Written Answers Nos. 442-460
442. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view on comments made by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the need for greater transparency regarding climate finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54750/22]
View answer450. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on comments made by Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the need for greater transparency regarding climate finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54963/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 442 and 450 together.
International climate action, including climate finance is a key priority for the Government. Ireland’s Annual Climate Finance Reports, available on the Irish Aid website, illustrate the Government’s continued support to countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In order to ensure the strongest level of transparency, we apply reporting guidance agreed at international and EU level in tracking and reporting our international climate finance. This guidance includes Decisions collectively agreed by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and guidance developed by the Organisation for Economic and Development Cooperation.
In July 2022, the Department of Foreign Affairs led on the development of Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap, setting the pathway for realising the target announced by the Taoiseach at COP26 to provide at least €225 million annually in climate finance by 2025. This represents a more than doubling of climate finance support. A key facet of the Roadmap is a commitment to the transparency of our international climate finance, including through the provision of case studies and examples of the programmes and projects that Ireland supports internationally, together with the quantitative analyses of funding, which we provide on an annual basis.
We will continue to engage in efforts to improve the transparency of all climate finance flows.
443. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps the Irish Government is taking in a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54753/22]
View answer453. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the measures that the Government is taking in regard to what China is doing to the Uighur people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54966/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 453 together.
The Government remains deeply concerned by evidence-based reports of human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang. Ireland welcomed publication of the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights concerns in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, published on 31 August. The report found that several human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including use of forced labour, may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. This is a serious and significant finding by a leading UN body. The Government has also taken careful note of the recent report from the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery which found it reasonable to conclude that forced labour is occurring amongst ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region.
Senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs raised the findings of the High Commissioner's report with their Chinese counterparts on 1 September and again on 22 September. On those occasions, they outlined Ireland’s long held position on the matter, emphasised that the report contains a number of very serious findings, and urged China to give serious consideration to the assessment and the recommendations proposed by the OHCHR. Ireland strongly supports the Office of the High Commissioner, and the independence of the Office.
On 31 October, Ireland joined 49 other UN Member States in a joint statement at the Third Committee. This statement recalled the significant findings of the High Commissioner's assessment and urged China to fulfil its international human rights commitments and implement the recommendations of the report.
Ireland also co-sponsored a resolution at the most recent session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva which called for a debate on the situation at the Council. This resolution did not pass and I regret that we will not have the opportunity to discuss the High Commissioner's assessment or the situation in Xinjiang at the next session of the Council in March. The Human Rights Council must fulfil its role in promoting respect for human rights for all, without distinction of any kind.
Ireland has supported efforts by the European Union to take action on human rights violations. On 22 March 2021, the EU listed four individuals and one entity from China for their involvement in serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR).
These are designed to act as a deterrent and to encourage changes in these actors’ behaviour. The sanctions are based on solid legal evidence and are deployed in addition to other measures such as dialogue.
Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs met with the World Uyghur Congress during their unofficial visit to Ireland in February this year. Officials have also met with other Uyghur civil society groups, to ensure that Ireland has full information on the situation.
Ireland will continue to raise these issues with the Chinese authorities in our bilateral contacts and at the United Nations.
444. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland is taking in response to the Israeli defence forces and mounting violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54754/22]
View answer454. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that Ireland is taking in response to the Israeli defence forces and mounting violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54967/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 454 together.
I remain concerned by the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. It is clear that the increase in violence and incursions by the Israel Defense Forces is contributing to an already fragile situation.
Ireland has engaged actively on this issue, including in the context of our tenure on the UN Security Council. At the most recent Security Council meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 October, Ireland expressed serious concern regarding excessive use of force by the Israeli security forces, calling for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths. Ireland also raised the sharp increase in coordinated and armed settler violence in the West Bank, calling on the Israeli authorities to act urgently to ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are able to go about their daily lives without fear of violence and intimidation.
Recent events underscore the need to redouble our efforts to deliver a political horizon. I remain committed to working with partners to promote coherent and effective EU and UN action towards a lasting and peaceful two-State solution.
445. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to issues relating to the United States' visa waiver programme being experienced by Irish and other peace-keeping personnel who have previously served with the United Nations in the Middle East (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54762/22]
View answerMy Department has been made aware of the challenges that some active and former members of the Irish Defence Forces have experienced in applying for US visa waivers (ESTA) due to travel they have undertaken, as part of their official duties, to Syria or other countries designated ‘countries of concern’ by the US Department of Homeland Security.
