Thursday, 18 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1-34

Passport Services

Questions (7)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in the provision of passports for children (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56350/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Section 14(1) of the Passports Act 2008, requires evidence of the consent of a child’s guardians before a passport can be issued to them by the Passport Service.

In the case of the applications raised by the Deputy, incomplete Child Passport Identity and Consent forms were submitted.

It is essential that the Passport Service receives evidence of consent of a child's guardians duly witnessed and that consent is verified correctly before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.

In this case, the Passport Service contacted the parent of the children on 6 November 2021, explaining the problem with the Child Passport Identity and Consent forms and requesting that new forms be correctly completed and returned. These will be processed immediately once received.

In recent years we have been monitoring and mitigating issues that arise for applicants during the online and paper based passport application process. We regularly advise applicants online to ensure that their consent form is correctly witnessed at the final stage of the online process.

Comprehensive instructions on how to complete these identity and consent forms are available on my Department's website (www.dfa.ie/passports/) and are also available to the applicant as they go through the online application process.

In summary, it is a three step process

1. One of the child’s guardians must accompany the child to an appropriate witness;

2. The witness must know the child, confirm the child’s identity and

3. Witness the signature of the guardian or guardians who have accompanied the child by completing, signing and stamping the relevant sections of the online or paper application form.

If the second guardian is not present, they can, if necessary, ask another appropriate witness to witness their consent separately.

Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, answered orally.

Foreign Policy

Questions (15)

Joan Collins

Question:

15. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will notify the Israeli government of Ireland’s objection and opposition to the forcible transfer and major dispossession of Palestinian property in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem (details supplied). [56446/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am concerned by the situation in and around East Jerusalem where tensions remain high.

Palestinian residents in the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan have faced a longstanding threat of eviction. Settlement expansion in sensitive areas such as E1 around Jerusalem undermine the viability of a two-State solution.

During my recent visit to the region, I saw at first-hand the impact on Palestinian communities. In my meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, I conveyed in clear terms my concerns about the situation in East Jerusalem. I raised the recent announcement of plans for over 3,000 new housing units and called on the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity, which is illegal under international law as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2334.

Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah regularly visit Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, along with other diplomatic representatives and continue to monitor the situation closely, including attending legal proceedings on eviction cases. Ireland also funds a number of civil society partners that are active on human rights issues, which impact specifically on Palestinians in East Jerusalem, including in relation to evictions.

The Government's support for the Dáil motion earlier this year, declaring that Israel’s settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territory amounts to unlawful de facto annexation, reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact.

I have raised these issues with my EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council and at the Security Council. Following recent settlement announcements, Ireland supported a request for the matter to be discussed at the Security Council on 8 November. The UN Deputy Special Coordinator in Jerusalem, Lynn Hastings, briefed the Council. Ireland underlined our concerns at the impact of this development on the viability of a future Palestinian State. Together with EU members of the Council as well as Norway and incoming member, Albania, Ireland made a joint press statement after the Council meeting highlighting the illegality of such settlements and calling for an end to them.

Foreign Policy

Questions (16, 23, 24)

Pauline Tully

Question:

16. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call in the Israeli Ambassador to raise with them the detention of six Palestinian men who are currently on hunger strike under administrative detention which allows these men to be held indefinitely without charge, without trial and without evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56503/21]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the European Union is proposing action against Israel on the issue of Palestinian hunger strikers and demanding an end to their administrative detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56568/21]

Gino Kenny

Question:

24. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had engagement with his counterparts in the European Union on the situation of Palestinian hunger strikers that are demanding an end to their administrative detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56567/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 23 and 24 together.

I am aware of the Palestinian prisoners currently engaging in a hunger strike to protest their arrest under the Israeli policy of administrative detention, including the concerns raised by the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the health of a number of these prisoners. I welcome the news that one of the individuals concerned has recently reached an agreement with the Israeli authorities to end his strike.

I share the concerns raised by EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on 16 November regarding the deteriorating health conditions of the detainees .

