Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on any recent discussions with the political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19708/23]
View answer44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he expects to take on board the various views arising from the recent and necessary focus on Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Protocol and the Windsor Agreement and the advice and comments from national and international politicians, in order to continue and consolidate the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19859/23]
View answer59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to have the Assembly, Northern Ireland Executive and the North-South Ministerial Council restored without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19777/23]
View answer67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that have been made by his Department to restore Stormont. [19706/23]
View answer68. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had in relation to the restoration of Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19709/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 44, 59, 67 and 68 together.
The 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 power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland; the North South Ministerial Council and the Cross Border Bodies; as well as the East-West institutions. The Agreement is designed so that these institutions support and reinforce one another.
As a co-Guarantor of the Agreement, with the British government, we have a responsibility to work with the Northern Ireland parties and our international partners to ensure the full and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement, and all its institutions.
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.
While I recognise that Assembly parties will require time to study the Windsor Framework, it is important to emphasise that this can be done in parallel to getting the institutions up and running.
I remain in regular contact with political representatives in Northern Ireland, reiterating the urgent need for a functioning Assembly and Executive.
The absence of a functioning Executive also has knock-on affects on the operation of Strand Two of the Agreement. I am deeply concerned that the work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has been severely 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 continue its work as soon as possible.
I am 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 at the conference hosted by Queen's University Belfast last week to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. In my remarks at the conference I also emaphasised 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. I also raised the Government of Ireland's continuing opposition to the British government's Legacy Bill.
The Secretary of State and I also met at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Dublin earlier this year. The BIIGC is an institution of Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government will continue to work closely on a North-South and an East-West basis in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of all of the Strands of the Good Friday Agreement and as well as subsequent agreements.
43. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his recent engagement with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19767/23]
View answerI met with the Chief Commissioners of both the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) in Belfast on 11 April.
These are two important institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement.
We discussed a number of common concern, including the provisions of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. That article includes an undertaking that the UK's withdrawal from of the EU should entail no diminution of the rights, safeguards or equality of opportunity provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. We also shared concerns about the the UK Legacy Bill currently progressing through Westminster, and I updated them on my recent engagements, including with victims and representative groups.
It is regrettable that, as we celebrate twenty-five years of the Good Friday Agreement, certain key human rights provisions remain unfulfilled, in particular a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and a consultative Civic Forum. Although progress has been made on both of these issues, further developments are contingent on the formation of the Northern Ireland Executive.
This stalled progress on key human rights provisions is one of the reasons that it is essential that the parties come together to establish an Executive. I emphasised that the Government is working closely with our UK counterparts and partners in Northern Ireland, to support a return of the institutions.
It was agreed that officials will stay in contact with both Commissions as we move forward.
45. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19624/23]
View answerI attended the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, on Monday, 24 April.
The Council took place against the backdrop of the escalation of conflict in Sudan. We discussed coordination of the EU response, including the evacuation of EU citizens, EU diplomatic engagement and efforts to secure a ceasefire, and measures the EU could undertake to address the humanitarian situation. Our discussion reflected a strong solidarity between Member States and also assessed how we could further improve EU crisis management operations in future.
The Council also continued its close coordination of the EU response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, and we met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba by video conference. Our exchanges covered preparation of additional sanctions, continued military support, the pursuit of accountability, and the EU’s outreach to international partners. I stressed the importance of the EU maintaining operational focus, by continuing to adopt fresh measures.
The Council also met with the Georgian Foreign Minister and I urged the Georgian government to demonstrate its genuine commitment to upholding EU values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We also adopted a decision to establish an EU Common Security and Defence Policy Partnership Mission in Moldova.
We also assessed the latest developments of concern in the Middle East, with the Council agreeing to adopt a seventh package of sanctions against Iran, in light of its continued repression of human rights. Together with other Ministers, I also requested the EU’s High Representative to advance work on a stocktaking of the EU’s relationship with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The Council was also an opportunity to advance EU preparations for the upcoming Council of Europe Summit, taking place next month in Iceland. The Summit was announced during Ireland’s Council of Europe Presidency last year, and we have led calls for substantive EU engagement, so we were pleased to welcome the Council of Europe Secretary General and the Icelandic Foreign Minister for a meeting.
