Written Answers Nos. 117-137
117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that he has had recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to security affairs in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22655/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to discuss security co-operation in the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference is an important institution of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing together the British and Irish Governments under Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement to promote bilateral co-operation on matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments. The Agreement provides for meetings of the Conference concerned with non-devolved Northern Ireland matters on which the Irish Government may put forward views and proposals. It also provides that the Conference may consider all-island cross-border co-operation on non-devolved issues.
At the most recent meetings of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (held in Dublin on 23 March 2022 and in London on 2 December 2021 which Minister McEntee also attended), there was a discussion on the current security situation in Northern Ireland with the Secretary of State. At these meetings both the Irish and British Governments noted the importance of the ongoing high level of co-operation in tackling terrorism, paramilitarism and associated criminality. Meetings of the Conference are in addition to the frequent engagements that I have with the Secretary of State on a range of issues concerning Northern Ireland. In addition, Irish officials based in Belfast at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat meet on an ongoing basis with their British counterparts to discuss security matters in Northern Ireland.
122. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the implementation of New Decade, New Approach. [22660/22]
View answerThe New Decade, New Approach agreement reached in January 2020 was a significant shared achievement in restoring the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement to full operation. As we have set out in the Programme for Government, we will work to ensure that the New Decade, New Approach agreement is implemented in full.
For our part, the Government published a series of commitments, at the time of NDNA, focused on working with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council to deliver projects that benefit people across the island, including greater connectivity between North and South; investing in the North West region and in border communities; supporting the Irish language in Northern Ireland; and supporting reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process. Although Covid 19 has been the understandable focus for much of the time since the NDNA agreement was reached, nevertheless progress has been made to implement those important commitments.
The package of language and identity legislation agreed in New Decade New Approach was detailed and balanced and should be implemented without delay – as should all the commitments in NDNA. This would have been better done in the Assembly as intended but there is no reason for further delay or deadlock over the positive measures agreed in support of linguistic diversity and cultural expression in Northern Ireland. It should be advanced on the basis of the legislative provisions negotiated, agreed and published at the time of NDNA. I look forward to seeing progress on this legislation in Westminster as soon as possible, as committed to by the Secretary of State.
As part of the NDNA, it was also agreed that there would be regular review meetings involving the two Governments at Ministerial level and the parties to monitor progress on its implementation, and the delivery of commitments by each Government. On 11 January 2021, I participated in the first Implementation Review Meeting alongside the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and party leaders in Northern Ireland. It is regrettable that a second review meeting has not been able to take place to date; however, it is hoped that a second review meeting can take place in the period ahead.
Of course, Assembly Elections have just taken place and the formation of an Executive is now the important focus for the parties, and we will continue to work in full support of the institutions. The full implementation of the NDNA is a key priority for the Government in the period ahead, and we will work with a new Executive and the British Government to this end. We will also work to ensure a resumption of full and regular meetings of the North South Ministerial Council as part of these efforts.
123. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average wait time for first-time passports and renewals, respectively in Cork. [22892/22]
View answer131. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from counties Cork and Kerry, respectively that are currently outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22914/22]
View answer147. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from counties Kildare and Wicklow, respectively that are currently outstanding; the planning that is being carried out to ensure that there is no repeat of the delays with applications experienced in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 131 and 147 together.
The Passport Service is proactively managing the current demand for passports and has put in place resources and structures to address the estimated significant increase in demand for passports in 2022 in this essential citizen service.
Since March of this year, the Passport Service has reduced the processing time for first time applications from 40 working days to 30 working days. This 25% reduction in processing times is as a direct result of the unprecedented level of investment that my Department has made in the Passport Service in terms of additional staff and improvements to the passport processing and customer service systems.
Over 400,000 passports have been issued to date in 2022, compared to a total of 634,000 passports issued in 2021. 117,000 passports were issued in April alone with 45% of adult renewal passports being issued within one to two working days.
There are currently 183,000 applications in the Passport Service system. While there is a very high volume of applications in the system, this does not represent a backlog. These applications are all being processed in the usual way, with a continuous stream of new applications and a continuous dispatch of completed passports happening every day.
Passport Service figures show that of the total number of passport applications in the system, 61% are fully complete and are being processed by the Passport Service. The other 39% of applications are incomplete, which means the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit the necessary documentation required. While the Passport Service makes every effort to contact applicants in such circumstances, their experience is that many applicants take weeks and sometimes months to send in the necessary documents. Applications that are incomplete cannot be processed within the average turnaround times.