Irish officials are monitoring this matter, in cooperation with partners on the ground. Ireland supports the statement by the EU Delegation in Jerusalem on 5 November, calling on Israel to respect international law and avoid loss of life in this case, and reiterating the right of all detainees to a fair trial.

I support the call made on October by UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to end completely the practice of administrative detention.

Ireland, and the EU, have repeatedly raised the treatment of Palestinian prisoners with the Israeli authorities. At the Human Rights Council, Ireland has called on the Israeli authorities, in accordance with their obligations under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to refrain from conducting arbitrary arrests and to follow the acceptable procedure established by law regarding arrest and detention.

Both Ireland and the EU also provide financial support to NGOs in Israel and in oPt who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to light.

Question No. 17 answered orally.

Passport Services

Questions (18)

Michael Ring

Question:

18. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications submitted in 2021 to date that were found to have an error on the consent form at checking stage; if he has plans to simplify the consent form or amend it to reduce possible future errors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56299/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Under Section 14(1) of the Passports Act 2008, the consent of a child’s guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport.

The Passport Service does not currently record the incidence of errors in consent forms at the important checking and validation stage. Our focus is always on the verification of consent which is vital to protect the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and the guardians.

The Passport Service monitors and seeks to improve issues that arise for applicants during the online and paper based passport application process. The Passport Service advises applicants during the online application process to make sure that the consent form is correctly witnessed once they have completed the online process.

The Passport Service provides instructions on how to correctly complete these forms on the Department's website

(www.dfa.ie/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/ ).

In addition to this, the Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and regularly offers training and guidance to Gardaí on the correct completion of the required identity and consent forms.

International Agreements

Questions (19)

Brendan Smith

Question:

19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to implement in full the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56352/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

It has been the consistent position of the Government that the Stormont House Agreement provides a balanced and comprehensive framework to address the legacy of the Troubles. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be implemented – for the families and victims who have waited for too long.

We have taken every opportunity in our regular engagements with the British Government at all levels to set out this position.

As agreed at the BIIGC on 24 June, the Government joined the British Government and the Northern Irish parties in a process of engagement of these issues, with discussions beginning in July. The intention is to find an agreed way forward that will allow implementing legislation to be introduced in both the UK and Ireland.

As we have consistently stated, a statute of limitations as proposed by the UK Government in their Command Paper is not something the Government can support. It is important to say that there has been a clear message from victims groups throughout this process that this cannot be the way forward. It has also been strongly and publicly opposed by all the parties.

It would also go against the conclusions of the UK Government’s own extensive public consultation in Northern Ireland on legacy legislation in 2019. There would be very serious questions as to whether such an approach would be consistent with the obligations of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is itself a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. We believe it would face well-founded legal challenges, causing further years of uncertainly and pain for families.

We have consistently said that we are ready to engage with concerns or issues to do with the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement but any such changes must be discussed and agreed by the parties and both Governments. It is vital that any approach is collective if it is to work, and crucially, that it meets both the needs of victims and our shared international human rights obligations.

It is crucial now to come back to the table at the level of political leaders to discuss next steps and find a way forward, with the two governments and the parties, that meets the needs of victims, and is based on the principles of justice, reconciliation and the rule of law. We have a responsibility to seek an agreed approach, for those families who have waited for too long.

European Union

Questions (20)

John Lahart

Question:

20. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the second Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Europe. [56376/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I participated in the second Plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe which was held on 23 October in Strasbourg as a hybrid event. My colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, also participated as the second Government representative at the session. Also in attendance were the four Oireachtas representatives to the Plenary: Senator Alice-Mary Higgins; Ruairí Ó Murchú T.D.; Neale Richmond T.D.; and Niamh Smyth T.D., along with Ireland’s National Citizen Representative, Noelle O’Connell.

The Conference Plenary comprises representatives from the European Commission, the Council, the European and national parliaments, and the National Citizen Representatives from all 27 member states as well as representatives of EU social and regional bodies.