US immigration regulation and operations are a matter solely for the relevant US authorities, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is not in a position to intervene in decisions taken in relation to ESTA applications. However, officials from my Department have engaged with the US Embassy on the broader implications for members of the Defence Forces who wish to visit the United States. Following consultations with the US Embassy, my Department is preparing general advice on this matter for current and former members of the Defence Forces.
More generally, I understand that ineligibility for an ESTA does not automatically make an individual ineligible for a US visa, and that any applicant who is denied an ESTA for the US can apply for a visa through the US Embassy.
446. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a list of options available to the EU and member states, in relation to the destruction of Irish-Aid funded projects by Israel, to secure compensation and protect aid for vulnerable communities in area C, including deduction of the taxpayer’s money lost in demolitions from funding for EU-Israel bilateral cooperation be provided and if the Irish Government will demand implementation of concrete measures to secure compensations in the European Council, going beyond the exhausted diplomatic and political options. [54778/22]
View answerI remain concerned by ongoing demolitions in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property and humanitarian aid accelerated in 2022, and this year has seen a record high number of Palestinians affected by demolitions, evictions and confiscations.
Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted at the UN Security Council. At the meeting of the Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 September, Ireland urged Israel not to proceed with planned demolitions and to cease all settlement activities. I have also raised these issues myself with the Israeli Ambassador and directly with my Israeli counterparts on visits to the region.
Ireland is part of a group of EU Member States which are pursuing compensation for humanitarian structures funded by donors through the West Bank Protection Consortium. The Consortium has sought compensation of over €1,170,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets since 2015. Ireland will provide €200,000 in funding to the Consortium in 2022, underling our commitment to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank.
447. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will assist in the expeditious processing of a passport for a person (details supplied). [54855/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the current turnaround time and has not yet reached the issue-by date.
448. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 28 September 2022, when a passport issue can be resolved for an Irish citizen living in France (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54856/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy, the Embassy in Paris has engaged with the applicant on a number of occasions. The Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly and will continue to engage with them with the aim of resolving the issue.
449. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek an investigation into the disappearance of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54863/22]
View answerI recently received correspondence related to this case, as have officials in my Department. Ireland is committed to protecting and promoting human rights, including a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.
This specific case has been raised with the UN Human Rights Committee, the body that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In reviewing all available facts, the Human Rights Committee found that the relevant State, Algeria, had violated some of the provisions of the ICCPR and was therefore subject to certain obligations, including an obligation to carry out a prompt investigation.
Ireland fully supports the work of the UN Human Rights Committee, recognises its competence in reviewing cases related to ICCPR rights, and we encourage other State Parties to cooperate fully with the Human Rights Committee and to respect their obligations under the Convention on Civil and Political Rights.
451. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he has taken and intends to take in regard to the brutal oppression being inflicted by the Iranian regime on protestors in Iran, given Ireland's seat on the UN Security Council, and with his foreign affairs counterparts in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54964/22]
View answer452. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the steps that he has taken with the Iranian ambassador in regard to the brutal violence being perpetrated on Iranian protestors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54965/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, was a tragedy. The fact that she was arrested simply due to the way she was dressed understandably provoked a strong response from the Iranian people and the international community. The subsequent response by the Iranian authorities to largely peaceful protestors in Iran has been extremely concerning.
I raised my concerns on the matter directly with the Iranian Foreign Minister when I met him at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September and I spoke with him on the matter again by phone on 6 October. I called on Iran to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death.
On 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and again reiterated my very serious concern about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the unjustified response of the Iranian security forces to the women and men who are protesting. I made it clear that Iran must adhere to its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. I also raised my concerns for the safety and well-being of the athlete Elnaz Rekabi. In addition, I urged Iran to stop supplying weapons to Russia. Russia’s deliberate and repeated targeting of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is a gross violation of international law. Iran’s supply of weapons to Russia directly contributes to these violations.
At the 17 October meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council, the situation in Iran was discussed in detail. Member States welcomed the adoption of restrictive measures against Iran in light of the serious violations of human rights. As a result of these discussions, the EU sanctioned eleven individuals and four entities, under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanctions Regime, for their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. Iran’s supply of drones to Russia was also discussed, and on 20 October the EU adopted targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in the development of drones and their delivery to Russia, under the Ukraine (Territorial Integrity) Sanctions Regime. Additional restrictive measures may be considered in the coming weeks.
