Written Answers Nos. 265-279
265. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the legislation to make provision for the independent commission on information retrieval which is committed to under the Stormont House Agreement, New Decade New Approach and the Programme for Government; and the timeline for its implementation. [30980/21]
View answerThe 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 British Governments, 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.
266. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a request by a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33999/21]
View answerCurrent Danish travel restrictions classify all countries into three categories: yellow, orange and red. Ireland is currently categorised as 'orange' under this system. Those travelling from orange category countries can enter Denmark, irrespective of the purpose of their entry, with proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test. The test must be taken no more than 48 hours before the time of entry.
Those coming from an orange or red classed country are also required to have a worthy purpose for entry, take a test on arrival and isolate. The isolation period can be broken by a negative PCR test taken no sooner than the fourth day after arrival.
It is expected that phase 4 of the Danish gradual reopening of travel activities will take place on the 26th June. Countries, including Ireland, may receive new colour categorisations under this change and the Department advises checking Danish travel advice prior to departure.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is not in a position to provide certification of vaccination as it is not the relevant State body with the power to verify this information.
267. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34155/21]
View answerThe Passport service has been in direct contact with the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations 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.
- 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.
Substantial progress has been made in clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications. In summary 54,000 of these passports have been approved so far. Our phone and web chat services are available to all people whose passport applications have unfortunately been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is currently engaged in addressing issues of starvation and neglect of children throughout the globe in areas of conflict and others with a view to putting in place measures to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34198/21]
View answerThe number of people facing acute food insecurity and needing life-saving assistance hit a five-year high in 2020. Conflict, economic shocks related to COVID-19 alongside the impacts of climate change led to 155 million people experiencing acute food insecurity - an increase of 20 million people from the previous year.
Across 55 countries, over 75 million children under five were stunted (too short for their ages) and over 15 million wasted (too thin for their ages). Africa remains disproportionally affected by acute food insecurity, and in a number of countries the situation is deteriorating. Conflict remains a major driver of hunger, and insecurity is a barrier to providing timely and effective assistance.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, established a Task Force on Preventing Famine in March 2021. The Task Force aims to bring high-level attention to famine prevention and mobilize support to the most affected countries.
At the UN Security Council, Ireland plays a leading role on hunger and conflict. Working with Niger, we are leading on the implementation of Resolution 2417, which recognizes the imperative of addressing conflict driven hunger and deals with issues such as starvation as a weapon of war and the denial or impeding of humanitarian access.
In 2021, the UN Secretary-General will convene a Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The Summit will launch ambitious initiatives to deliver progress on the SDGs, by building healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems.
Ireland has been a leader in the fight against hunger. We expect to demonstrate leadership at the Food Systems Summit in September, by championing a food systems approach and shining a light on severe malnutrition.
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the needs of children can be met through the aegis of the EU or UN or both with particular reference to food shortages and dangers arising from conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34199/21]
View answer288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which it is intended to expand the relevant programmes to address serious and emerging issues of health and personal security with particular reference to women and children in conflict zones or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34218/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 288 together.
The UN estimates that, in 2021, 235 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection, equivalent to one in 33 people worldwide. Over 155 million people experienced acute food insecurity at crisis levels, or worse, an increase of around 20 million people from the previous year,
Women and children are particularly affected by hunger and food insecurity. Nearly half of all deaths in children under age five are attributable to undernutrition. In 2019, 21 per cent of all children under age five (144 million) were stunted and 49.5 million children experienced wasting. Women and girls represent more than 70 per cent of people facing chronic hunger. They are more likely to reduce their meal intake in times of food scarcity and may be pushed to engage in negative coping mechanisms, such as transactional sex and child, early and forced marriage.
Conflict is the main cause of acute hunger; 70 per cent of the top 20 countries at risk of food insecurity are in fragile and conflict-affected situations. Economic shocks, many caused by COVID-19, and extreme weather events, associated with climate change have also contributed significantly to increasing levels of hunger, and the particular vulnerability of women and children.