The second Plenary’s agenda covered reporting on both member states’ Conference events and the meetings of the four Citizens’ Panels held to date as well as a discussion on the Conference’s multilingual Digital Platform.

Meetings of the Plenary Working Groups, held 22 October, preceded the Plenary session. There are nine Working Groups, each one focusing on one of the nine Conference themes. The Groups provide Plenary representatives with a chance for discussion of ideas, which in turn feeds in to proceedings at the Plenary.

At my request, I have been nominated to serve as a member of the Working Group on Digital Transformation while Minister Hackett, as Ireland’s second Ministerial representative, participated in the European Democracy Working Group.

In my intervention at the Plenary session, I urged greater engagement with the Conference. I also highlighted the useful opportunity for discussion the digital platform provides while additionally noting the scope for further initiatives associated with the Platform such as greater live-streaming of events.

The Plenaries play an important role in the Conference process as they provide representatives with the chance to consider the ideas emerging from the citizens’ discussions on Europe’s future facilitated by the Conference.

The next Conference Plenary session will be held 17-18 December.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (21)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

21. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are being taken to rectify some of the impact the disruption to the operation of the foreign birth register during Covid-19 has had on applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56529/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as of Monday, 15th November, the processing of Foreign Birth Registration resumed on a phased basis. My Department is fully committed to allocating additional resources over the coming weeks and months to assist with processing of the high volume of applications anticipated and the current level of applications on hand. There are currently 32,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications on hand with the Passport Service.

Throughout the pandemic, the Foreign Birth Registration Service considered all urgent requests to expedite an application on a case by case basis, in cases such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 5,000 emergency Foreign Birth Registration applications have been processed in 2021.

Demand for Foreign Birth Registration services reached unprecedented levels following the Brexit referendum in 2016. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for Foreign Birth Registration applications stood at 18 months.

This processing time is due to the unprecedented peak in applications as a result of Brexit and to the rigorous validation both of identity and citizenship status which experienced staff at the Passport Service apply to all citizenship applications.

I am confident that the phased reopening of Foreign Birth Registration services will see improvements in the experience of applicants for citizenship and a return to pre-pandemic processing times. I want to express appreciation for the work of the Foreign Birth Registration teams in assisting in the provision of urgent passport and contact tracing services during the pandemic. So far this year, those teams have operated both an urgent Foreign Birth Registration service and assisted in the delivery of over 500,000 passports as part of our expanded essential passport services operation.

Passport Services

Questions (22, 26, 30, 39, 50, 67, 68, 69)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons awaiting their passport to issue; the measures being taken to address the current backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56468/21]

Colm Burke

Question:

26. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work being carried out by his Department to ensure speedy processing of passport applications and minimising delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56296/21]

Michael Ring

Question:

30. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Passport Office plans to reduce the length of time it takes for corrected documentation to be uploaded to a passport application; if these applications which have been already been initially checked can be processed immediately on receipt of the corrected information rather than the turnaround time being extended further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56348/21]

Michael McNamara

Question:

39. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas are restricted to making five enquiries regarding passport applications per week even in circumstances in which the enquiries relate to passport applications which have already exceeded the stated timeframe for processing. [56302/21]

James O'Connor

Question:

50. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the speed of applications being processed through the Passport Office; his views on the best way to improve to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56561/21]

Alan Farrell

Question:

67. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the issues with passport express; the way these may be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56506/21]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

68. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an update will be provided on the expected new target delivery of passports following the announcement that over 450 new staff will be hired within the passport service; the way in which the passport service is preparing for the expected busiest year ever in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56290/21]

Michael McNamara

Question:

69. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas are restricted to making five enquiries regarding passport applications per week; and the reason a follow-up query regarding the same application is considered a new query. [56303/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26, 30, 39, 50, 67, 68 and 69 together.