On 19 October the UN Security Council held a meeting on Iran’s Transfer of drones to Russia. Iran’s involvement in Ukraine further jeopardises the prospects of a return to the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal, as Iran is prohibited from import or export of weapons delivery systems, such as drones and missiles, under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the deal. Ireland serves as Facilitator of Resolution 2231 on the Security Council, and will present a final report in December.
Ireland will continue to take a strong stand on these issues in our bilateral contacts with Iranian officials, and will work closely with our international partners to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
455. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if “he is satisfied with the status of the Chinese embassy” given recent allegations of illegal policing at Chinese embassy offices at locations across Europe; his views on the content of the recent paper published by the European Union Foreign Service Office regarding EU member states and their engagement with China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55028/22]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs raised the presence of a 'Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station' with the Embassy of China in Ireland in recent weeks. My officials have also consulted with other relevant stakeholders in Government.
Neither the Chinese authorities nor Fuzhou/Fujian Province made a request in advance to the Department of Foreign Affairs to establish the office referred to. The Department noted that actions of all foreign states on Irish territory must be in compliance with international law and domestic law requirements. On this basis, the Department informed the Embassy that the office on Capel Street should close and cease operations. The Chinese Embassy has now stated that the activities of the office have ceased.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to liaise with the Embassy to facilitate the provision of all relevant consular and citizen services to Chinese citizens in Ireland.
I welcomed the opportunity to discuss EU-China relations with my colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 October. In our discussions, we reaffirmed the EU's multifaceted approach to China as an effective basis for taking forward the relationship. We recognised that China remains an important partner, particularly on key global issues such as climate change and food security. We also agreed to continue work to enhance the EU's resilience in the face of challenges in the EU's relationship with China. I also welcome the discussion on this matter at the European Council on 21 October.
456. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to reports that this Deputy’s office has received from County Donegal of USAF planes and other NATO aircraft that pass over Ireland heading west to east and east to west; the frequency with which these aircraft are using Irish airspace; the purpose of the journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55033/22]
View answerI am unable to comment on reports of overflights received by the Deputy’s office in the absence of more specific information on the flights concerned.
Nevertheless, I would note that Ireland requires diplomatic clearance to be sought in advance for overflight of Irish sovereign airspace by foreign state and military aircraft. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions. These conditions routinely include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
Specific arrangements for US overflights were established in 1959. Overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements. The US Embassy provides my Department with post hoc monthly returns on the total number of overflights and the types of aircraft involved.
457. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, to hold a meeting at an early date of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Taoiseach and prime minister-level. [55117/22]
View answerThe British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) was established under Strand 3 of the Good Friday Agreement. It brings both Governments together to promote bilateral cooperation on matters of mutual interest within their competence. Within the Good Friday Agreement, there is provision for the Conference to meet at a Summit Level (Prime Minister and Taoiseach), otherwise Governments will be represented by appropriate Ministers.
Meetings of the BIIGC are prepared through the Joint British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat (BIIGS) in Belfast, which is staffed by officials from my Department and the Department of Justice, and their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office.
It was agreed at the last meeting of the BIIGC, which took place in London on 7th October 2022, that the Conference would reconvene in January 2023 in Dublin. Discussion is underway in relation to the scheduling of this next meeting. It is intended that this meeting will have representation at Minister and Secretary of State level.
458. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports that the United Nations Commission of Inquiry into rights' abuses by Israel and the Palestinians has now decided that it will investigate apartheid charges against Israel which was described as a manifestation of the occupation; if he condemns the fact that Israel has refused to cooperate with the Commission and has not granted it entry into Israel or access to Palestinian-controlled areas in the West Bank and Gaza; his views on the fact that the UN Human Rights Council and other reputable organisations (details supplied) have issued detailed reports in the past two years which describe a regime of apartheid established by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55118/22]
View answerIreland supported a special session of the Human Rights Council in May 2021 on the escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. At this session, the Council voted to establish a Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland continues to support the work of the Commission of Inquiry, in keeping with our principled position on such Commissions. Ireland is also consistent in underlining the need for the work of all UN representatives to be supported and facilitated.
On 27 October, Ireland participated in an interactive dialogue with the Chair of the Commission of Inquiry at the United Nations General Assembly. In our statement, Ireland expressed concern about high number of recent Palestinian civilian fatalities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and called on Israel to investigate all incidents that led to death or injury.
I have been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.
Ireland has taken careful note of the reports to which the Deputy refers. The work of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as that of civil society organisations, constitutes and important input in shaping the approach that we take, which seeks to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.
459. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the most recent report by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55182/22]
View answerI value the role played by the Special Rapporteur and note the publication of the detailed and comprehensive report issued on 21 September.
