Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 61-80

Middle East

Questions (61, 110)

Matt Carthy

Question:

61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress his Department has made towards honouring the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. [23883/21]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

110. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his engagements with the Israeli authorities regarding the commitment to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24262/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 110 together.

I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a Two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.

I have been clear that, in the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. It is a matter that I discuss with EU colleagues. Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would, however, be likely to affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process.

The holding of credible and inclusive elections is an important element of state building. Elections are critical for renewing the legitimacy of Palestinian national institutions and building Palestinian national unity. In this respect I am deeply concerned by the postponement of Palestinian elections. I urge all parties- the Palestinian leadership and Israel -to commit to ensuring that the Palestinian people can exercise their democratic rights.

Foreign Policy

Questions (62)

John Lahart

Question:

62. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the current state of relations between the European Union and Russia. [24135/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland fully supports the principles agreed by the EU in 2016 to guide our interaction with Russia. In the long-term, a strong and stable relationship between the EU and Russia is a desirable strategic goal. Our relationship with Russia is a vital one, and we must keep diplomatic channels of dialogue open.

Regrettably, Russia has chosen to isolate itself. The actions in Ukraine, Syria, and elsewhere, are having a profoundly negative impact on Europe’s relations with Russia. There is little prospect of any significant improvement in the relationship until Russia fulfils its obligations under the Minsk Peace Agreements.

There has been a deterioration in the environment for civil society in Russia. The recent changes in the foreign agents’ law are an example of this and both the EU and Ireland are concerned that these laws are being used to further crack down on civil society and critical voices.

Most recently, the EU has introduced new sanctions related to the poisoning and imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and separately on two individuals involved in LGBTI rights abuses in Chechnya.

Preserving EU unity in our approach is of primary concern, in order to strengthen our voice, maintain our credibility, and protect our interests and values. Recent events in Czech Republic and on the Ukraine - Russia Border reinforce further that need for unity. Despite our differences on many issues, it is appropriate to selectively engage with our largest neighbour in addressing global challenges where it is in the clear interests of the EU to do so. I regularly discuss relations with Russia with other EU Foreign Ministers and EU leaders are planning a discussion on the direction of the relationship at their meeting on May 25th.

Northern Ireland

Questions (63, 114)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

63. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet with persons (details supplied) to discuss a case; and if he will respond to correspondence in relation to same from Deputies and Senators and co-signed by a number of cross-party public representatives. [19933/21]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

114. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet with persons (details supplied) to discuss a case. [18417/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 114 together.

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 currently being investigated through a coronial inquest, as well as a corporate manslaughter case against the Northern Ireland Executive Department responsible for maintaining the storm drain where Noah was found. This is a very complex and sensitive case. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

I am aware that the correspondence referred, which was sent to the Taoiseach, has been responded to, and that the Taoiseach has asked officials in his Department to arrange a meeting with Noah’s family to get a better understanding of the concerns that they might have.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (64, 81)

Gary Gannon

Question:

64. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the potential for famine in Ethiopia as a consequence of the conflict in Tigray. [24200/21]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland has taken regarding the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia; if additional aid will be provided as the situation continues to escalate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23938/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 81 together.

Minister Coveney covered some of these issues in an earlier reply, but for the record I would also stress my serious concern about the ongoing conflict in Tigray, which has seen many people killed, injured, and displaced, and which is feeding into instability across the Horn of Africa region.

Minister Coveney Ireland set out the role Ireland is playing in the Security Council, where we were active in brokering a press statement on the situation in Tigray on 22 April - the first time the Council has spoken publicly on the crisis. We have also highlighted the issue of severe food insecurity in Tigray in recent Security Council discussions on conflict and hunger.

We continue to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis, as underlined by Minister Coveney at the April Foreign Affairs Council.

An immediate ceasefire is the most important step all parties can take. In this regard, it is imperative that Eritrean forces leave Tigray immediately.

Notwithstanding some improvement in humanitarian access, the humanitarian situation continues to be concerning, in particular the situation of internally displaced persons. There are multiple, credible and harrowing reports of ongoing human rights violations, including sexual violence, in Tigray. I strongly support the work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, working with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, to investigate reported atrocities.

