights advocates regarding the treatment of prisoners in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18259/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, in conjunction with EU colleagues, routinely monitors arrests and detentions of human rights defenders, including in this case.

Human rights issues, in particular those regarding arrests, detention and the treatment of prisoners, form part of Ireland's regular engagement with Egypt. At the Human Rights Council in March 2021, Ireland co-signed a joint statement which expressed deep concern at the use of terrorism legislation to detain human rights defenders and civil society activists in Egypt.

Middle East

Questions (838)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

838. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will support a full investigation by the ICC prosecutor of individuals suspected of war crimes committed in the occupied territories in the context of the decision of the ICC that it has jurisdiction in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967 namely Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem; if he will support the role of the ICC in the EU and on the UN Security Council in this regard; if he will oppose attempts to defer an investigation or prosecution under Article 16 of the Rome Statute in view of the continual and increasing illegal transfer of Israeli civilians into the West Bank with the approval of the Israeli Government contrary to international law; if he condemns any attempts to impose sanctions on ICC staff or other personnel involved in or assisting the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18278/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland’s approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict is based on respect for international law and the agreed international parameters, including relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Ireland is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is a firm supporter of the role and work of the ICC. Ensuring accountability is one of the key principles underpinning our engagement on the United Nations Security Council and we will support and defend the Court throughout our two-year term on the Council and beyond.

As a general rule, we believe that the Security Council should use its powers under Article 16 of the Rome Statute sparingly. The interests of justice and accountability for victims must be paramount in any consideration of a decision to defer an ICC investigation or prosecution.

Ireland remains deeply concerned by any threat to undermine the integrity and independence of the Court. We therefore welcome the recent repeal of the United States’ Executive Order and regulations containing measures against the ICC and a number of its senior officials by the US, and the stated intention of the Biden administrations to reset US relations with the Court.

We look forward to working with the US, fellow Rome Statute States Parties and others, including at EU and UN level, on a shared agenda to enhance the Court’s ability to fight impunity and ensure greater State cooperation in pursuit of justice and accountability for victims.

We are aware of the announcement by ICC Prosecutor Bensouda on the initiation of an investigation into the Situation in Palestine. Ireland is committed to preserving the independence and impartiality of the Court’s judicial process and we do not comment on ongoing legal processes.

UN Human Rights Council

Questions (839, 847, 855, 872, 873, 876)

Joan Collins

Question:

839. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will lead a joint statement in the UN Human Rights Council for the upcoming 80th meeting of the Standing Committee (details supplied). [18314/21]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

847. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a significant Covid-19 outbreak in Jau prison in Bahrain; the details of the recent engagement he has had with the UN Human Rights Council and the EU-Bahrain human rights dialogue regarding Bahraini prisoners of conscience and their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18650/21]

Seán Haughey

Question:

855. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Jau prison in Bahrain; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an outbreak of Covid-19 and overcrowding in the prison generally represent a serious threat to the health and welfare of the prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19187/21]

John Brady

Question:

872. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call for the release of Bahraini prisoners of conscience given the abuse and the rampant spread of Covid-19 within the prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20080/21]

John Brady

Question:

873. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will condemn the mistreatment of Bahraini prisoners of conscience who are being abused by prison authorities on a daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20081/21]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

876. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the death of a person (details supplied) while detained in Jau Prison; if he has made representations to the Bahraini Government regarding the alleged maltreatment of political prisoners in Bahraini prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20195/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 839, 847, 855, 872, 873 and 876 together.

The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, Ireland is concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the targeting of human rights defenders and the treatment of prisoners.

I note with concern reports regarding an outbreak of Covid-19 in Jau prison in Bahrain. Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules. I also note recent reports that over 100 prisoners have been released to serve the remainder of their sentences outside of the prison system due to concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19 among prisoners.

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard. Ireland has raised the human rights issues in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in the form of National Statements and through support to EU Statements.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain through the EU. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, death penalty, torture and the impact of Covid-19 on the human rights situation.

The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues, including the detention of a number of individuals as well as the conditions of their detention.

