Written Answers Nos. 5-21
5. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach to detail the preparations being undertaken by his Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); and the guidance that is being issued by his Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive. [39676/23]
View answerThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is currently coordinating transposition of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) via Statutory Instrument under the European Communities Act 1972.
The EAA will introduce mandatory minimum accessibility requirements for a range of commonly used consumer products and services across various sectors, including digital products and services, transport, ecommerce, consumer banking, electronic communications and audio-visual media services.
The main responsibility for compliance with the EAA is likely to fall on economic operators dealing in products or services within the scope of the Directive with various regulatory authorities responsible for market surveillance and compliance checking of relevant products and services.
While my Department is not directly involved in the provision or regulation of services, it will continue to engage with the cross-government approach led by Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
6. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to provide details on the measures his Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40240/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach is supporting implementation of the cross-government actions set out in the strategy to promote equality for LGBTI+ people in Ireland. This includes creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel respected, valued and included.
The Department is a member of the Civil and Public Service wide LGBT+ Employee and Ally Network and participates in various cross -government events and initiatives. In June the Department participated in Dublin Pride Parade, actively encouraging staff to join Senior Management to promote LGBTI+ visibility with colleagues from across the Civil and Public Sector.
The Department fosters workplace equality, diversity, inclusion and well-being, which are a core feature in organisational and HR strategy plans, with information and participation widely circulated for the regular events which take place for Civil and Public Service employees.
The Department has conducted and published its Public Sector Duty Equality and Human Rights Assessment focusing how the Duty impacts on three main areas of activity- services provided to the public, the Department's role in policy development, and how the Department treats its own staff.
7. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by his Department that were outsourced, in each year since the formation of this Government, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; and the number of reports finalised and presented to him that have yet to be released by his Department; and the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to him. [40379/23]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the table below:
|
Details of study/review/research currently underway |
Date commenced |
Estimated date of completion |
Costs Involved |
Details of person / body conducting the study/review/research |
|
Shared Island research programme with Economic and Social Research Institute, 2021 Programme: 4 Projects 2022 Programme: 4 Projects 2023 Programme: 4 Projects Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
January 2021 January 2022 February 2023 |
Completed Completed Q4 2023 |
€266,235 €218,741 €247,182 |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
|
Strand 8 (Shared Island Initiative) as part of the Irish Research Council New Foundations Programme, with research projects underway in areas extending across culture, science, education, law and health. 2021 Programme: 11 projects 2022 Programme: 8 projects Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
December 2021 December 2022 |
Completed Q1 2024 |
€214,037 €150,908 |
Irish Research Council |
|
Shared Island ScoTENS Research Initiative with Two projects focussing on educational underachievement and projects focussing on curriculum delivery themes. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
December 2021 April 2022 |
Completed Q4 2023 |
€49,725 €73,877 |
ScoTENS |
|
LEEF Shared Island Working Group research project on the current conditions of the island of Ireland labour market, and challenges and opportunities for effective operation for workers and businesses across the island. |
2023 |
Q1 2024 |
€44,055 |
Centre for Cross Border Studies |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) COVID-19 Social Activity Measure, published on Gov.ie here. |
January 2021 |
Q4 2023 |
€863,130.36 to date |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
|
OECD research (funded by the EU) on Strengthening Policy Development and Foresight in the Irish Public Service – published on OECG.org here. |
Q4 2021 |
Q2 2023 |
EU Funded |
OECD |
The Deputy may wish to be made aware that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Council analyses and reports on strategic policy matters relevant to Ireland's economic, social, environment and sustainable development and on occasion commissions research in this regard. Details of the Council's work programme are available on www.nesc.ie.
8. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown of overseas aid given by the State directly to foreign governments for year ending 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39587/23]
View answerThe Government's international development programme is focused on supporting countries and communities most seriously in need and promoting sustainable development globally. Support is provided through a range of channels, including some direct contributions to a limited number of partner country governments. Ireland’s funding supports partner governments’ priorities in areas including education, healthcare, gender equality, social protection, and food security and nutrition.In 2022, Ireland provided a total of €31.7 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) directly to government systems in partner countries to address their development priorities. The top recipients of this funding were Mozambique (€12.75 million), Tanzania (€7.7 million), Malawi (€5.1 million) and the Palestinian Authority (€3 million). In addition, we provided €5.2 million for projects implemented by other donor countries through delegated cooperation. This included projects implemented by the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and the United States.Where Ireland supports government systems, attention to public financial management, which includes analysis of risk, is integral to the monitoring of our funding. The priorities for Ireland's programme of ODA are set out in the Government's international development policy, A Better World. Ireland’s total ODA for 2022 stood at €2.29 billion. Excluding eligible costs related to first-year supports to Ukrainian refugees, it stood at €1.41 billion.
The Irish Aid Annual Report for 2022 will be launched in October and will provide full details on the programmes funded through ODA last year.
9. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown of funding given by the State to all non-governmental organisations in receipt of €20,000 or more from Vote 27, for the year ending 2022, broken down by Irish- and foreign-based NGOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39588/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs provides grants from Vote 27 to NGOs to implement programmes and projects in countries classified by the OECD as eligible for overseas development assistance, as well as for global citizenship education in Ireland. The OECD has commended Ireland for the quality of our NGO partnerships as a “hallmark of Ireland's development cooperation”. The Irish international NGO sector in particular has a strong international reputation for effectiveness and leadership.
NGOs are well placed to ensure aid reaches those to whom it is intended and are informed of the realities on the ground. NGO funding is important because a healthy, independent and inclusive civil society empowers communities, contributes to good governance and provides a voice for marginalised people. NGOs also have a role to play in delivering and supporting access to basic services; promoting and advocating for human rights; and enabling citizens to participate in democratic processes. Our funding to NGOs for global citizenship activities in Ireland is working to increase public awareness and understanding of major global issues, helping people to critically explore how these relate to their lives.
A full list of funding provided to NGOs in 2022 is provided below, broken down according to whether they are Irish-based or foreign-based.
|
Irish-based NGOs |
Amount (€) |
|
80:20 Educating/Acting For A Better World |
110,000 |
|
A Partnership With Africa |
285,591 |
|
Action Ireland Trust |
81,300 |
|
ActionAid Ireland |
875,398 |
|
Afri, Action from Ireland |
47,500 |
|
Aidspan |
100,000 |
|
AkiDwA |
34,000 |
|
An Taisce - Green Schools |
120,000 |
|
Ballyfermot College of Further Education |
100,000 |
|
Brighter Communities Worldwide |
320,000 |
|
Camden Trust |
84,000 |
|
Centre for Global Education |
75,000 |
|
Children In Crossfire |
707,493 |
|
Christian Aid Ireland |
6,609,187 |
|
Christian Blind Mission Ireland |
370,000 |
|
City of Dublin Education and Training Board |
79,767 |
|
Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services |
