Written Answers Nos. 83-92
83. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at a Good Friday Agreement 25 event with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/23]
View answer84. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will a report on his recent visit to New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13638/23]
View answer90. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he will have on his St. Patrick's day visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13390/23]
View answer105. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered plans for an official event to mark the 60th anniversary of the visit of President John F Kennedy to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13208/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 84, 90 and 105 together.
Every year, St Patrick’s Day celebrations provide the Government with a unique opportunity to engage with Heads of State and Government, senior politicians, business leaders, civic organisations, and the media right across the globe. It also gives us a unique opportunity to connect with and advocate on behalf of the many Irish people living abroad as well as promote the country.
This year, I travelled to the United States from the 13th to the 19th of March, and undertook a comprehensive programme of engagements in New York and Boston. The visit was a very valuable opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests in the United States, meet with political, business, sporting and community leaders, and to deepen the political, economic and cultural links between our two countries.
While in New York, I addressed the National Committee on American Foreign Policy to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. I spoke with Secretary Hillary Clinton, who was presented with an award in recognition of her invaluable and longstanding support for Northern Ireland. What was clear to me at that event, and indeed throughout my programme in the United States, was the continued importance placed by the American people and leadership on the Good Friday Agreement and the need to protect the gains of the peace process.
Deputies will be aware of debate around advertisements placed in American newspapers. At this moment of acute political sensitivity it is important to recall the fundamentally important role played by the United States as an honest and impartial broker that is trusted by all sides and that has always been a driver of the peace process. Time and time again they have brought people together when the political process in Northern Ireland has required support. And, I know that they can be counted on for support in the future. While everyone is of course free to make the case for the constitutional future that they desire, it is important that in doing so we consider our immediate and collective responsibility to put the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement on the soundest possible footing.
While in New York, I met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, as well as with Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed. In these meetings, I expressed appreciation for their cooperation and support during Ireland’s term on the UN Security Council, and reiterated our ongoing deep commitment to the UN and the multilateral system. I also reaffirmed Ireland’s leading role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals as a co-facilitator of the SDG Summit to be held this September.
I was also pleased to visit Boston, a city with a large and vibrant Irish-American population. I spoke at an event hosted by the John F Kennedy Presidential Library to mark the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland this year. That historic visit in June 1963, the first by a sitting American President, had a profound impact on this country and has come to symbolise the deep and enduring connection between Ireland and the United States. Further engagements, to mark this event in Ireland in June, are currently under consideration.
Finally, during my time in the United States last week, I had the opportunity to meet Congressman Richie Neal, who has been steadfast in his support for Irish issues, not least in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland. While visiting his home district for the famous Holyoke St Patrick’s Day parade, we had a broad-ranging discussion covering Northern Ireland and the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, US immigration reform and Ireland-US bilateral relations.
85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and other European Union countries continue to support the people of the Ukraine in the face of the continued Russian aggression; if it is expected that the international war crimes courts are likely to bring the perpetrators before them with a view to retribution in the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13631/23]
View answerIreland, and the European Union, have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. The 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. Overall EU assistance to Ukraine pledged by both EU and Member States so far amounts to nearly €50 billion, which includes financial, humanitarian, emergency and budgetary support. Ireland has repeatedly called for Russia to end its aggression immediately and withdraw from Ukrainian territory.
Ireland supports initiatives to bring to account perpetrators of atrocity crimes, including war crimes, committed in Ukraine in the context of Russia’s aggression. As the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute international crimes, the International Criminal Court (ICC), along with other accountability mechanisms, has a crucial role to play fighting impunity for atrocity crimes, such as war crimes, that have occurred, and are continuing, in Ukraine. In March 2022, Ireland was one of 43 states which referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC in order to allow the ICC Prosecutor to immediately start an investigation, and in May 2022 Ireland gave a voluntary contribution of €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor in order to address urgent resource needs across all situations before the Court, following the opening of the Ukraine investigation.
The Prosecutor has now commenced investigation activities in Ukraine which are intended to lead to the prosecution of individuals for the commission of international crimes, including war crimes.
Ireland also supports accountability for the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression, a crime that is outside the jurisdiction of the ICC’s investigation in Ukraine. In February, Ireland joined 31 other states in the Core Group on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression to address the complex legal and practical issues that arise in trying to establish a credible, legitimate and effective tribunal to deal with this crime.
86. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the issues that were discussed at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council. [13502/23]
View answerSince I last updated on my engagements at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, two meetings have taken place. I attended a meeting on 20 February, and Minister of State Peter Burke participated in a joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers, yesterday in Brussels.
The meetings addressed a number of important issues, including the war in Ukraine, Iran, Moldova, Afghanistan, the Israel-Palestine conflict, the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, Georgia, Tunisia, and preparations for COP 28. We took a number of decisions in relation to these issues.
The Ukrainian and Moldovan Foreign Ministers debriefed the Council meetings on their needs, one year on from the full-scale Russian invasion, and the EU adopted a number of important decisions on our multidimensional support for the two countries. This included agreement on a tenth package of sanctions against Russia, including further export bans worth more than €11 billion. We also agreed on continued coordination of our work on ensuring accountability for war crimes. Continued EU support will be further discussed at the European Council later this week.
In February, the Council discussed the Iranian government’s repression of protestors, and transfer of weaponry to Russia, and responded by adopting a fifth and sixth package of targeted sanctions. We also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and met virtually with the UN Deputy Secretary General, who recently visited Kabul. We agreed on an approach in relation to EU engagement in Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic needs support, with certain conditions attached.
At yesterday’s meeting, the worsening situation in Israel and Palestine was discussed. Ireland called for the EU to intensify engagement to prevent further escalation. I was pleased that all EU Member States issued a joint statement on 8 March, which stated that Israel must stop settlement expansion and prevent settler violence.
87. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the increasingly high levels of Palestinian civilian casualties in the occupied West Bank with the new Israeli government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13389/23]
View answerI am deeply concerned at the high level of civilian casualties in the occupied Palestinian territory. Last year was the deadliest year for Palestinians living in the West Bank since the UN began recording fatalities in 2005. This negative trend has continued into 2023.
Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation under international law to protect civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory. It must adhere to international law.
I have written to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, noting increased levels of civilian casualties and reiterating Ireland’s commitment to a just and sustainable peace on the basis of a two-State solution. I look forward to having the chance to speak with Minister Cohen on a range of issues in due course.
I discussed the security situation in the West Bank in a phone call with the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riad Malki, on 18 January, during which he shared his deep concern at the deteriorating situation. I also welcome that the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January provided an opportunity for both Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki to raise these troubling developments with the EU collectively.
Further to my direct contacts with my Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, Irish officials continue to engage in regular dialogue with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities on matters of mutual concern, including in relation to the protection of civilians. I also have regular engagement with international partners on this issue, including in my meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, at the Munich Security Conference in February, and my meeting the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on 15 March.
88. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his bilateral engagement to-date in 2023 with his Israeli counterpart with regard to the ongoing demolition and seizure of Palestinian property in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/23]
View answerI have written to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, reiterating Ireland’s unwavering commitment to supporting a just and sustainable peace on the basis of a two-State solution. I look forward to having the chance to speak with Minister Cohen on a range of issues in due course, including in relation to our concerns on demolitions and the seizure of Palestinian property.
I have been consistently forthright in voicing my opposition to Israeli settlement activity, including demolitions and the seizure of Palestinian property, in the occupied West Bank. These actions are a clear violation of international law and stand in the way of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted in international fora, including during our recent tenure on the United Nations Security Council. Ireland has repeatedly urged Israel not to proceed with planned demolitions and to cease all settlement activities.
Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv also raises these matters in its regular contacts with the Israeli authorities. Ireland's Representative Office in Ramallah has made a number of visits along with EU colleagues to sites of concern in the West Bank.
Ireland is part of a group of EU Member States that are pursuing compensation for humanitarian structures, funded by donors such as Ireland, 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 provided €300,000 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.
89. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with other foreign ministers regarding the loss of electricity power at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine due to Russian missile bombardment; if he is concerned about the potential result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13386/23]
View answerI have repeatedly expressed my deep concern about the impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on nuclear safety and security at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine. I have discussed the issue with the IAEA Director General Grossi at the January Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Ireland’s embassy in Vienna engages actively in discussions at the IAEA.
On 9 March, Ireland joined with 50 other states and EURATOM in a joint statement at the IAEA Board of Governors calling on Russia to respect IAEA resolutions. The statement addressed the range of issues impacting nuclear safety and security, including expressing significant concern with the continued fragile off-site power supply situation for Ukrainian nuclear power plants due to Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The IAEA reports that the situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains dangerous, precarious, and challenging. Nuclear safety and security must be respected in all circumstances, including in armed conflict. I am deeply concerned that Russia’s occupation has meant that each of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security continue to be compromised, including interruption to secure off-site power supply. As long as Russia illegally occupies the site of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russia’s actions significantly raise the risk of a nuclear accident or incident. I continue to support the IAEA Director General’s important proposal to address serious risks by establishing a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
I also welcome the establishment of a permanent IAEA presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, and acknowledge the courage of the ZNPP staff and the IAEA mission staff in undertaking their vital work to ensure nuclear safety and security in such difficult circumstances.
Ireland has voted in favour of a series of IAEA resolutions on nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, and will continue to support the IAEA in this work.
91. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the action Ireland is taking to provide humanitarian and medical aid to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13516/23]
View answer92. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the assistance provided to Turkey and Syria following the recent earthquake; the amount of aid that has been disbursed; the plans for further assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13612/23]
View answer106. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his counterparts in Turkey and Syria in relation to the devastating earthquakes in the two countries; what Ireland’s response to these catastrophes will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13388/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 106 together.
The Government has provided €10 million in emergency assistance for the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. This package of support includes over 235 tonnes of emergency supplies of tents, thermal blankets, solar lamps, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and water jerry cans, worth €1.4 million.
The response from Ireland in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes focused on critical lifesaving needs including medical care delivered by Ireland’s partners already on the ground and equipped to provide such care immediately.
These long-standing humanitarian partners include the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies, United Nations agencies and Irish NGOs active in the region. All have a proven track record in crisis response. Two members of Ireland’s Rapid Response roster have also been deployed with UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination teams in Türkiye.
Ireland’s funding to the Red Cross has enabled support to the Turkish Red Crescent in deploying their medical response units countrywide as part of the emergency response in Türkiye. Funding to other partners has prioritised the provision of shelter, food, cash, essential household items, water and hygiene kits to thousands of affected people in Türkiye and Northwest Syria.
Humanitarian aid into the Northwest of Syria is dependent on cross-border deliveries from Türkiye under a UN resolution renewed following Ireland's leadership on the UN Security Council. Following the earthquakes, a UN-brokered deal with the Syrian Government allowed for the use of an additional two border gates for a three-month period. Ireland has been supporting the UN to deliver aid in convoy through these routes.
As well as direct assistance, Ireland is responding to the emergency though our prepositioned contributions to multilateral humanitarian agencies, such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The CERF has allocated a total of $50 million to provide urgent life-saving assistance to those affected by the disaster.
On 10 February, the Tánaiste spoke by phone with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavusoglu. He expressed sympathy and condolences with the people of Türkiye, and outlined the immediate humanitarian assistance from Ireland. He also wrote jointly with his Norwegian counterpart to express sympathy to the Governor of Hatay Province.