The vast majority of applications are processed within the turnaround times outlined below:
- 10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals
- 15 working days for Complex or child online renewals
- 30 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online
- 8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service
In relation to applications from county Cork, as with applications from all citizens, these are distributed for processing across the three Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork, on the basis of the type of application rather than county of residence of the applicant. Passport application turnaround times are the same for all citizens regardless of county of residence.
The Passport Service is taking a number steps to deal with increased demand on its services:
- The Passport Service has a comprehensive plan to ensure that adequate staff, accommodation and technology supports are in place to meet expected demand for passports in 2022.
- A major recruitment drive has been underway over the past several months, which has seen the number of Passport Service staff increase by over 300 since June 2021.
- The Passport Service is currently running its own recruitment competition for Temporary Clerical Officers. This recruitment effort will bring staffing numbers to over 900, which represents a doubling of staff compared to June 2021.
- Intensive training of new staff and upskilling of existing staff is underway to increase the resources that can process complex applications, such as first time child applications.
- The Passport Service is prioritising first time applications and directing increased resources to processing these complex applications with a view to reducing the current turnaround time. Passport Service staff are working targeted overtime in this regard.
- The Urgent Appointment Service is available for customers who wish to renew their passport at short notice. Customers availing of this service can renew their passport within 1 or 4 days in Dublin, within 4 days in Cork and within 5 days in London.
- In February, the Passport Service increased the number of appointments at its public offices by 100%, providing an extra 170 Urgent Appointments per week.
- A new document management system was put in place at the beginning of March. This aims to improve the processing speed in the Passport Service offices, and subsequent turnaround times for the applicant. One particular feature of the new system improves the processing time for applicants who have been asked to submit additional documents. Once the additional documents are received, they are being prioritised and complete applications can then be processed in 3 weeks. This significantly reduces the processing time, particularly for first time applicants.
- Public information media campaigns reminding citizens to check and renew their passports will continue during this busy year.
- There is an updated Department of Foreign Affairs website, which includes a new passport service section where applicants can easily find out what additional documents are required for their type of application.
- The Passport Service is also working on public education materials, including video tutorials, with a view to assisting applicants to complete their application correctly. These videos will be shared on social media and will include instructions on submitting consent forms for child applications properly.
I am confident that the measures that have been implemented will help to reduce passport turnaround times in the course of 2022, particularly for first time applications, and will assist the Passport Service in meeting the high demand forecast for this year.
I strongly urge anyone who is considering travelling overseas this year, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to apply for their passports online in plenty of time.
The numbers of passport applications currently in the Passport Service system from counties Cork, Kerry, Kildare and Wicklow are outlined below in tabular form.
The table outlines the total number of applications in the system by county as well as the number that are currently being processed by the Passport Service and the number of applications that require further action from the applicant, such as the submission of additional documentation.
|
County |
Total Applications in System |
Passport Service Processing |
Further action required by applicant |
|
Cork |
9,053 |
5,360 |
3,693 |
|
Kerry |
2,128 |
1,284 |
844 |
|
Kildare |
4,343 |
2,603 |
1,740 |
|
Wicklow |
2,680 |
1,556 |
1,124 |
124. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the backlog in foreign birth registrations; and the steps that he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22995/22]
View answerDue to Covid-19 restrictions, and the reassignment of Foreign Birth Registration staff to assist in the provision of essential passport services, the Foreign Birth Registration Service was paused for nearly 15 months across the 2020-2021 period.
The resourcing of the Passport Service to respond to current demand for passports and Foreign Birth Registration is a priority for my Department, which has been working with the Public Appointments Service on a major recruitment drive. Since June 2021, over 300 members of staff at all grades have been assigned to the Passport Service.
In addition to this, and to complement staffing recruitment through the Public Appointments Service, the Passport Service is running its own recruitment competition for Temporary Clerical Officers with a view to assigning additional staff and to maintain staffing levels throughout the year to meet the demand expected in the coming months. This competition is currently underway and once completed, will see staffing numbers of over 900 at the Passport Service, which represents a doubling of staff numbers since last summer. Staffing levels will be maintained right throughout the year with priority given to FBR processing once the current high demand for passports reduces.
There are currently 36,000 applications awaiting processing. In 2021, over 7,000 Foreign Birth Registration applications were processed and a further 4,454 have been processed so far this year. Foreign Birth Registration staff have continually provided an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Applicants who require an emergency service may contact the Passport Service directly.
