Dara Calleary
Question:130. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing developments in Belarus; Ireland’s response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33696/21]
View answerInternational Relations
Questions (130)
Written answers
Repression in Belarus has intensified since the fraudulent election last year and there has been a further deterioration in the human rights situation in the country with massive crackdowns against political dissidents, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and minorities (including the Polish community).
Ireland believes a strong, coordinated international response is needed to show Belarus, and others, that actions such as the forced diversion of a flight cannot and be taken with impunity.
On 21 June Foreign Ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss the ongoing situation in Belarus and the EU’s response. A fourth package of targeted sanctions against 78 individuals and 8 entities was adopted, targeting those behind the repression, those responsible for the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and several prominent business figures, who support and benefit from the Lukashenko regime. Ministers have also agreed on sectors to be targeted by the economic sanctions and work is underway to implement that agreement.
By these actions we are sending a strong signal to those supporting this regime - their continuous support for Lukashenko comes at a substantial cost. At the same time, Ireland and the EU stand ready to support a peaceful, democratic transition. This is why the European Commission has prepared a very ambitious comprehensive plan of up to €3bn in economic support for a democratic Belarus.
We will continue monitoring closely developments in Belarus and the EU will not shy away from taking further action in the near future including on other economic actors and sectors if the situation in Belarus does not improve.
Election Monitoring Missions
Questions (131, 135, 158)
Michael McNamara
Question:131. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of former Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas nominated to participate in election observation missions from the election observation roster over the past ten years who were former members at the time of their nomination; the name of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33881/21]
View answerMichael McNamara
Question:135. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the objective criteria for nomination to participate in election observation missions from the election observation roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33880/21]
View answerMichael McNamara
Question:158. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of different persons who have been on the election observation roster to be eligible for nomination to participate in election observation missions over the past ten years; the number of missions each person was nominated to participate in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33879/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 135 and 158 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs administers and maintains a roster of suitably skilled volunteers, who are available to participate in international election observation organised, in the main, by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
For information on the selection process for the current election observation roster, I refer the Deputy to the Information Note on the election roster prepared for the Joint Committee of the Oireachtas on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence available on the Irish Aid website www.irishaid.ie/media/irishaid/getinvolved/electionroster/Election-Observation-Roster-Briefing-Note-May-2019.pdf ; and the Composite Response to queries and observations received following the mustering of the election observation roster, also available on the Irish Aid website. www.irishaid.ie/media/irishaid/getinvolved/electionroster/Composite-Response.pdf . Detailed information on election observation is also available on the Irish Aid website, including the numbers deployed on missions in 2019 and 2020 and cost of flights and flight emissions.
With regard to previous roster members selected by the EU or the OSCE for election monitoring missions over the past ten years, I refer the Deputy to the response to Parliamentary Questions 115, 117, 119 and 126 of 5 March 2019 which provides a comprehensive list of roster members deployed on missions from 2009 – 2018. Election Monitoring Missions – Tuesday, 5 Mar 2019 – Parliamentary Questions (32nd Dáil) – Houses of the Oireachtas
A list of the current roster members, including those who have been elected in national level elections, can be found in the documents attached to the answer to this Parliamentary Question.
As the 2019-2023 roster exists within the framework of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Department gave careful thought to the justification, and the legal basis, for publishing the names of roster members. The roster is voluntary with no guarantee of mission participation and so the Department considers it proportionate and reasonable to provide anonymised information on individual missions. While names of observers are provided in (Surname/Initial) format, they are not linked to particular missions, minimising the release of personal data to what is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to demonstrate accountability and transparency in roster administration. This information is included in the data privacy notice for the roster.
Due to COVID-19 we do not currently have access to the physical files containing detailed information on previous rosters, including, where available, whether volunteers were also, at a certain point, members of the Oireachtas.
International Relations
Questions (132, 139)
James Lawless
Question:132. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Nicaragua at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33700/21]
View answer
Cormac Devlin
Question:139. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent actions of the Nicaraguan authorities against opposition parties in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33706/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 139 together.
I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua, in particular the ongoing repression of opposition politicians, members of the media, human rights defenders and civil society representatives.
