Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to adapt future iterations of the Climate Action Plan to integrate the Biodiversity Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19849/23]
View answerClimate Action is the most pressing long-term global challenge of our time and is a significant priority for this Government. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) continues to highlight the link between climate change and biodiversity loss, underscoring the need to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems as a fundamental part of building climate resilience.
Our Climate Action Plan reflects the need to integrate environmental and biodiversity actions with the climate action. The Climate Action Plan will be updated annually. It will be improved and strengthened when required, allowing us to integrate new policies and learnings from across society and Government, for what is a very significant and complex undertaking.
How we use our land has implications for human life, biodiversity and climate action. The Programme for Government committed to a Land-use Review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant Government decisions. The first phase of the Land-use Review, focused on the evidence and the final report had 19 recommendations indicating the need for: more monitoring; enhancing of our mapping capability; and better application of these tools to inform decision-making. The second phase, following on from the first, will seek to optimise land use across key Government objectives, improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water and air quality outcomes.
In the meantime, the Climate Action Plan, among many actions on land, is seeking to deliver 35,900 hectares of peatland restoration as part of Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS) and the EU LIFE People and Peatlands programme. Returning these lands to more natural conditions will not just reduce carbon emissions but deliver a range of co-benefits, including the enrichment of Ireland’s natural capital; an increase in ecosystem services; strengthened biodiversity; and improved water quality and storage attenuation; as well as developing amenity potential.
In relation to the marine environment, we are assisting Ireland in meeting its objectives under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Natura Directives. Ensuring that nature-based solutions are included in Ireland’s mitigation, resilience, and adaptation actions.
142. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if recent statistics released by the SEAI on retro fitting programmes are compatible with the targets for deep retro fitting previously announced by the Government; if he has any concerns on the nature of most of the work that has been carried out; if such work will result in any substantial or verifiable reduction in CO2 emissions from energy use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19784/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
The National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan have ring-fenced €8 billion in capital funding to the end of the decade to support the achievement of these objectives.
My Department is working with SEAI to deliver what is one of the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide and a core element of the Government's plan to reduce emissions from the residential sector.
For the period 2019 – 2022, almost 85,000 home upgrades were supported of which over 18,500 were to a B2 level (8,481 in 2022 alone). SEAI advise that in the same period under the residential and community energy efficiency schemes there was a carbon emissions saving of 129.9 ktCO2. It is important to note that both deep retrofits and shallower retrofits will contribute to the achievement of our emissions reduction targets.
A record €356 million in funding has been allocated to SEAI for residential and community schemes for 2023 to support the delivery of 37,000 energy upgrades this year.
This annual ramping up of home completions is central to building the required capacity to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, in February 2022, Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. Following the introduction of the new measures, demand across the SEAI grant supported schemes was exceptionally high in 2022 with:
• Over 50,000 applications processed (up 140% year on year)
• Capital expenditure of €188 million (up 90% year on year)
• 27,199 home energy upgrades (up 78% year on year)
• 8,481 BER B2 upgrades completed (up 95% year on year)
• 4,438 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households (up 85% year on year)
• A further 437 Approved Housing Body homes were supported under the One-Stop-Shop Scheme and an additional 95 low-income houses were supported under the Community Energy Grants Scheme.
• 16,827 attic and cavity wall measures supported (up 107% year on year)
• 12 one-Stop-Shops registered with SEAI
• 40.27kt CO2 emissions savings (up 80% year on year)
A more detailed overview of the SEAI 2022 performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published report, which can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/home-energy-upgrades-2022/.
143. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will explain the rationale for granting ten prospecting licences to an Australian mining corporation in east Mayo in view of the potential negative impacts this could have on water quality in the area. [19783/23]
View answer11 Prospecting licences were granted in counties Roscommon and Mayo in March 2023, to Oriel Selection Trust Ltd. Oriel Selection Trust Ltd is an Australian junior exploration company that has been active in Ireland for over 16 years and uses a local SME to manage and operate their Irish prospecting licences.
In December 2022 The new 'Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining — Critical Raw Materials for the Circular Economy Transition' was published. The policy is to ensure a stable, robust, and transparent regulatory framework that supports environmentally sustainable mineral exploration and mining; and maximise the contribution that sustainable exploration and mining can make to our society, economic development and the transition to a circular economy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, through the supply of the raw materials necessary for our sustainable development.