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.

Foreign Policy

Questions (840)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

840. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had a conversation with the new administration in the United States of America in relation to ongoing US sanctions against Cuba; if the ban on contributions to Cuba via third countries has been discussed; his views on this ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18361/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland’s position on the US embargo on Cuba is longstanding and clear. Fundamentally, Ireland believes that the embargo serves no constructive purpose and that its lifting would facilitate an opening of Cuba’s economy to the benefit of its people. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has been a consistent supporter of the annual Resolution put forward by Cuba at the UN General Assembly regarding the US economic blockade.

Officials in my Department closely follow developments relating to the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which is a US federal law that strengthens and continues the US's long-standing economic embargo against Cuba. I was concerned by the decision taken in 2019 by the previous US Administration to suspend waivers for Title III of the Act, which had protected European persons and entities from its extra-territorial elements. Together with our EU partners, Ireland has firmly and continuously opposed extra-territorial measures that seek to extend the US embargo against Cuba to third countries, as contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade.

I also regret the inclusion of Cuba on the list of State-sponsors of terrorism by the previous US Administration and I support the statement by EU HR/VP Josep Borrell following the third EU-Cuba Joint Council in January 2021, that this decision will have a negative impact on foreign direct investment in Cuba and will further aggravate the already difficult situation of the Cuban people in the midst of the pandemic.I will continue to engage with the US Administration on a range of foreign policy issues. I welcome, in particular, Secretary of State Blinken's statement at his confirmation hearing that the Biden Administration is willing to engage on Cuba with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Frank and open dialogue with the US on policy towards Cuba, including the impact of sanctions, will be vital to finding a solution that best accords with the hopes and ambitions of the Cuban people .

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (841, 856)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

841. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government response to treatment of the LGBT+ community by Uzbekistan and the level of press freedom in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18366/21]

Seán Haughey

Question:

856. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise concerns regarding the threats faced by LGBTQI+ persons and journalists in Uzbekistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19188/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 841 and 856 together.

My Department is following events closely after recent attacks on LGBTQI+ campaigners in Tashkent that led to the hospitalisation of a prominent blogger known for his stance on LGBTQI+ issues and criticisms of the Government. These attacks and the public backlash against the victims are deeply troubling and have reportedly forced many into hiding for their safety. It is important that swift action is taken to protect fundamental freedoms, including media freedoms, and to hold the perpetrators of this violence fully accountable for their actions.

Advancing human rights is central to Ireland’s foreign policy, The Global Island. Ireland is committed to promoting the rights of LGBTI+ people, who continue to suffer unacceptable levels of violence and discrimination around the world. Ireland continues to support initiatives in the EU and other international fora which promote and protect the rights of LGBTI+ people, and which condemn violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Uzbek Government has made efforts to improve human rights in recent years, however consensual same-sex relations between men remains a criminal offence and LGBTQI+ persons continue to face widespread societal discrimination. During the 30th session of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the Human Rights Council, members of the international community recommended that Uzbekistan repeal this element of their criminal code and adopt legislation to protect LGBTQI+ persons. We encourage the Uzbek Government to take concrete steps to implement these recommendations as soon as possible.

Regarding press freedoms, there have been some modest improvements in this area since 2016. Plans to decriminalise defamation and grant bloggers the same rights as journalists were welcomed by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in 2020. However, legislative changes in recent weeks have expanded the criminalisation of language deemed defamatory or insulting to the President into the digital space and jeopardise that progress.

Ireland is concerned for the shrinking of civil society space in Uzbekistan in the months leading up to Presidential elections and we will raise these concerns in our interactions with the Government.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (842, 849)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

842. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent actions of the military of Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18382/21]

Marian Harkin

Question:

849. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider working with the United Kingdom and United States of America in imposing targeted sanctions on two major Myanmar military conglomerates (details supplied); the position of the European Union on Myanmar and the military conglomerates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 849 together.

I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military, and I am deeply shocked and saddened by the abhorrent and indefensible killing of unarmed civilians, including women and children.

As the political crisis has grown, so too has the human cost. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced from renewed fighting.

