Written Answers Nos. 117-136
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which his office is aware of and concerned with the recent statement from the former President of the Russian Federation effectively legitimising the targeting of vital subterranean and submarine infrastructure; and if he has had, or proposes to have, discussions at international level to investigate the possibility of an international response. [29516/23]
View answer119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to raise the recent statement by the former President of the Russian Federation in respect of vital subterranean and submarine infrastructure at the next European Council meeting. [29517/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
Ireland has been at the forefront of efforts to support Ukraine and oppose Russia’s illegal invasion and assault on international law. We have repeatedly called on Russia to end its war of choice, to comply with its obligations under international law, and to withdraw all forces unconditionally from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.
In the context of Russia’s aggression and a deteriorating security environment, protection of critical subsea infrastructure is an increasingly important issue across Europe. The issue has received particular attention following the attacks on Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022.
The European Council has strongly condemned the acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure and indicated that the EU will meet any deliberate disruption of critical infrastructure or other hybrid actions with a united and determined response.
Against this backdrop, there are currently a number of EU initiatives in development focused on the protection of critical offshore infrastructure, including a new Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection (CSIP) project within the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework, in which Ireland holds observer status. This aims at increasing the EU’s operational efficiency in the protection of such infrastructure. Separately, NATO has established a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell (CUIC) which may to be open to non-NATO members, such as Ireland, as well as industry, and civilian stakeholders. Ireland’s participation is under active consideration.
Also of note is that the Department of Defence is focused on transposing the Critical Entities Resilience Directive into national law. This European directive aims to reduce the vulnerabilities and increase the physical resilience of entities, including undersea infrastructure, which provide essential services to the public. This is in order to ensure these critical entities can prevent, protect against, respond to, cope with and recover from a wide variety of threats including hybrid attacks, natural disasters, terrorist threats and public health emergencies. Officials from that Department also represent Ireland on the new European-level Critical Entities Resilience Group, which provides a forum for exchanging information and best practices with other EU Member States and the European Commission to ensure the resilience of critical entities.
In the meantime, while this transposition process is underway, the Department of Defence is coordinating stress tests of Ireland’s energy sector in line with the Council of the EU recommendation 2023/C 20/01 on a union wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure. These stress tests will assess the resilience of critical infrastructure against antagonistic man-made threats.
118. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has studied polling (details supplied) reporting that 10% of the State’s population were victims of the Troubles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41904/23]
View answerI note the publication of the Northern Ireland Commission for Victims and Survivors population survey which was carried out in this jurisdiction in April 2023. The findings offer an opportunity to explore the attitudes and perceptions of people impacted by the Troubles in this jurisdiction. I appreciate the extent to which those surveyed feel affected by the Troubles. It emphasises the fact that we live on an island, and that we share experiences with our neighbours. The Troubles were not just an issue for Northern Ireland but which affected many on this island.
Successive Irish Governments have consistently sought to acknowledge and address the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors of Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction. This Government continues to work on our own support for victims. A substantive measure already undertaken in this regard was the establishment of the Remembrance Commission in 2003, to administer a Scheme of acknowledgment, assistance and remembrance for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, and their families, in this jurisdiction. In total over €6.5 million was disbursed.
On the conclusion of the Commission's term of appointment in 2008, special arrangements were made to ensure that victims resident in the jurisdiction who require on-going medical treatment for injuries sustained in Troubles incidents may have certain costs reimbursed through the Department of Justice. These arrangements continue today.
The Government has provided co-funding for projects under the PEACE programs and will again contribute to the PEACE PLUS Programme (2021-2027) to continue and build on the work of earlier PEACE funding to provide additional supports to victims and survivors.
My own Department continues to support victims both through support provided by the Reconciliation Fund and broader contacts. Over the past several years, the Reconciliation Fund has provided funding to a number of victims and survivors groups such as Justice for the Forgotten, South East Fermanagh Foundation, Truth and Reconciliation Platform, WAVE, Relatives for Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I meet with victims and survivors of the Troubles on a regular basis. I had the opportunity to meet with victims and survivors in this jurisdiction, most recently in May when I attended the memorial event to mark the 49th anniversary of the Dublin Monaghan bombings. I assured those present that support for victims, both in this jurisdiction and in Northern Ireland, is at the forefront of the Government’s commitments to address the legacy of the Troubles.
