Written Answers Nos. 371-390
371. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of outstanding passport applications on hand, including incomplete applications; the number on hand for more than one, two, three, four, five, and six months; the current number of staff in the Passport Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4689/23]
View answerThanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements have been made during 2022 and all passports are being issued within the advertised turnaround times.
There are currently just over 114,000 applications in the Passport Service processing system. Of these, 52,000 are fully complete applications. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
The number of complete online and postal applications submitted to the Passport Service for processing over 1 month ago is 3,909; over 2 months ago is 1,499; over 3 months ago is 666; over 4 months ago is 406; over 5 months ago is 184; and over 6 months ago is 250.
The vast majority of these relate to very complex or sensitive cases that may involve citizenship, guardianship or legal issues. These require very thorough examination by experienced staff and can take longer to process.
As per the most recent records, there are currently 763 staff assigned to the Passport Service.
Over the past few months my Department has been planning to ensure that demand for passports continues to be met in 2023 with target processing times maintained throughout the year.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand continues to be a priority for my Department in 2023 and is an issue that is kept under constant review.
My Department ran 15 competitions in 2021 and 2022 to address staffing needs in the Passport Service. New office space on the Balbriggan campus is now open and provides over 200 additional workstations to accommodate the increase in staff numbers.
The focus on intensive training and upskilling of staff in 2022 has increased the resources available that can process complex applications, such as first-time child applications.
My Department is also actively working to assign new staff to the Passport Service throughout the first quarter of this year. Approximately 100 successful candidates from a Temporary Clerical Officer competition run by the Department are currently going through the Garda Vetting process and will be assigned in the coming weeks and months.
Passport Online can be used by 97% of applicants across the world, for both first time and renewal applications. The Passport Online Service is 4 times faster than paper-based applications for adult and child renewal applications.
My Department is currently rolling out a Digital First media and communications campaign for the Passport Service for 2023. The campaign aims to encourage citizens to check their passport before booking travel, and to apply for their passport online and in plenty of time. This campaign began in December, with digital, print and social media advertisements. Radio advertisements commenced this month, which will be followed by outdoor advertising in early February.
All ads will remind citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel. The first few weeks of the campaign have already seen a 245% increase in traffic to the Passport Service website, compared to the weeks preceding the campaign. The Passport Service also had a presence at the Holiday World Show in Dublin last weekend.
I am confident that the staffing and accommodation measures implemented, along with other improvements, will continue to have a positive impact on passport processing times for 2023.
372. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if contact has been made with Spanish authorities in order to continue the search for a missing person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4710/23]
View answerI appreciate that the circumstances of this case have been very difficult for the family.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has had significant engagement on this case in the years since the citizen's disappearance, including with the Spanish authorities.
As with all missing person cases, the responsibility for investigation lies with the relevant policing authority. The Embassy of Ireland in Madrid and An Garda Síochána have had close contact with the Spanish Police, who have advised that they stand ready to consider any new information which can assist in their investigations.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case.
Consular officials in my Department have been in touch with the family and will continue to provide consular support, where possible and as appropriate.
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to engage with the authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK in the context of the restoration of the Northern Assembly and the prevention of obstacles to trade, North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4751/23]
View answerThe continued absence of an Executive and the failure of the Northern Ireland Assembly to nominate a Speaker is of upmost concern to the Government. The people of Northern Ireland are entitled to be represented by the people who they elected in May 2022. The continued refusal of one party to participate in the nomination of a Speaker and an Executive is a denial of the mandates that was given to the parties by the electorate. It also impedes the provision of services that much needed by the people of Northern Ireland.
In my contacts with the Northern Irish political parties and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, I have raised the importance that the Government attaches to a functioning Assembly and Executive.
I have spoken with and met with the Secretary of State on a number of occasions in recent weeks, by telephone on 20 December 2022, in person on 12 January 2023 and at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference 19 January. At each occasion, we discussed the importance that both governments attach to the full functioning of the institutions provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. We will remain in close and regular contact in the period ahead.