Ireland is working closely with all partners to identify appropriate measures to restore the democratic path in Myanmar without negatively affecting developmental gains or exacerbating the humanitarian situation. I most recently spoke directly with my UK counterpart on this issue on 15 April.

I fully endorse the strong and comprehensive approach set out in EU Council Conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on February 22, and the subsequent adoption of sanctions, in March and again in April, against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. This includes sanctions against the Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited. In this regard, the approach of the EU, US and UK is very much aligned.

The UN Security Council, with Ireland's support, has also expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, has strongly condemned the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. It is welcome that the Security Council has taken a united position on this crisis as this sends a strong message to the Myanmar military. The matter remains on the agenda of the Security Council and our Permanent Mission at the UN continues to follow developments closely.

I continue to emphasise the importance of a united response to this crisis; in particular, we need to recognise the importance of engaging partners in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome.

Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership, including countries within the region, to help find a political resolution and to protect the human rights of the Myanmar people.

UN Security Council

Questions (843, 853)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

843. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its influence in the United Nations including the seat on the Security Council to promote peace and human rights across the rest of the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18411/21]

Richard Bruton

Question:

853. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plan which has been developed for Ireland’s period on the UN Security Council; his main priorities; and if specific initiatives are planned to highlight human rights abuses. [19117/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 843 and 853 together.

Ireland took up its seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January 2021. Since then, we have been engaging actively across the full Security Council agenda, which includes some 30 country and regional files and 20 thematic files.

The Government has set out three overarching principles for Ireland’s membership of the Security Council: Building Peace, Strengthening Conflict Prevention, and Ensuring Accountability. In line with these principles, Ireland has identified specific priorities, including: improving peacekeeping mandates, highlighting the drivers of conflict such as climate change and grave violations of human rights, advancing inclusive approaches to peacebuilding involving women, youth and civil society, and promoting respect for international law and accountability.

Ireland has also taken on specific responsibilities in relation to the Security Council’s support to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), the humanitarian situation in Syria, Somalia sanctions, UN work in West Africa and the Sahel, and the issues of Climate and Security, Women, Peace and Security, and Hunger and Conflict. Each of these roles reflect aspects of Ireland’s existing foreign policy priorities and strengths. We are working to play a constructive role, to find solutions and overcome divisions, and help the Council fulfil its vital role of preventing and resolving conflict.

Respect for human rights law, International Humanitarian Law, and the rule of law more broadly is central to building sustainable peace, and accountability for violations is a crucial component for creating stability and peace in post-conflict situations.

Ireland is actively promoting human rights in our engagement across the Security Council agenda.

This includes the range of country situations addressed by the Security Council, many of which involve serious human rights issues. In recent months, for example, there has been a particular focus on the situations in Ethiopia and Myanmar.

We are keenly aware of the essential role played by UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions in protecting civilians and promoting respect for human rights, and, in our role on the Council, Ireland is supporting their crucial work in this area.

More broadly across the UN system, Ireland is a strong contributor to global efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, prevent atrocities, and eliminate human rights violations including against women, children and vulnerable groups. We are strong supporters of work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet, and the office that she leads (OHCHR).

Ireland is actively engaged at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and at the recently concluded 46th session of the Council, we delivered over 20 statements on thematic and country-specific human rights situations, including Myanmar, Syria, Iran, Yemen, South Sudan, DPRK, Eritrea, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Ireland also co-signed a number of Joint Statements on Egypt, Ethiopia, Russia and Venezuela.

Middle East

Questions (844)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

844. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the IDA plans to appoint a business development consultant to establish a presence in Israel; if his views or that of his Department were sought in advance of this announcement; his views on whether it is appropriate to promote and advance Ireland’s trade with Israel (details supplied); his views on the conclusions of a recent report by Israel’s largest human rights group that the Israeli Government perpetuates the supremacy of one group of persons over another and therefore that Ireland could end up supporting an apartheid regime of occupation; if he will consult his colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18464/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including our trade, and will continue to do so. Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. This position is common across all Government Departments and policy coherence is ensured through coordination at official level.

