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Thursday, 24 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 110-129

Middle East

Questions (110)

Patrick Costello

Question:

110. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure the Gaza reconstruction mechanism will support the rebuilding of Gaza following the recent conflict instead of acting as a block to rebuilding as has been the case to date according to local NGOs. [33873/21]

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Written answers

I am deeply concerned at the plight of the people of Gaza. Recent hostilities have caused severe damage to infrastructure and the humanitarian consequences have been devastating for a community already enduring both a blockade and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to local authorities, more than 2000 housing units were damaged or destroyed and essential services, including water, sanitation and health systems, adversely affected. 

In light of this situation, on 19 May my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD announced that Ireland would provide €1.5 million in emergency humanitarian support for the occupied Palestinian territory. This includes €500,000 to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for the provision of medical and sanitation services to thousands of children in acute need, and €1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for emergency food, water and sanitation supplies. Ireland is also addressing a critical infrastructure gap by funding the development of a solar energy plant which will power the North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment Plant, reducing the strain on Gaza’s electricity grid.

The rebuilding of Gaza and restoration of essential infrastructure such as water, sewage and electricity will require an integrated approach, which will include determining the part which the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism will play into the future. A Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment is presently being carried out by the United Nations, European Union and World Bank.  Decisions on further Irish Aid support for reconstruction, including the use of new or established mechanisms, will be influenced by the outcome of that study.  Irish officials continue to be engaged on this issue on the ground.

However, the roots of the problems in Gaza are political and cannot be solved by funding alone. Ireland has consistently called for the lifting of the blockade so that normal life and normal economic activity can resume. We will continue to make every effort to ensure that the situation in Gaza remains high on the international agenda.

Trade Sanctions

Questions (111)

John Brady

Question:

111. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts the Government is prepared to take to alleviate the suffering caused to the Cuban people as a consequence of the 60 year blockade of the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33777/21]

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Written answers

Ireland’s position on the US embargo on Cuba is long-standing 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, and I can confirm that Ireland again voted in favour of this Resolution when it was brought before the General Assembly yesterday, 23 June. 

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 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 previously 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.

Ireland will continue to support the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba and my officials, including at the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico which covers Cuba, will continue to monitor the situation closely, in liaison with our EU partners.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 96.

Middle East

Questions (113, 121)

Emer Higgins

Question:

113. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made by Ireland to assist in the implementation of a ceasefire in the Middle East and efforts towards a permanent resolution to the conflict. [33810/21]

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Colm Burke

Question:

121. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland is using its position on the United Nations Security Council to bring about progress in dealing with the conflict in Gaza and the occupied territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33758/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 121 together.

Ireland has been fully engaged on the situation in the Middle East at the UN Security Council. The Security Council met five times on the escalation of the conflict in the month of May. On 16 May I addressed the Council and called for the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access, and emphasised the obligations that all sides have under international humanitarian law. I called on the UN Security Council to speak with one voice in clearly demanding an immediate end to violence. I welcomed the 21 May ceasefire and the UN Security Council press statement on the matter of 22 May. 

I discussed the conflict with the Israeli Ambassador on 11 May, in particular on the issue of compliance with international humanitarian law. 

During the escalation I was in contact with my counterparts across the Middle East region to support efforts to bring an end to the cycle of violence and to move to political engagement.  I want to acknowledge in particular the role played by Egypt in brokering a ceasefire. I discussed the situation with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Tony Blinken in Shannon on 24 May.  I had further discussions on the Middle East Peace Process with the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during my visit to the Gulf on 15 -17 June.

I joined EU Foreign Affairs Ministers at an extraordinary meeting on the conflict on 18 May where there was a clear call for an immediate ceasefire. At the recent meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers on 21 June, I underlined support for EU engagement in a reinvigorated role for the Middle East Quartet and for the role of the EU's Special Representative on the Middle East Peace Process.  

I have stressed that the immediate focus must be on getting vital humanitarian assistance to those who need it. Ireland has stepped up in this respect; on 19 May I announced an additional €1.5m in emergency support to UNRWA and UNICEF in response to emergency appeals.  

The events of the past month have not happened in isolation. They are taking place in the context of unabated settlement expansion and ongoing threats of evictions and violence against Palestinians. Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated Two-State solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and agreed parameters. I support the role of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in this regard. Ireland will participate in consultations with Mr Wennesland along with other UN Security Council Members later today.