I am in regular contact with the Northern Irish political parties with a view to working towards the restoration of the Assembly and of the Executive. I spoke with most party leaders by telephone on 9 January 2023. In all of my calls with the party leaders, I reiterated the importance that this Government places on the formation of a functioning Executive and election of a Speaker. I plan to meet with party leaders in Belfast later this week.
It is also clear that strong growth in North South trade over the past two decades is one of the key achievements of the peace process. We now have a closely integrated all-island economy, which both supports and is supported by the peace process. The Government will continue to work to create an enabling environment for the continued growth of North South trade, to further unlock the potential of the all-island economy.
374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the modus operandi in relation to developing improved North/South relations with particular reference to the need to engage with the communities in Northern Ireland in a positive manner in order encourage better understanding of each other’s position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4752/23]
View answerI maintain regular contact with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including political parties, civic society, and the business community. I spoke with party leaders earlier this month and reiterated the importance that the Government places on the restoration of all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
The formal means for the Government to develop North South cooperation is through the North South Ministerial Council, which was established under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement.
I am deeply concerned that the work of the Council has been disrupted in recent years. In the absence of regular NSMC meetings, the two Administrations on the island are not having the important conversations that we should be having to address shared challenges and opportunities. It is vital that the Council is allowed to resume its work as soon as possible.
In 2020, I launched the Government’s Shared Island Initiative to work with all communities to build a vision for our shared future on the island.
Over the past two years, we have taken forward this positive agenda by progressing North South infrastructure projects, bringing all communities and traditions together through the Shared Island Dialogue series, and delivering a comprehensive research programme to inform inclusive civic and political dialogue on the future of our island.
Building on all of this progress, earlier this month I launched the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to support civic society organisations in strengthening cross-border links. This Fund responds to the idea which came through the Shared Island Dialogues that civil society organisations across the island would benefit from support to enable them to work more effectively together on a cross-border basis on issues of common interest.
In the period ahead, the Government wants to work with a new Executive to further develop cooperation and understanding on an all-island basis.
Unfortunately, ongoing disruption to the power-sharing and North South political institutions impacts what is possible in terms of North South cooperation. It is therefore crucial that the Assembly, the Executive, and the NSMC return to operation without further delay.
375. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he continues to use Ireland’s position at EU/UN level to highlight outrages against women and children in the various conflict zones across the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/23]
View answerIreland has been a longstanding champion of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda at the UN. It was a key priority for Ireland's membership of the Security Council and continues to be. Ireland co-chaired the Informal Expert Group – a working group of the Security Council – on WPS, which ensures close engagement with the senior leadership of UN missions in monitoring actions to implement the WPS Agenda on the ground, as well as facilitating the enhanced flow of information and analysis to the Security Council. Ireland worked to ensure that prevention of sexual violence is embedded into the operational provisions of all peace operations mandates agreed by the Council.
At Ireland’s initiative, Ireland, Mexico and Kenya formed a WPS Presidency Trio, committing to using our respective Council Presidencies to integrate WPS fully into all discussions of the Council, and to mainstream WPS across all thematic and country files. The WPS Presidency Trio’s signed commitment to prioritise WPS was commended in the UN Secretary General’s Annual Report, described as a significant development which contributed to positive trends.
Ireland continues to raise the WPS Agenda with other countries, to ensure that the progress made during our time on the Security Council is maintained.
Ireland also actively promotes gender equality and the rights of the child in other UN fora, such as at the Commission on the Status of Women, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland consistently emphasises the importance of gender equality and of the protection of women and girls in conflict situations. At EU level, Ireland is an active participant and contributor to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues are frequently discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he directly and through the European Union can continue to support EU applicant countries such as the Western Balkans, how each country is progressing towards membership of the EU and whether any new initiatives are appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4754/23]
View answerIreland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries, as indeed EU membership has been for Ireland over the last 50 years.
Unfortunately, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the clear need for continuing, ever-closer cooperation between the EU and our partners in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions.
There are currently eight recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Georgia and Kosovo are recognised as potential candidates by the EU.