55,000 |
|
Comhlámh |
433,928 |
|
Concern Worldwide |
32,522,996 |
|
Development Perspectives |
290,000 |
|
Dóchas |
490,000 |
|
Dublin City University |
363,096 |
|
ECO-UNESCO |
120,000 |
|
Educate Together |
29,857 |
|
Engineers Without Borders Ireland |
45,000 |
|
Fields of Life |
200,000 |
|
Financial Justice Ireland |
75,000 |
|
FoodCloud |
77,000 |
|
Friends of the Earth Ireland |
70,000 |
|
Front Line Defenders |
592,337 |
|
Galway One World Centre |
35,000 |
|
Global Action Plan CLG |
50,000 |
|
Goal |
13,759,468 |
|
Ifrah Foundation |
40,000 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
100,000 |
|
Irish Council for International Students |
6,406,105 |
|
Irish Development Education Association |
500,000 |
|
Irish Global Health Network and ESTHER Ireland |
120,000 |
|
Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation |
320,000 |
|
Irish Rule of Law International |
956,000 |
|
Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland |
100,000 |
|
Lourdes Youth and Community Services |
60,000 |
|
Maynooth University |
45,000 |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Development |
45,000 |
|
Misean Cara |
15,500,000 |
|
Munster Technological University (MTU) |
160,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
400,000 |
|
Nepal Leprosy Trust Ireland |
90,000 |
|
NI Alternatives Ltd |
20,000 |
|
Nurture Africa |
280,000 |
|
Orbis Ireland |
250,000 |
|
Oxfam Ireland |
4,909,241 |
|
Plan International Ireland |
4,838,257 |
|
Proudly Made in Africa |
75,000 |
|
Royal College Of Surgeons In Ireland |
450,000 |
|
Royal Dublin Society |
27,789 |
|
Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
75,000 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
100,000 |
|
Self Help Africa |
5,126,037 |
|
Serve in Solidarity Ireland |
280,000 |
|
Sightsavers Ireland |
2,027,911 |
|
Social and Health Education Project |
90,000 |
|
Suas Educational Development |
469,609 |
|
Tearfund Ireland |
371,650 |
|
The Irish Girl Guides |
70,000 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
40,000 |
|
Trócaire |
25,870,864 |
|
Ubuntu Network University of Limerick |
276,374 |
|
UCD Volunteers Overseas |
50,000 |
|
University College Cork |
73,623 |
|
University of Limerick |
65,000 |
|
Vita |
586,263 |
|
World Vision Ireland |
5,040,770 |
|
YMCA Ireland |
41,098 |
|
Youth Work Ireland Tipperary |
24,288 |
|
Foreign based NGOs |
Amount (€) |
|
AAU Institute for Peace and Security Studies |
49,952 |
|
Action Against Hunger |
2,049,834 |
|
Addameer Prison Support And Human Rights |
80,625 |
|
AFKAR |
38,020 |
|
Aidlink |
380,000 |
|
Al Haq, Law in the Service of Man |
80,625 |
|
Amideast |
59,700 |
|
Amref Health Africa |
400,000 |
|
Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda |
100,000 |
|
Apheda Vietnam |
150,000 |
|
ASCO |
43,000 |
|
Associação ALPS Resilience Mozambique |
400,000 |
|
Associação Focus Fistula |
25,000 |
|
Associação Inst. Para Democracia Multipartidaria |
200,000 |
|
Association for Inclusive Peace |
150,000 |
|
Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide |
149,270 |
|
BBC Media Action |
350,000 |
|
Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation |
800,000 |
|
Bimkom Planners for Planning Rights |
80,625 |
|
Blue Action Fund |
1,500,000 |
|
Britain Nepal Medical Trust |
25,000 |
|
British and Irish Agencies Afghanistan Group |
80,000 |
|
Bunda College Of Agriculture |
150,000 |
|
CANADEM |
20,000 |
|
Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust |
20,557 |
|
Care International |
550,000 |
|
Carter Center |
200,000 |
|
CDI Vietnam |
120,000 |
|
Center for Civilians in Conflict |
79,900 |
|
Centre de Contrôle Démocratique des Forces Armées |
200,000 |
|
Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue |
150,000 |
|
Centre for Social Concern |
120,000 |
|
Child's Cup Full |
20,000 |
|
Clinton Health Access Initiative |
1,700,000 |
|
Comet ME |
75,000 |
|
Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation |
500,000 |
|
Concern Universal |
1,000,000 |
|
Conciliation Resources |
1,100,000 |
|
Corporación Grupo de Diálogo sobre Minería |
34,360 |
|
Crisis Action Ltd |
80,000 |
|
Danish Institute Against Torture |
50,000 |
|
Democratic Progress Institute |
75,000 |
|
Dialogue Advisory Group (Dag) |