Passport Service operations were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were many Government Services. Notwithstanding that disruption and despite the fact that the processing of passports requires physical distance on site to deliver this service during Level 5 restrictions, the Passport Service maintained operations throughout the pandemic. Passport Service staff also maintained contact with citizens and provided emergency passport services at all times since the onset of the pandemic.

The Passport Service has issued over half a million passports to date in 2021 and 45% of simple adult renewals issue within one business day.

The current passport processing times are:

- 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals

- 15 working days for Complex renewals

- 40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online

- 8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service

The passport processing times are based on current average application turnaround times and apply to passport applications that are fully complete, where all required supporting documentation has been correctly submitted to the Passport Service by the applicant.

There are currently 98,000 online applications and 10,000 paper applications on hand with the Passport Service. Applications can take longer than the average turnaround time if applicants have not provided all of the required documentation to correctly complete their application. Of the online applications, 34,000 or 35% of applications are incomplete and require the applicant to submit additional documents. The Passport Service engages with all applicants who have not submitted the required documentation to ensure that their application is completed correctly and can proceed through the processing system.

Of the online applications that are currently with the Passport Service for processing, approximately 7% are past the estimated issue-by date. These applications are being prioritised by the Passport Service who are working very hard to eliminate these delays.

The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants. Preparation is currently underway for several system and service improvements that will enhance the customer service experience and will improve processing times. A particular improvement that will be of interest to Deputies is a change to the documentary management process that will reduce the turnaround time when additional documents need to be submitted by the applicant. These improvements will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.

In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.

Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand remains a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review. My Department is actively working with the Public Appointments Service on an ongoing basis to recruit and assign additional staff to meet the current and forecasted high demand for passports. Additional permanent and temporary officers will be assigned between now and the end of January 2022, bringing total staff numbers to 920 and effectively doubling the number of staff at the Passport Service since June of this year.

In addition, the Passport Service is working with relevant divisions within my Department to ensure the health and safety of all staff and is finalising plans in co-operation with the OPW to ensure that additional staff will be accommodated to meet the anticipated increased demand for passports expected in 2022.

With regard to the dedicated passport phone line, as Deputies will be aware a temporary line has been established to respond to queries on urgent passports cases.

For operational reasons queries on this temporary line are restricted to fifteen per week, this was previously 5 per week. The Emergency Passport service remains available in cases of medical emergency or death of a family member abroad. In addition, the Passport Offices in Mount St, Dublin 2 and in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. To avail of the Urgent Appointment Service for Passport Renewal, applicants can book an appointment through the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.ie/passports). Over 800 urgent appointments have been facilitated since the Passport Service launched this service on 27th September 2021.

My Department fully recognises that Passport Express, and Northern Ireland Passport Express, continue to be an important channel for applicants who do not wish to use the online system or who have limited digital skills. Demand for the Passport Express service has fallen significantly since 2019 as more applicants choose Passport Online and benefit from the faster turnaround times available through this efficient online service.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built in the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is consistently up to four times faster than the processing time of a paper application.

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

I urge citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to ensure that they apply in plenty of time. In the case of people planning to travel in 2022, whose passports are already out of date or who have children who are first-time applicants, I would encourage them to apply now online.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 16.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 16.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (25, 51)

John Brady

Question:

25. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts Ireland is making at both European Union level and at the United Nations Security Council to bring an end to the conflict in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56495/21]

David Stanton

Question:

51. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the efforts being made by Ireland at the United Nations to help to resolve the crisis situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56184/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 51 together.

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

Ireland along with all EU member states fully supports the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg in his efforts to secure a nationwide ceasefire, and the resumption of an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, as set out in relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).

As part of our role on the Security Council, Ireland is maintaining a very high level of engagement on Yemen with key parties in the region. I have engaged extensively with both the Government of Yemen and countries of the region this year to urge them to work urgently and constructively towards a sustainable peace. At the High Level Week in New York in September, I met with the Foreign Ministers of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran, urging all to support efforts towards peace in Yemen. I also held discussions with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg in Amman on 4 November where he updated me on the worsening security situation in the country.