120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the rebellion in Russia affects European defence security, as observed in the course of any meetings he has had at European level. [32446/23]
View answer121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent, if any, to which his fellow European leaders have indicated concern at the recent rebellion in Russia; and whether any particular security threats have been highlighted as a result. [32447/23]
View answer122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which recent events in Russia have affected EU solidarity, as evidenced through his recent attendance at the EU Council. [32746/23]
View answer123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate, given recent events in Russia and indications at the recent European Council meeting which he attended, how it was concluded that Russia, in the aftermath of recent events, was deemed less stable from a European context; and if all EU leaders agree with the summation. [33082/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 121, 122 and 123 together.
I, and officials from my Department, have had a range of discussions with EU and other counterparts in respect of the events that occurred internally in Russia in June this year. We maintain ongoing engagement with partner governments and expert analysts in respect of the internal situation in Russia and any potential impact this may have on European security and defence issues.
We are also concerned by the reports of Wagner mercenaries operating in Belarus, which has been a particular cause for concern for those EU member states bordering that country. However, in recent weeks the situation seems to have abated somewhat with reports of some Wagner personnel having since returned to Russia. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Belarus.
Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. It is clear from my engagement with EU partners, including most recently at the informal meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in Toledo and New York, that Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast. The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. It is important that we do not lose focus on our commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which reform of the UN and its charter can be undertaken in the shorter term, given the many challenges presenting in recent times; if Ireland can make specific suggestions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42078/23]
View answerRecent global crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have once again highlighted the need for a reformed UN. Ireland is making a positive impact across the work of the United Nations and is engaged in seeking reforms, including in support of the UN Secretary General’s efforts, and his vision on the future of global cooperation: ‘Our Common Agenda.’
This significant process is ongoing and will culminate in the Summit of the Future which the UN General Assembly agreed to hold on 22-23 September 2024. The Summit is as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives. An action-oriented Pact for the Future is expected to be agreed by Member States at the Summit through intergovernmental negotiations on issues they decide to take forward.
In addition, Ireland is a strong supporter of the reforms to the UN Development System (UNDS), considering them as essential for our global capacity to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build back better after COVID-19. UN Development System reforms of recent years are having an impact with stronger, more independent Resident Coordinators leading UN Country Teams, supported by coordinated analysis and planning. Ireland is a longstanding committed donor to the UN Development System, prioritising core funding.
The General Assembly considers reform of the Security Council through ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations. Ireland is active in these and is consistently clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council; to address geographic under-representation, particularly for Africa; and, to see an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of atrocity crimes.
There are significant challenges but we continue to push for change. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought the ‘veto initiative’ to the General Assembly in April 2022, where it was adopted by the wider membership. This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, require the Council to submit a report and invite the Member State which used its veto to make a statement.
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which EU enlargement continues, with particular reference to the Western Balkans, Ukraine or other nations likely to be threatened by similar aggressive action to that used by Russia against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42079/23]
View answerThe enlargement of the European Union has taken on renewed significance and urgency since Russia’s further illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the subsequent membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. The invasion has highlighted the clear need for continuing, ever-closer cooperation between the EU and our partners in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions. Having been effectively stalled since Croatia’s accession in 2013, enlargement is now a live political issue again, and has re-emerged as one of the EU’s sharpest geo-strategic tools in countering malign actors and consolidating security and prosperity across the European continent.
It is important that the EU demonstrates solidarity with candidate countries in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, particularly those who have been courageous in implementing reforms and in aligning fully with the EU position on Ukraine. Recognising that the invasion has had a major impact on energy and food security in the region, Ireland warmly welcomed the Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans last winter, which provided €500 million in immediate budget support to reduce energy costs for vulnerable households and small and medium enterprises, plus a further €500 million in medium-term investments in regional energy infrastructure. Ireland also welcomed Commission President von der Leyen’s proposal for a New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, in order to bring them closer to the EU ahead of their full EU membership. Ireland has also strongly emphasised the need for the EU to strengthen engagement with candidate countries, particularly in relation to hybrid threats, disinformation, and cyber security.