Mineral exploration activities in Ireland take place within a framework of Irish and EU legislation, including those implemented to ensure that the environment, including water quality, is protected.
All exploration activities must be undertaken in such a manner as to avoid damage to the environment and amenities of the Licensed Area and to avoid or minimize disturbance of residents. The licensee is obliged to follow my Department’s guidance for good environmental practice, including on the protection of water bodies in mineral exploration as part of its Prospecting Licence conditions. All exploration activities are the subject of environmental screening by the Geoscience Regulation Office in my Department, to ensure that they will not give rise to any significant adverse effects on the environment.
144. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are new procedures in place that create complexity in transferring a pension paid from the UK to Ireland; and if there is any public agency which could advise citizens of how this can be done without incurring disproportionate costs. [20073/23]
View answerThe question of entitlement to UK pensions is a matter for the UK authorities and it is not for the Irish authorities to advise individuals on such issues.
My Department does, however, support, under the Emigrant Support Programme, Irish community organisations in the UK who provide assistance and advice to Irish people on issues such as this.
My Department also funds a number of organisations here in Ireland, such as Crosscare, Safe Home, and the Citizens Information Bureau, that provide assistance and information to returning Irish immigrants, including on issues such as pension entitlements.
I understand that Safe Home runs information sessions for immigrants returning to Ireland in collaboration with many of the aforementioned Irish community organisations in Britain and recently organised an information session at the London Irish Centre on this issue.
The Citizens Information Bureau website www.citizensinformation.ie also has some useful information on recent developments in this area.
More generally, the Government remains committed to addressing the obstacles faced by returning immigrants, in line with its Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. I chair the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, a cross-governmental coordination and information-sharing body that includes within its scope the consideration of obstacles to return for Irish diaspora.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ministers posted abroad for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations continue to be successful in promoting Ireland as an attractive investment centre for job creation and modern technology. [13904/23]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity, cultural activity, diaspora engagement, and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country.
Given the economic emphasis underlying each ministerial programme, including my own, the visits help to create jobs in Ireland across a range of sectors, and strengthen the relationship with key established and emerging economic partners. Ministers promoted Ireland as a place in which to invest, with which to trade and do business, as well as to live in, to visit, or to study. Ministers participated in over 971 official events during St Patrick's Day period, 235 of which were dedicated business events or meetings, supporting the objectives of the state agencies, and diaspora business networks.
Existing relationships with key political and business leaders, as well as decision makers are developed and strengthened and cooperation across a wide range of fields, including the economy, trade and investment.
As well as high level political meetings, when I was in New York I met a range of business leaders.
The programme for 2023 built on the success of previous years, delivering strongly on the Government’s objective of engaging with our diaspora, our key partners and friends, and promoting our economy.
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his European colleagues continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine with particular reference to the ongoing implications for European peace and security including food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/23]
View answerRussia’s illegal full scale invasion of Ukraine continues to dominate the European landscape, and my European counterparts and I are continually monitoring the situation.
This week at the Foreign Affairs Council, EU Foreign Ministers received an update on the situation on the ground from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba, and discussed the main strands of the EU’s support to Ukraine, including military support.
Ireland has joined other Member States in agreeing approximately €5.5 billion in support under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to Ukraine. In line with the Programme for Government, our support for Ukraine under the EPF is directly solely towards non-lethal assistance. Our contribution currently stands at approximately €122 million and helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.
The European Union and its Member States have collectively pledged assistance of over €67 billion to Ukraine and its people, including financial support, humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military assistance, and the hosting of refugees fleeing the war.
I was pleased to see that the €4.5 billion of the €18 billion in EU Macro-financial assistance for 2023 was disbursed in January of this year. This regular, stable funding will help ensure that Ukraine can meet the most immediate needs of its people in the face of ongoing Russia attacks.
At the April FAC, I highlighted Ireland’s support for sanctions against the Russian regime, and the need to strengthen measures against circumvention. I also spoke of the need to focus on protection of civilians and safeguarding of children, particularly in light of the concerning reports that Ukrainian children are being forcibly transferred to Russia. I also highlighted Ireland’s efforts to ensure accountability for Russia’s violations of international law and our support for a just peace.