EU Membership

Questions (114)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

114. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there have been any developments in regard to Serbia and Montenegro joining the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33707/21]

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Written answers

Serbia and Montenegro are both currently negotiating Chapters of the Acquis with the EU. Serbia has opened negotiations on 18 Chapters, with two provisionally closed. Montenegro has opened all Chapters and provisionally closed three. The European Commission published its latest Annual Enlargement Package and country reports in October 2020. The country reports for 2020 assessed both Serbia and Montenegro as having both made limited progress.

Inter-Governmental Conferences ("IGCs") with Serbia and Montenegro will take place on 22 June. The EU Common Positions will be presented at the IGCs, followed by a political discussion between EU MS and Serbia and Montenegro at each respective meeting which will focus on the pace of reform. The IGCs will be the first held under the new enhanced accession methodology. 

The IGCs are important to maintain momentum and to ensure focus on those areas in which progress is lacking, so that both Serbia and Montenegro can progress on their EU paths. In the case of Serbia, while it has not proved possible to open chapters/clusters at this IGC given the lack of sufficient progress on the rule of law, we hope that Serbia will make further progress over the coming months to allow for the opening of clusters at the next IGC. While Montenegro has opened all chapters, concerns remain around the slow pace of reform on the rule of law in particular.

Ireland remains concerned with the consistently slow progress in both countries in regard to reforms on the fundamentals (rule of law, freedom of expression). It is ultimately the responsibility of the countries themselves to clearly demonstrate that they have the political will to follow through on commitments made concerning the acceleration of their reform efforts. It is also crucial that Serbia takes the opportunity to make progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution of all issues between Kosovo and Serbia, which resumed in Brussels on 15 June. 

Ireland has been, and remains, a steadfast supporter of EU Enlargement and believes that EU accession is central to ensuring stability and peace in the Western Balkans.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (115)

John Brady

Question:

115. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is prepared to utilise the position of Ireland on the United Nations Security Council and within the EU to assist the Kurdistan regional government in developing a commission of inquiry into genocide committed by ISIS against the Yazidi community and others in northern Iraq and in overcoming barriers such as the death penalty which stand as an impediment to the introduction of any attempt to establish a commission of inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33778/21]

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Written answers

Ireland strongly supports full accountability for the terrible crimes committed against the Yazidi community and other groups in Iraq. 

Ireland fully supports the work of the UN Investigative Team for Accountability of Da’esh (UNITAD), which was established by UNSC Resolution 2379 in 2017. UNITAD supports efforts in Iraq to hold ISIS accountable by collecting, preserving, and storing evidence of acts that might amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

UNITAD are also helping to build up the capacity of the Iraqi authorities to investigate crimes committed by ISIS and prosecute those responsible. UNITAD has commenced the provision of training and support to Iraqi investigative judges in building case files for the prosecution of ISIS members for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Ireland encourages the enactment of appropriate legislation within Iraq to help prosecute those responsible for these crimes. I welcome the recent passing by the Iraqi Parliament of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law, which represented a major step in addressing the needs of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

I hope to see a swift passing of legislation introduced by the Iraqi Parliament in November 2019, which would allow Iraq to prosecute acts committed by ISIS as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

During UNITAD’s briefing to the Security Council in May, Ireland reiterated its unequivocal opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases and circumstances. Under UNITAD's terms of reference, it is required to implement its mandate according to UN best practices, meaning that no evidence may be shared for criminal proceedings in which capital punishment may be imposed. There are ongoing efforts to establish arrangements for the sharing of evidence with competent Iraqi authorities in accordance with UNITAD's terms of reference, and we encourage progress in these efforts.

Anti-Racism Measures

Questions (116)

Mick Barry

Question:

116. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the gestures and statements and international events against racism and discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33877/21]

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Written answers

Ireland strongly condemns all manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Ireland is strongly committed to the promotion and protection of tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief. This commitment is reaffirmed in the Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World.

Ireland ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 2000, and was last reviewed under its treaty monitoring body in December 2019.

Through our multilateral engagement, Ireland consistently raises the issues of racism and intolerance and advocates for inclusive societies at the UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC), including through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, and at the European Union.

