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Thursday, 30 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 64-82

International Protection

Questions (65)

Steven Matthews

Question:

65. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to cases of Afghan citizens who had been long-term residents of Ireland and have a large support network here but who do not hold Irish EU visas and who are currently stuck in Kabul; if advice will be provided to anyone in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46210/21]

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Written answers

Since the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August, there has been close international cooperation and coordination on evacuation efforts.  As part of that, I approved the short-term deployment of an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT), which succeeded in enabling 26 Irish citizens and residents to evacuate safely on 24-26 August.

Since then, my Department has continued to liaise with partners, including those with a presence on the ground, to explore safe options for the exit of Irish citizens and residents – so that they can return home.

Vital to this is the fulfilment of the Taliban commitment to allow the safe, secure, orderly and unhindered departure of foreign nationals and Afghans at-risk who wish to leave the country – in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2593.

The Council of the European Union has also made it clear that this is one of the key benchmarks for any future engagement with the Taliban-appointed caretaker cabinet in Afghanistan.

I know there are many with deep concerns for family members, friends and colleagues who remain in Afghanistan. I can give full assurance that the Government remains strongly committed to doing whatever possible to ensure that people are able to return to Ireland safely.

The Department of Justice is responsible for visas for travel to Ireland, including in cases where people wish to join a family member residing in Ireland. The Department of Justice will be establishing an Afghan Admission Programme. This special programme will enable current or former Afghan nationals living legally in Ireland to apply to have close family members, who are living in Afghanistan or who have recently fled to territories bordering Afghanistan, considered for temporary Irish residence.

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 8.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 28.

Middle East

Questions (68)

Gino Kenny

Question:

68. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with the Israeli authorities regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47162/21]

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Written answers

Ireland has repeatedly recalled to Israel the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Since taking a seat on the UN Security Council in January, Ireland has taken the opportunity to highlight human rights and humanitarian issues in regard to the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

During the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, Ireland made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees. I have raised these issues myself directly with the Israeli authorities during my visits to the region. In addition, both Ireland and the EU provide financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to light.

Human Rights

Questions (69)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

69. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the diplomatic action Ireland is taking in relation to the protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47059/21]

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Written answers

I remain extremely concerned about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and continue to highlight the issue at the United Nations and with the European Union.

On 16 August, at an emergency Security Council meeting, Ireland reiterated calls on the Taliban to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly in respect of women and girls. 

On 30 August, following intensive work by Ireland with other Council members, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2593/21 including important language proposed by Ireland on ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women as part of a negotiated political settlement. 

On 09 September, as UNSC President, I chaired a meeting on Afghanistan which discussed the extension of the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission. I stressed the importance of respecting human rights, including the rights of Afghan women and girls to education, healthcare, and to full participation in public life.

At the level of the European Union, I participated in discussions on Afghanistan with EU Foreign Ministers and EU Defence Ministers on 2-3 September, as well as a further meeting of Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York on 20 September. EU Council Conclusions were agreed, which set five key benchmarks for future engagement with Afghanistan including the promotion, protection, and respect for all human rights, in particular the full enjoyment of rights of women and girls, including meaningful participation of women in decision-making positions.

On 27th September, at the current session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland delivered a national statement expressing grave concern about the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, while we continue to strongly support a proposed EU led resolution calling for an independent monitoring mechanism on human rights.

Finally, the Department and relevant Irish Embassies are actively involved in supporting those granted refugee status in Ireland. Approximately 150 have arrived in Ireland to date, while Ireland has provided an additional €1 million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for urgent support.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 28.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 40.

Middle East

Questions (72)

Matt Carthy

Question:

72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed timeframe to honour the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. [46477/21]

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Written answers

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

As I set out in my reply to the Deputy’s question on this issue in May, I have been clear that, in the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful.

Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would, however, be likely to affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution.