During 2022, candidate status was granted to Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis that reforms are undertaken in a number of key areas. It was also recommended that candidate status eventually be granted to Georgia, once a number of priority reforms have been addressed. It is hoped that the granting of candidate/potential candidate status will spur on necessary reforms in those countries, to allow for progression to the opening of accession negotiations.
In July 2022, the EU officially launched accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. This progress sent an important signal to the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions that the EU is serious about enlargement.
The EU is encouraging greater reform efforts in Serbia and Montenegro to accelerate their accession paths, particularly in relation to rule of law and good governance. The current political impasse in Montenegro risks undermining its progress on EU reforms and its heretofore full CFSP alignment. Serbia’s non-alignment with the EU common position relating to Russia is regrettable.
Kosovo submitted an application for EU membership on 15 December 2022. Sweden, as current EU Presidency, has begun consultations with EU MS to decide how best to progress Kosovo’s application. Ireland supports Kosovo’s EU perspective, but progress in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue remains a key requirement to advancing the European perspectives of both Serbia and Kosovo.
Progress on Türkiye’s application for EU membership has stalled since 2016, due to backsliding in the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights, and is now essentially frozen. As a strategic partner for the EU, Ireland would like to see more positive EU-Türkiye relations.
In general, the enlargement process needs to be improved and accelerated where possible. The new accession methodology is a positive step in this regard, but more must be done to maintain and encourage the reform commitment and aspirations of those seeking to join, including through use of accelerated integration procedures where appropriate.
To assist in implementation of the necessary reforms, the European Union has established several support programs. The primary support tool is the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which the EU has been using to support reforms by candidate countries in the Western Balkans region with financial and technical assistance since 2007. For the period 2021-2027, the IPA III budgetary envelope is over €14 billion. EU Member States are also able to support candidate and potential candidate countries through TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) and Twinning. Via TAIEX and Twinning, EU Member States can directly support public administrations in candidate/potential candidate countries through workshops, expert missions and study visits.
Ireland will continue to strongly support the EU enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate and potential candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.
377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can use his good offices to address human rights abuses across the globe, with particular reference to well-known conflict areas; if the international community can use its influence to bring to bear on the various factions the need for change and modernisation of thinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4755/23]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is a foreign policy priority for Ireland. As well as bilaterally through our mission network, Ireland contributes strongly to United Nations and European Union efforts to prevent, monitor and eliminate human rights violations and abuses.
Human rights violations are a root cause of conflict and insecurity, while a commitment to, and respect for, human rights is critical to ensuring peaceful, equitable and just societies.
Ireland is committed to the promotion of international peace and security and active across the full range of human rights concerns, including in the UN Human Rights Council and at the General Assembly. During our 2021-2022 UN Security Council tenure, Ireland strongly promoted the rule of law and the upholding of human rights, in particular international humanitarian and human rights law. This has included prioritising the protection of civilians in conflict, ensuring humanitarian access to those in need of assistance, and fighting against impunity.
Accountability for human rights violations is a priority for Ireland, including for the heinous crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing. A strong international criminal justice system is central to fighting impunity. While states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of such a system. We are a consistent and strong supporter of the Court.
At EU level, Ireland is an active participant and contributor to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues are frequently discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland strongly support the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which strengthens the EU’s ability to take collective action against perpetrators of human rights violations.
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects the European Union to work cohesively towards ending the war in Ukraine with particular reference to the need for the Russian armies to withdraw from their illegal occupation of any part of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/23]
View answerThe response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. The EU has also imposed the most extensive package of sanctions in its history, in response to Russia's aggression, and in coordination with other like-minded partners.
The EU has not recognised the Russian announcements of their annexation of territories in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. EU Heads of State and Government have expressed their firm rejection and condemnation of the illegal annexations, their resolve to continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine and its people, and to continue to provide strong economic, military, social and financial support to Ukraine for as long as necessary.
