Thursday, 18 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 35-57

United Nations

Questions (36)

Richard Bruton

Question:

36. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role the United Nations can take to protect citizens and their rights in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55589/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Afghanistan faces multiple human rights, security and economic situation challenges, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN is playing a vital role in all these areas.

The absence of many non-governmental organisations, civil society networks, and diplomatic missions from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of Kabul has made the role of the UN in monitoring developments inside Afghanistan, including on human rights, is particularly important. Representatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have met with high-ranking members of the Taliban administration in recent weeks to highlight Afghanistan’s human rights obligations under international law. UNAMA personnel have also engaged with key contacts at regional level on human rights. Upholding human rights and the protection of civilians within the maintenance of international peace and security are key priorities of Ireland’s Security Council term. Ireland has expressed its grave concerns at reports from Afghanistan on curtailments of human rights, at intimidation and violence against minorities, at repression of peaceful protests and self-censorship by Afghan journalists. We have also underlined that Afghan women and girls must be treated as equal citizens, with full and equal access to education, to healthcare, to freedom of movement and participation in public life.

The UN Human Rights Council met in special session last August and adopted a resolution on strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan. During its October session, the EU led a resolution on the “Situation of human rights in Afghanistan” that establishes a mandate for a Special Rapporteur, to be appointed at the March 2022 session. In an oral update during the session, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, pledged her commitment to “continu(ing) to work to the full extent of our capacity to monitor the rights of the Afghan people and assist, wherever possible, in protecting and advancing those rights”. In its engagement in all international fora, and especially the UN Security Council, Ireland will continue to prioritise the rights of Afghans and will work to ensure the fullest access by UNAMA to continue its critical monitoring and reporting from Afghanistan to ensure that human rights are protected and defended.

Departmental Projects

Questions (37)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

37. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has evacuated all Irish citizens from Afghanistan. [56320/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

A total of 107 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted in evacuating Afghanistan since the crisis broke in mid-August. There are 12 citizens and dependents currently seeking support in exiting Afghanistan. A small number of citizens wish to remain in the country.

My Department, including through our Embassy in Abu Dhabi, continues to work with EU Member States and partners in the region to support the ongoing evacuation efforts. We are appreciative of the continuing cooperation with the Government of Qatar in this regard.

Brexit Issues

Questions (38)

Colm Burke

Question:

38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport cards will still be recognised as a valid travel document by the United Kingdom going forward post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56295/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Under the Common Travel Area arrangements Irish and British citizens can move, live, work and study freely within the Common Travel Area.

Border controls at British entry points are a matter for the British authorities.

The British government advises that Irish citizens do not need to show their passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, Irish citizens may be asked to show documentation that confirms their identity and nationality. Such documents may include:

- a valid Irish passport or passport card

- a copy of Irish passport or passport card with identity and nationality clearly visible

- an expired Irish passport or passport card

- evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

Other forms of identity may be accepted and British authorities advise that these are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

Some airlines and other carriers require that Irish citizens have a valid passport to travel with them to the United Kingdom. Travellers should check with their airline regarding specific travel document requirements before travelling.

Question No. 39 answered with question No. 22

Question No. 40 answered orally.

Departmental Communications

Questions (41)

Gino Kenny

Question:

41. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on engagement he has had with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus on the situation facing migrants on the Belarussian-Polish border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56564/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Taoiseach, Minister Byrne and I have had no recent bilateral contacts with the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Makei.

It is important to engage at different levels to stop the weaponisation of migration, and Ireland’s engagement on this issue has been multilateral, through both the UN and EU. Through our membership of the UN Security Council, we co-sponsored a discussion on this matter at the Security Council only last week. Ireland has supported the graduated imposition of EU restrictive measures against the Belarusian regime since October 2020. EU Foreign Ministers agreed a broadened listings criteria for the application of sanctions at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 15 November. Ireland is co-sponsoring this fifth package of EU sanctions, which are being introduced in direct response to the instrumentalisation of migrants. We also support EU outreach to countries of origin to stem the flow of migrants to Belarus, by communicating the considerable risks and dangers associated with facilitating irregular migration.The Taoiseach and I, and most recently Minister of State Byrne, have all met with leading opposition figure Ms. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to demonstrate Ireland’s solidarity and support for civil society in Belarus in these difficult times.