I have been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.
The overall human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a key priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland will continue to take every opportunity to stress the need for respect for human rights and full accountability, in particular in our role as a member of the UN Security Council. I am committed to working with partners to promote coherent and effective action towards a lasting and peaceful two-State solution.
460. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the numbers of Ukrainian refugees and numbers of persons seeking international protection that each European Union Member State has received to date in 2022; the numbers per capita; the reason that Ireland has received a much higher number per capita; the specific EU legislation which states that Ireland cannot cap numbers being received; the specific obligations placed on Ireland as a result of Ireland’s EU membership; if the pressures on the Irish system have been relayed to Ireland’s European partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55207/22]
View answerUp to date statistics on Ukrainian refugees and persons seeking international protection are a matter for individual EU Member States.
Statistics in relation to the numbers of Ukrainian refugees and numbers of persons seeking international protection that each European Union Member State has received to date in 2022 and the numbers per capita are tracked by the European Union Agency for Asylum and are provided in the attached table.
Policy matters relating to international and temporary protection in Ireland fall under the remit of the Department of Justice. I would refer the Deputy to my colleague the Minister for Justice for further detail on international protection obligations and the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive with respect to Ukrainian refugees.
|
Temporary Protection Applications (YTD - exact dates differ for each country and can be found at source date)** |
International Protection Applications (January to September 2022)*** |
||||
|
Country |
Population* |
Count |
As a proportion of population |
Count |
As a proportion of population |
|
Austria |
8,932,664 |
85,415 |
1.0% |
56,130 |
0.63% |
|
Belgium |
11,554,767 |
57,830 |
0.5% |
26,545 |
0.23% |
|
Bulgaria |
6,916,548 |
144,018 |
2.1% |
14,370 |
0.21% |
|
Croatia |
4,036,355 |
18,990 |
0.5% |
4,020 |
0.10% |
|
Cyprus |
896,007 |
17,888 |
2.0% |
14,075 |
1.57% |
|
Czechia |
10,701,777 |
455,539 |
4.3% |
995 |
0.01% |
|
Denmark |
5,840,045 |
34,698 |
0.6% |
3,820 |
0.07% |
|
Estonia |
1,330,068 |
38,222 |
2.9% |
1,555 |
0.12% |
|
Finland |
5,533,793 |
43,022 |
0.8% |
4,445 |
0.08% |
|
France |
67,656,682 |
118,994 |
0.2% |
109,965 |
0.16% |
|
Germany |
83,155,031 |
815,134 |
1.0% |
154,345 |
0.19% |
|
Greece |
10,678,632 |
19,997 |
0.2% |
20,060 |
0.19% |
|
Hungary |
9,730,772 |
31,290 |
0.3% |
40 |
0.00% |
|
Ireland |
5,006,324 |
61,792 |
1.2% |
8,890 |
0.18% |
|
Italy |
59,236,213 |
162,586 |
0.3% |
48,935 |
0.08% |
|
Latvia |
1,893,223 |
42,284 |
2.2% |
370 |
0.02% |
|
Lithuania |
2,795,680 |
69,317 |
2.5% |
760 |
0.03% |
|
Luxembourg |
634,730 |
6,756 |
1.1% |
1,750 |
0.28% |
|
Malta |
516,100 |
1,501 |
0.3% |
605 |
0.12% |
|
Netherlands |
17,475,415 |
79,250 |
0.5% |
25,240 |
0.14% |
|
Norway |
5,391,369 |
30,989 |
0.6% |
3,670 |
0.07% |
|
Poland |
37,840,001 |
1,469,032 |
3.9% |
7,340 |
0.02% |
|
Portugal |
10,298,252 |
52,875 |
0.5% |
1,365 |
0.01% |
|
Romania |
19,201,662 |
78,323 |
0.4% |
9,860 |
0.05% |
|
Slovakia |
5,459,781 |
99,195 |
1.8% |
360 |
0.01% |
|
Slovenia |
2,108,977 |
7,990 |
0.4% |
5,445 |
0.26% |
|
Spain |
47,398,695 |
150,460 |
0.3% |
86,360 |
0.18% |
|
Sweden |
10,379,295 |
47,690 |
0.5% |
15,325 |
0.15% |
|
Switzerland |
8,670,300 |
68,086 |
0.8% |
14,985 |
0.17% |
*ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/DEMO_PJAN/default/table?lang=en&category=demo.demo_pop
** data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine
***ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tps00189/default/table?lang=en