The EU also continues its active diplomatic outreach to relevant actors in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. During his visit to the Gulf from 30 September – 4 October, EU HRVP Josef Borrell reiterated European Union support to the UN-led peace efforts.

Ireland will continue to support all efforts towards peace in Yemen, including at the Security Council, where we have consistently called on all parties to engage urgently and seriously with the UN led process.

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 22.

Northern Ireland

Questions (27)

Patrick Costello

Question:

27. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government in view of the British plans to issue an amnesty for troubles related crimes will legislate for legacy mechanisms with specific reference to the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval. [56581/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

It has been the consistent position of the Government that the Stormont House Agreement provides a balanced and comprehensive framework to address to the legacy of the Troubles. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be fully implemented – for the families and victims who have waited for too long.

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.

It is crucial that we find a way forward with the two governments and the parties that meets the needs of victims, and is based on the principles of justice, reconciliation and the rule of law. We have a responsibility to seek an agreed approach, for those families who have waited for too long.

Northern Ireland

Questions (28)

Brendan Smith

Question:

28. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the long-standing concerns of the families of the victims of the Springhill Westrock Massacre of July 1972 in relation to the totally unacceptable delay in holding an inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56353/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Every family bereaved in the conflict, including the family members of the victims of those shot dead in Springhill Westrock in Belfast on 9 July 1972, must have access to an effective investigation and to a process of justice regardless of the perpetrator. All victims’ families deserve support in securing all the information possible about what happened to their loved ones.

Last July marked the 49th anniversary of the Springhill Westrock massacre, which saw Margaret Gargan, John Dougal, David McCafferty, Patrick Butler and Fr Noel Fitzpatrick lose their lives. Their deaths at Springhill were part of the tragic legacy of the Troubles which saw the loss of over 3500 lives from all communities.

The Government welcomed the announcement in 2014 of a new inquest into the deaths of the five Springhill victims by the then Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin. It is understood that earlier this year, the case was listed for a pre-inquest hearing, which is expected to take place in the next 12-18 months. It is a matter of disappointment and frustration that it has taken this long for the family's case to reach this stage. The outcome of the Ballymurphy Inquest demonstrated what can still be achieved on these complex legacy cases all these years later, and the impact that it can have.

As agreed at the BIIGC on 24 June, the Government joined the British Government and the Northern Irish parties in a process of intensive engagement on legacy issues, with discussions beginning in July. The intention is to find an agreed way forward that will allow implementing legislation to be introduced in both the UK and Ireland by the end of this Autumn.

As we have consistently stated, a statute of limitations and the discontinuation of inquests, as proposed by the UK Government in their Command Paper ,is not something that the Government can support. It is important to say that there has been a clear message from victims groups throughout this process that this cannot be the way forward. It has also been strongly and publicly opposed by all the parties.

We have consistently said that we are ready to engage with concerns or issues to do with the implementation of the Stormont House agreement but any such changes must be discussed and agreed by the parties and both Governments. It is vital that any approach is collective if it is to work, and crucially, that it meets both the needs of victims and our shared international human rights obligations.

United Nations

Questions (29, 45, 47, 53)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

29. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland has taken at the United Nations Security Council and at the European Union to help bring an end to the conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; the funding Ireland has provided in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56297/21]

Bríd Smith

Question:

45. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had correspondence with the Irish Ambassador in Addis Ababa regarding the situation facing the Tigray in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56573/21]

Gino Kenny

Question:

47. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to raise the situation in northern Ethiopia with the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56565/21]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had an engagement with either the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or the Ethiopian authorities regarding the current situation pertaining to the Tigray people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56569/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 45, 47 and 53 together.

I am gravely concerned by the worsening situation in Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia, including the recent escalation in military operations and declaration of a state of emergency which are magnifying the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Through our bilateral engagements, as well as within the European Union and at the UN Security Council, Ireland continues to advocate for urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and political dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict. Accountability for violations of international law committed by all parties, including as described in the recent joint Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Ethiopian Human Rights Commission report, is essential.