My Department is fully committed to the allocation of additional resources to assist with the processing of the Foreign Birth Registration applications currently on hand and the high volume of new applications anticipated this year. I am confident that the additional staff being assigned to the Passport Service will help to reduce turnaround times for Foreign Birth Registration this year.
125. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with political leaders in Northern Ireland in the wake of the assembly elections there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/22]
View answerI have remained and continue to remain in regular contact with the parties in Northern Ireland and in close contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections. It is important to acknowledge and congratulate those who have been elected, and everyone that contested the election. The people of Northern Ireland have come out in sizeable numbers to take part in the democratic process and to make their voices heard.
This election has undoubtedly brought with it change, and that democratic change will be navigated in the period ahead. It is, first and foremost, a matter for the parties now, and those representatives that have been elected in good faith, to come together to establish an Executive that can deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland on the basis of the result of the election, and in a spirit of partnership, equality and mutual respect.
The days ahead will see that process begin, and we will continue to engage with the parties and the British Government as it does, to support the full functioning of the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I hope, as we all do, that we will see those institutions up and running as soon as possible. I will also continue to remain in close touch with the Secretary of State, as both Governments work in partnership as co-guarantors of the Agreement, in support of power-sharing and a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.
128. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his Department’s plans to open new embassies and consulates in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/22]
View answerGlobal Ireland aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence. Specifically, the Global Ireland programme envisages the opening of 26 new Missions.
Since the launch of Global Ireland in June 2018, 14 missions have now opened. A Government decision in 2021 approved the opening of a further four new missions in Dakar, Lyon, Miami and Toronto, and these will open over the next twelve months, in which time we will also reopen our embassy in Tehran. This will bring to 19 the number of new missions opened as a key deliverable of the Global Ireland programme.
All Missions are located in regions where there are opportunities for Ireland to advance our national, economic and political priorities. Missions work as part of Team Ireland in cooperation with State Agencies and other Government Departments, to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive and promote our interests in trade and investment, and across a range of sectors including tourism, science, technology and innovation, culture and education.
In considering further expansion a range of factors continue to be examined, including our national, political and economic priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will have discussions with the political parties in Stormont and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the need to ensure that an Executive is established at the earliest possible date following the assembly election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22650/22]
View answerAs co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to work closely with the British government and with the parties in Northern Ireland in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementing Agreements.
It is now for the political parties to come together to negotiate a Programme for Government and form an Executive, as the elected representatives of their constituencies. The Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act, enacted by the UK Government in 2022, gives effect to the stability provisions of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. The Act provides for a period of twenty-four weeks following the first meeting of the Assembly for the Northern Irish parties to form an Executive.
I would like to see the early establishment of an Executive.
While there are challenges around the Protocol, discussions on the application of the Protocol proceeded previously in parallel with the work of the Assembly and the Executive. They can do so again. Those discussions should not be an impediment to the formation of the Executive.
I have remained and continue to remain in regular contact with the parties in Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections. I am also in frequent contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. We have discussed the importance of calm and measured leadership in the period ahead. The importance of ensuring the functioning of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland was also a key topic of discussion at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference held in Dublin on 23 March 2022.
We will continue to engage with the parties and the British Government as it does, to support the full functioning of the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I hope that we will see those institutions up and running as soon as possible. I will continue to remain in contact with the Secretary of State, as both Governments work in partnership as co-guarantors of the Agreement, in support of power-sharing and a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.
130. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the current sanctions being imposed on the Russian Federation and named Russian officials as a result of Russia’s unlawful and unjustified invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/22]
View answer134. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if further sanctions are likely to be placed on Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22915/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 134 together.
The EU has already adopted five sanctions packages in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and is currently discussing a sixth package of sanctions. Together, these are the most extensive sanctions in the history of the EU. The aim of these sanctions is to deprive the Russian government, and the supporters and enablers of this war, of the means to continue their illegal aggression against Ukraine.
The sanctions are composed of both sectoral measures, which target specific economic sectors, industries or broad areas (such as the media), and of individual measures, which apply to named people and entities.
The sectoral sanctions target the Russian financial, energy, technology and defence, and transport sectors. Similar sanctions have also been introduced on Belarus, in view of the support that it has given to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Restrictive measures on trade with the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine have been introduced. Restrictions have also been put in place on the broadcasting of certain Russia state-owned media platforms in the EU, to limit the spread of disinformation.