In response to the Russian announcement of the illegal referendums, EU Foreign Ministers agreed on a further sanctions package, comprising sectoral measures and new listings, as well as extending the scope of the Donetsk and Luhansk Sanctions Regime to include the other occupied territories.
Recent discussions at EU level have also focused on the provision of additional, more sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine. In January, it was agreed to increase funding under the European Peace Facility to €3.5 billion. In line with our approach to the initial Council Decision, Ireland will constructively abstain from the Assistance Measure concerning the supply of military equipment, and platforms, designed to deliver lethal force. We will instead contribute our full share to the non-lethal Assistance Measure (this will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility to approximately €77 million.)
At their meeting on 23 January, EU Foreign Ministers also agreed to support the implementation of Ukraine’s ten-step initiative for a just peace.
The EU-Ukraine Summit is due to be held on 3 February and will be a further occasion for the EU to demonstrate its unwavering commitment and resolve to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
EU Member States have remained united in support of Ukraine throughout Russia's war of aggression and I expect this unity of purpose will continue in the coming months.
379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is conscious of the oppression of women in Afghanistan; the international community expects to take any steps to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4757/23]
View answerThe oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan is completely unacceptable. Over the last year and a half, since the fall of Kabul, women have been ordered by the Taliban to stop using certain public amenities, are severely restricted in terms of their freedom of movement and have been banned from most areas of the workforce.
The December 2022 edicts by the Taliban, prohibiting women’s access to university education and banning them from working for NGOs in Afghanistan, are unconscionable. These decisions are an assault on the fundamental rights of women and girls. The edict in relation to working for NGOs is impacting on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in a country where the already dire humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. In response to this, a number of international organisations have taken the difficult decision to suspend their activities.
At EU level, during a meeting of Foreign Ministers on 23 January, I strongly condemned this ongoing assault on the rights of women and girls and, given the severity of this matter, we will return to this issue. The United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the broad international community also condemned these bans.
Senior UN officials, including Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, travelled to Afghanistan earlier this month to engage with the Taliban leadership, to set out serious concerns at these bans and the ramifications for the people of Afghanistan if they are not reversed. She then travelled on to Brussels to debrief EU Member States.
Ireland's position continues to be that those responsible for the repression of women and girls and other human rights abuses must face consequences for their actions. During our term on the United Nations Security Council, Ireland played a key role to ensure that sanctions were imposed on senior members of the Taliban. We also worked to empower the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan with a mandate that would allow it to address human rights issues, women's participation and humanitarian assistance.
Since January 2021, Ireland has provided over €9 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, through our Irish Aid programme. The EU and its Member States have provided almost €1 billion in humanitarian assistance since the Taliban takeover.
Through these actions at political and practical levels, Ireland has shown it is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan. We will continue to work with our EU and UN partners to champion the rights of women, girls and minorities in the country, in the face of this appalling situation.
380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continue to monitor the activities and development of Al Shabaab and Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4758/23]
View answerIreland strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. We support international efforts to reduce their influence and assist populations affected by their actions.
Ireland is playing its part in helping tackle the impact and the causes of the armed conflict and forced displacement. Since 2015, we have provided over €36 million in bilateral assistance for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. In Somalia, Ireland has provided €58 million in direct humanitarian assistance since 2015. This includes a further €9 million made available at the end of 2022 as part of a package of emergency assistance of €30 million in response to the humanitarian crisis across the Horn of Africa.
Ireland is also contributing directly to peace and security efforts. Through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region. During Ireland's term on the Security Council we were co-penholder with Niger and subsequently Ghana on the UNOWAS file. Ireland is also a member of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance. In addition, Ireland is supporting stabilisation efforts in the Sahel through the deployment of 14 Defence Forces personnel participating in the EU training mission in Mali. Between 2019 and 2022 Defence Forces personnel were also deployed in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
Ireland engaged regularly on the situation in Somalia at the Security Council, including as Chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee. Last month, Ireland contributed to an amendment of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) mandate, which contributes to reducing the threat from Al-Shabaab. In addition, Ireland deploys personnel to EUCAP Somalia, one of the three EU Common Security and Defence Policy Missions in the Horn of Africa.