Ireland continues to advocate for an effective response to the situation in Tigray, 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. Supporting this advocacy, Minister Coveney continues to engage on an ongoing basis with a range of key interlocutors on the situation, including in the region, the Gulf, as well as the African Union.

My Department has provided over €3.2 million to support the vital humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through our trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground, and further funding is under active consideration.

Northern Ireland

Questions (65)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

65. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of engagement with the UK Government on the announcement of the resignation of the First Minister of Northern Ireland; the measures being taken to ensure continuation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and any impact that a change of leadership could have on the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24208/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The selection of a new party leader is a matter for the DUP, and it will be for the party's new leadership to put forward its nominee to serve as the new First Minister. In any scenario, we will of course continue to seek to have a good and constructive relationship with the DUP and all the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive, based on the implementation of existing agreements.

As I said earlier, I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis. And that I travelled to London for a series of engagements with the British Government in April, including meetings with the Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary, and Minister of State to the Cabinet Office, and I met again with the Secretary of State last week in Dublin.

In all of these engagements, we discussed the importance of calm, measured leadership and of our two Governments working together to support the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to build the confidence of all of the people in its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.

It will be important that progress is also made to fully implement the NDNA Agreement, including those provisions to improve the sustainability of the institutions and the provisions regarding language, culture and identity. The Government will continue to work in support of its full implementation and to deliver on our own commitments.

We have agreed that we will hold a meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in June. The BIIGC is an important institution of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing together the British and Irish Governments under Strand Three of the Agreement to promote bilateral co-operation on matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments. It is imperative that we continue to work closely on a North/South and East-West basis in support of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the NSMC, and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementing agreements.

Northern Ireland

Questions (66, 74)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

66. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work undertaken to date in terms of the engagement he has had with his counterparts in the UK and in Northern Ireland regarding resolving the recent disturbances in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23944/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

74. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the communication he has had with both the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government following recent events in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23954/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 74 together.

The violent incidents that took place across Northern Ireland last month are deeply concerning. Both Governments, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the Northern Ireland Assembly have all strongly condemned the violence, and the attacks on police officers and others.

I welcome the relative calm of recent weeks. However, there is clearly potential for similar incidents to resume and to escalate unless there is calm and measured leadership exercised at every level.The Government has been in regular contact with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties throughout this period. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Johnson spoke on 8th April, and called for calm and dialogue. I have also been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis, and travelled to London for a series of engagements with the British Government in mid-April, including meetings with the Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary Dominic Rabb and Minister of State to the Cabinet Office David Frost. Subsequently, on 5th May, I met again with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in Dublin.

In these engagements, we discussed the importance of calm, measured leadership and of our two Governments working together to support the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and build the confidence of all of the people in Northern Ireland in its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.

During the programme of bilateral engagements in London and Dublin, I reaffirmed the importance of the role of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in strengthening our bilateral relationship and our shared stewardship of the Good Friday Agreement. The British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) is an important dimension of that work, and as I mentioned earlier, it has now been agreed to hold its next meeting in June.

The achievements of the peace process must never be taken for granted and we will continue to work with both the UK Government and the Northern Executive for strengthened peace and stability.

Brexit Issues

Questions (67)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

67. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. [24137/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Government welcomes the conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA, together with the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, means that Ireland’s key Brexit objectives have been achieved. Last month ratification of the TCA was finalised after the European Parliament completed its scrutiny of the Agreement and voted overwhelmingly to consent to its ratification. Dáil Éireann of course adopted by acclamation a motion of support in January. Ratification of the TCA now puts the full toolbox at our disposal to make the best of the new framework for EU-UK cooperation. The Agreement provides for 23 dedicated Committees and Working Groups, under an overall EU-UK Partnership Council, which will oversee the implementation of all aspects of the EU-UK relationship, with a view to making them work as well as possible. These will become forums where the EU can come together with the UK to iron out the practical details of how we cooperate, on issues from trade to aviation to law enforcement. Ireland and all Member States will have the right to participate in these meetings as part of the EU delegation. I hope that the work of these joint bodies can begin as soon as possible and we look forward to engaging in them fully, in support of our interests and values. Notwithstanding the Government’s extensive readiness preparations, and the very welcome conclusion of the TCA, challenges and risks remain, notably for our fishers, our hauliers, our importers and exporters. Nothing can replace the seamless relationship that existed during the UK’s membership of the EU, but the Government remains wholeheartedly committed to providing all of the support and guidance that we can as we navigate these challenges together.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 57.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (69)

