Written Answers Nos. 144-153
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor and examine progress in respect of the spirit and the letter of the Good Friday Agreement; the extent to which he can take further initiatives to promote those elements of the agreement which refer to or require continued action by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28840/23]
View answerThe values and framework of the Good Friday Agreement, across its three Strands, are the foundation on which relationships across these islands are built, within Northern Ireland (Strand One), on this island (Strand Two), and East West (Strand Three).
The Agreement directly informs how the two Governments engage on a range of policy issues, in particular at this time the urgent need to restore the Strand One and Strand Two institutions to enable the full and effective implementation and operation of the Agreement across all three Strands.
In the Agreement, the parties, including the two Governments, affirmed their commitment to the mutual respect of the civil rights and the religious liberties of everyone in the community. This included the right to seek constitutional change by peaceful and legitimate means, the right to freedom from sectarian harassment and the right to equal opportunity for all. The strengthened protection of human rights in both jurisdictions set out in the Agreement was and continues to be a guarantee for the different traditions on the island of Ireland.
It is a matter of great regret that, twenty-five years on from the Agreement being signed, its institutions are not being allowed to deliver to their full capacity for the benefit of the people of this island. As co-guarantor of the Agreement, the Government take seriously our responsibility to proactively engage with all partners to resolve this situation. 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 the most vulnerable. Local leadership is required to address these challenges. I spoke with political representatives in Northern Ireland last week and reiterated the urgent need for a restoration of the power-sharing institutions.
I am also in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on this issue. I met with him on 16 May and will meet him again in the coming weeks at the British Irish Council and at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. At every meeting I also reiterate the Irish Government's continuing opposition to the British government's Legacy Bill.
I and my officials are in regular contact with community and civil society organisations in Northern Ireland. Last week I met with East Belfast GAA and the Museum of Orange Heritage to hear about the valuable work that they do in their communities. My Department also continues to support through the Reconciliation Fund, and 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.
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.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the sabotage of the Nova Kakhovka dam has implications for security on a wider scale and for other countries. [28328/23]
View answerOn 6 June, the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam (Kakhovka Dam) across the Dnipro river was destroyed, unleashing a torrent of flood water across the conflict zone. The destruction of Kakhovka dam is a serious development, which poses a severe threat to human life and the environment, and will have far-reaching consequences.
This reckless act is yet another brutal consequence of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Any intentional targeting of civilian objects, including critical infrastructure, is a war crime. The issue was addressed by the UN Security Council on June 6.
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society Emergency Response Teams and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have been activated to support the affected population in Kherson and will assist with the provision of emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food, mobile health care and hygiene centres, among other urgent supports. In the immediate wake of the disaster last week, I announced €1 million of Irish Aid funding to support these organisations in their efforts.
I am particularly concerned by the serious risk of pollution, as well as the risk to human life as a result of the dislocation of mines and explosive ordnance over a much wider region. I understand also that Russian forces have been continuing to shell the region, creating a further obstacle to the relief operation. I utterly condemn this further brutal act of aggression.
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate the ongoing role for his office/Department in the development of supports for the Good Friday Agreement/Shared Island Initiative which requires his participation and support. [28569/23]
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 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 effects 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 spoke with political representatives in Northern Ireland last week and reiterated the urgent need for a restoration of the power-sharing institutions. This is also a matter that I discuss regularly with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris.
The Government also continues to prioritise East-West cooperation and engagement through the Strand III institutions. This week, I will attend the 39th Summit of the British-Irish Council in Jersey and, next week, the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London. These forums provide a unique platform to build relations across these islands and to address common challenges such as climate sustainability, building for the future, and protecting our unique cultures and individual languages. Members of this House also support Strand III engagement through their work with the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.
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.
We will continue to seek ways 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.
This includes the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, through which we are 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. My Department continues to play an active role in delivering on the objectives of the Shared Island Initiative, including through our Shared Island Civic Society Fund.
I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Northern Ireland and the UK to further develop the Shared Island Initiative in the period ahead.
147. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the evolution in EU or Irish policy towards China in the wake of the Ukraine war, and the heightened rivalry between the USA and China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28956/23]
View answerIreland is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has a clear responsibility to defend and promote the Charter and the rules based international order, including in relation to the use of force and territorial integrity.
I met with Wang Yi at the Munich Security Council in February and I echoed calls for China to work to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The Minister for Environment, Climate, and Communications, Eamon Ryan, used the opportunity of his engagements in China in March, including with his ministerial counterpart, to raise our position on the war in Ukraine. Minister McConalogue also raised the war in Ukraine during his visit in May.