46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met with the Russian ambassador recently; the current complement of staff at the embassy at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/23]
View answerI have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since taking up the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs.
However, officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador on a number of occasions – most recently in March 2023 - to make clear our utter condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.
There are currently 21 officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - 9 Diplomats and 12 Administrative and Technical staff.
Prior to the invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 officers at the Embassy, 14 diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff.
47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed timeframe to honour the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. [19750/23]
View answer48. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the efforts being made to engage with the EU to progress the recognition of the State of Palestine among EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19775/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
In the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
The timing and context of any such decision would affect whether the resulting loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution.
50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the actions of Israel at the al-Aqsa Mosque; and if he has raised this matter at EU-level. [19751/23]
View answerThe deteriorating situation on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is deeply troubling.
On 7 April, I condemned the violence by Israeli forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and urged respect for the status quo at the holy sites. Furthermore, I condemned rocket fire into Israel and all violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. It is of paramount importance that civilians are protected.
Ireland plays a leadership role at the EU in taking a consistent, clear, and firm position in relation to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. I work closely with EU partners to ensure that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains central to the EU's foreign policy. Most recently, I raised Ireland’s shared concerns to my EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, 24 April. I will continue to work with my counterparts to encourage the EU to play a forward-leaning role in the conflict.
54. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe for the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19691/23]
View answerThe international security environment has changed significantly over the last year. In order to build a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy, I have convened a Consultative Forum on International Security Policy to discuss the issues involved.
The Consultative Forum will take place in three different locations; on 22 June at University College Cork, on 23 June at the University of Galway, and on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. It will be chaired by Louise Richardson DBE (formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews).
Attendance at the Forum will consist of invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and practical experience in the areas to be discussed. There will also be spaces reserved for members of the general public. Discussions will be live-streamed and there will be an option for online submissions. The objective of the Forum is to initiate an open and evidence-based discussion on the State’s foreign and security policy. Anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.
Full details of the arrangements for registration, live-streaming and the making of submissions will be published by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence in the coming weeks.
55. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his views on a one-state solution for the situation in Palestine and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19865/23]
View answerI am deeply troubled by announcements and actions taken by the Israeli Government, which undermine prospects for a two-State solution and are a major obstacle to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. I am following these developments very closely and urge the parties to abide by their obligations under international law.
Ireland’s focus is on seeking ways to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters. The two-State solution represents the only sustainable prospect that will enable Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.
56. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the current situation in Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/23]
View answerI remain gravely concerned by the situation in Nicaragua. The continued human rights violations, crackdowns on opposition voices, civil society and independent media, and the ongoing backsliding on democratic norms, are unacceptable.
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 genuine, inclusive dialogue. The EU also reiterated its readiness to support all efforts aimed at a democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the protracted political crisis in Nicaragua.
Ireland, and EU partners, have taken note of the recent decision by the Nicaraguan authorities to withdraw agreement for the Ambassador-designate of the EU to Nicaragua. Ireland and the EU remain convinced that fully fledged diplomatic relations and constructive dialogue should be the norm in bilateral relations, and hope that the Government of Nicaragua will reconsider its decision.
Ireland, together with EU partners, will remain actively engaged on the situation in Nicaragua in order to support a return to democratic norms and the protection of fundamental freedoms in the country. This includes engagement on the ground through the EU Delegation in Managua and our Embassy in Mexico, which covers Nicaragua, as well as through interaction with our civil society partners and engagement at key international fora.
Most recently, 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, as well as endorsing a resolution on the protection of human rights in Nicaragua.
My Department will continue to engage on the situation in Nicaragua through all of the above fora in support of an end to political repression, a return to full democratic norms and respect for human rights for the people of Nicaragua.
57. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent issuing by the International Criminal Court of an arrest warrant for the President of the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19623/23]
View answerAs the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute international crimes the International Criminal Court has a crucial role to play in fighting impunity for atrocity crimes. These include the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine. In response to this and other crimes being committed in Ukraine, in March last year Ireland and 42 other states referred the situation there to the ICC in order to allow the ICC Prosecutor to immediately start an investigation. In May 2022 Ireland then made a voluntary contribution of €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor in order to help it address urgent resource needs across all situations before the Court following the opening of the Ukraine investigation, including the situation in Ukraine itself.