IDA Ireland is an autonomous Statutory Agency which operates in accordance with the Industrial Development Acts 1986 - 2019 and under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who is best placed to comment on the Agency’s activities and decisions and is also responsible for trade. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to recent replies by the Tánaiste on the matter.

In respect of the concerns raised in relation to the rights of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory, I would underline that Ireland consistently raises human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory at the highest international levels, including most recently at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland is committed to accountability. We will continue to speak out against actions which are in breach of international law.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (845)

Neale Richmond

Question:

845. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on an incident in which a journalist has had to leave China due to pressure from the Chinese authorities (details supplied); if he has engaged with the Chinese ambassador on this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18587/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am aware of the case of the journalist in question. I do not wish to comment on individual cases but it is nevertheless disappointing and worrying that responsible and respected journalists feel that they cannot continue to do their work in mainland China.

I also note the statement by the EU Spokesperson on this case, from the 2nd April.

Ireland actively works to promote and protect the rights of journalists, media freedom and the right to freedom of expression, both online and offline, through our Embassies and Missions and in relevant international fora, notably the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.

Ireland recognises that the conditions for foreign media in China are deteriorating, and this has led to a number of foreign correspondents leaving that country. This is regrettable, as it reduces the channels of communication between China and the wider world.

For Ireland, as we seek to engage further with China as an important global actor, the contribution of a free and open media will be important in ensuring a shared understanding between us. We continue to support the free and uninhibited flow of news, opinion, and reporting around the world.

My Department is in frequent touch with the Chinese Embassy and media coverage of this case has been extensive. Indeed, the Embassy itself has engaged in social media on this issue, which has received a strong reaction from individual Irish citizens, and has received some global attention. The Chinese authorities, including the Embassy here, can be in no doubt as to the importance we in Ireland place on media freedom and freedom of expression.

Foreign Policy

Questions (846, 850)

Seán Haughey

Question:

846. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will express concerns in relation to the recent decision by Turkey to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention relating to the prevention and combating of violence against women and domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18644/21]

John Brady

Question:

850. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is prepared to call upon the Turkish Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the 2011 Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18710/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 850 together.

I am seriously concerned at the decision of the President of Turkey to withdraw from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, otherwise known as the Istanbul Convention. The Convention is the most far-reaching legal instrument to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, as well as to ensure protection for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. It has had a documented positive effect on the lives of women, children, families and entire communities.

I therefore deeply regret the decision of the President of Turkey to withdraw from the Convention. The decision is incomprehensible, coming as it did on the eve of the tenth anniversary of adoption of the Convention, and at a time of a pandemic when gender-based violence has spiked dramatically all over the world. For the Convention to be willfully undermined by one of its original, signatory States, sends out a disturbing message across Europe.

Ireland has joined others in condemning the decision of Turkey to withdraw and we continue to call on the Turkish Government to reverse this decision. Turkey should instead renew its commitment to the Istanbul Convention and should respect international human rights rules and standards.

The Turkish decision to withdraw from the Convention also comes at a time when EU-Turkey relations are under consideration. As the rule of law and respect of fundamental rights are core values of the EU, we are clear that Turkey will be unable to make substantial progress in its relationship with the EU until it begins to address its internal human rights situation.

Question No. 847 answered with Question No. 839.

UN Security Council

Questions (848)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

848. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action Ireland is taking at the UN Security Council to highlight China's genocide of the Uyghur Muslim population; the details of his response to a recently released 25,000 word report (details supplied); his plans to discuss the findings with the authors of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18660/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland, along with our EU partners, remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang, including in relation to reports of systemic abuse, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour, forced sterilisations, and restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.

The term “genocide” is a term that has a particular meaning under international law. Definitive recognition of a genocide involves a complex analysis of both facts and law. Ireland follows the practice of recognising genocide only where this has been established by a judgment of an international court, or where there is international consensus on the matter. This approach does not undermine the seriousness with which we approach China’s activities in Xinjiang.