United Nations

Questions (42, 55, 56)

Pauline Tully

Question:

42. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to ensure that the United Nations Security Council brings pressure to bear on the leaders of the coup in Sudan to make way for the civilian government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and also use their influence with regional allies of the Sudanese junta to withdraw their financial support for the military regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56504/21]

John Brady

Question:

55. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the response to the recent coup in Sudan; the efforts Ireland is making at European Union level and at the United Nations Security Council to push for a negotiated return to democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56494/21]

Gino Kenny

Question:

56. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to raise the coup in Sudan at the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56566/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 55 and 56 together.

Last month’s military coup was a major setback to Sudan’s hard-won democratic transition. The military leadership’s violent crackdown on the country’s civilian and civil society leadership, mass detention of protestors and methodical dismantling of transitional institutions are unacceptable.

It is vital that the international community send a strong message: the democratic transition must be restored and all those unlawfully detained must be released. Ireland continues to stress this at the United Nations and within the European Union. Sudan’s democratic transition is too important to fail, for the people of Sudan, and for the stability of the Horn of Africa region as a whole.

Ireland supported a Security Council Press Statement on 28 October condemning the coup, and was unequivocal in denouncing the action by Sudan’s military leaders at two Council meetings on Sudan, most recently on 11 November. We continue to keep further Council action under consideration, as we support the mediation efforts of the African Union, United Nations and EU envoys.

We have also pushed for a strong EU response. High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on 26 October on behalf of the 27 EU member States warning of serious consequences if the move to dismantle the transitional government was not reversed. At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 November Minister Coveney discussed the need to incentivise a return to the path to democracy, including exploring all tools at our disposal.

Ireland is ready to consider further restrictive or financial measures, including under the EU’s Global Human Rights sanctions regime, while keeping in mind the increasing humanitarian needs on the ground.

We also remain concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation. At the Human Rights Council Special Session on Sudan on 5 November, Ireland urged the military authorities to respect the rights of peaceful assembly and return to the full implementation of the Constitutional Document and the Juba Peace Agreement.

As the crisis evolves, my officials, including through our Embassy in Nairobi accredited to Sudan, will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with our partners for a cohesive collective response and restoration of the democratic transition.

United Nations

Questions (43)

Richard Bruton

Question:

43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role the United Nations can usefully take to protect citizens and their rights in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55588/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland strongly condemns the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and its attempts to legitimise the military regime. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that has taken years to establish. Ireland is actively engaging in our role as an elected member of the Security Council to call on all sides to refrain from violence, and to fully respect human rights and comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

The situation in Myanmar has been considered seven times by the United Nations Security Council, most recently on 8 November 2021, after which a Press Statement was issued. The Council has expressed deep concern regarding developments in Myanmar, condemning the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. It is welcome that the Security Council has taken a united position on this crisis, sending a strong message to the Myanmar military. Ireland was also a member of the core group of nations who proposed the June 2021 United Nations General Assembly resolution which called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar.

The situation remains on the agenda of the Security Council and we will continue to work with partners in search of a resolution. My officials also maintain regular contact with civil society organisations in Myanmar, and with those working to alleviate the humanitarian crisis there.

Military rule opens scope for further human rights abuses in Myanmar and Ireland has voiced its concern at four sessions of the Human Rights Council since February 2021. Ireland has consistently voiced support for international efforts towards ensuring accountability and justice in Myanmar, including the ongoing processes at the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Ireland will continue to work actively to use our influence with partners and through our position on the Security Council to promote the rule of law and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.

Foreign Policy

Questions (44)

Dara Calleary

Question:

44. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Israel’s plans for the construction of around 3,000 settlement units in the West Bank. [56510/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements and will continue to do so. Settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions threaten the viability of a two-state solution.

Ireland has expressed serious concern in relation to the recent announcements by Israeli authorities of plans for the construction of more than 3,000 settlement units in the West Bank. On 28 October, Ireland joined 11 other European states in issuing a statement urging the Israeli authorities to reverse the decision.