The death of George Floyd in the United States in 2020 and the Black Lives Matter protests that followed in the US and internationally shone a light on the issue of racial discrimination and led to a special session on racism at the 43rd session of the HRC in June 2020. Ireland delivered a national statement at the session and co-sponsored the resolution on the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

At the most recent session of the HRC in March 2021, Ireland co-sponsored a US led Joint Statement on Racism and we delivered a national statement in an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The issue of racism will remain on the Council's agenda with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights due to present a report on racism to the 47th session of the HRC which began on 21 June. Ireland will continue to intervene where appropriate to condemn manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

Oireachtas Committees

Questions (117)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

117. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 11 May 2021, the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the March 2021 Report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines to Developing Countries; the status of his engagement with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to the recommendation to ease intellectual property rights in relation to the vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33904/21]

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Written answers

I have welcomed the March 2021 report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Developing Countries. I firmly believe that universal and equitable access to safe, effective, and affordable diagnostics, treatments and vaccines is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.  I am determined that Ireland, in particular the Irish Aid programme, plays its full part in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with an emphasis on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. The Government 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.

Overall, in 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs through Irish Aid has allocated some €100 million to global health, including in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a €4 million donation to COVAX, the vaccine sharing mechanism so far, accompanied by  €1 million to WHO to support their oversight of the response. It also includes support through Irish Embassies abroad to help partner countries manage the pandemic, and direct support provided to countries such as Nepal, and India, in partnership with the HSE. 

Discussions are underway at the WTO on proposals for a waiver on intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment leads on Intellectual Property Rights and World Trade Organisation (WTO) matters, including on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. While it is important to provide access to technologies for production of vaccines, there are other obstacles to rapid scale-up of production, including production capacity, and availability of know-how.  My officials will continue to engage with their colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as they work with the European Commission and other Member States on the EU position on the TRIPS waiver. 

Consideration is also being given to Ireland’s potential participation in technology-pooling mechanisms such as the Covid Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) initiative. My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this on an ongoing basis.

United Nations

Questions (118)

Gary Gannon

Question:

118. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities of the Government on a sexual and reproductive health policy ahead of the Generation Equality Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33914/21]

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Written answers

The Generation Equality Forum hosted by the Government of France and convened by UN Women will take place in Paris from 30 June to 2 July. Ireland has engaged closely with the preparatory process, including through my participation at the virtual high-level event hosted by the Government of Mexico in March. 

The Paris Forum will launch a series of ambitious actions to further progress gender equality.  Ireland has actively championed girls' education and gender transformative education in the preparations for Paris. This builds on a 2020 Irish initiative, called the Drive for Five, working with UN Women, the Malala Fund and others.

Ireland will submit a number of commitments under the Generation Equality process, covering both domestic and international policy areas. They will include work to end gender-based violence, to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services, and to increase funding to women’s rights organisations.

A key element of this is the provision of comprehensive sexuality education in and out of schools. My Department will invest at least €1.5 million in comprehensive sexuality education in the next 3 years. In recognition of the transformative role of education for gender equality, I have also pledged €60 million to the Global Partnership for Education over the next five years. €10 million of this is earmarked to the Girls’ Accelerator Mechanism.

Brexit Issues

Questions (119, 136, 151, 154)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

119. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33702/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

136. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33047/21]

View answer

James Lawless

Question:

151. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the agreement relating to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33701/21]

View answer

John Lahart

Question:

154. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the government of the United Kingdom is acting in good faith in the implementation of international treaties with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33709/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 136, 151 and 154 together.

The Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It was jointly negotiated, and jointly agreed, by the EU and the UK – the result of a painstaking process which took more than four years, during which a whole host of options were explored. Ultimately, the Protocol was - and is - the only solution found to the problems caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland.

It is important to reiterate that the Protocol makes no change to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as set down in the Good Friday Agreement. The Protocol prevents a hard border on this island and protects the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.

As a jointly negotiated agreement, it now needs to be jointly implemented, in good faith. There are undoubtedly challenges. Earlier this month, the Joint Committee – the proper forum for discussion regarding implementation – came together to take stock of progress to date and give consideration to the identified issues of concern. EU and UK officials continue to work on developing solutions to these outstanding issues. It is important that process continue and be encouraged.