150,000 |
|
Doctors with Africa CUAMM |
1,300,000 |
|
ECPAT International |
100,000 |
|
Edward Said National Conservatory of Music |
38,981 |
|
Emergency Nutrition Network |
710,000 |
|
European Centre for Development Policy Management |
320,000 |
|
European Endowment for Democracy |
150,000 |
|
European Institute for Peace |
150,000 |
|
Family Health International - FHI 360 |
900,000 |
|
Fédération Internationale des Journalistes |
20,000 |
|
Federation of Women Associations of Turkey |
25,000 |
|
Fisheries Transparency Initiative |
100,000 |
|
Focus 1000 |
300,000 |
|
Forum Against Harmful Practices |
200,000 |
|
Forum of Federations |
260,000 |
|
Frontline AIDS |
300,000 |
|
Fundação Hakuna Matata |
60,550 |
|
Fundação MASC |
400,000 |
|
Fundo Socioambiental Casa |
230,000 |
|
Geneva Call |
150,000 |
|
Gisha-Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement |
80,625 |
|
Global Witness Trust |
200,000 |
|
Halo Trust |
2,600,000 |
|
Health Poverty Action |
100,000 |
|
Heifer International |
56,227 |
|
Helen Keller International |
250,000 |
|
HelpAge International |
841,428 |
|
HIVOS Foundation |
300,000 |
|
Human Rights and Democracy Media Center |
38,000 |
|
Human Rights Centre |
200,000 |
|
IBON International Foundation Inc |
72,000 |
|
ILGA World |
150,000 |
|
Institute for Governance Reform |
400,000 |
|
Institute for Integrated Transitions |
250,000 |
|
Institute for Security Studies |
200,000 |
|
Institute of Development Studies |
150,000 |
|
Institute of European Affairs |
55,000 |
|
Instituto de Estudos Sociais e Económicos (IESE) |
300,000 |
|
Instituto Igarape |
67,000 |
|
Instituto Socioambiental |
270,000 |
|
International Alert |
950,000 |
|
International Committee of the Red Cross |
24,800,000 |
|
International Crisis Group |
400,000 |
|
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics |
200,000 |
|
International Federation for Human Rights |
250,000 |
|
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
3,410,000 |
|
International Fertiliser Development Centre |
225,000 |
|
International Food Policy Research Institute |
105,526 |
|
International Institute for Environment and Development |
3,325,000 |
|
International Justice Mission Uganda |
250,000 |
|
International Partnership For Microbicides |
1,000,000 |
|
International Planned Parenthood Federation |
300,000 |
|
International Potato Center |
1,444,039 |
|
International Rescue Committee |
4,600,000 |
|
International Service for Human Rights |
250,000 |
|
International Union for Conservation of Nature |
600,000 |
|
Interpeace |
150,000 |
|
Ir Amim |
40,000 |
|
Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre |
83,171 |
|
Justice Rapid Response Association |
50,000 |
|
Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation |
120,000 |
|
Legal and Human Rights Centre |
400,000 |
|
Lin Center for Community Vietnam |
100,000 |
|
Marine Megafauna Foundation |
85,000 |
|
Martin Ennals Foundation |
50,000 |
|
Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation |
125,000 |
|
Maternal Child Health Advocacy International |
108,849 |
|
Mercy Corps Netherlands |
86,250 |
|
Middle East Initiatives |
56,200 |
|
Miftah |
80,625 |
|
Minority Rights Group |
200,000 |
|
Moroto Diocese |
63,000 |
|
Movement Towards Peace and Development Agency |
300,000 |
|
MozParks |
110,000 |
|
MwAPATA Institute Limited |
58,826 |
|
National Association of Women Organisation in Uganda |
100,000 |
|
National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS |
200,000 |
|
National Smallholder Farmers |
1,500,000 |
|
Negotiation Strategies Institute |
20,000 |
|
Norwegian Refugee Council |
300,000 |
|
Overseas Development Institute |
1,148,225 |
|
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights |
80,625 |
|
Parque Nacional da Gorongosa |
1,000,000 |
|
Penabulu Foundation |
25,000 |
|
Plan International Liberia |
470,000 |
|
Plan International Vietnam |
1,340,000 |
|
Purposeful |
700,000 |
|
Rainbo Initiative |
509,975 |
|
Raising Voices |
270,000 |
|
Rede Came |
60,000 |
|
Renew Vietnam |
350,000 |
|
REPOA |
500,000 |
|
Saferworld |
400,000 |
|
Samusocial International |
26,000 |
|
Save the Children Fund |
5,066,000 |
|
School of Hard Knocks |
20,571 |
|
Security Council Report |
75,000 |
|