I saw myself on my recent visit to the occupied Palestinian territory the impact that settlements are having on Palestinian communities and on the viability of a future Palestinian State. I am particularly concerned about developments in strategically sensitive areas around East Jerusalem.

During my recent visit to the region, I met with Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid. I conveyed in clear terms my concern at recent announcements and called on the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity, which is illegal under international law. Ireland will continue to raise the issue at the Security Council, as well as at EU level. Ireland supported a call for the Security Council to discuss the recent announcements and this meeting took place on 8 November.

The UN Deputy Special Coordinator briefed the Council on the issue and Ireland underlined the illegality of the settlements at the meeting. Ireland joined EU Members of the Council in a Joint Press Statement together with Norway and incoming member Albania, following the meeting of the Security Council, which urged Israel to halt settlement activity.

Question No. 45 answered with question No. 29.

Climate Change Negotiations

Questions (46)

David Stanton

Question:

46. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the participation of his Department at the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow; his views on the way in which the Conference proposals will help to progress collective international climate action efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56183/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department was actively involved in both the preparations for, and the discussions at, COP26 in Glasgow this year. Both Minister Coveney and I each attended in Glasgow for one day, participating in stakeholder events and also having bilateral meetings.

Ahead of COP26, my Department worked closely with officials in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which leads on climate issues, as well as with other relevant Departments and Agencies to prepare Ireland’s priorities and position.

Ireland is represented by the European Union at the UN Climate Conference. My Department engaged in EU working groups and related negotiations at COP26 on issues on which the Department of Foreign Affairs leads for the Government, such as: climate change adaptation; Loss and Damage associated with climate change impact; and climate finance to support developing countries to address climate change.

Ahead of and during COP26, my Department was particularly active in drawing attention to the urgent need to scale up financial support to climate adaptation in developing countries. This effort was most prominent through The Champions Group on Adaptation Finance which I officially launched at the UN General Assembly in September this year, together with the Governments of Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.

There was notable progress made at COP26 on adaptation financing, including through strong language in the Glasgow Climate Pact for developed countries to collectively at least double their adaptation finance by 2025. Pledges to the Adaptation Fund at this COP were $356 million, exceeding all expectations. Similarly, the Least Developed Countries Fund raised $413 million. Ireland announced new pledges to both funds, with a record €10 million for the Adaptation Fund (from DECC) and €2.5 million for the Least Developed Countries Fund (from DFA).

As with many previous UN Climate Conferences, the overall outcome from the Glasgow COP is mixed. This is partly due to the reality that the COP is a multilateral process that requires endorsement of 197 countries. As a result, the Glasgow Climate Pact attempts to strike a balance between increasing climate ambition and sufficiently supporting developing countries to address the growing impacts of climate change.

Some of the most notable features of the Glasgow Climate Pact include:

- An ambitious work programme to cut emissions this decade;

- Renewed commitments to increase climate finance to achieve the $100bn goal per annum, and a doubling of adaptation finance to support developing countries;

- Finalising the governance of the Paris Agreement;

- New provisions to address fossil fuel subsidies and unabated coal;

- Establishing the Santiago Network to provide technical assistance to support developing countries on loss and damage caused through climate change; and

- Providing for a future dialogue to discuss funding arrangements to avert, minimise and address loss and damage.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 29.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (48)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

48. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made in the Nordic Strategy. [56488/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I launched the “Global Ireland: A Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025” in June 2021. This Strategy is a whole of Government approach to our engagement with the Nordic region, which encompasses Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The Nordic region is one with which Ireland has long-standing ties and shares similar values in the areas of peace, security and in our joint attachment to a rules-based international order. This is currently well reflected in our close cooperation with Norway as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the period 2021-22. The Nordic Strategy reflects Ireland’s goal of increasing our engagement with the Nordic states through deepening cooperation in trade, tourism, education, science and culture.