In response to the situation, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR), the EU adopted sanctions on 22 March 2021 against 1 entity and 4 individuals in China due to their involvement in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The EUGHRSR allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses by State and non-State actors worldwide. It enables the EU to respond rapidly and in a more tangible and direct way for human rights, one of the fundamental values of the EU and its foreign policy.

Ireland and the EU have also raised our concerns with Chinese authorities in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Most recently, Ireland raised concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year.

Ireland also supported a Joint Statement at the UN Third Committee on 6 October 2020 that reiterates our grave concern regarding the situation in Xinjiang and recalls the exceptional letter of concern issued by 50 UN Special Procedures mandate holders, which called on China to respect human rights and to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers. We also reiterated our concerns in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 25 September 2020, which urged China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ireland’s approach on the Security Council is informed by our record as a country with a consistent, principled and independent foreign policy. We put forward our perspectives on all issues on the Council agenda, and engage with and listen carefully to the views of all Council Members, including China.

The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. Although the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang is not on the Security Council agenda, the Government will continue to monitor and assess the situation and engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora to address our concerns.

Question No. 849 answered with Question No. 842.

Question No. 850 answered with Question No. 846.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (851)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

851. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the case of person (details supplied) who applied to become an Irish citizen through foreign birth registration. [18834/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications has been temporarily paused since Ireland entered Level 5 restrictions of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19.

The application in question is incomplete and thus cannot be approved for entry into the Foreign Births Register. The Department wrote to the applicant on 14 December 2020 to inform them of this and to outline the outstanding documents for the finalisation of his application.

The Passport Service can confirm receipt of the requested documents via two separate envelopes in January 2021, and these documents are currently stored in a secure environment until the FBR service resumes under Level 3 restrictions.

Brexit Issues

Questions (852)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

852. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review a case (details supplied); if he has come across an issue similar to this regarding Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19017/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Without clarity as to the legal basis on which the policies of the company concerned are informed, it is not possible to comment on this individual case. However, I would like to set out the general position on cross-border working.

I am conscious of the cross border nature of many people’s lives, and have prioritised continued facilitation of this throughout the Brexit process.

Irish or British citizens living and working anywhere on the island of Ireland or between Ireland and Great Britain, including as frontier workers, do not need to take any action in order to continue to do so.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) continues to operate. This provides Irish and British citizens with rights to reside and work in either jurisdiction, as well as access to a range of associated rights and entitlements, on the same basis as citizens of the other State.

The EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement both recognise the CTA. Irish officials across Government continue to work with UK counterparts in support of its continued operation.

For frontier workers who are not Irish or British, as of 1 January 2021, the UK has introduced some changes.

For non-Irish EU citizens, the Withdrawal Agreement protects the rights of (already established) frontier workers or frontier self-employed persons in the countries where they work, so that their arrangements can continue.

Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, a non-Irish EU national living in Ireland, and working in Northern Ireland, before the end of the transition period can continue, as a frontier worker. They must apply for a frontier worker permit from the UK Government in order to do so.

For new non-Irish EU citizen frontier workers as of 1 January 2021, the UK Government has introduced a new immigration system. This means that non-Irish EU citizens who wish to begin employment in the UK while remaining resident outside the UK will need to apply for a visa.

Non-EU citizens continue to be subject to the relevant immigration rules in both jurisdictions.

Question No. 853 answered with Question No. 843.

Passport Services

Questions (854)

Richard Bruton

Question:

854. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether or not it would be possible to extend the life of passports as has been done with other public certificates in view of the difficulties at level 5 of processing applications. [19145/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Discussions regarding travel documents have taken place at a European level, after which the European Commission decided not to recommend a coordinated extension of the validity of Member States' travel documents. Accordingly, there are no plans at present for the validity of passports to be extended beyond their expiry date.

In line with Government guidance the Passport Service continues to provide an essential service in line with Government measures to reduce social contact and combat the spread of COVID-19. Applicants who require a passport for emergency purposes, or for non-essential travel with a reasonable excuse, should contact the Passport Service via our Customer Service Hub Webchat function on our website.

Question No. 855 answered with Question No. 839.