I am alarmed at the recent arrest and detention of a number of potential Presidential candidates, which contravenes basic democratic principles and seriously undermines the electoral process in Nicaragua. It is vital that credible, transparent and inclusive elections are held in Nicaragua, as elsewhere, free from interference and in line with international standards.
The recent adoption of legislation in Nicaragua such as the Foreign Agents Registration Law and the Special Law on Cybercrime is also a cause for concern. These laws serve to tighten restrictions on civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua and hinder the work of civil society and non-governmental organisations.
I fully support EU High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell's statement of 10 June 2021 on the situation in Nicaragua and echo his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained potential Presidential candidates and all other political prisoners, ensuring respect for their human, civil and political rights. Inclusive dialogue is the only way to resolve the political, economic and social crisis in Nicaragua. I also urge the Government of Nicaragua to authorise the return of international human rights bodies to the country, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to support efforts towards reaching a peaceful and negotiated solution in Nicaragua. Officials in my Department, including the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico which covers Nicaragua, will continue to monitor the situation closely in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Nicaragua.
Middle East
Questions (133)
Dara Calleary
Question:133. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any response from Israel on the decision to categorise the occupation of Palestinian territories as a de facto annexation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33697/21]
View answerWritten answers
On 26 May Dáil Éireann adopted a motion which declared that the scale, pace and nature of Israel’s settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territory amounts to unlawful de facto annexation.
Ireland’s long-standing opposition to settlements is well known by the Israeli Government. Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. We have consistently raised the issue in national and EU statements at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council and in bilateral contacts.
With respect to the recent motion, the spokesperson of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the Dáil’s characterisation of Israeli settlement policy as unlawful de facto annexation. This view has also been conveyed by Israeli officials to Ireland’s Ambassador to Israel.
Ireland has been clear that our position is informed by international law, respect for human rights and the negative political impact of settlement activities on the prospects for a future negotiated peace agreement.
United Nations
Questions (134)
Emer Higgins
Question:134. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the work of Ireland’s delegation at the United Nations as the halfway point of the two-year membership of the Security Council is reached. [33809/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is almost six months into our two-year term as a member of the UN Security Council. The work of Ireland’s Permanent Mission in New York is at the core of our engagement across the Council agenda.
As co-penholder for Syria Humanitarian issues, Ireland is working closely with Norway to secure the renewal of the mandate for cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.
We are working to uphold the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), as Facilitator for Security Council Resolution 2231. The talks in Vienna are a very welcome development, and we hope that agreement can be reached on the full restoration of the agreement.
Ireland is actively working as co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security. As co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, we have been promoting inclusive peace and the participation of women.
We are active on African issues, as chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee and co-penholder on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel. We are also informal focal point on Hunger and Conflict.
Improving Peacekeeping mandates is a priority, and the protection of civilians during peacekeeping transitions has been a specific focus.
We initiated discussions in February and March and led negotiations on a Press Statement on the situation in Tigray, Ethiopia. Last week, Ireland organised a further Council meeting on the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray.
The Middle East Peace Process remains a key priority. I welcomed the ceasefire that came into force on 21 May, and must continue to be supported. Ireland was extremely active in calling - successfully- for the Security Council to meet on the issue. I regret that it took so long for the Council to speak on this issue.
We have supported calls for an end to hostilities in Yemen, to help address the humanitarian crisis. Ireland continues to highlight human rights concerns in Myanmar since the coup. We are supporting efforts to bring about a lasting settlement in Libya and supporting implementation of the peace process in Colombia.
In February, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in conflict-affected contexts.
Across our work, we are prioritising the protection of human rights, upholding International Humanitarian Law, and promoting accountability for violations.
Ireland takes a realistic but ambitious approach. We are working to play a constructive role, to find solutions and overcome divisions.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 119.