It is deeply regrettable that certain candidate countries have opted against aligning with EU sanctions on Russia. This has raised questions over their commitment to pursuing their European perspectives and fulfilling all the obligations that arise with EU membership. CFSP alignment remains a crucial litmus test in determining overall commitment to EU values, particularly in relation to upholding of international law and support for a rules-based order. We should look at rewarding, through closer association, those who are clearly demonstrating their strategic commitment to the EU, such as Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo.
Ireland will continue to be a strong supporter of EU enlargement, as a strategic tool to consolidate democracy and stability throughout the European continent.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which provision is being made at both EU and UN level to address the needs of people in Libya, Morocco, Maui and other locations that recently experienced devastation from natural disasters or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42080/23]
View answer131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which all governments have made commitments to the various countries that have recently suffered through natural or manmade disasters; the extent to which aid through the EU or UN has been delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42088/23]
View answer132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if it might be possible through the EU or UN to offer large-scale emergency assistance to countries/populations that have recently suffered disasters such as flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters, with particular reference to the need to coordinate international help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42089/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 131 and 132 together.
At the beginning of 2023, the UN estimated that the number of people in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance and protection was 339 million. The earthquake in Türkiye/Syria, the crisis in Sudan, and the recent disasters in Libya, Morocco and Maui have all contributed to rising numbers of people in need. The latest update put that figure at 363 million people.
The humanitarian community has provided over €20 billion in humanitarian funding to 43 crises in 2023 to date. This covers nearly 39% of the total funding required (€51.9 billion). The top three donors are the U.S., Germany and the European Union (EU). Ireland ranks consistently as a top twenty humanitarian donor, in 2022 providing €297 million in humanitarian assistance.
In response to a request for international assistance from the Libyan authorities the UN deployed a Disaster Assessment and Coordination team. The EU activated its Civil Protection Mechanism and deployed two environmental experts. The UN launched a Flash Appeal to seek €67 million and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund allocated €9.4 million to the response. The EU also released €5.7 million to humanitarian partners on the ground.
In response to the deadly earthquake in Morocco, the UN deployed a small team to enhance its existing capacity and communicated its willingness to support the national authorities in the assessment, coordination, and relief efforts. The response was led by the Moroccan government, local organisations and volunteers. UN agencies already on the ground, including UNICEF, provided support. The EU released initial funding of €1million and the EU’s Copernicus satellite system was activated to provide emergency mapping services.
In Maui, Hawaii, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Red Cross and local organisations and volunteers supported the response to the devastating wildfires.
Ireland responded immediately to the disasters in Morocco and Libya. The Tánaiste announced €2 million for the response in Morocco and €1m for Libya. This was provided to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) who work directly with the national Red Cross Societies on the ground.
Ireland also supported the responses in Libya and Morocco through its pre-positioned funding that enables its partners to respond as soon as a crisis hits. This included the World Health Organisation Emergency Contingency Fund, the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund and the UN CERF.
Ireland’s humanitarian partner, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is mandated to lead and coordinate humanitarian assistance in crises across the globe. In the early days of a disaster, OCHA has the capacity to undertake rapid needs assessments. It coordinates responders on the ground to ensure the most effective and efficient response. OCHA is on the ground in Libya coordinating the emergency response.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also engages closely with the humanitarian directorate of the Commission in Brussels, which coordinates EU humanitarian aid operations, disaster risk management and civil protection response.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what efforts if any, are in hand in the EU and/or UN to intercede/accommodate the situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with particular reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42081/23]
View answerThe developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the safety of the local population, and the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor and from Azerbaijan via Aghdam into Nagorno-Karabakh. However the following day there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan.
The EU, including President of the European Council Charles Michel, HR/VP Borrell, and EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar are all active in efforts to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region, and Ireland is fully supportive of these efforts. EUSR Klaar has travelled to the region and will report back to the EU Members States on his findings.
On 19 September, Ireland called for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of EU HR/VP Josep Borrell.