David Stanton

Question:

69. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland with regard to the Covid-19 technology access pool platform created to enable the sharing of intellectual property rights, data and other information to aid in the fight against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24020/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

My Department continues to support global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the €50 million in Irish Aid funding to global health in 2021, €5 million is channeled to direct support to COVID-19 vaccination, including through COVAX. The COVAX mechanism is beginning to deliver results, with over 53 million vaccines already delivered to 121 participant countries.

The sharing of technology on vaccines, and also diagnostics and treatment, is an important part of a broader suite of responses to COVID-19. This issue touches on the work of a number of different Government Departments.

Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. Ireland has shown support for sharing COVID-19 related knowledge and research outputs in a number of ways. This includes engagement in the National Open Research Forum, and the granting of non-exclusive royalty-free licenses through Knowledge Transfer Ireland. It also includes Science Foundation Ireland’s alignment with Plan S, an initiative to ensure publicly funded research is openly available, immediately, without embargo for the betterment of societal needs.

Officials in my Department continue to work with counterparts in other Departments, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to give consideration to whether Ireland will join the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP).

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 57.

Arms Trade

Questions (71)

John Brady

Question:

71. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support an international arms embargo in Yemen. [24133/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland supports all efforts to end the conflict in Yemen, and urges all parties to the conflict to engage urgently and seriously with the UN led process led by Special Envoy Griffiths.

There is no currently no consensus at the UN Security Council on the imposition of an international arms embargo on Yemen. Such a decision would require a majority vote on the Council, as well as an absence of veto from any of the five Permanent Members.

Irish efforts are concentrated on ensuring the effective implementation of existing arms control agreements. Within the EU, all Member States have signed up to the EU’s Common Position on arms exports, and the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty. These obligations require States to assess the potential that arms exports could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law, and to consider measures to mitigate the risk of these violations.

The EU has effective measures in place to monitor the trade of arms and other dual use goods to ensure that the highest standards in international arms controls are met, and to tackle the illicit trade in arms. We need to ensure that these measures are being implemented, and that is the focus of our engagement on this issue.

Israeli Settlements

Questions (72)

Thomas Gould

Question:

72. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to protect families in forced evictions in east Jerusalem. [24170/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Jerusalem in recent days, the launching of rockets from Gaza, and the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces. I am shocked at reports of people killed in this operation, including 9 children, and by the launching of rocket from Gaza into Southern Israel and the deaths there. I call urgently for calm and restraint from all parties.

Provocations and clashes in East Jerusalem, which led to many injured at the holy site of Haram al–Sharif/Temple Mount, are deeply worrying. The approach of the Israeli Authorities and Security Forces is not acceptable. Israel must protect civilians and comply with international humanitarian law.

On the question of evictions in East Jerusalem, I am aware of the longstanding threat of eviction faced by Palestinian residents in neighbourhoods such as Sheikh Jarrah. I have urged Israel to cease evictions and demolitions. I met with the Israeli Ambassador today to convey Ireland’s position on this and recent violence.

Yesterday at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, I highlighted the issues surrounding illegal settlements, including evictions and seizures of property, which are a major driver of the continuing conflict and an obstacle to peace. Ireland also called for the UN Security Council to discuss the situation in East Jerusalem at a closed meeting of the Security Council yesterday. Ireland underlined that Israeli actions in East Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa compound were not acceptable and provocative, and called for Israel to comply with international law.

This morning Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah visited the site along with other diplomatic representatives. Irish officials continue to monitor the situation closely, in cooperation with partners on the ground.

Ireland provides humanitarian assistance, legal and other supports to specific development projects to improve the situation of Palestinians. Ireland funds a number of civil society partners that are active on human rights issues which impact specifically on Palestinians in East Jerusalem, including in relation to the evictions which the Deputy has raised.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 58.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 66.

Constitutional Amendments

Questions (75)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

75. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he plans to progress the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24210/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Government is committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State as set out in the Programme for Government and affirmed in new Diaspora Strategy which was launched in November last year.