United Nations
Questions (137)
Bernard Durkan
Question:137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he through the EU and UN continues to press for a serious investigation into the numerous human rights violations now taking place throughout the globe; if Ireland’s position on the UN Security Council can be used to press these issues at an early date; if the international criminal courts in the Hague can be utilised in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33840/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to acknowledge the Deputy's question and refer to my earlier reply to his Parliamentary Question of 21 April 2021 (PQ reference 20851/21) which outlines the overall and unchanged position in this regard.
Northern Ireland
Questions (138, 150)
Brendan Smith
Question:138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there have been any recent discussions with the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive on the establishment of a civic advisory panel as provided for in the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33871/21]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the proposal in the Stormont House Agreement to establish a civic advisory panel following the provision for the establishment of a civic forum in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33872/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 150 together.
The concept of an independent consultative forum was first established under Strand One of the Good Friday Agreement, as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues. It was envisaged to comprise of representatives of the business, trade union, voluntary sectors and such other sectors as provided for by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. It was to be reviewed at the time of the suspension of the institutions in 2002 and was not reconvened.
The 2014 Stormont House Agreement proposed the formation of a Compact Civic Advisory Panel. It was agreed as part of New Decade New Approach that this panel should be reformed and that 1-2 issues per year, as identified by the Executive, would be commissioned for civic engagement, with the Panel to propose the most appropriate model for specific issues including one Citizens Assembly a year. The Government supports the implementation of this commitment, alongside all those made as part of NDNA. Progress on these commitments will be considered at further Implementation Review meetings involving the Governments and the Northern Ireland parties.
The Government continues to support the establishment of the North South Consultative Forum, as provided for under Strand Two of the GFA, representative of civil society and comprising social partners and other members with expertise in social, cultural, economic and other issues. The Government has worked to move the issue forward, submitting proposals to the Northern Ireland Executive for its consideration. We have also raised the issue at successive plenary meetings of the North South Ministerial Council.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 132.
Northern Ireland
Questions (140)
Seán Haughey
Question:140. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress with regard to the implementation of the provisions of New Decade, New Approach and the need for a functioning power sharing executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33853/21]
View answerWritten answers
The New Decade, New Approach Agreement (NDNA) reached in January 2020 was a very significant shared achievement by the parties in Northern Ireland together with the British and Irish Governments, in restoring the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement to operation. As outlined in the Programme for Government, its full implementation is an important priority for the Government.
The Irish Government commitments that were made at the time of the NDNA are focused on working with the Executive through the NSMC to deliver projects that benefit people across the island, including greater connectivity between North and South; investing in the North West region and in border communities; supporting the Irish language in Northern Ireland; and supporting reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process. The first implementation review meeting took place in January of this year, which I attended with representatives of the British Government and the Executive. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring the sustainable and effective operation of all the devolved institutions, and to the ongoing implementation of NDNA.
It is welcome that the Secretary of State last week gave an assurance that the positive measures agreed in support of linguistic diversity and cultural expression in Northern Ireland will be put in place through legislation in Westminster in October in the event that this balanced cultural package is not enacted through the Northern Ireland Assembly.
It is hoped that we can arrange another implementation review meeting in the period ahead.
The NSMC is essential to overseeing and developing North South cooperation on matters of mutual interest, including the implementation of the NDNA Agreement. The important work of the NSMC to develop cooperation on an all-island basis has resumed following the NDNA agreement. Two successful NSMC plenary meetings have now taken place, as well as a number of Sectoral meetings at Ministerial level. It is regrettable that it was necessary to postpone the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council scheduled for 18 June, and we will seek to find an early date for that to be rescheduled.
We will continue to work with both the UK Government and the Northern Irish Executive to ensure that the NDNA agreement is fully implemented to ensure the effective functioning of the Executive.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 98.
Questions Nos. 143 and 144 answered with Question No. 127.
International Relations
Questions (145)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent engagement with the United States Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33703/21]
View answerWritten answers
Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin. This Government has had a range of high level contacts with President Biden's Administration since it entered office. This includes the Taoiseach's meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris, among others, on St. Patrick's day.
I have spoken with my US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a number of occasions since he took office. Most recently, on 24 May, I met separately with both Secretary Blinken and with National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Shannon. These meetings were a useful opportunity to discuss important foreign policy issues such as the Middle East Peace Process and Iran, Syria, Belarus, EU–US relations and cyber issues. We also discussed Northern Ireland and the Protocol, as well as bilateral relations and travel between Ireland and the United States.