The situation is also being raised at UN level. Following the announcement of a ceasefire on 20 September, during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, HR/VP Borrell underscored Azerbaijan’s responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, and appealed to Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland echoed these calls for respect for the ceasefire, and for immediate engagement by the parties in genuine and comprehensive dialogue.
Ireland has also been engaged at the OSCE on this issue, and took part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September to discuss the crisis. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties. Ireland fully supports his efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
The ICRC is the only major humanitarian organisation present in Nagorno-Karabakh, and I welcome their work in providing humanitarian assistance to the local population. Regular and unimpeded access for essential supplies to continue to reach those most in need is essential and Azerbaijan must take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo. I discussed Ireland’s concerns for the welfare of civilians in my call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on 11 August.
Ireland will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments on the ground. We will continue to engage at the bilateral, EU and multilateral level to reiterate the humanitarian imperative of protecting the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, as well as the EU and OSCE's commitment to support the resumption of negotiations in view of concluding a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position of the activity of warlords in Africa, with particular reference to the activities of Al Shabaab and Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42085/23]
View answerIreland strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, and we are supporting efforts to reduce their influence and assist populations affected by their actions.
During our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, Ireland played an important role in the drafting and introduction of the mandate for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with its critical role in combatting Al-Shabaab. Ireland remains engaged through the EU, which is the Mission's primary source of funding. ATMIS, together with the three EU Common Security and Defence Policy Missions in the Horn of Africa, is helping to create conditions for a transfer of security responsibility to the Somali authorities. Ireland has also provided €58 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Somalia since 2015. This includes €9 million made available at the end of 2022 as part of a package of emergency assistance of €30 million in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis across the Horn of Africa.
In areas in which Boko Haram is active, Ireland is likewise playing its part in helping to tackle the causes and consequences of armed conflict and forced displacement. Since 2015, we have provided over €37 million in bilateral assistance for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. Ireland is also contributing directly to peace and security efforts. Through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region. During Ireland's term on the Security Council we were co-penholder with Niger and subsequently Ghana on the UNOWAS file. 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.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that continue to be taken at EU and UN level to ban the use of child soldiers at the various locations of such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/23]
View answerThe UN Secretary-General issues an annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) which examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.
In his latest 2023 report, the Secretary-General confirmed twenty-three countries where more than 27,180 grave violations against children were verified. In this report, a “blatant and systematic disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law” was highlighted as a key issue severely affecting the protection of children internationally. The use of explosive weapons, notably in populated areas, was cited as one of the factors having a most severe impact on children. The situations in Gaza, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and Yemen were noted as being particularly concerning in this regard.
The UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict also presented her most recent report at the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council, painting a disturbing picture of the plight of children in conflict situations around the world.
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. Ireland continues to combat the use of child soldiers through our development programme, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic causes that contribute to this situation, through providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities. 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.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are ongoing to provide assistance by way of Irish bilateral or multilateral aid, with particular focus on starvation/famine, at the most prominent locations in Africa currently in need of appropriate assistance in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42087/23]
View answerThe world is facing a crisis of hunger and malnutrition. The 2023 Global Report on Food Crises issued by the World Food Programme reported that nearly 258 million people were experiencing crisis, emergency or famine-like levels of food insecurity, up from 193 million in 2021. Before the end of the year, levels of food insecurity are likely to rise further in 18 particularly hard-hit countries. Over half of these are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through our international development programme, Ireland has focused strongly on the alleviation of hunger and suffering in crises across the globe. In 2022 Ireland provided a total of €297 million in humanitarian assistance, an increase of 31% from 2021. Funding decisions are made on the basis of need. This translates into a strong focus on locations in Sub-Saharan Africa where hunger is most severe, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.
Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is provided by way of bilateral and multilateral aid. It is channeled to a range of trusted and experienced partners: UN agencies, the European Union, the Red Cross Family and Non-Governmental Organisations. Ireland provides €25 million each year to the UN World Food Programme, the leading provider of emergency food assistance.