Working together like this is the only path to sustainable solutions. Unilateral actions on sensitive issues in Northern Ireland never work. UK unilateral actions taken to date have damaged trust. The UK and EU must work together to find pragmatic solutions. In that regard I am encouraged by the decision of the UK Government to seek EU agreement on extending the grace period on chilled meat products. Vice President Šefcovic, speaking last Friday in Bruges, welcomed this request, which is currently being assessed. Requesting the extension recognises that the Protocol is jointly owned and is to be jointly implemented.

The European Union continues to show that it is a willing partner. The UK must show its willingness by honouring the commitments to which it has already signed up, which it negotiated, agreed, campaigned on, and ratified through its parliament.

There are options to reduce the burden on businesses. An SPS agreement, even on a temporary basis, would offer a clear win and has broad support in Northern Ireland. This could reduce the level of checks on agri-food products travelling from GB to NI by up to 80% - this is a prize worth fighting for. US interlocutors have been clear that such an agreement would not stand in the way of a UK-US trade deal. People right across the political, business, retail, and farming sectors in Northern Ireland have made clear that they favour such an agreement. The EU Commission has said it could be put in place within weeks. It would be a simple, concrete and popular step.

It is clear that the politics of Brexit are proving to be corrosive to the already very sensitive situation in Northern Ireland, polarising opinion and increasing tensions. I want us to get to a place where the implementation of the Protocol is fully realised in a way that works for Northern Ireland. We all have a responsibility to listen to the concerns and engage with citizens, businesses, politicians and community leaders in the North.

There is also an onus on leaders and politicians to engage openly and honestly with citizens, businesses, politicians, and community leaders to explain the context of the Protocol - and to be clear and honest that the alternative to the Protocol is not life as it was before Brexit, but a scenario of much deeper and more difficult disruption.

There is no easy alternative to the problems caused by Brexit on the island of Ireland. We spent four years exploring other options without success.  While Brexit has inevitably meant change for businesses, and sometimes difficult change, there are also significant potential opportunities for Northern Ireland through the Protocol, with open access to the rest of the UK internal market and to the entire EU Single Market of more than 450 million people.

There is evidence of increased interest in Northern Ireland as an investment location - but stability and certainty are needed to help realise that potential. I will continue to do all I can to encourage pragmatic engagement on the implementation of the Protocol and to underpin peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Good Friday Agreement

Questions (120)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

120. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take through international law to force Britain to adhere to international agreements such as the Good Friday Agreement and the Stormont House Agreement. [29397/21]

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Written answers

The full implementation and safeguarding of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent Agreements in a crucial priority for the Government.

The Good Friday Agreement consists of two elements; the Multi-Party Agreement reached between the Northern Ireland political parties and the two Governments, and an Agreement between the Irish and British Governments to which the Multi-Party Agreement is annexed. The latter is referred to as the British-Irish Agreement and it is an international Agreement which has been registered with the United Nations.

Under the British-Irish Agreement, the two Governments affirmed their solemn commitment to support, and where appropriate implement, the provisions of the Multi-Party Agreement. Reflecting that solemn commitment, successive Irish and British Governments have worked together in partnership over the last 20 years - and continue to do so today - to secure the progressive implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the consolidation of peace, increasing prosperity and furthering of reconciliation across these neighbouring islands, which the Agreement has enabled.

The Government looks forward to the continuation of the partnership approach with the British Government as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, so as to secure the effective operation of all of the institutions and the full implementation of the Agreement.

The Government is also committed to the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. It was reached collectively, by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations. A key component of the framework is the establishment of an Independent Commission for Information Recovery (ICIR). In 2015, the two Governments concluded an international treaty on the ICIR, which will operate on an all-island basis and enable victims’ families to seek and receive information about the circumstances of the deaths of their loved ones.

It is vital that we make progress with respect to addressing legacy, for the victims and families who have been waiting for so long, and for society as a whole as we seek to build deeper reconciliation. The rule of law and the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights must be upheld, and this principle is at the core of the Stormont House framework.

Where the British Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, we have made clear that these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Government remains ready to engage and work with the British Government and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive with a view to reaffirming a collective approach that is consistent with the Stormont House Agreement.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 113.