The UN and partner organizations aim to assist 160 million people most in need across 56 countries in 2021 and require a total of $35 billion to do so.
Through the Irish Aid programme, Ireland works with partners, including the EU, the UN, the Red Cross and NGOs to save lives and protect the dignity of people affected by crises. In 2019, Ireland provided humanitarian assistance in the amount of €185 million. Our assistance focuses on reaching the furthest behind. It includes a three-year strategic partnership with the International Rescue Committee to address Gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies, and to support the empowerment of women and girls in humanitarian crises, with a budget of €4.5 million.
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps likely to be taken by the international community in order to address human rights and trafficking abuses of women and children in various conflict zones across the globe; the extent to which Ireland can use its influence on the UN Security Council to highlight the necessity to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/21]
View answer271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the role of the UN can be expanded to make a more meaningful impact in various conflict zones across the globe with a view to protecting women and children, the discontinuation of the recruitment of child soldiers and trafficking in women and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34201/21]
View answer272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community has identified the most serious incidents of trafficking of women and children globally with a view to positive intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34202/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 272, inclusive, together.
Ireland is a strong contributor to European Union and United Nations efforts to eliminate human rights violations. This includes our work across the UN system, including at the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and at the UN Human Rights Council. The rights of women and children are central to our engagement and especially so in regards to conflict zones.
At the UN Security Council the issue of trafficking in persons and the issue of child soldiers are considered in the context of certain country-specific discussions. Ireland actively engages in these discussions in addition to co-chairing the Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. UN Security Council resolution 2331 on Islamic State, recognised the trafficking of women and girls in conflicts as a form of violence against women.
Ireland is also a member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict which addresses the issue of child soldiers and ensures follow up of the recommendations at country level. Additionally, Ireland seeks to mainstream child protection across the work of the Council.
Ireland also engages actively at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). The 47th session of the Council began on 21 June and Ireland will make national statements on a broad range of thematic issues and country-specific human rights situations including in regard to trafficking and violence against women. My Department meets regularly with the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Professor Siobhán Mullally from NUI Galway. On 28 June Professor Mullally will present her report on the principle of non-punishment of victims of human trafficking and Ireland will deliver a national statement during the subsequent interactive dialogue.
At EU level, combating trafficking is a key priority in the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024. The Plan’s objectives include promoting measures to prevent and fully eradicate trafficking in human beings, including by countering impunity for all perpetrators involved.
Finally, Ireland provides core funding to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). IOM works in partnership with governments, the United Nations, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and development partners on all aspects of counter-trafficking responses: prevention, protection, and prosecution.
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken by the international community to address human rights abuses in Hong Kong, Myanmar and any other locations in which those seeking democratic principles are being imprisoned for their beliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34203/21]
View answerThe protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland together with our international partners has been active in raising our concerns in relation to the situations in Hong Kong, in Myanmar and in other locations where human rights are under threat.
Like our EU partners, Ireland is concerned about the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a national security law in Hong Kong, which risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle. Ireland fully supports the Council Conclusions on Hong Kong adopted by the EU last July, which set out a coordinated response package of measures in various fields including the operation of Member States' extradition agreements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong. In line with these Conclusions, on 13 October 2020, the Government agreed to suspend Ireland’s Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong. I also raised the matter of Hong Kong in my recent meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on 30 May.
The EU has also issued a number of statements in response to this situation. Most recently the High Representative and Vice President issued a statement on 9 June which stated that the EU will continue to pay increased attention to the situation in Hong Kong as part of the overall relations between the European Union and China. Prior to this, EU Member States issued a statement on 11 March which highlights our regret that the fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, and political pluralism that are central to Hong Kong's identity and prosperity are under increasing pressure by authorities.
Additionally, the EU has raised its concerns regarding the situation with Chinese authorities on a number of occasions, including directly during the most recent EU-China Summit and EU-China Leaders' Meetings, and in multilateral fora such as the Human Rights Council.