SEND Sierra Leone |
600,000 |
|
Shamida Bright |
20,000 |
|
Social Change Assistance Trust |
153,752 |
|
Social Science Research Council |
40,000 |
|
Sonke Gender Justice Network |
200,000 |
|
South African Technological Network |
100,000 |
|
Stockholm University |
473,000 |
|
Straight Talk Foundation |
1,155,000 |
|
Susamati |
60,000 |
|
Talking Drum Studio Sierra Leone |
700,000 |
|
Teach Sierra Leone |
100,000 |
|
The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes |
250,000 |
|
The Centre for Counselling Nutrition and Health Care |
700,000 |
|
The Society of Women Graduates in Gaza Strip |
24,999 |
|
Timran |
170,000 |
|
Total Land Care |
652,678 |
|
TradeMark East Africa |
1,750,000 |
|
Transparency International |
350,000 |
|
Tumaini La Maisha |
275,000 |
|
United Nations Foundation (CleanCooking) |
723,050 |
|
University of Pretoria Human Rights Center |
60,000 |
|
UPR Info |
100,000 |
|
Uzikwasa |
450,159 |
|
Vietnam National University |
304,820 |
|
Vietnam National University of Agriculture |
333,427 |
|
Women's Environment and Development Organization |
450,000 |
|
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom |
60,000 |
|
World Organisation Against Torture |
75,000 |
|
Yesh Din Volunteers for Human Rights |
80,625 |
|
Young Scientist Kenya |
157,044 |
|
Zambian Financial Sector Deepening |
300,000 |
|
Zimbabwe Institute |
350,000 |
|
ZOA Liberia |
280,000 |
10. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will internationally condemn the announcement by the United States to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39612/23]
View answerThere is no international regulation specifically governing munitions containing depleted uranium. However, general rules of international humanitarian law prohibit weapons, means or methods of warfare of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering, which have indiscriminate effects or which cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment.
We continue to urge all actors to ensure that their weapons, means and methods of warfare are compliant with international humanitarian law.
11. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what specific efforts have been made to recruit customer service agents in the Passport Office who are fluent in languages other than English; if he will consider including a focus on a stronger diversity of language fluency among staff in future recruitment efforts, particularly in relation to languages widely spoken by immigrant communities in Ireland; if he is satisfied that there are sufficient Irish speakers in the same section for applicants who wish to apply as Gaeilge; and if a focus on same will be considered for future recruitment efforts. [39651/23]
View answerMy Department ensures that there are adequate resources assigned to the Passport Service in order to service queries from customers in both Irish and English. There are currently a number of officers working in the Customer Service Hub and on the public counter of the Passport Service who are assigned to engage with customers who wish to communicate in Irish. These officers are recruited through competitions administered by the Public Appointments Service or by my Department directly.
I am satisfied that the Customer Service Hub is adequately resourced with Irish language speakers at present. My Department keeps staffing levels and its commitment to deliver effective service in Irish under continual review.
In its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (2021 to 2023), the Public Appointments Service highlights the central role it plays in recruiting diverse talent to take up public service employment opportunities. In addition, one of the goals of my Department’s Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (2022-2025) is to increase the diversity of candidates applying for roles in the Department, including ethnic diversity.
In addition to citizen service provision in both official languages, developing and maintaining Irish and foreign language proficiency is an essential part of my Department's work. Furthermore, the Department encourages and supports officers to undertake language classes, with a view to enhancing foreign language proficiency across all grades and units.
12. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail the preparations being undertaken by his Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); the guidance that is being issued by his Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39668/23]
View answerImplementation of the European Accessibility Act will benefit citizens with accessibility needs, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as creating opportunities for Irish and European businesses trading in accessible goods and services.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs is awaiting the transposition of Directive 2019/882 by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and subsequent guidance as may be issued by the Minister.
13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to publish his written statement to the International Court of Justice with regard to the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39685/23]
View answerOn 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 77/247, which included a request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ/the Court) to render an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution, which was supported by 87 UN Member States.
The Court invited the UN and its Member States, as well as the observer State of Palestine, to submit information relevant to the questions asked by the General Assembly by 25 July 2023. In total, 57 statements, including a statement by Ireland, were submitted to the Court. The statement provided Ireland's legal analysis of the occupation and of issues related to Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Under the rules of the Court, during the written proceedings phase, all written statements are treated as confidential documents. The Court will decide whether to publish the written statements submitted to it on or after the opening of the oral proceedings. A date for these proceedings has not yet been scheduled, but they are likely to take place early in the new year.
14. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the Middle East. [39711/23]
View answer19. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his visit to Israel, Palestine and Jordan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39771/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 together.
I visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and Jordan from 4-8 September 2023. In view of the continuing priority afforded by the Government to our relations with these partners and – in particular – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this visit provided an important importunity to meet with my political counterparts and to engage with civil society partners active on the ground.
Given the deeply worrying trends and increasing violence that we are witnessing in the occupied Palestinian territory and which have been raised frequently in this House, I underlined Ireland’s concerns on several issues across all my engagements, notably the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in breach of international law, terror attacks perpetrated against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, shrinking civil society space and the absence of meaningful political dialogue.
While visiting Israel, I met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. I visited the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, Yad Vashem, and laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance, and the National Library of Israel, to view archives from the Genealogical History of the Irish Jewish Communities. I also visited Lod, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, where I was briefed by representatives of Abraham Initiatives, an NGO supported and funded by my Department, who work to promote engagement and dialogue between the two communities. I also delivered an address to the Israeli Council on Foreign Relations on Ireland's foreign policy priorities, and met with representatives of the civil society group Parents Circle.
During my visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, I met with President Mahmoud Abbas and with the Secretary General of Fatah’s Central Committee, Jibril Rajoub. I visited Beitunia Secondary Vocational School for Girls in Ramallah, which is supported by my Department as part of our overall funding to the Palestinian education, met with UN and NGO officials working on human rights and accountability issues and was briefed by members of the West Bank Protection Consortium, as well as meeting with members of a Palestinian Bedouin community at risk of displacement from their home due to intimidation and violence by settlers.
In East Jerusalem, I met with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. This was an important opportunity to discuss the situation regarding the Status Quo of the religious sites and the challenges being faced by Christian communities.
In Jordan, I met with King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Ayman Safadi. I also visited Khalda Refugee Registration Centre to meet with a number of United Nations agencies which Ireland supports, including UNHCR, the World Food Programme and UNICEF, as well as with Syrian refugees in the centre. I went to Hussein Technical University and met with the university faculty and participants in the ‘Embassy for Youth Entrepreneurship Programme’, and the winners of the Jordan Young Scientist 2023.
15. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he made representations to President Herzog in respect of Palestinian children's access to education in Occupied Palestine on his recent visit to Israel. [39712/23]
View answerI met with President Isaac Herzog on 7 September during the course of my recent visit to the Middle East. Our exchange covered bilateral relations between Ireland and Israel as well as other issues of mutual interest, notably the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
During our exchange, I shared reflections from my visit, the preceding day, to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This included a visit to Beitunia Secondary Vocational School for Girls in Ramallah, a meeting with a Bedouin Palestinian family at risk of displacement, and a briefing by members of the West Bank Protection Consortium (WBPC) and UN officials.
These engagements highlighted a range of troubling issues being faced by Palestinians, including the accelerating rates of settler violence and demolitions by Israeli authorities of WBPC-donor-funded humanitarian structures, such as a school in Ein Samiya in the West Bank. Such acts negatively impact essential education for Palestinian children.