EU Programmes

Questions (122)

Neale Richmond

Question:

122. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the EU jobs strategy of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33048/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to increasing the presence of Irish people in the EU Institutions. The new Strategy to implement this, ‘A Career for EU’, was approved by Government at the beginning of May and subsequently launched by the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, TD on 6 May 2021.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland faces a ‘demographic cliff’ in its representation among the staff of the EU’s Institutions, as senior Irish officials retire. At the same time, there are fewer Irish citizens entering into the system at junior grades. The new strategy is intended to address these issues, including with the aim of having 50 Irish citizens to have succeeded in gaining permanent positions in the EU Institutions by 2030.

The new strategy builds upon existing work presently carried out by my Department in promoting careers in the EU and includes a wide range of actions to significantly increase the numbers of Irish officials in both permanent and temporary positions within the EU Institutions over the coming years.

1. Increased promotion and outreach regarding EU career opportunities, including traineeships, to second and third-level students.

2. Providing more tailored support and training to Irish candidates applying for posts in the EU Institutions.

3. Providing additional resources dedicated to supporting the use of Irish as an official EU language, including by making training material available in Irish.

4. Increasing the funding of the Centrally Funded Scheme for Seconded National Experts to more than double, to 50, the number of civil servants seconded annually to the EU Institutions.

1. Expanding the current post-graduate scholarship programme, to enable at least 10 Irish students to study at the College of Europe in Bruges and Natolin.

2. Creating a stream within the Irish civil service for EU specialists, who will be assisted in applying for posts in the EU Institutions.

The implementation programme has commenced.  For example, Minister Byrne has met with careers services representatives from Third Level institutions, while a webinar on language careers in the EU is being organised by the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU.

I would encourage that those interested in careers in the EU institutions to consult my Department’s website www.dfa.ie/eujobs for more information.

EU Programmes

Questions (123)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland opposes Israel’s inclusion in the new Horizon Europe Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33923/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland supports engagement by non-EU Member States in Horizon Europe by way of association. 

With respect to Israel, I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question 667 of 15 June 2021 and Parliamentary Question Nos. 277, 278, 279, 280 and 281 of 3 June 2021.

Human Rights

Questions (124)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

124. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the operation of the EU Magnitsky Act enacted in December 2020; if Ireland has implemented any of the powers of this legislation to date, for example, in relation to Bahrain in which an activist (details supplied) recently died of Covid-19 in prison given no sanitisation measures are in place; if the EU Magnitsky Act allows the EU and or Ireland to intervene in cases such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/21]

View answer

Written answers

I note with concern reports regarding outbreaks 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. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern raised by the EU included prison conditions and the impact of Covid-19 on human rights.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the EU’s new Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established in December 2020. The Regime provides the EU with a concrete tool to target those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses, wherever they might occur, including in States not currently subject to a specific sanctions regime. To date, sanctions have been imposed on a broad list of individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses, drawn from six different jurisdictions; China, Russia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Libya and DPRK.

These designations send a strong message that the promotion and protection of human rights are a priority of EU external action. The EU is willing to act tangibly and directly to confront serious human rights violations, when other tools have not brought about the desired change of behaviour.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (125)

Gino Kenny

Question:

125. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken with his counterparts in Europe on the continuing situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33908/21]

View answer

Written answers

Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, driven by seven years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland and the European Union fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. When Yemen was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 May, EU Member States were in agreement that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and all parties should agree to an immediate ceasefire.

As part of our role on the Security Council, Ireland is maintaining a very high level of engagement on Yemen with key parties in the region. In recent months I have held discussions with the UN Special Envoy and the Foreign Ministers of Yemen and Iran. I also directly raised my concerns over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen with my counterparts in Saudi Arabia and UAE when I visited these countries on 15 and 16 June respectively. 

The EU continues its active diplomatic outreach to relevant actors in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. Last month a number of EU Ambassadors delivered messages to Houthi representatives on a number of issues including ending the conflict and facilitating humanitarian access. In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, the EU has provided nearly €1 billion to Yemen since 2015 in development, crisis response and humanitarian assistance.

Northern Ireland

Questions (126)

Patrick Costello

Question:

126. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the legislative timeline for the implementation of the independent commission on information retrieval contained in the Stormont House Agreement and subsequently recommitted to in New Decade, New Approach. [33874/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which was collectively agreed by the two Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland after extensive talks. 

The framework of the Stormont House Agreement provided for a set of institutions to deal comprehensively and fairly with the legacy of the Troubles, and this framework included an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR) for truth recovery, to be available to victims and survivors across the UK and Ireland.