381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish embassies abroad, diplomatic missions or other representatives continue to promote Irish trade throughout the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4759/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs’ mission network plays an important role in promoting Irish trade throughout the world.
This network of embassies and consulates is central to the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development of trade, investment and tourism. Team Ireland works to build education, science, technology and innovation partnerships; and promote our culture and creative industries.
In addition to sustaining strong bilateral relationships and working to maintain and protect the rules based international order - both critical for the realisation of Ireland's trade and investment objectives - embassies and consulates support the State Agencies in their delivery of strategic objectives in overseas markets.
Officers within the mission network engage in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. They also support Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with Team Ireland colleagues. Missions also work more specifically on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. The role of the network in promoting and protecting Irish trade interests is particularly important in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
The Department is guided in this work by the Government's Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for this strategy, which sets out seven priority actions. The Department of Foreign Affairs is strongly supporting its implementation, at home and abroad, working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other departments.
The Government's Global Ireland strategy is also key; a strategy which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Working together as Team Ireland overseas is at the heart of the strategy. Ongoing implementation is enhancing Ireland’s international visibility, facilitating market diversification and intensification, and deepening bilateral relations in support of our economic and political objectives. To date, 16 new missions have opened under the Global Ireland strategy, with locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets and increase trade and investment with Ireland.
382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to target areas of starvation or famine throughout the world; the efforts being made to provide such basic facilities as water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4760/23]
View answer390. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community has made commitments and kept them in respect of various disaster areas throughout the globe; the action(s) in place to ensure an active and positive response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4769/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 390 together.
The World Food Programme reports that 349 million people across 79 countries are now facing acute food insecurity. This is a significant increase since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine has exacerbated the situation further. It is likely that the availability of food will become a significant issue in many countries in the coming year.
In 2022 the international community provided over €28 billion in response to humanitarian crises across the globe. Ireland provided more humanitarian assistance than in any previous year, in response to escalating needs.
Our assistance targets countries affected by high levels of food insecurity and famine. Up to date data on food insecurity from the World Food Programme enables the international community to prioritise hunger hotspots. For example, in 2022 €2.2 billion was allocated internationally to Yemen, €1.6 billion to Ethiopia, €1.1 billion to Somalia, €0.9 million to South Sudan and €0.6 billion to Nigeria.
In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by drought and conflict in the Horn of Africa, the Government provided over €100 million in direct assistance last year. We have also taken a lead internationally in drawing attention to the impact of the crisis and the need for further assistance.
Access to clean water, sanitation, and other basic services is a core issue in response to humanitarian crises. Ireland’s humanitarian funding in 2023 will directly and indirectly fund these services in a number of regions in crisis.
Ireland pre-positions funding to trusted Irish NGOs, UN and International Red Cross partners who can respond quickly and at scale. The UN Central Emergency response Fund (CERF) reacts immediately to crises as they happen. Ireland is the 8th largest contributor to the CERF, providing €11.5 million in 2022.
We also support partners on the ground to prevent crises from worsening and to lay the groundwork for recovery and development.
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the level of bilateral aid currently supported by this country; the locations at which this aid is targeted worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4761/23]
View answerThe Government's international development policy, A Better World, is strongly focused on addressing the needs of countries and communities which are the furthest behind, with an emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or climate exposed regions, especially women and girls. Ireland’s programme of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is a central element of our foreign policy. For 2023, the Government has provided over €1.23 billion in ODA, in order to respond to the complex human needs caused by poverty, hunger, conflict and climate change. This is the highest allocation ever, and a 17% increase on last year’s allocation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on overall expenditure on ODA, against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. The detailed annual report for 2021 was launched in October 2022, and is available to the public on the Irish Aid website. The report includes detailed analysis of bilateral and multilateral assistance, confirming that in 2021 €516.73 million was allocated to bilateral ODA. The top thirty recipient are listed in the Irish Aid annual report (Link provided: www.irishaid.ie/media/irishaid/IrishAid_AR_2021_WEB_V5-FA.pdf).