Ireland remains deeply concerned by the serious global impacts of Russia’s war, particularly on food insecurity. We have been strongly supportive of EU efforts to alleviate food insecurity, most notably the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. The EU has stressed the importance of the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and I discussed this issue with the UN Secretary General when I met him in New York in March.
We continue to engage with our partners in third countries on these global impacts, and the need to uphold the rules based international order. The overwhelming support for a UN General Assembly Resolution in February, on the anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion, condemning Russia's continued attack against Ukraine and calling for a peaceful resolution, in line with the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace, was very welcome.
Ireland has also been to the fore in working for accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine, including through support for existing mechanisms such as the ICC, ICJ and European Court of Human Rights, as well as exploring options for a Special Tribunal to try the crime of aggression.
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the representatives of all groups in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the visit of President Biden, with particular reference to the need to engage with likeminded interests in the pursuit of the objectives of the Good Friday Agreement. [18058/23]
View answerThe visit of President Biden in the month we mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement was indicative of wider American support for peace on this island. Throughout his visit President Biden spoke of the importance that the United States attaches to the Agreement. Together with our partners in the European Union, the United States, in Britain, and in Northern Ireland, the Government will continue to work for the full and effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement across all three strands.
The people of Northern Ireland are entitled to a functioning Assembly and Executive. In recent weeks we have seen cuts to services that will affect Northern Ireland's most vulnerable. It is vital that the people of Northern Ireland are represented by the politicians that they elected in May 2022.
The absence of a functioning Executive also has knock-on affects on the operation of Strand Two of the Agreement, which has been severely disrupted in recent years. It is vital that the North South Ministerial Council is allowed to continue its work as soon as possible.
I remain in regular contact with political representatives in Northern Ireland, reiterating the urgent need for a functioning Assembly and Executive.
I am also in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with restoration of the institutions a core focus of our discussions. I met the Secretary of State and the British Prime Minister most recently last week, at the conference hosted by Queen's University Belfast to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. In my remarks at the conference I emphasised the importance that the Government attaches to the restoration of the devolved institutions.
This followed a substantive bilateral engagement with the Secretary of State on 6 April 2023, when we discussed the restoration of the devolved power sharing institutions, and the Irish Government's continuing opposition to the British government's Legacy Bill.
The Secretary of State and I also met at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin earlier this year, which is a Strand Three institution.
The Government will continue to work across all strands of the Good Friday Agreement in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.
My Department also continues to support through the Reconciliation Fund and shortly through the new Shared Island Civic Society Fund a wide variety of community and civil society organisations working to advance the shared, reconciled society promised by the Good Friday Agreement.
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate any new initiatives he has in mind towards achieving the fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement. [18073/23]
View answerThe full and effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement across all three strands is a key priority for this Government.
The people of Northern Ireland are entitled to a functioning Assembly and Executive. In recent weeks we have seen cuts to services that will effect Northern Ireland's most vulnerable. It is vital that the people of Northern Ireland are represented by the politicians that they elected in May 2022.
The absence of a functioning Executive also has knock-on affects on the operation of Strand Two of the Agreement, which has been severely disrupted in recent years. It is vital that the North South Ministerial Council is allowed to continue its work as soon as possible.
I remain in regular contact with political representatives in Northern Ireland, reiterating the urgent need for a functioning Assembly and Executive.
I am also in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with restoration of the institutions a core focus of our discussions. I met the Secretary of State and the British Prime Minister last week, at the conference hosted by Queen's University Belfast to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. In my remarks at the conference I emphasised the importance that the Government attaches to the restoration of the devolved institutions.
I had a substantive bilateral engagement with the Secretary of State on 6 April 2023, when we discussed the restoration of the devolved power sharing institutions, and the Irish Government's continuing opposition to the British government's Legacy Bill.
The Secretary of State and I also met at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin earlier this year, which is a Strand Three institution.
The Government will continue to work across all strands of the Good Friday Agreement in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.
Separately, through the Shared Island Initiative, the Government has committed €1 billion out to 2030 through the Shared Island Fund and is working with all communities to build a vision for our shared future. Over the past two years, we have taken forward this ambitious agenda by progressing North South infrastructure projects, bringing all communities together through our Shared Island Dialogue series, and delivering a comprehensive research programme to inform inclusive dialogue on the future of our island.