The objective of the ICIR will be to enable victims and survivors to seek and privately receive information about the Troubles-related deaths of their next of kin.

The Irish and British Governments concluded an agreement on the establishment of the ICIR in October 2015. As set out in that agreement, the Commission will consist of five members; an Independent Chairperson of international standing, appointed by the two Governments, one Commissioner each appointed by the Irish and UK Government, and two Commissioners appointed jointly by Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The ICIR agreement was signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in October 2015 and laid before the Oireachtas in January 2016. The Independent Commission can only be formally established once the necessary legislation has been enacted in both jurisdictions and the two Governments have notified each other of completion of all other domestic legal procedures required to bring the agreement into force.

I have engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on these issues to urge him to move forward with the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies, including the ICIR, and we remain in ongoing contact to support a way forward on these matters.

Passport Services

Questions (127, 128, 143, 144, 153)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

127. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the recommencement of hard copy passport applications including the passport express through post offices is expected; the timeline to clear the current backlog in these applications specifically 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. [33815/21]

View answer

Jackie Cahill

Question:

128. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from County Tipperary that are being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33869/21]

View answer

Jackie Cahill

Question:

143. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe for clearing the backlog of passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33870/21]

View answer

Thomas Gould

Question:

144. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking to reduce the serious backlog in passport applications. [33902/21]

View answer

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

153. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the passport backlog which is causing serious delays for those who need to work and study abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33467/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128, 143, 144 and 153 together.

The Passport Service scaled 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”.

The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.

- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications by June 30th.

- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.

- Processing urgent and emergency applications.

- Providing of customer services through phone and web chat.

I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in clearing the COVID-19 backlog. In summary,

-54,000 of these passports have been processed and 

-19,000 are on track for issuance by the end of June.

-we are in direct contact with the remaining applicants in relation to outstanding documentation required for the issuance of their passport.

Once we received this outstanding documentation, these passports will received priority processing.

Our phone and web chat services are available to all people whose passport applications have unfortunately been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. I am pleased to report that we have responded to just over 35,000 enquiries since 4 May.

I note the concerns regarding Passport Express and I can assure the Deputy that plans are in place to resume the processing of paper based passport applications once more normal service levels exist.   In the interim period an urgent and emergency service continues to operate to facilitate any citizen with an urgent need for essential travel. 

However, Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for the applicant eg the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness. The applicant will also receive their Passport up to four times faster through the online channel when compared to the paper based channel.

More people are using the Passport Online service than ever before with record levels of applications being received through this channel.  The Service has also been expanded in recent weeks to first time applicants in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. 

In relation to County Tipperary there are around 300 online applications currently being processed, down from over 1,000 applications on 10 May.

International Relations

Questions (129)

Barry Cowen

Question:

129. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned at recent developments in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33698/21]

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Written answers

Ireland and the EU attach considerable importance to the management of our complex relationship with Russia and to developments within that country. It is discussed regularly at EU level including at the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 June. Relations with Russia will also form part of the discussions at the European Council taking place on 24/25 June, where An Taoiseach and his counterparts will discuss the EU's approach to the strategic relationship with our largest neighbour. This follows a substantive discussion on this strategic relationship at the European Council on 24 May.

On 16 June, High Representative Josep Borrell presented a Joint Communication on EU-Russia relations. The Communication recognises that the relationship has deteriorated since 2014. There was also clear acknowledgement our policy towards Russia continues to be guided by the following five principles, first agreed in 2016:

1. full implementation of the Minsk peace agreements in relation to the conflict in Ukraine as key to any substantial change in the relationship; 

2. closer ties with Russia’s former Soviet neighbours; 

3. strengthening EU resilience to Russian threats; 

4. selective engagement with Russia where this is clearly in the EU’s interest; 

5. increased support for people-to-people contacts and for Russian civil society as a whole.

Ireland has made our concern about the imprisonment of Alexei Navalny very clear and we continue to call for his release. We have also raised concerns around human rights abuses in Russia and we will continue to do so. 

It is important to remain open to areas where the EU can have constructive engagement with Russia on issues of strategic importance to us, while adhering to the five principles. In this regard, Ireland supports the strengthening of people-to-people contacts, engagement with Russia on global issues of concern, including Climate Security, and continued support to Russian civil society and human rights defenders.

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