384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which Irish aid goes directly to those whom it was intended in a smooth and seamless transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4763/23]
View answerThe Government's international development policy, A Better World, focuses on addressing the needs of countries and communities who are furthest behind. It has a particular emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or climate-exposed regions, especially women and girls.
The Government has provided a total of €1.233 billion for Official Development Assistance in 2023. This is the highest ever allocation and a 17% increase on 2022. This funding will be allocated in line with the priorities in A Better World and our commitment to address the global crisis of food insecurity and conflict, especially in Africa.
Ireland's assistance is channelled to the most needy through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank; funding to Irish civil society organisations; and bilateral ODA delivered in programmes implemented by our Embassies abroad. The most important criterion in deciding which channel to us, is the ability of a partner to reach those that are furthest behind, in the most timely and effective way possible. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement.
Ireland's international development programme has a strong global reputation and is characterised by a commitment to quality. The 2020 OECD Peer Review of Ireland's development cooperation found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development which invests in strong partnerships with civil society and is effective in addressing fragility and poverty. The international think-tank ODI has also recognised Ireland as the most principled donor country internationally in allocating overseas development aid.
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can directly, through the EU and/or UN, influence colleagues throughout Europe and the developed world aware of the vulnerability of refugees, particularly women and children, who are very often at the mercy of traffickers, warlords and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4764/23]
View answerIreland maintains a consistent focus internationally on issues relating to refugees and displaced persons. We raise these issues in UN and EU meetings, highlighting in particular the plight of the most vulnerable, including women and children.
We fully support EU efforts to adopt a comprehensive approach to migration, including through resettlement and increased legal pathways for migration, addressing root causes of forced migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System. We welcome the current emphasis on external aspects of migration, including work on co-operation and mutually beneficial partnerships with countries of origin and transit which are key to preventing irregular migration.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and coordinate the international response to the assistance and protection needs of refugees. Its 2023 Global Appeal estimates the number of refugees internationally at 117 million, an increase of some 14 million people since last year.
Ireland has a strategically important partnership with UNHCR. Our support of over €25 million in 2022 included €10.5 million for core funding for the agency. We also provided funding for UNHCR's response to specific crises, in Jordan, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Uganda, Tanzania and Ukraine. In December 2022 Ireland pledged to provide a minimum of €22 million to support UNHCR's work with refugees in the coming year.
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he continues to support the rule of law throughout Europe as appropriate with EU colleagues and through the UN General Assembly throughout the developed work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4765/23]
View answerRespect for the rule of law is a cornerstone of liberal democracy and, as such, integral to Ireland’s foreign policy. As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am committed to its promotion at home, throughout Europe and beyond.
The European Union is inherently a community of values. Collectively these values underpin the EU’s strength, integrity and coherence, particularly in the face of external threats such as we now face. As we celebrate Ireland’s fiftieth year as an EU member state, it is incumbent on us to recognise where such core values are threatened and to engage constructively to address them. To that end, Ireland has supported the European Commission in developing a comprehensive range of tools to reinforce the rule of law across the EU. We contribute actively to regular Rule of Law discussions at the Council in Brussels. Recognising that protecting the rule of law requires continual reform, we also welcome objective assessment of our own record in the area. In that context, we look forward to engaging with the European Commission in the months ahead as it conducts its annual independent assessment of the Rule of Law in each of the EU’s Member States.
Ireland advances the rule of law across other multilateral forums, including the Council of Europe, the leading pan-European organisation for its protection and promotion. As Presidency of the Council of Europe last year, Ireland reinforced the organisation’s founding freedoms, prioritising support for the European Court of Human Rights. Having visited the Court in Strasbourg myself last year, I look forward to welcoming its President, Judge Síofra O’Leary, to Dublin on 1 February, to reflect on how, through the Council of Europe, Ireland can do more to renew democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across our continent.