I also discussed our concerns in respect of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory in my meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Cohen and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted both locally and in international fora. Additionally, Ireland pursues compensation for demolished humanitarian structures with a group of EU Member States through the WBPC, having provided €300,000 in funding to the Consortium in 2022. This underlines our commitment to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank, including children’s access to education.
16. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of comments made by him on his recent visit to Israel, he will outline the steps he proposes to take to tackle anti-Semitism, with specific reference to the application of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism; if he accepts and agrees with such a definition; and if he will support calls for Ireland to formally adopt same, in line with other jurisdictions. [39731/23]
View answerAntisemitism and the recent increase in both antisemitism and Holocaust denial are a matter of great concern to my Department.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Israel recently and to reaffirm Ireland’s strong commitment to Holocaust remembrance and to combatting antisemitism during my visit to Yad Vashem.
I am committed to continued engagement on the issue of antisemitism through multilateral fora and to assisting with commitments undertaken in, for example, the context of the European Commission’s Strategy for Combatting Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life. This includes the appointment of a national coordinator for the Strategy's implementation.
I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland in July and officials in my Department are in regular contact with the JRCI.
Ireland supports initiatives at the UN dedicated to combating antisemitism, including through co-sponsoring the UN General Assembly resolution on Holocaust denial and supporting UN Human Rights Council initiatives on combating antisemitism. Through our Embassy in Poland, Ireland has funded the work of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation since 2013. Our Mission network strongly supports Holocaust Remembrance work across the world.
Ireland is an active member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), and we share its commitment to strengthening, advancing and promoting Holocaust education, research and remembrance. My Department also supports expert engagement in the work of the IHRA, including by Holocaust Education Ireland.
With regard to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, Ireland indicated its position at the time that the definition was adopted: namely, that while we have no issue with the core definition, we have concerns about the illustrative examples which accompany the definition. Ireland continues to keep the question of adopting the IHRA definition under active review, including through consultation with key stakeholders.
Ireland’s priority, whether domestically or at international fora, is to ensure that all measures taken to combat antisemitism and Holocaust denial and distortion are meaningful and effective, and our commitment is steadfast in this regard.
17. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to assist the advancement of democracy, the upholding of the rule of law, and the protection of human rights in Kosovo; to outline the position of the Government on the recent Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process and the need to hold Serbia to account for its destabilising actions and consequent impact on the neighbourhood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39749/23]
View answerIreland is a strong supporter of the EU perspectives of both Kosovo and Serbia. The EU’s accession process is built upon the Copenhagen criteria, which reflect the EU’s founding values of peace, democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, and a functioning market economy. The Government remains dedicated to supporting Kosovo as it introduces reforms to further align itself with these values, in preparation for EU accession. The Government of Ireland fully subscribes to EU methods of aiding progress in Kosovo in its EU accession journey, such as the provision of pre-accession funding.
We strongly support the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, as the primary framework for reaching a comprehensive legally-binding normalisation agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. Progress in the Dialogue is essential in order for both Kosovo and Serbia to advance on their respective European paths. The recent calming of tensions in northern Kosovo is to be welcomed. However, the lack of lasting solutions to local policing and political representation in Kosovo-Serb majority municipalities remains a cause for concern. We encourage all parties to return, in good faith, to the EU-facilitated Dialogue, and to make progress on the implementation framework for the Ohrid agreement.
While the recent introduction of temporary and reversible punitive measures against Kosovo, including the suspension of bilateral visits and halting of some EU funds, is regrettable, it is important that the EU leaves all parties in no doubt about the importance of cooperation and de-escalation, particularly for their respective EU perspectives. The EU continues to closely monitor Serbia’s compliance with the EU’s requests.
Together with our EU counterparts, Ireland will remain fully engaged in supporting Kosovo and Serbia on their EU accession paths, while holding them both to the necessary reforms which they must undertake to prepare for EU membership.
18. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the position of the Government on the current UK government legacy Bill; and if an international legal challenge will be mounted. [39759/23]
View answerI understand that the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill completed its passage through the British Parliament on 12 September and will be submitted for Royal Assent shortly. Since this Bill was introduced at Westminster in May 2022, the Government, together with all the main political parties in Northern Ireland, victims and their representatives, church leaders and civic society, has consistently expressed strong opposition to the approach to dealing with the past which the UK government proposes.
I take every opportunity to raise these concerns with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I have repeatedly made clear to him my strong view that the approach proposed is not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and would damage reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland. The UK government is aware that Ireland's preferred approach to dealing with these issues would be that agreed by the two Governments, together with Northern Ireland leaders, at Stormont House.
The Stormont House Agreement was the result of an inclusive, all-party process and enjoyed significant support from those most directly impacted by the Troubles. This Bill, in contrast, was introduced without meaningful consultation with those most affected, victims, civil society, and Northern Ireland parties, and with no engagement with the Irish Government. The enactment of this Bill will not draw a line under legacy issues, but will instead ensure that it remains a source of contention, suspicion and mistrust.
I am deeply aware of calls for consideration of the initiation of an inter-state case against the United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the UK Legacy Bill. Many of those calls come from groups representing victims, and from elected members of this House. As the Taoiseach and I have stated, the Government have sought legal advice on this matter, and when that advice is received the Government will consider what subsequent action will be taken.
20. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a report on the work of a project (details supplied), including the financial and human resources provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39772/23]
View answerDuring my recent visit to the Middle East, I met representatives of Abraham Initiatives. The meeting took place in Lod, which is one of Israel's eight traditional mixed Jewish-Arab cities, with an Arab-Israeli population of slightly over 30%.
Abraham Initiatives is a civil society organisation working to promote and mainstream shared living between Jewish and Arab Israelis, including by sharing experience of cross-community engagement from the island of Ireland. Through its Stability Fund, my Department provided a grant of €55,000 in 2023 to develop, roll out and evaluate a pilot program for anti-racism instruction in Arab and Jewish high schools in Israel. The project affords youth a first opportunity to engage with members of the other community and to open a dialogue. The Abraham Initiative methodology also focuses on working with national and local government. I was pleased that my visit afforded me the opportunity to meet with local political representatives from both the Jewish and Arab Israeli communities, from the cities of Lod, Haifa and Tel Aviv-Jaffa, some of whom had recently visited Belfast to share lessons and experiences.
21. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update in relation to the ongoing situation in Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39783/23]
View answerIreland, along with our EU partners, remains greatly concerned for the welfare of all civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh in light of worrying reports that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating further.
The politicisation of humanitarian access is never acceptable, and I am deeply concerned that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the region continue to be obstructed. I reaffirm our full support for the ICRC’s work and underline the EU’s calls for their vital work to be facilitated by all parties.
As I reiterated during my conversation on 11 August with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, the EU remains committed to facilitating a sustainable resolution of the issue. Ireland fully supports the ongoing mediation efforts of President of the European Council, Charles Michel, between the two leaders. President Michel continues to engage with both parties with the overarching aim of de-escalating tensions and on a solution for unblocking humanitarian access. The Offices of President Michel and of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Toivo Klaar, also engage daily with the authorities in Yerevan and Baku, as well as with representatives of the Karabakh Armenian community in this regard.
My EU counterparts and I discussed the situation at the most recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 September and 31 August, and the EU also delivered a statement expressing deep concern at the situation at the UN Security Council on 16 August 2023. I took note of the humanitarian delivery via the Aghdam-Askeran route on 12 September. However, as expressed by President Michel's Spokesperson on 12 September, this development cannot be viewed as an alternative to the reopening of the Lachin corridor without delay, in line with the Order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023, reaffirmed on 6 July 2023. Guaranteed and uninterrupted humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh must be ensured.
Ireland maintains our full support for the EU’s efforts to facilitate a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians.