Ireland has strongly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and its use of violence against civilians. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that has taken years to establish, and does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar. I have called upon the Myanmar military to demonstrate restraint; respect human rights and the rule of law; immediately release political detainees; and restore legitimate civilian government.
Ireland remains active on this issue within the UN Security Council. The Council has expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, has strongly condemned the use of violence by the military and has called for the release of all those detained. It is welcome that the Security Council has taken a united position on this crisis as this sends a strong message to the Myanmar military.
Ireland was also a member of the core group for the Resolution on Myanmar that was comprehensively adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 June, which included a call on all states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar. The Irish Mission to the UN continues to follow developments closely.
Additionally, I have endorsed the adoption of three rounds of EU sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them, the most recent round being adopted on 21 June. Ireland will continue to urge the consideration by the EU of further measures that would be effective in working to restore the democratic path in Myanmar without negatively affecting developmental gains or exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Military rule opens significant scope for further human rights abuses in Myanmar and Ireland has voiced its concern at the Special Session and the 46th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council. We welcome the unanimous resolutions agreed at both sessions. The consensus shown by the Human Rights Council is a significant and positive signal of accord on this issue within the international community.
Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor these situations and to raise our concerns in relation to Hong Kong, Myanmar and elsewhere, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which Ireland, directly or through the aegis of the EU or UN, can promote the prosecution of those engaged in war crimes with a view to referral to the European criminal courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34204/21]
View answerThe International Criminal Court, which is an independent international body with close links to the United Nations, was established as the first permanent international court to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. Ireland is a party to the Rome Statute. The Court promotes and upholds the rule of law and provides a means to bring to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, including war crimes. In this way it contributes in a most fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice.
While the ICC is central to the overall framework for international criminal justice, it is a court of last resort. The ICC does not substitute for national judicial systems. States bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes. There is also a range of other international criminal justice mechanisms aimed at ensuring accountability. While individual EU Member States may investigate and prosecute international crimes, and cooperate with each other in this regard, the EU and therefore the EU Court of Justice have limited competence with respect to criminal law matters.
Referrals to the International Criminal Court may only be made with respect to crimes under the jurisdiction of the Court namely: the crime of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Court’s jurisdiction is limited to the territory or nationals of States Parties to the Rome Statute, States that have accepted the Court’s jurisdiction on an ad hoc basis and situations referred to it by the Security Council of the United Nations. This jurisdiction must be triggered in one of three ways: a situation may be referred to the Court by a State Party to the Rome Statute; a situation may be referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council; or the Prosecutor may initiate a propio motu investigation into crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court (an investigation on the Prosecutor’s own initiative). Referrals by the United Nations Security Council are made pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and must receive nine affirmative votes at the Council. Any one of the five permanent Council Members (P5) has the power to veto a proposed referral.
Ireland, together with its EU partners has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, ensuring accountability is one of the key principles underpinning our engagement on the United Nations Security Council. We will support and defend the Court throughout our two-year term on the Council, which started on 1 January 2021 and continue to seek accountability as a key foreign policy priority in all relevant international fora.
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can motivate the international community towards addressing human rights abuses, trafficking in women and children, suppression of individual rights and entitlement and unlawful detention with a view to ensuring that the existence of sufficient deterrence to discourage such abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34205/21]
View answer291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made nationally and through the aegis of the EU and UN in respect of the citizens of various countries who have been detained, in many cases on spurious grounds, and continue to be kept against their will encompassing the suppression of basic human rights; if the perpetrators of such abuses are likely to be referred to the European Courts of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34221/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 291 together.
At the outset, I refer the Deputy to my separate response to his question in relation to human trafficking (see PQ 34200/21).
In regards to unlawful detention, I regret that the trends are not positive. The detention of political opponents, demonstrators and journalists is a growing concern. I, and my officials, regularly raise human rights issues in bilateral dialogue with a wide range of countries, including the issue of unlawful detention where relevant.