We will continue to seek way and opportunities to work with all communities, and with a new Executive, to harness the power of what we can achieve when we work together and to build consensus around our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects to encourage cooperation, mutual respect and interaction between the various communities in Northern Ireland, and including North/South relations, with a view to building on trust and understanding in a manner which enhances the ideals of the Good Friday Agreement. [18074/23]
View answerThe Government remains strongly committed to supporting the work of peace, cooperation, and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland.
I remain in regular contact with all communities in Northern Ireland, including the political parties, the business community, and civic society representatives.
In my engagements with Northern Ireland stakeholders, I have continued to encourage all communities to work together, including to urgently restore the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
As a co-Guarantor of the Agreement, we have a particular responsibility to see these institutions operate as effectively as possible and deliver for people and communities, North and South.
The formal means for the Government to develop and encourage North South cooperation is through the North South Ministerial Council, which was established under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement.
I remain deeply concerned that the work of the NMSC has been disrupted in recent years. It is crucial that the Council is allowed to resume its work as soon as possible.
Separately, 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.
The Government has taken forward this ambitious 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.
The Shared Island Initiative is a whole-of-Government priority. I was very pleased to launch the Shared Island Civic Society Fund earlier this year. This Fund, which is being administered by my Department, will award €500,000 in 2023 to promote North South cooperation across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.
In addition to this, my Department’s longstanding Reconciliation Fund continues to encourage cooperation and understanding between communities. Since its establishment in 1982, the Reconciliation Fund has awarded over €60 million to support over 3,000 projects since its establishment in 1982.
In the period ahead, the Government will continue to work with all communities, and a new Executive, to further promote cooperation, trust, and understanding on an all-island basis.
150. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the 10th package of EU sanctions on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/23]
View answerIreland welcomed the adoption of the 10th sanctions package on 25 February this year, marking the anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The 10th package has three elements. It includes new listings of 121 individuals and entities, including military figures, political institutions, propagandists and Russian banks. There are also additional import bans and export bans worth more than €11 billion on technology and goods critical to the Russian economy and the war effort, as well as on dual-use and advanced tech goods. Finally, it includes further reporting and anti-circumvention measures. Individuals and entities linked to Russia’s Wagner Group were also listed for unlawful activities and human rights abuses in Ukraine, the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan.
These sanctions are having an impact on Russia and it is important that this pressure is maintained. Discussions are now underway on an eleventh sanctions package, with the European Commission expected to present a proposal in the coming weeks. Ireland welcomes and is participating fully in these discussions. It is expected that the eleventh package will include a focus on the strengthening the enforcement of existing measures and tackling circumvention. David O’Sullivan’s work as International Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions will be central to efforts to strengthen implementation and addressing issues of circumvention in third countries.
151. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline additional supports provided by the Irish Government to support Ukraine's offensive against Russia; if he supports the investigations by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and for the creation, in The Hague, of an international centre for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14092/23]
View answerIreland has been supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people both bilaterally and through the EU budget since Russia’s full-scale invasion was launched on 24 February 2022.
Ireland’s support has been directed at addressing the humanitarian consequences of the invasion, as well as supporting the Ukrainian government, public services and economy. We have also contributed to the provision of non-lethal assistance to Ukraine to assist it in withstanding the Russian aggression.
Ireland has to date welcomed over 80,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive, which equates to some 1.5% of our population. The Irish Government has provided over €174 million in bilateral support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, comprising approximately €52.5 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance via the European Peace Facility (EPF). In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland’s support for Ukraine under the EPF is directed solely towards non-lethal assistance, and helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.
€75 million was announced in Budget 2023 to address humanitarian and other needs in Ukraine, neighbouring countries and the global response to the crisis. This will include €32 million in direct support to Ukraine and its neighbours.
Ireland supports initiatives to bring to account perpetrators of atrocity crimes committed in Ukraine in the context of Russia’s aggression. In that respect, I note the importance of the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, in respect of possible war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia.
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. Ireland committed a total of €3 million in voluntary contributions to the ICC in 2022, including €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.
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. Ireland welcomes the proposal to establish the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine as an important practical step in this direction. In February, Ireland joined 32 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.