Ireland also has a strong focus on preventing hunger and developing sustainable food systems. At the December 2021 Nutrition for Growth Summit, Ireland pledged to provide a total of €800 million over five years on nutrition and food security. At the UN last September, Ireland pledged an additional €50 million over three years to address the scandal of acute malnutrition among children. We will provide over €284 million in assistance for food, agriculture and nutrition in 2023.
We are addressing acute food insecurity while also investing in prevention and food systems, an approach which will be key, internationally, to reversing the trend of rising global hunger.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which post-Brexit agreements are in hand or in force, with particular reference to the need to ensure that whatever arrangements agreed are put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42090/23]
View answerSince the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the framework for post-Brexit relations between the EU and the UK consists of the Withdrawal Agreement, which entered into force in January 2020, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, was applied provisionally as of 1 January 2021 and entered into force on 1 May 2021.The Withdrawal Agreement includes the Windsor Framework, which updates and replaces the arrangements originally set out in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
The European Union consistently monitors and ensures the implementation of both of these Agreements, with a particular focus currently on the implementation of the Windsor Framework.
The agreement between the EU and UK on the Windsor Framework earlier this year was a significantly positive development. The Framework comprehensively addresses the concerns of people and business in Northern Ireland. It gives Northern Ireland access to the EU single market for goods, while at the same time as being part of the UK internal market. It provides Northern Ireland stakeholders with an opportunity for enhanced engagement on EU issues.
For Ireland, and for our partners in the EU, it is vital that the Framework is implemented fully and in good faith.
To date, the UK Government has been following through on its commitments under the Framework. It has been putting in in place the safeguards to protect the Single Market as agreed, and, as a result, the first set of facilitations for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is due to start coming into effect from 1 October.
Along with the European Commission and our EU partners, we will continue to carefully monitor the implementation of the Framework over the coming months, as the first set of trade facilitations take effect, and into future implementation phases.
The EU also monitors closely other aspects of the UK’s commitments under the Withdrawal Agreement, in particular its commitments to protect the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.
Since 2021, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has provided the basis for tariff-free and quota-free trade between the EU and the UK as well as a framework for continued cooperation with the UK in key areas of strategic interest for Ireland, including fisheries, transport and energy.
The European Commission closely monitors all aspects of the UK’s implementation of the Agreement. The Agreement provides for regular meetings of EU and UK representatives to discuss implementation and exchange views on cooperation through the Partnership Council at Foreign Secretary/European Commissioner level, as well as a range of other meetings covering all aspects of the Agreement. Each of the 18 Specialised Committees established under the Agreement meet at least once annually to address sectoral issues such as trade in goods; customs cooperation and rules of origin; SPS; technical barriers to trade; services, investment and digital trade; intellectual property; public procurement; regulatory cooperation; and the level playing field.
Ireland actively inputs into the EU side to ensure our interests are fully represented in these important meetings.
The EU pays particularly close attention to the level playing field and non-regression commitments the UK made to the EU in the Agreement to ensure fair competition between UK and EU businesses.
The Agreement also includes binding enforcement mechanisms as well as dispute resolution mechanisms to deal with any differences that arise between the parties.
I am pleased to report that, currently, both the Trade and Cooperation Agreement as well as the Withdrawal Agreement are working well and the UK Government is implementing the provisions of both agreements in line with its commitments.
There are, of course, many areas where the EU and the UK have different approaches, but the governance structures of the Agreements are functioning well and providing forums for issues of implementation to be discussed and addressed.
This is true also of the Windsor Framework, where the relevant EU-UK structures, including the Joint Committee on the Withdrawal Agreement and the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework, are meeting regularly. Overall, the agreement on the Windsor Framework has led to a welcome improvement in relations between the EU and the UK.
This has resulted in progress in a number of important EU-UK initiatives. I welcome, for example, the agreement in principle reached earlier this month on the UK re-joining the EU’s Horizon research programme. I also welcome the upcoming inaugural meeting of the EU-UK Forum for regulatory cooperation on financial services.
Along with the European Commission and our EU partners, we will continue to be vigilant to ensure that both the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the Withdrawal Agreement are implemented. For Ireland, the full and good faith implementation of the Windsor Framework will be particularly key. A positive partnership between the EU and the UK can provide a key context for political progress in Northern Ireland and for developing British-Irish relations, as well as a framework through which we can advance many areas of national interest.