There has been a shocking rise in hate speech, arbitrary arrests and detentions, including of UN staff, and other acts likely to fuel tensions. Human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms are universal and inalienable values that States must uphold. No individual should be deprived of their liberty without legal authority, or without necessary procedural protections. Reason for detention must be provided promptly to those affected, as well as access to legal counsel and the right to have the lawfulness of the detention reviewed by a court. If not, those detained should be released.

It is clear there can be no military solution to this crisis. I strongly support the efforts of African Union Envoy, the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, to mediate a way forward, supported by key regional actors.

Ireland has been to the fore of efforts to address the conflict at the Security Council. On 5 November, we secured agreement on the first Council statement in six months on the situation, which called for a cessation of hostilities and ceasefire negotiations, alongside respect of international humanitarian law, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, the re-establishment of public services, and the scaling up of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland continue to push for a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis. At the Foreign Affairs Council in October and again earlier this week, Minister Coveney emphasised the need to ensure humanitarian access, to halt the fighting, and to incentivise dialogue —including through possible use of restrictive measures if required.

As the conflict extends further throughout the country, my Department has issued a travel advisory for citizens not to travel to Ethiopia. Ireland’s Embassy in Addis Ababa is in regular ongoing contact with Ministers and officials, and continues to provide vital consular support for Irish citizens in the country.

To date, Ireland has provided over €4.4 million in humanitarian aid to Tigray and Amhara and for refugees in neighbouring Sudan. We will continue to prioritise humanitarian need while this crisis persists.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 22.

European Union

Questions (31)

John Brady

Question:

31. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland will be advocating for at European Union level in response to ongoing efforts by the right-wing Polish government to undermine the judiciary in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56493/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland is very concerned by recent reforms to Poland’s justice system. We have consistently underlined the importance of upholding core EU values including the rule of law. An independent judiciary that can exercise its function without interference is a core tenet of the rule of law.

Ireland has expressed this position through active participation in the Article 7 hearings at the General Affairs Council regarding developments of concern in Poland’s justice system. We will continue to engage in dialogue on this matter at EU level.

In July, the European Court of Justice determined that the Supreme Court Disciplinary Chamber in Poland, which substantially altered the country’s disciplinary regime for judges, was not compatible with EU law and should be suspended. A subsequent decision by the Court in October required Poland to pay a daily penalty due to its failure to comply in full with the measures arising from the July judgment. Ireland has and will continue to urge Poland to comply in full with these rulings and orders.

Ireland’s position is clear - access to EU funds should be contingent on upholding EU values, particularly rule of law. We view the Regulation on a General Regime of Conditionality for the Protection of the Union Budget as fair, proportionate, and serving an important purpose in addressing challenges of the kind associated with Poland’s justice system. As such, Ireland recently intervened along with nine other Member States on the side of the Council and Parliament to oppose an action to annul the Conditionality Regulation brought by Poland and Hungary. Judgment on this case is now awaited.

Ireland also supports Commission President Von der Leyen’s recent statement that Poland must comply with the decisions of the Court of Justice including the dismantling of the Supreme Court Disciplinary Chamber to access the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Programme funds.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (32)

John Brady

Question:

32. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the clashes between junta forces and forces of the militant group in Rakhine state in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56496/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland has strongly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and 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 made three statements and 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.

I am deeply concerned by the escalation of armed conflict across Myanmar, significant deployment of the armed forces in rural areas, and an increase in clashes, causing civilian casualties and displacement. In recent weeks, tensions have increased, leading to concerns, especially in northern Rakhine, that the armed conflict will escalate in this region again. We are witnessing a daily deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the overwhelming impact of the military action is being felt by the civilian population.