Our engagement on this critical issue is not limited to Europe, however. At the United Nations in New York and Geneva, we champion the rule of law, supporting the independence of the judiciaries who enforce it and the free press and civil society who hold states accountable for its implementation. Equally, through our international development programme, to which over €1.2 billion has been allocated this year, Ireland funds a range of projects to promote good governance and combat corruption, aiding our partners in reinforcing the rule of law.
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which political or religious or other opponents of various regimes globally are currently in prison illegally; if efforts continue to be made for their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4766/23]
View answerIreland strongly advocates for democracy, democratic values, the rule of law, civil society space, and respect for human rights as key foreign policy priorities, across our bilateral, EU and multilateral engagement, including at the UN Human Rights Council and at the UN Security Council.
Ireland calls on all States to adhere to their international commitments and obligations, including for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons in arbitrary detention, including political opposition leaders. Ireland also routinely expresses concerns at the discrimination, persecution, intimidation and violence endured by religious or other minorities in various parts of the world.
Ireland remains gravely concerned by the unacceptable pressures being experienced by human rights defenders and civil society around the world, including arbitrary detention and imprisonment. The protection of human rights defenders remains a key foreign policy priority for Ireland. Ireland has a long-term, strategic partnership with Front Line Defenders since 2001 which is supported by Irish Aid to deliver protection grants to human rights defenders to improve their security, both physical and digital, and to assist with legal fees or medical expenses.
Ireland also consistently raises the issues of Freedom of Religion or Belief, and religious intolerance, at the UN, including through the Universal Periodic Review process, as well as through European Union Human Rights Dialogues with other countries. At the most recent 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland continued to express our concern on human rights issues, including in relation to Afghanistan, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Myanmar, occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, South Sudan, Venezuela and in light of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the processing of passports has been upgraded to meet the requirements of applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4767/23]
View answerThe Passports Act, 2008, sets out the legislative basis for processing and issuing Irish passports. To comply with the legislative requirements, meet increased demand and effectively serve Irish citizens globally, the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to promote a digital first agenda for the Passport Service.
To date, this has seen the Passport Service deliver transformational change through the introduction of the Passport Online service. Passport Online offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient and cost-effective service that consistently delivers processing times up to four times faster than paper-based passport applications.
Passport Online is the priority channel for applications due to the many efficiencies built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to apply for their passports from almost anywhere in the world. Over 90% of all passport applications, including first time applications, are now being submitted through Passport Online.
The focus of our current communications campaign for Winter-Spring 2023 is to highlight the benefits of Passport Online as the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. The campaign also reminds citizens to check that their passport is in date.
A continual focus on digital services has also allowed the Passport Service to collaborate across Government. For example, passport applicants can now utilise the government wide MyGovID as an optional service when applying for their passport. The Department will continue to look at ways to work across government to enhance the services we offer citizens.
The Department is also currently working to modernise, improve and protect both the Irish passport as well as the environment and systems that underpin service delivery for our citizens. The Irish passport is currently ranked sixth in the Henley Passport Index and these improvements are essential to maintaining the integrity and status of the Irish Passport.
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which, at international level, he continues to highlight the degree to which child soldiers, if any, continue to be used in combat, their respective locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4768/23]
View answerThe recruitment of child soldiers remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world.
During Ireland’s term on the UN Security Council, we consistently engaged on Children And Armed Conflict (CAAC), including as an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on CAAC and through a number of resolutions. Ireland participated in the UN Security Council Open Debate on 19th July 2022 and expressed dismay at the high numbers of children killed and maimed globally last year, notably in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, as well as during the escalation of violence in May 2021 in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. We also co-sponsored biennial resolutions on the Rights of the Child at the 49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 and at the 76th UN General Assembly Third Committee in 2021.
Ireland is also an active member of the Group of Friends of CAAC as well as the Group of Friends of the Reintegration of Child Soldiers. Ireland continues to combat the use of child soldiers through our development programme, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic causes that contribute to this situation, through providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities. Ireland is also a signatory to the Safe Schools Declaration which outlines a set of commitments designed to strengthen the protection of education from attack, restrict the use of schools and universities for military purposes and ensure the continuity of education in armed conflict zones.