I also spoke with Secretary Blinken on 13 February, shortly after President Biden's Administration entered office, when I took the opportunity to congratulate him on his new role.
I have been very glad to see a number of contacts between President Biden's Administration and the EU, including last week's EU-US Summit in Brussels. For his part, Secretary Blinken attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February where the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the scope for enhanced cooperation on a host of issues were discussed.
Looking ahead, the Government will continue to maintain close relations with the US Administration, Members of Congress, across the aisle, and contacts from across the political spectrum. This engagement extends to our contacts at federal, state, city and local levels.
Human Rights
Questions (146)
John Brady
Question:146. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on and response to a report by a human rights organisation (details supplied) in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33779/21]
View answerWritten answers
With regards to the human rights report referenced in the Question, I would like to express my serious concern at the reported violence. I trust that the Colombian authorities will fully investigate and bring those responsible for abuses or human rights violations, be they members of the security forces or other individuals, to justice.
I note the recent statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, detailing reports of “private individuals” firing shots at protesters “in the presence of police officers". I support Ms Bachelet's call for the end to all forms of violence, including vandalism, and for dialogue and the need to ensure respect for the life and dignity of all people. I remain deeply concerned at reports of disproportionate use of force by the police in Colombia against protestors and observers, as well as reports of attacks on the police and police infrastructure. The Embassy of Ireland in Colombia supports and works closely with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia and Ireland contributes to the core budget for their important work.
I echo the message of EU High Representative/Vice-President Borrell following his call with President Duque of Colombia on 22 May 2021, that the solution to the current crisis should be reached through inclusive dialogue and negotiation. In that vein, EU Special Representative for Human Rights and EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia, Eamon Gilmore, conducted a high-level visit to Colombia last week to discuss the situation. I hope that progress can be made in the period ahead on negotiations on a national dialogue.
After decades of violence, Colombia needs to continue to strengthen the advances made on the path towards peace. Colombia’s citizens deserve stability, safety and certainty, especially in view of the serious challenges the country is facing from the COVID-19 pandemic.
I would like to express again Ireland's solidarity with the Government and people of Colombia in facing these challenges in a peaceful, inclusive and constructive manner and in forging a consensus on dealing with them.
Officials in my Department, including at the Embassy of Ireland in Colombia, will continue to closely monitor this complex and evolving situation.
United Nations
Questions (147)
Richard Bruton
Question:147. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has taken initiatives at the UN Security Council to confront the alarming moves against political freedoms being witnessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33517/21]
View answerWritten answers
Respect for human rights law, International Humanitarian Law, and the rule of law is central to building sustainable peace. Ireland is actively promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in our engagement across the Security Council agenda.
This includes country situations addressed by the Council, many of which involve serious human rights issues. I will mention just some of these today.
In Council discussions on Myanmar last week, Ireland called on the international community to respond urgently to the crisis since the coup. We have consistently condemned the ongoing violence, including reports of abuse and harassment of women asserting their right to political participation.
At the Council discussion on Haiti last week, Ireland reaffirmed the importance of credible, inclusive and transparent elections as a vital step towards restored and reinvigorated democratic institutions. In March, the Council agreed a presidential statement which called on the Haitian Government to respect freedom of expression and association and to hold free and fair legislative elections.
At a Council meeting in May following the most recent coup in Mali, Ireland called for all parties to strictly comply with Mali’s Transition Charter, for a return to constitutional order and for the holding of inclusive and democratic elections.
The human rights situation in Belarus continues to be a matter of serious concern. At the Council meeting in May, following the coercive forced landing of a civil aircraft by the Belarusian authorities, we again condemned the increasing levels of repression and reaffirmed our unwavering support for a sustainable, democratic and peaceful resolution of the situation in Belarus.
We engage openly with all Security Council members on the basis of our values. I regularly raise human rights issues in my discussions with Council members and other key partners. This is part of Ireland’s commitment to being an active and constructive Council member and complements our strong engagement at the Human Rights Council and in other multilateral human rights fora.