I am deeply concerned for the Rohingya people, especially those within IDP camps in Rakhine State. Ireland has provided direct funding of over €7.1 million since 2017 to support the Rohingya crisis, supporting vulnerable communities living in conflict affected areas of Rakhine state and Rohingya refugee settlements in Bangladesh. Our support has focused on food, nutrition, shelter, water and sanitation. We have consistently voiced support for international efforts towards ensuring accountability and justice in Myanmar and we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

Ireland is active in multilateral fora to highlight the situation in Myanmar, including in our role as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council. The Council has considered the situation in Myanmar seven times since the coup, most recently on 8 November 2021, after which a Press Statement was issued. The European Union also issued a statement of 8 November calling for an immediate end to violence.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (33)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland’s overseas aid programme bilateral and multilateral continues to meet the needs of the populace in the various locations for which it is intended with particular reference to the need to alleviate starvation and human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56456/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA), is directed through multilateral and bilateral channels, to countries and people who are in greatest need. There is a specific emphasis across our work on addressing hunger and ensuring human rights are met. This is reflected in A Better World, Ireland's international development policy, which identifies food as a key area for intervention, and asserts our intention to reach those that are furthest behind first in all our work.

Our ability to follow-through on these commitments in practice is evident in, for example, the high proportion of Irish Aid funding which targets least developed and low income countries. Where the average DAC member's bilateral allocation to these countries is just under one quarter, half of Irish ODA is bilateral aid to low income and least developed countries. Irish ODA also places a strong emphasis on fragile contexts, where the scourge of hunger is most prevalent. In 2020, Ireland spent more than €193 million on projects that addressed hunger.

Our commitment to, and ability to deliver on, a needs-based allocation of development assistance is also internationally recognised. In 2020, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) highlighted Ireland as "an excellent humanitarian partner", with its funding models a "useful inspiration for other DAC donors".

Last year, the respected international think-tank ODI assessed the characteristics of ODA expenditure in leading donors and found Ireland to be the most principled donor, noting specifically Ireland's needs-based approach.

Nearly one-tenth of the world’s population, or over 800 million people, are undernourished. During September’s Food Systems Summit, Ireland played a key role in championing action on hunger, and particularly the most severe form of malnutrition- wasting.

Ireland is also championing a human-rights based approach to hunger, through our work at the UN Security Council on Resolution 2417 on hunger and conflict, as well as at the EU, UN and Council of Europe.

Passport Services

Questions (34)

Matt Carthy

Question:

34. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of outstanding passport applicants that were submitted more than one, two, three, four, five and six months ago; and the envisaged timeframe to clear the backlog in passport applications. [56439/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The data requested by Deputy Carthy is outlined in tabular form below. The figures cover the number of passport applications received from May to October 2021 that are currently with the Passport Service. The table also sets out for comparative purposes the numbers of passports issued in the same months.

Over half a million passports have been issued in 2021 to date.

The Passport Service is currently experiencing high demand for first time passports with 64% of applications coming from first time applicants, the majority of which were received in October and late September and are still within the processing time of 40 working days. First time applications are complex to process, since they are essentially applications for Irish citizenship. Accordingly, a rigorous process is in place to verify the identity of the applicant and their entitlement to Irish citizenship. In the case of first time applications for children, the consent of guardians must also be thoroughly validated.

Applications can take longer if applicants have not provided the required documentation to complete their application. Currently, 35% of all online applicants and 45% of first time applicants have not submitted the documents needed to issue their passport. These applications cannot be moved forward and processed until the applicants have submitted the necessary documentation.

Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand remains a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review. My Department is actively working with the Public Appointments Service on an ongoing basis to recruit and assign additional staff to meet the current and forecasted high demand for passports. Additional permanent and temporary officers will be assigned between now and the end of January 2022, bringing total staff to 920 and effectively doubling the number of staff at the Passport Service since June of this year.

Month	Passports issued	Applications on hand at 15/11/21
September 2021	76,802	18,500
August 2021	76,519	12,400
July 2021	73,676	9,800
June 2021	63,953	6,900
May 2021	77,152	1,400