Ireland is also a strong contributor to European Union and United Nations efforts to address unlawful detentions and in particular to protect Human Rights Defenders.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has a mandate to investigate allegations of individuals being deprived of their liberty in an arbitrary way or inconsistently with international human rights standards, and to recommend remedies such as release from detention and compensation. The Working Group held its 90th session from 3 to 12 May 2021 during which it adopted 21 opinions concerning deprivation of liberty of 68 individuals in 21 countries.
Ireland regularly intervenes at the Human Rights Council and other relevant UN bodies to urge an end to unlawful detention. UN Special Rapporteurs have issued a number of statements in relation to individual cases and Ireland works closely with them, particularly with Ms. Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.
The European Union Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-24) provides a framework for the EU to leverage influence on broader human rights issues including unlawful detention. Ireland participates actively in EU Human Rights Dialogues with third countries and in multilateral fora.
Finally, in February of this year Ireland joined a newly established coalition of 63 countries, led by Canada, to endorse a Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State to State Relations. The Declaration aims to protect citizens of all countries from arbitrary detention abroad through coordinated action to uphold core human rights principles.
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he remains in constant engagement with the UK authorities and both communities in Northern Ireland with a view to ensuring that logistical and political difficulties caused by Brexit are not allowed to undermine the Good Friday Agreement or the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34206/21]
View answer277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can continue to liaise with both communities in Northern Ireland and the British Government with a view to ensuring that Brexit-related issues are not allowed to damage the peace agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34207/21]
View answer278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to engage with the British Government with a view to ensuring that Brexit-caused difficulties are not allowed to undermine the Good Friday Agreement or the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34208/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, together.
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 on the island of Ireland, and to protect the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place within it.
I am in regular and ongoing contact with British government counterparts and with political leaders and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland on 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 now needs to be jointly implemented.
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 protect the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.
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 these 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, 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.
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can find it possible to foster improved Ireland-UK relations through the medium of the isolation and resolution of Brexit-related issues within the context of the EU-UK agreement and protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34209/21]
View answerFollowing the UK’s departure from the European Union and the end of the Transition period, we are working closely with our EU partners to support the development of the EU-UK relationship and full implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Withdrawal Agreement. At the same time, we are working to strengthen British-Irish relations insofar as possible, given the depth and importance of our relationship, in terms of our people, our prosperity and peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Ireland, as part of the EU, will play its full part in realising the potential of the TCA and the Withdrawal Agreement – including the Withdrawal Agreement’s Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The effective and full implementation of the agreements is a priority for Ireland and the EU. The TCA allows cooperation with the UK to continue in a range of key areas, establishing a substantial framework for continued engagement. While it does not replicate the status quo ante, it does provide for tariff and quota free trade for qualifying goods between our respective markets – ensuring that Ireland and the UK will remain strongly connected as trade partners.
The full implementation of the Protocol, which forms part of an EU-UK agreement, is important to Ireland in terms of our core objectives in relation to minimising the negative impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland, including safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement, avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, and protecting the Single Market, and Ireland’s place in it.
Our shared goal must be the full implementation of the Protocol to minimise the disruption caused by Brexit in Northern Ireland. Achieving the smooth and sustainable operation of the Protocol will also contribute significantly to improved EU-UK relations. Ireland will do all it can as an EU member state in support of that goal.
In this context, and while taking full account of developments in EU-UK relations and the areas where EU legal competence applies, we continue our bilateral engagement, including through the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement; and by investing in our capacity and relationships right across the UK. The British Irish Council Summit on 11 June and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference taking place today are important in this regard, as was the Taoiseach’s meeting with the UK Prime Minister in May and my own visits to London in April and June. In terms of ongoing investment, we agreed new bilateral frameworks for cooperation with the devolved administrations in Cardiff and Edinburgh earlier this year. Additionally, I look forward to officially opening our new Consulate General in Manchester and our re-established Consulate General in Cardiff in the coming months.
I remain ambitious for the British-Irish bilateral relationship - and the full implementation of the TCA and the Withdrawal Agreement will provide the best possible basis for the growth and development of that relationship into the future.