British-Irish Co-operation
Questions (148)
Alan Farrell
Question:148. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent meeting of the British-Irish Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33246/21]
View answerWritten answers
Alongside the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, I attended the 35th British Irish Council Summit on Friday 11 June, hosted in Enniskillen by then First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
The Summit was attended by the Northern Ireland Executive and all other member administrations, with some representatives attending virtually, including the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and Guernsey Chief Minister, Peter Ferbrache.
Making full use of the East-West institutions established by the Good Friday Agreement is more important than ever post-Brexit, and the value of the BIC was clearly demonstrated at the recent Summit.
This was an important opportunity for engagement across these islands, and the central topic of discussion was the impact of the pandemic, with all member administrations highlighting the value of working together, sharing learnings and working to ensure a sustainable and equitable recovery, including by maintaining progress on improved digital connectivity.
Administrations articulated concerns regarding ongoing COVID-19 challenges, including the Delta variant, with discussion focusing on continued cooperation and coordination, including with regard to travel restrictions.
Latest political developments, including in relation to Brexit, and the ongoing work and future of the Council were also discussed. It was Arlene Foster’s last official engagement as First Minister and I and other colleagues paid tribute to her contribution to public service.
The British Government was represented by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, who both attended in person and with whom I had the chance to exchange views and perspectives on issues of mutual interest, including Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The next British Irish Council Summit, due to be held in November, will be hosted by Wales.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Questions (149)
Brendan Griffin
Question:149. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made with the new US Administration to improve the situation of undocumented emigrants in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33917/21]
View answerWritten answers
The issue of Irish immigration to the US has been a high priority for successive Governments and continues to be one of my key priorities. In particular, this includes addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people who wish to live and work in the US. We have continued to raise these matters in our engagement with successive US Administrations, Members of US Congress and leaders from across the political spectrum. The Taoiseach raised the matter in March this year directly with President Biden during his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit.
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 Centres 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.
I am glad to see that immigration issues, including possible pathways to citizenship, are a priority for the President as demonstrated by his proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021. We will actively engage with the Administration and Congress, as they pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US, 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 and we will seek the reintroduction of the Bill to Congress at the earliest opportunity.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 138.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 119.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 105.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 127.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 119.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 96.
Human Rights
Questions (156)
Gino Kenny
Question:156. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken with officials from China regarding the treatment of the Uyghur people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33906/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
I raised our concerns regarding this situation with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during our meeting on 30 May. In that discussion, I outlined Ireland and the EU's position on the treatment of Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. I emphasised the importance of allowing unrestricted access to the region to independent observers in order to make an objective assessment of the situation, particularly through the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Ireland has raised concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang in multilateral fora on a number of occasions. Most recently, this week we supported a Joint Statement at the 47th session of the Human Rights Council, expressing our concern at the human rights situation in Xinjiang, and calling on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ireland also raised this issue in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year, and supported a Joint Statement on the issue at the UN Third Committee on 6 October 2020.
The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and the Government will continue to monitor and assess the situation and engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora to address our concerns.
United Nations
Questions (157)
Thomas Pringle
Question:157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a call for a global ban on fracking being proposed by Ireland at the United Nations General Assembly on climate mitigation, public health, environmental protection and human rights grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29279/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government makes clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas. Following upon a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Government published a Policy Statement on May 2021 which outlines both constraints and opportunities for Government action in this area, including in the context of Ireland's obligations as a Member State of the European Union.
In relation to the United Nations General Assembly it is important that any proposed Resolution garner sufficient Member State support to be passed by a clear majority in the General Assembly. At this time I do not believe from our soundings on the ground that this support currently exists. A failed Resolution would set back progress on this important issue. The work of building support must continue.
Nevertheless, the Government is committed to taking action in ways which are consistent with the proposed Resolution. In the short term, the revision of the European Union’s Gas Directive and Gas Regulation provides an opportunity to build consensus within the EU, itself an important constituency for any work at the UN.