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he perceives opportunities to advance the letter and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement in the aftermath of the visit of President Biden with particular reference to avail of any dividend from President Biden’s visit to reenergise the Good Friday Agreement. [18276/23]
View answerThe twenty-fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is an important time to reflect on our shared peace and to celebrate what was a transformative moment for everyone on this island, bringing peace and resetting relationships.
As we celebrate all that the Good Friday Agreement achieved, and consider how best we can fulfil its vision, increasing awareness and understanding of the Agreement among the public is a key priority. The text of the Good Friday Agreement is available on a dedicated 25 Years of the Good Friday Agreement section of the Ireland.ie website and my Department's website, along with detailed information on the institutions it created, and the work done since 1998 to consolidate peace. This is an environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way of making the text of the Agreement widely accessible to the public, while also providing additional information and context. My Department is also working with the Department of Education to make available appropriate material for students on the Agreement.
As we mark this important anniversary, it is important that we include a broad and representative range of voices from across communities, particularly those of civil society and young people. The Government's cultural celebration at the Abbey Theatre on 2 April, entitled Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures, reflected this objective, celebrating a diverse set of voices and perspectives, and was streamed live to the public on RTE.
It is also important that the international dimension of support for peace is acknowledged, including that of the US and EU. In recognition of this, Ireland’s diplomatic network is playing a central role in marking the anniversary. The Department of Foreign Affairs is holding a number of events at Ireland’s embassies and consulates around the world to celebrate the vital and ongoing support of the international community to the process of peace and reconciliation.
156. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the work being done to secure the release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20136/23]
View answerI remain gravely concerned by the situation in Nicaragua, particularly the continued human rights violations, and the crackdowns on opposition voices, on civil society and on independent media, together with backsliding on democratic norms.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department, together with our EU partners, and other international and civil society partners, continue to closely monitor the unacceptable detention of the individual referred to in her correspondence. We will continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all other remaining political prisoners.
Ireland and the EU continue to employ all channels of engagement available to call on the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to repression, to release all those unjustly detained, and to restore full respect for human rights in Nicaragua. Ireland fully supported the most recent EU statement on 18 April 2023, which condemned five years of repression in Nicaragua and called for the liberation of all political prisoners, a return to the rule of law, the full return of international human rights organisations, and the establishment of genuine, inclusive dialogue.
In addition, Ireland actively participated in discussions on Nicaragua at the Human Rights Council in March 2023, when we made a National Statement during the dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, highlighting that the actions of the Nicaraguan authorities are contrary to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. We also supported and provided input to statements by the EU and other international partners on Nicaragua during that session of the Council, many of which highlighted the issue of political prisoners, as well as endorsing a resolution on the protection of human rights in Nicaragua.
Ireland will continue to work to support the people of Nicaragua, including through the work of the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, in close collaboration with EU Member States and the EU Delegation in Managua.
157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue in time for a student (details supplied) in Donegal travelling on a school trip that was submitted in January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20144/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland's overseas aid continues to be involved in various projects such as assisting with the provision of water supplies in countries affected by drought and lack of infrastructure for drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/23]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to what extent overseas aid remains engaged with organisations involved in the provision of basic services such as water and/or food supplies at various locations that are particularly affected in Africa and other locations across the globe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20149/23]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the bilateral aid programme continues to identify with and assist countries and communities that continue to be affected by various shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 to 160, inclusive, together.
A Better World, the Government's international development policy, focuses our international development programme on meeting the needs of the furthest behind first, with an emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries, especially women and girls.
The Government has provided over €1.2 billion for Official Development Assistance in 2023, the highest ever allocation. This enables Ireland to build on our longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food and nutrition insecurity, instability and conflict. Among the priority areas this year are the Horn of Africa, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, while strengthening our assistance to the people of Ukraine and its neighbours. The provision of water, sanitation and hygiene is consistently a top priority need in crises and emergencies. As a result, the response supported by Irish Aid ensures a significant amount of Ireland’s funding prioritises such programming.
Ireland's ODA is delivered through a number of partners best placed to respond worldwide. This includes multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, as well as bilateral ODA through Irish Embassies abroad, with a strong focus on Africa. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement. These complementary channels ensure that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.
Children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those from marginalised communities face specific challenges in accessing essential services, particularly in emergencies, conflict and protracted crises. Ireland’s development cooperation takes a rights-based and universal approach to social protection and providing access to education, aiming to deepen coverage and extend access to inclusive and targeted services.