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which community groups in Northern Ireland continue to receive assistance and support as envisaged arising from the Good Friday Agreement, and more recently through subsequent agreements arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/23]
View answerThe Good Friday Agreement explicitly recognises the essential role that the community and voluntary sector plays in working towards reconciliation and mutual understanding across the island of Ireland. As part of reaffirming a continued commitment to promoting reconciliation, the Irish Government significantly increased funding available for peace and reconciliation work after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. A number of funding opportunities exist for community groups in Northern Ireland including the following: the Reconciliation Fund, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund and PEACEPLUS.
Since 1982, the Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund has been a key part of the Government’s support for peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and plays an essential role in demonstrating in a very practical and tangible way the Government’s commitment to peace and reconciliation. The Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. The majority of grants are awarded to community groups working within Northern Ireland. In the 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement, the Reconciliation Fund has grown significantly in size, with over €5 million available in 2023. The next funding round for the Reconciliation Fund will open in spring 2024.
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund, launched in January 2023, is a €3 million initiative which aims to promote practical North South cooperation and engagement, across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. Applications are required to have a clear North South dimension, involving cross-border partners collaborating on a project to strengthen North South civic, economic, cultural, and/or political links. The latest round of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund is currently accepting applications (until Monday 23 October 2023) and full details of the Fund and how to apply can be found on my Department’s website.
The recently launched PEACEPLUS programme, funded by the EU, UK, NI Executive and Ireland and administered by the Special EU Programmes Body, was created to strengthen peace and prosperity within and between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will make €1.1 billion available in funding across 6 themes to a range of implementation partners. Further information regarding PEACEPLUS and the eligibility criteria is available on the SEUPB website.
135. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any financial allowances/credits provided to people who have to use high-energy medical equipment, for example, oxygen tanks, 24 hours per day, towards the cost of their electricity bills. [41926/23]
View answerThe State provides a range of supports, including through the social welfare system, the health system and the taxation system, to support people based upon their individual circumstances.
Specifically in relation to energy bills and support through my Department and agencies, as part of Budget 2023 Government introduced a package of measures worth €2.5 billion, which included a new Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) was credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT).
In addition, vulnerable customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, cannot be disconnected for non-payment of account at any time. It is important that people who are in such situations contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their energy supplier will then notify ESB Networks, which maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register.
Suppliers are also required to ensure that all registered vulnerable customers are on the most economic tariff available for their chosen payment method and billing format.
Under the Solar PV for medically vulnerable Scheme, grant support will be provided to approximately 4,000 customers on the priority services register to install solar PV systems at their homes.
136. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the name of organisations who have been approved for one stop shop services for retrofitting homes; the expected number of upgrades which is expected to be able to complete per year when fully operational, and if the level of national coverage has yet been achieved. [41985/23]
View answerThe National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030.
In February 2022, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades. This included the introduction of a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service for home energy upgrades.
There are now 17 One-Stop-Shops registered by SEAI. Of these, five were registered in the 2nd Quarter of 2023, which points to growing confidence in the sector about the future growth prospects of the retrofit market. The One-Stop-Shop service has delivered 839 homes so far this year, representing a 161% increase on the same period last year.
As part of the registration process, applicant organisations are required to submit a strategic plan to SEAI. These plans include a minimum 2 year forward focused plan setting out their approach to home energy upgrades and describe its development and growth plans under the new Scheme.
The One-Stop-Shops are distributed across Ireland, with nine offering services nationwide through their network of contractors throughout the country and eight working within geographic regions. Details of the registered One Stop Shops, including their contact details, are available on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/registered-providers/.
SEAI also continue to actively engage with the construction sector with the aim of attracting more companies to register as One-Stop-Shops. A number of companies are already in the process of registering as one-stop-shops and SEAI are guiding them through the registration process, with the expectation that by year end the number of registered One-Stop-Shops will have increased to 20.
My Department is working with SEAI to build the required capacity across the range of residential and community energy efficiency schemes, including the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030. A significant number of these upgrades will be through One-Stop-Shops.