The Government also supports efforts to ensure accountability of the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression, a crime that is outside the jurisdiction of the ICC’s investigation in Ukraine. For this reason Ireland has joined the Core Group on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. The Group, which now consists of 33 states, is working through the complex legal and practical issues that arise in establishing a credible, legitimate and effective special tribunal to deal with this crime, and will meet again next month.
I note the recent decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, on allegations of having committed war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia. Undoubtedly this development reflects the very grave and disturbing nature of the continuing policy of the Russian authorities to remove children from their homes and families in Ukraine. Those responsible for such a policy must indeed be held accountable for their actions.
58. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of Ireland's role as a co-facilitator of the upcoming SDG summit; the specific actions his Department is taking to ensure the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, both domestically and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19891/23]
View answerIreland has adopted a whole-of-government approach to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Every Minister in government has responsibility for implementing relevant SDG targets. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for promoting the SDGs, and for overseeing their coherent implementation across Government.
The Department of Foreign Affairs leads Ireland's international efforts toward the SDGs. The Government's international development policy, A Better World , fully integrates the SDGs. It prioritises reducing humanitarian need, supporting climate action, promoting gender equality and strengthening governance, with the overarching ambition to reach the furthest behind first.
Ireland will present our second Voluntary National Review of progress towards the SDGs at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York in July. The Review report will include a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress towards achieving the individual goals and targets.
In September, world leaders will meet at the SDG Summit in New York to review progress on the SDGs. The Summit is an opportunity to rebuild momentum towards the Goals. The Permanent Representatives of Ireland and Qatar to the UN are co-facilitating negotiations on the Political Declaration to be adopted at the Summit. The role of co-facilitator is to ensure the Declaration reflects a broad consensus among Member States.
Consultations began earlier this year, aiming to reach consensus on a final draft of the Declaration over the summer. The co-facilitators are working in a transparent and inclusive manner with UN member states, civil society and young people, academia and the private sector. Some common themes have emerged, including the importance of ensuring universality, leaving no one behind, the interconnectedness and indivisibility of the Goals, inclusiveness, and partnerships.
We are determined that the Declaration will give a clear statement of direction, galvanizing a shift from crisis response towards sustainable development. A strong outcome will also reaffirm the central role of multilateralism in finding solutions to the challenges our world is facing.
60. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will urge the EU institutions and countries to collect information and intelligence of the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and sanction Russian officials involved in these crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19781/23]
View answerIreland is deeply concerned by mounting evidence that Russia is forcibly transferring Ukrainian children, either to parts of Ukraine’s territory temporarily controlled or occupied by Russia, or to Russia itself.
Concerns in relation to Russia’s actions in this regard have been raised by credible bodies, including the OSCE’s Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the UN Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights. Such actions are a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Russia is a party to. These actions could also amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Ireland has raised this issue in our statements in multilateral fora, including the Human Rights Council, both in national capacity and as part of the European Union. We will continue to do so, to highlight our concerns and to hold Russia to account. We will also continue to engage with the EU and with our partners to determine the extent of the issue and to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held to account.
The EU Commission is expected to present a proposal for an eleventh sanctions package in the coming weeks. Ireland will continue to support work on restrictive measures related to the forced displacement of children from Ukraine.
Ireland co-sponsored a resolution of the UN Human Rights Council establishing an Independent International Commission of Inquiry to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law and related crimes in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This Commission will establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of any such violations and abuses. The Commission has already provided an interim report to the Human Rights Council in September 2022; the report found that, amongst other grave human rights violations, civilians have been unlawfully deported to the Russian Federation. At the 52 session of the Human Rights Council in March 2023, the Commission of Inquiry reported that Russian authorities have committed a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians and energy-related inrastructure, willful killings, unlawful confinement, torture, rape and other sexual violence, as well as unlawful transfers and deportations of children. The Commission will submit a comprehensive report in 2024.
I also welcome the decision by the International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor Office to issue arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in respect of possible war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia. Ireland is a strong supporter of the independence and integrity of the International Criminal Court and its vital work in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