Middle East

Questions (73)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

73. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a current campaign (details supplied) which seeks to raise awareness about the intimidation, harassment and obstruction faced routinely by Palestinian children as they try to get safely to their classrooms in the West Bank, Gaza and the occupied territories and about the seriously detrimental impact for their education, safety and welfare. [47067/21]

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Written answers

I remain gravely concerned by the ongoing human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and particularly the impact on children and their access to education. Ireland has repeatedly emphasised that the rights of children to protection, safety, and well-being must be upheld at all times.

I fully endorse the statement of 9 September 2021 by European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which underlined that attacks on education constitute violations of International Humanitarian Law.

Ireland has been active on this issue in the UN Security Council. In my address to the Council on 16 May, I expressed Ireland’s deep concern at the plight of children in the occupied Palestinian territory. I stressed that all violations against children must end, including and in particular attacks on schools.

Ireland is a strong supporter of education for Palestinian youth, which is crucial for the long-term economic viability of a Palestinian state. Ireland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA’s delivery of services, including quality education, to 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees.

This year, Ireland has contributed €7 million to UNRWA, including €1 million in additional emergency support in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip in May. Ireland also provided €500,000 to UNICEF for the provision of essential supplies and services to thousands of children in acute need in the West Bank and in Gaza and €300,000 to the oPt Humanitarian Fund.

Ireland also supports the Palestinian Ministry of Education in providing equitable access to quality education for children. 

Irish officials will continue to engage actively on the ground and by supporting Israeli and Palestinian civil society partners who play a critical role on this issue.

British-Irish Co-operation

Questions (74)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of meetings he has had to date in 2021 with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47063/21]

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Written answers

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, is it vital that the Irish and British Governments work together in support of the institutions in Northern Ireland. I remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, in this regard.

In January 2021, together with the Secretary of State, I co-chaired by videoconference the first New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) Implementation Review Meeting, to discuss progress made to date with the implementation of the NDNA agreement. A second review meeting is being planned for the period ahead.

I had a videoconference meeting with the Secretary of State and Lord Frost on 3 March in relation to issues around the implementation of the Protocol.

I met with the Secretary of State individually, and also together with Lord Frost, on 15 April in London.  We discussed the impact of Covid-19, issues around the implementation of the Protocol, political stability in Northern Ireland, and preparations for the British Irish Council and British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. 

We met again on 6 May in Dublin, with a view to discussing a range of issues including recent political developments in Northern Ireland, the Shared Island initiative and legacy.

On 11 June, I attended the British Irish Council (BIC) Summit, which was also attended by the Secretary of State. The summit was an opportunity for discussions on the impact of Covid-19, latest political developments and the ongoing work of the BIC.

On 24 June, I jointly chaired the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin Castle with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The meeting allowed for discussion of a wide and positive agenda of East-West and economic and security cooperation. There were also important discussions around the need to make progress on addressing the legacy of the past.

The Government has joined the British Government and the Northern Irish parties in an ongoing process of intensive engagement on legacy. As part of this engagement process, I met virtually with the Secretary of State together with all Northern Ireland political party leaders on 16 July.

Most recently, I met with the Secretary of State on 3 September when I attended the British-Irish Association 2021 Conference in Oxford. 

I will continue to remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as we work together in support of prosperity, peace and deeper reconciliation. 

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 21.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 26.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 8.

EU Meetings

Questions (78)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

78. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the General Affairs Meeting of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46842/21]

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Written answers

The most recent meeting of the General Affairs Council took place on 21 September 2021 in Brussels. Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne T.D., represented Ireland at the meeting. The principal item for discussion was the preparation of the agenda for the European Council meeting on 21-22 October. At that meeting, leaders will discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, digital issues including the 2030 Digital Compass, and external relations.

EU-UK relations was also a major item at the Council with Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic briefing Ministers on the current state of play in EU-UK relations and the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Minister Byrne, along with a number of other Partners, expressed strong support for the Commission’s approach to resolving outstanding issues in this regard. Ministers also discussed the EU’s coordination on the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular vaccine and travel-related matters. During the discussion, Ireland was invited to share its best practice of achieving a high vaccination rate. 