EU partners have been clear with China that its position on the war in Ukraine is an important factor in EU-China relations. The EU has communicated to China that any military equipment support to Russia’s war effort would be unacceptable and that any initiative to end the war must be acceptable to Ukraine and ensure the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
In line with the 2019 Strategic Outlook on China, the EU continues to engage with China simultaneously as a partner for cooperation and negotiation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival. President von der Leyen has also spoken about the concept of ‘de-risking but not de-coupling’ with China, an idea increasingly embedded in EU discourse.
The Government has been clear that de-risking in our relationship with China is not decoupling. There are many mutually beneficial ties that we can grow. We will continue to support our businesses that are engaged with China, and to work with the Chinese companies established in Ireland to create jobs and build prosperity.
In our engagements with China, we will continue to underline the responsibility of all Member States to uphold the UN Charter and the broader UN framework. We will continue to prioritise the preservation and promotion of human rights and to raise points of concern directly with the Chinese authorities. The Government will also be clear that the maintenance of stability and the status quo in relation to Taiwan is critical and that any attempt to change the status quo by force would not be acceptable. This does not undermine the Government's continued adherence to the One China Policy.
The Government remains committed to engagement with China and to working constructively together on climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and an open global trading and investment system.
148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for a passport in respect of siblings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29015/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for these applications were received on 02 June 2023. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the bilateral aid programme continues to reach those for whom it was intended with the least interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/23]
View answer157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the most vulnerable locations globally to which Irish aid continues to be directed, the success or otherwise of such operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 157 together.
The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework for our whole-of-government development cooperation programme. Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the policy focuses our efforts on four priorities of gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action and strengthening governance. The focus is on reaching the furthest behind first, through working with those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in conflict settings, with a particular emphasis on protecting women and girls.
Ireland channels its Official Development Assistance (ODA) through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions including the World Bank, as well as through civil society organisations, including internationally renowned Irish development NGOs. We also provide bilateral assistance directly through our Embassies abroad. The most important criterion for decisions on which channel to use 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. These complementary channels ensure that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate way.
The allocation to Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 2023 is over €1.233 billion, the highest ever allocation and an 18% increase on last year’s allocation. This helps ensure that we can maintain our long-standing focus on the most vulnerable countries and communities, including those most seriously affected by food insecurity and conflict.
Ireland continues to respond to humanitarian emergencies as they arise. For example, last week the Tánaiste announced €1 million in Irish Aid support to the people of Ukraine who are experiencing an additional humanitarian crisis following the devastating flooding as a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.
In April, I also had the opportunity to visit Malawi and Zambia. Ahead of the visit, I announced €400,000 in support for people affected by Cyclone Freddy, which struck Malawi and claimed the lives of over 600 people with more than 500,000 people displaced and living in camps.
Each year 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. This analysis informs the annual Irish Aid report which includes details of the global locations in which ODA is directed to. The Irish Aid annual reports are available publicly on the internet (Where the Money Goes - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie).
Ireland's development programme has a strong global reputation and underpinning Irish Aid’s work is a commitment to quality. A 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 was effective in addressing fragility. Also in 2020, the international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor country in allocating overseas development.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU/UN colleagues continue to monitor the situation in various trouble spots globally including Yemen, Syria and on the African continent with particular reference to non-compliance with international human rights standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/23]
View answerConflict and human rights abuses regrettably continue to be prevalent throughout the world and are a significant driver of humanitarian crises. The number and complexity of these crises globally has increased in recent years, as evidenced by the UN estimating that in 2023, a record 339 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection – a significant increase from 274 million people at the beginning of 2022.
Respect for human rights and their promotion is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Ireland actively adheres to core international and European human rights treaties and strongly and actively supports the strengthening of regional and multilateral human rights frameworks.
The EU, through implementation of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), works globally to support the preservation of peace, the strengthening of international security, the promotion of international cooperation and development and consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ireland is an active participant in and contributor to CFSP implementation and in supporting EU and UN efforts to address the root causes of conflict and human rights violations.
151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the UN continues to challenge the activities of the Boko Haram and Al Shabaab; whether cases are being referred the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/23]
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.
The UN engages in a number of activities challenging Al-Shabaab both directly and indirectly. This includes support through the UN Security Council-mandated African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which supports the Federal Government of Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab; the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides logistics support to ATMIS; and the UN Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, which undermines Al-Shabaab’s financial and other operations. Indirectly, the UN works to address the underlying causes of support for Al-Shabaab through the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which provides advice to the Government of Somalia particularly in areas of peace- and state-building; as well as through bodies such as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
During our term on the UN Security Council Ireland engaged regularly on the security situation in Somalia. Ireland played an important role in the drafting and introduction of the ATMIS mandate and remains engaged through the EU, which is its primary source of funding. Ireland has been a long-standing contributor to the humanitarian response in Somalia, providing over €18 million in direct funding in 2022 – including €8 million to the UNOCHA Somalia Humanitarian Fund and €1.38 million to UNFPA.