Following the launch of the Strategy, officials in my Department have been engaging with stakeholders in other Departments, State agencies, and our diplomatic missions in the Nordic region, as well as Nordic diplomatic missions accredited to Ireland to draft actions to fulfil the commitments of the Strategy. This work will be completed shortly. The Nordic Strategy will require close collaboration with the five Nordic governments. My officials are in close contact with relevant counterparts. The Nordic Strategy was welcomed by the Nordic Governments with great enthusiasm and senior Nordic Government representatives participated in the launch of the Strategy on 2 June.

My Department is already implementing commitments from the Strategy including jointly hosting the next Ireland/Nordic-Baltic 8 conference in December with the involvement of the Nordic and Baltic embassies based in Dublin. We have also initiated a programme of ministerial and official engagements with our Nordic counterparts. I also wish to acknowledge the recent and very welcome decision by the Government of Sweden to re-open its resident Embassy in Dublin, which was closed in 2010. This will be an additional resource for engagement with a key Nordic partner and will assist us in driving forward the Nordic Strategy in the years ahead.

European Union

Questions (49)

Marian Harkin

Question:

49. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland and the European Union are taking to support political prisoners in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56459/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland has condemned the unjust detention of political prisoners in Belarus. We are committed to keeping the situation in the country high on the international agenda. It is unacceptable that the current regime detains individuals without due cause or process. Freedom of expression is a core element of civil society space which is a leading foreign policy priority for Ireland.

I know many members of the Oireachtas have 'adopted' political prisoners and I commend them for maintaining awareness of their plight.

Ireland has raised this and related issues at multiple international fora, including at informal meetings of United Nations Security Council members, sponsoring “Arria formula” discussions on Belarus. These are important ways to put additional pressure on the Lukashenko regime to adhere to their international obligations and commitments.

Ireland has also played a supporting role at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, where a successful EU-led resolution granted an investigative mandate to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to examine human rights violations. Along with our EU partners, we also secured a mandate renewal for the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus.

Finally, Ireland is co-sponsoring a fifth package of sanctions against entities and individuals complicit in the Lukashenko regime’s human rights violations.

Question No. 50 answered with question No. 22

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 25.

European Union

Questions (52)

Bríd Smith

Question:

52. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had an engagement with the European Union on the migrant situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56572/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have had extensive engagements with my European Union counterparts and with the relevant EU institutions regarding the situation of migrants at the Belarusian border over recent weeks.

On Monday, myself and other EU Foreign Affairs Ministers agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council to broaden the listings criteria for a fifth package of sanctions. The EU will now be able to target individuals and entities organising or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that facilitate illegal crossing of the EU's external borders. Ireland had co-sponsored this package which shows our solidarity with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and with those trapped at the border. This follows the EU’s progressive introduction of restrictions against the Lukashenko regime since November 2020.

Ireland also supports the European institutions in their outreach to countries of origin to stem the flow of irregular migration at source. In August, following outreach from High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles, Iraq agreed to suspend flights to Belarus. In recent days, some airlines have made commitments that will effectively ban access to their flights by potential irregular migrants. I am hopeful that in the coming weeks the EU's continuing engagement will result in a diminishing flow of migrants to Belarus.

We have also engaged at the EU level to address the humanitarian situation at the Belarus-Poland border. Ireland has expressed its support for the deployment of experts from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to the border region. I also believe that international organisations and independent monitors and journalists should be allowed to access both sides of the border

I am grateful to the Lithuanian government who facilitated Minister of State Byrne's recent visit to Lithuanian-Belarussian border. As part of that visit, Minister Byrne was able to view some migrant camps that have been established by the Lithuanian Government, to meet with the Lithuanian Border Guards and with the Lithuanian Red Cross, which this year has received a contribution of €100,000 from Irish Aid.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 29.

Foreign Policy

Questions (54)

Matt Carthy

Question:

54. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government will recognise the state of Palestine as previously committed to. [56440/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 have stated previously, 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. The timing and context for such consideration is critical.

During my visit to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Jordan from 1-5 November, I was clear in my engagement with both the new Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I urged all parties – the Palestinian leadership and Israel – to work for a two-State solution, including through strengthening Palestinian institutions, the rule of law and the process of democratic renewal, which are critical elements of state building.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 42.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 42.

Question No. 57 answered orally.