To this end the Government restored the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019 to the Dáil Order Paper.

The Government has yet to consider the timing of the referendum. Before any referendum would be scheduled, relevant legislation has to be passed and, in light of Covid-19, any Public Health requirements taken into consideration.

Passport Services

Questions (76)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

76. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when recommencement of hard copy passport applications is expected; the timeline expected to clear the current backlog in this type of application given that the online process may not be a viable form of application for all persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24209/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Passport Service began scaling up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of a Passport Online application for an adult renewal is four times as fast as a paper application. This priority will deliver a faster service for all customers. The Passport Service plans to resume processing of paper based applications such as Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express later in the year.

Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness. It is important to acknowledge that the online service is extremely easy to use. It has won awards for its user-friendly process, including a NALA award for the use of plain English. It is recognised that some applicants may not be familiar with using a computer. However, in such cases, a friend or relative with basic computer skills can help them to apply – the process only takes ten minutes to complete.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that any Passport Online backlog can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by WebChat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation. The phone lines will re-open later this month as part of the scaling up of operations.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 57.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (78)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

78. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he and his Department are making with the new United States administration to improve the situation for undocumented Irish emigrants to the United States of America; his views on whether there will be positive developments under the current administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24033/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 80 together.

Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people wishing to live and work in the US have been priority issues for successive Governments and continue to be key priorities for the current Government.

Immigration issues have been raised on an ongoing basis in our engagement with successive US Administrations and political leaders. The Taoiseach raised the matter in March this year directly with President Biden during his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit. These engagements will continue as we maintain close relations with Members of Congress and contacts from across the political spectrum in the US, and as we seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with the Administration of President Biden.

We are pleased to see that immigration issues, including possible pathways to citizenship, are a priority for President Biden, as demonstrated by his proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021. We look forward to working with his Administration as well as with the US Congress, across the aisle, as they pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US. We will actively engage with the Administration and Congress on this matter, including through our Embassy in Washington DC.

We also continue to pursue the E3 Visa Bill, which, if passed, could allow access to thousands of US visas each year to Irish citizens. We will seek the reintroduction of the Bill at the earliest opportunity.

Our Embassy in Washington D.C., as well as our Consulates across the US, work closely with Irish Immigration Centres, which support the needs of Irish citizens. The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers receives significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2020, over €4.25m was paid to diaspora organisations in the US for ESP and Covid-19 related projects.

EU Migration Crisis

Questions (79)

John Brady

Question:

79. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he plans to take to introduce a level of humanity to the EU refugee policy in view of the continuing incarceration of refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos under horrific conditions (details supplied). [24130/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have consistently ensured that Ireland voices its support for EU efforts to put in place more effective and humane arrangements to manage the migratory pressures which the EU continues to face. The EU Commission’s “New Pact on Migration and Asylum” represents an opportunity to renew efforts to put in place such arrangements. Discussions on the Pact are continuing within the Justice and Home Affairs Council though progress to date has been limited. For its part, Ireland has been clear in urging compromise and solidarity with frontline states as well as support for EU efforts to deal with migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner, including through resettlement and increased legal pathways for migration; addressing root causes of migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System.

In 2019, there were 42,000 people hosted in camps on the Greek islands, in conditions that were extremely difficult. That number is now 14,000, with under 8000 on Lesbos. While this is still too high, and conditions are still a clear issue, strong efforts are being made to further improve the situation. The European Commission has dedicated over €155 million to building new reception centres on Lesbos and Chios, and a further €121 million for smaller centres on Samos, Kos and Leros. These new centres, when finished, will help address the problem of overcrowding.

In December, Ireland provided UNICEF Greece with a contribution of €225,000 in respect of the response to the Moria fire. This contribution complements the considerable Irish Aid humanitarian support to refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

On 1 October 2020, Minister McEntee announced that Ireland would accept 50 refugees in family groups from Lesvos. Ireland also has an existing commitment to accept 36 unaccompanied minors from Greece. Eight of these minors arrived in Ireland last June. Staff from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, along with staff from Tusla and An Garda Síochána, will travel to Greece in the coming weeks to interview 25 unaccompanied minors and 50 people in family groups, with a view to arranging their relocation to Ireland.

Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 78.