Ireland is playing its part in helping tackle the impact and causes of armed conflict and forced displacement in the Sahel and West Africa. Since 2015, we have provided over €36 million in bilateral assistance for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. Since 2017, Ireland has provided €1 million annually to the UNOCHA Nigerian Humanitarian Fund, to address critical humanitarian needs.
Ireland also contributes directly to peace and security efforts. While on the Security Council we were co-penholder with Niger and subsequently Ghana on the file for the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), through which the UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region. 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. The Regional Stabilisation Facility is a rapid response mechanism to aid local authorities in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency by enhancing basic service delivery, improving livelihoods and addressing governance challenges in affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin region. In addition, Ireland is supporting stabilisation efforts in the Sahel through the deployment of 8 Defence Forces personnel to 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).
The International Court of Justice primarily deals with inter-state disputes. The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over atrocity crimes committed on the territory of States Parties to the Rome Statute or by their nationals or in situations referred to the Court by the UN Security Council. In December 2020 the ICC Prosecutor announced the conclusion of the preliminary examination of the situation in Nigeria (a State Party to the Rome Statute) confirming that there is a reasonable basis to believe that both members of Boko Haram (and its splinter groups) as well as members of the Nigerian Security Forces committed crimes against humanity and war crimes. The next step in the judicial process is for the Prosecutor to request authorisation from the Pre-Trial Chamber to open an investigation into the situation in Nigeria.
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU colleagues continue to positively influence the political situation in the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29031/23]
View answerThe Western Balkans lies at the heart of Europe. Its future is unquestionably within the European Union. Given that, Ireland has a clear strategic interest in fostering good relations between the communities in the Western Balkans, and between the EU and the region.
We do this in numerous ways. First, by facilitating intra-regional dialogue, such as the EU-chaired Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. Across all our engagements with the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia, Ireland emphasises the need for concrete progress on the Dialogue, as a key step towards EU membership. Following recent clashes in northern Kosovo, we have called for de-escalation of tensions and a return to the Dialogue.
The EU accession process requires all Western Balkans states to demonstrate their ability to cooperate with their neighbours. For example, the Western Balkans Common Regional Market was established as a catalyst for deeper regional economic integration and as a stepping stone towards EU Single Market membership. President von der Leyen's recent outline of a Growth Package for the Western Balkans, which is under active consideration, re-emphasises the importance of regional integration.
Ireland also participates in the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which is the EU’s primary support tool to assist states in the implementation of reforms. Regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and reconciliation efforts to overcome open bilateral issues and the legacy of the past are priority objectives for the instrument, which for the period 2021-2027 has a budgetary envelope of over €14 billion.
In recent months, we have had a significant degree of political engagement with counterparts from the region; I met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic when she visited Dublin in April, and with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, during his visit in May. The Taoiseach met with the newly elected President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic earlier this month, while the Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD, is travelling to Serbia and North Macedonia this week to meet with regional interlocutors and attend the Prespa Forum Dialogue. This intensified level of engagement shows the priority that we are placing on the region.
Ireland will continue to support a swift EU accession process for the countries of the Western Balkans, provided that they meet all the necessary criteria. We will continue to offer our full support to candidate and potential candidate countries in the Western Balkans as they advance on the path to EU membership. I remain strongly of the belief that it is through EU membership that peace and prosperity can best be ensured in the Western Balkans.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to intervene to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers at various global locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29032/23]
View answerThe recruitment of child soldiers, a grave human rights violation, remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world. Ireland is committed to the protection of children in armed conflict and in humanitarian settings, a shared priority of both the EU and UN.
At the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council in March 2023, Ireland highlighted the continued vulnerability of children to violence, which has been exacerbated worldwide by multiple and intersecting crises. 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. 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 an active member of the Group of Friends of CAAC as well as the Group of Friends of the Reintegration of Child Soldiers. Through our development cooperation programmes, Ireland seeks to address the root causes of conflict and the socio-economic conditions that contribute to this situation – for example, through provision of core funding to UNICEF, as well as providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities. Ireland is a supporter of Education Cannot Wait, the global fund for education in emergencies. Through this partnership, we support efforts to ensure continuity of education for children in crisis or who have been displaced, protecting those who are most vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.
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.