The Council also received an update from Slovenia on its priorities for its current EU Presidency, with a focus on recovery and resilience, as well as an update on the state of play in relation to the Conference on the Future of Europe, in particular upcoming events and organisational aspects of the Conference.

The Commission gave an overview of the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report and the Commission President’s Letter of Intent, which was followed by a discussion among Ministers on the main priorities for the EU in 2022. Minister Byrne highlighted the importance of the Single Market, protecting the rule of law and the EU’s values and democracy, the Green Deal and the transition towards sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as Ireland’s support for the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) initiative. 

Ministers were also informed under Any Other Business of the latest state of play in EU-Switzerland relations and the recent EU-Med 9 Summit.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (79)

John Brady

Question:

79. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts Ireland is undertaking at both the United Nations Security Council and in the European Union to bring about an end to the genocidal conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; and the efforts that can be made to avert a major famine in that region. [47094/21]

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Written answers

I remain deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in Tigray, including the ongoing blockade of the region and attacks on humanitarian workers. As famine-like conditions are reported, there is an urgent need for full humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and the commencement of political dialogue to find a resolution to the conflict.  

I am alarmed by the conflict’s impact on civilians, including harrowing reports of widespread and ongoing sexual violence, and other serious human rights violations and abuses.  It is vital that perpetrators be held to account.  Ireland strongly supports the work underway by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), to investigate reported atrocities. The publication of their joint report on 1 November will be a crucial step towards accountability.  

Ireland continues to take the lead at the UN Security Council to ensure a focus on the situation in Tigray. Ireland spearheaded calls for the most recent open Council meeting on 26 August, where we called for an urgent end to the violence, full humanitarian access, accountability for atrocities, and for a political solution to the conflict.  Minister Coveney met with Ethiopia's deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, in New York on 21 September, where they discussed the situation in his country.  

The Government continues to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis.  EU Foreign Ministers will discuss Ethiopia again in October. On 15 September, Minister Coveney met with the EU Special Representative on the Horn of Africa, Dr Annette Weber, to discuss options for addressing the conflict.  

Ireland’s continued priority will remain, as always, supporting the needs of the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia, including those affected by conflict in Tigray. Ireland, through the Irish Aid programme, has provided over €3.2 million to support the humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground. On 7 July, I announced additional humanitarian funding of €2.7 million for Ethiopia, to address hunger and insecurity, including in Tigray.

International Relations

Questions (80)

John Brady

Question:

80. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details on developments by the United Nations Security Council to resolve the disagreement between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia in relation to the construction and filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam by Ethiopia. [47097/21]

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Written answers

As a member of the UN Security Council, and through our bilateral relations with Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, Ireland has been closely monitoring efforts to facilitate dialogue on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Ireland recognises that the GERD is of critical significance for the three countries. As a result, its construction and filling has been the cause of escalating tension between Ethiopia on the one hand, and Sudan and Egypt on the other. Against the background of new conflict dynamics in the Horn of Africa, this dispute poses a potential challenge to regional peace and security.

Ireland views the African Union (AU)-led negotiation as the best framework within which to address the concerns of the parties and develop a comprehensive agreement on the GERD. We actively support the role played by the European Union in bolstering this process, particularly through the engagement of the Office of the EU Special Representative on the Horn of Africa.

In July 2021, a second filing of the GERD took place in Ethiopia, leading Sudan and Egypt to increase diplomatic efforts to secure Security Council engagement. The Council discussed the issue on 8 July, at the request of Tunisia. This was followed by a Presidential Statement, adopted on 15 September, which reinforces the key role of the AU in facilitating the parties to reach a mutually acceptable and binding agreement.

Ireland will continue to monitor the situation closely through our missions accredited to Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, and look for ways to continue to support the AU-led process on the GERD, including through EU engagement as an observer to the talks.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 8.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 23.
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