Separately, upcoming climate related events provide an opportunity to advance understanding of international dynamics around this proposal. Such events include the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy in September 2021, the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to be held in October 2021 (COP15), the Conference of Parties to United National Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 (COP26), the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (date TBC), and the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in 2022. This will complement Ireland's engagement on the Climate and Security agenda during our term on the Security Council.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 131.
Racism in Sport
Questions (159)
Gino Kenny
Question:159. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to Hungarian officials or the ambassador on comments made by the Prime Minister of Hungary on Irish international footballers kneeling before their friendly match with Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33907/21]
View answerWritten answers
I note Prime Minister Orbán’s comments objecting to the decision by Ireland’s players at the 8 June Hungary-Ireland friendly soccer match to take the knee as part of an anti-racism campaign, and suggesting it was a provocation.
I strongly support and pay tribute to the stand taken by Irish footballers and players of other nationalities to address racism in their sport and in wider society.
The Irish players’ actions were not aimed at Hungary, nor in any way disrespectful towards Hungarian culture.
The Embassy of Ireland in Hungary has made it clear that the Irish players taking the knee was a gesture of respect for and solidarity with those who suffer racism and discrimination.
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.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 96.
Good Friday Agreement
Questions (161)
Bernard Durkan
Question:161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Irish and British Governments are currently engaging with the authorities and communities in Northern Ireland with a view to ensuring the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol which was brought about as a result of Brexit; if all those involved can apply themselves to this important task as a matter of urgency in view of the need to ensure the ongoing operation of the Good Friday Agreement which was recognised internationally as a solemn agreement entered into in good faith by all involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33839/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was negotiated and agreed by the EU and the UK to address the complex set of challenges presented by Brexit on the island of Ireland. An integral part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol is the agreed way to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement, to avoid a hard border, and protect the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place within it.
I am in regular and ongoing contact with British government counterparts, political leaders and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Protocol. We all have a responsibility to listen to the genuine concerns and engage with citizens, businesses, politicians and community leaders in the North. We also have to be clear there is no agreed alternative to the problems caused by Brexit on the island of Ireland besides the Protocol – a solution which was jointly negotiated, jointly agreed and which must now be jointly implemented.
The Protocol makes no change to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as set down in the Good Friday Agreement. It is important to underline this point and I continue to do so in all my contacts.
Throughout these engagements, I have continued to make clear that our shared goal must be full implementation of the Protocol to minimise the disruption caused by Brexit in Northern Ireland. I have welcomed the ongoing engagement between the EU and the UK on outstanding issues and stressed the need for the outstanding issues to be dealt with by the UK and the EU working together, in partnership.
I also continue to listen carefully to the genuine concerns that are there and will continue to advocate for appropriate flexibilities with regard to implementation, within the framework of the Protocol itself, so that the negative impact of Brexit on the people of Northern Ireland is minimised. This has always been the aim of the Protocol: to minimise the disruption which Brexit was inevitably going to cause for Northern Ireland.
International Relations
Questions (162)
Seán Haughey
Question:162. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current state of relations between Ireland and China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33854/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has a positive and wide ranging relationship with China, which covers political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people links.
2019 marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China, with the past decade seeing a significant ramp up in engagement between both countries. A Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Co-operation was signed in 2012 and there are Memoranda of Understanding in relation to co-operation in a number of sectorial areas.
Total trade between Ireland and China has increased significantly in recent years, amounting to approximately €23 billion in 2019. So far in 2021 merchandise trade with China is up almost €743m, when compared with the same period in 2020, reaching a total of €5.55 billion.
While we share strong links in a number of areas, there are nevertheless a number of areas of difference in our relationship. I believe it is important to also have constructive engagement in areas where we do not agree and in order to address areas of concern.
I visited China in late May to meet with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During this meeting we discussed an extensive agenda covering bilateral relations, EU-China relations as well as issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council. I also raised the issue of human rights, particularly in relation to Xinjiang, as well as the situation in Hong Kong.
Ireland will continue to engage with Chinese authorities both bilaterally and in multilateral fora to enhance our cooperation and also to raise issues of concern to us.