The financial sanctions on Russia are particularly wide-ranging, affecting most of the Russian banking system, as well as key State-owned companies. Among other things, they ban transactions with the Central Bank of Russia, restrict Russian access to the EU’s capital and financial markets, and exclude key Russian banks from the SWIFT financial messaging system.
The sixth sanctions package is expected to include additional listings of individuals, such as high-ranking Russian military officers responsible for atrocities in Bucha and the siege of Mariupol. Additional entities in the Russian defence sector are also expected to be sanctioned, bringing the total number of entities sanctioned to close to 100. On the financial side, three more Russian banks, including Sberbank, are to be removed from the SWIFT financial messaging system. The sale and transfer of EU property to residents of Russia it to be prohibited, as will the provision of audit and accountancy services, tax and other consultancy services and public relations services to Russian companies. Export controls are to be further strengthened. An additional three major Russian State-owned broadcasters will also be sanctioned.
Significantly, it is planned to ban the import of Russian oil to the EU, with a phasing-out period to ensure that Member States can secure alternative supplies. This follows the ban on imports of Russian coal to the EU, as introduced in the fifth sanctions package, which will be effective from August.
General principles guiding the adoption of EU sanctions are that they must be sustainable for Member States to implement, and that they should cause more damage to the sanctioned parties than to the EU. All proposals for new EU sanctions concerning Russia and Belarus are prepared in close coordination with partner countries, such as the US and the UK, to ensure that they will have maximal impact.
To date, Ireland has supported the widest possible sanctions, and has expressed openness to additional tough measures, including a possible future ban on the import of Russian gas. EU Member States will continue to consider further sanctions until a ceasefire in Ukraine can be agreed and the Russian invasion is deemed to have ended.
132. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the financial support in new money terms being made available directly to Moldova, Poland and Romania by the European Union to support their ongoing efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/22]
View answerOn 5 April, the European Council authorised the disbursement of €150 million in loans and grants to Moldova in the coming months to support its financial stability and substantive reform agenda.
Also on 5 April, Germany, France, and Romania hosted EU Member States, including Ireland, as well as other international partners at the Moldova Support Conference “Bridge of Solidarity”, which raised €659.5 million in grants and loans. The Commission pledged €53 million in the form of a budget support programme for Moldova.
The EU has provided €13 million in humanitarian assistance for refugees in Moldova. The EU is also providing humanitarian aid assistance to Moldova via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
In terms of border management, the EU has provided Moldova with a €30 million package to support Moldova’s border management at the border with Ukraine. This includes the relocation of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Chisinau and direct cooperation between Moldovan border guards and Frontex officials at the border.
The EU is providing long-term support to Moldova by means of the Economic and Investment Plan, which foresees the mobilisation of €600 million over the next three years to leverage €3.4 billion in public and private investments in Moldova. On 5 May, the EU announced the mobilisation of a further €52 million to support long-term resilience, recovery, and reforms in Moldova.
The EU has allocated €7 million in funding from the European Peace Facility to support Moldova’s defence capabilities, including its ability to finance field hospitals, ambulances, medical equipment, and other essential equipment.
In light of the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries for safety, the European Commission continues to coordinate emergency assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for the people in Ukraine. Significant additional resources are being delivered to EU Member States via EU Civil Protection Mechanism to assist with response to the conflict in Ukraine, the full value of which will be clarified in due course.
As of 27 April, 6 Member States (Denmark, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, Estonia) and Norway have made offers to Poland (vaccines, shelter, field beds, blankets, towels) to support the reception of Ukrainian refugees.
133. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements that he has had with the National Security Committee; if the Committee has reviewed Ireland’s international position in the National Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22969/22]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs, I do not have a direct engagement with the National Security Committee. The Committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and is comprises senior level official representatives from the Departments of Justice, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Environment, Communications and Climate and of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.
The Committee is concerned with ensuring that the Taoiseach and Government are briefed on cross-cutting national security issues.
Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the Committee, it is the long-standing practice not to disclose information about individual meetings or their proceedings. However, in addition to regular meetings, the members of the Committee liaise on an ongoing basis to monitor and coordinate on issues related to national security.
In relation to the National Security Strategy, this is being coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach and I understand that work on the document is ongoing. The Department of Foreign Affairs is inputting into this work.
