Robert Troy
Question:105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite an application for citizenship through the foreign births register (details supplied). [47686/23]
View answerCitizenship Applications
Questions (105)
Written answers
Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 8 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 2 May 2023. Further documents were subsequently received on 23 August 2023 and have been processed. However, the application remains incomplete. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant in this regard. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (106)
Robert Troy
Question:106. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47732/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs uses advertising and public awareness campaigns primarily to promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad such as passport and consular services. In recent years, public awareness campaigns in relation to COVID-19 travel restrictions and Brexit have formed a significant part of campaigns.
The Department engages the services of a third-party media agency (PHD Media), retained under a cross-Government procurement process, for the purposes of advertisement placement and reaching audiences across a range of mediums including print media, digital advertising, radio, outdoor and TV. The vast majority of the Department’s spend on advertising and public awareness campaigns is conducted through this agency with the aim of maximising the audience reached.
The below figures represent the costs of advertising activity, conducted via this third party agency, that took place within each of the relevant calendar years and the approximate share of that activity directed to advertising at a national, Northern Ireland and regional level. The share of advertising spend on press/newspaper channels is also included. Advertising expenditure by the Department is applied in on a campaign basis and not directly with individual outlets. The Department is not in a position to provide a further breakdown of spend by individual outlet as this would constitute commercially sensitive information of a third party company.
2020
|
Breakdown |
Total Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
Press Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
% Share of Press Spend |
|
National |
774,486.31 |
139,215.12 |
39 |
|
Northern Ireland |
19,035.25 |
13,375.19 |
4 |
|
Regional |
394,425.30 |
208,589.64 |
58 |
|
Sub-total |
1,187,946.85 |
361,179.95 |
100 |
2021
|
Breakdown |
Total Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
Press Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
% Share of Press Spend |
|
National |
816,678.32 |
141,693.23 |
100 |
|
Northern Ireland |
- |
- |
|
|
Regional |
290,416.78 |
- |
|
|
Sub-total |
1,107,095.10 |
141,693.23 |
100 |
2022
|
Breakdown |
Total Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
Press Advertising Spend (incl. VAT) |
% Share of Press Spend |
|
National |
530,710.78 |
110,441.41 |
70 |
|
Northern Ireland |
47,759.74 |
47,759.74 |
30 |
|
Regional |
45,950.50 |
0 |
|
|
Sub-total |
624,421.01 |
158,201.14 |
100 |
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 96.
Official Engagements
Questions (108)
Matt Carthy
Question:108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements his Department, or any agency or body under his direction, has had with the Government of Israel, any state body of the Government of Israel, or any engagement within or with Israel, in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47807/23]
View answerWritten answers
Engagement with third countries is a central part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Within this context, both I and my officials maintain frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Israel. Such engagement is particularly important in the context of the crisis that is currently unfolding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Most recently, I spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on 23 October. I expressed my deep condolences for the attack by Hamas on Israel and underlined the need for the unconditional release of all hostages. We also shared concerns at the potential for a wider regional escalation. I also expressed my deepening concern at the situation in Gaza, underlining the importance of protecting civilians. I stressed the critical need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and underlined the need to ensure humanitarian access, including fuel supplies to meet the needs of hospitals and desalination plants. To this end, I echoed the call of the UN Secretary General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
I had recently visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in September, which provided an important opportunity to meet with my political counterparts and to engage with civil society partners active on the ground. My predecessor, Minister Simon Coveney, visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in November 2021.
Ireland is represented at an official level in Israel through our Embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel is represented in Ireland through its Embassy in Dublin. My officials also regularly engage with their counterparts to discuss a broad range of issues.
Official Engagements
Questions (109)
Matt Carthy
Question:109. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements his Department, or any agency or body under his direction, has had with the Palestinian Authority, any organ of the Palestinian Authority, or any engagement within, or with organisations in, the occupied Palestinian territory, in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47825/23]
View answerWritten answers
Engagement with third countries is a central part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Within this context, both I and my officials maintain frequent and ongoing engagement with the Palestinian Authority. Such engagement is particularly important in the context of the crisis that is currently unfolding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
In the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack on 7 October, I spoke with the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Malki, and the Secretary General of Fatah's Central Committee, Jibril Rajoub. During these calls we agreed on the vital need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people, including Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
I visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in September, which provided an important opportunity to meet with my political counterparts and to engage with civil society partners active on the ground. My predecessor, Minister Simon Coveney, visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in November 2021.
Ireland is represented at an official level in the Palestinian Authority through our Representative Office in Ramallah. The Palestinian Authority is represented in Ireland through its Mission in Dublin. My officials regularly engage with their counterparts to discuss a broad range of issues.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (110)
Carol Nolan
Question:110. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Irish Embassy, consular or mission staff in Albania and Georgia, which are designated safe countries, have engaged with any representatives of the Albanian or Georgian governments or government agencies to determine the reason such large numbers of their citizens are choosing Ireland as a country in which to apply for international protection, given that there are no conflicts presently ongoing in those countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47850/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has positive bilateral relations with both Albania and Georgia. While we do not have a resident Embassy in Albania or Georgia, we are represented via secondary accreditation from Ireland's Embassies in Athens and Sofia respectively and maintain ongoing dialogue with the Albanian and Georgian authorities.
In respect of the numbers of international protection claims made Georgian citizens in Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs Officials have raised this matter on multiple occasions in discussions on bilateral issues with relevant government interlocutors, including at Ministerial level.
In respect of Albania, applications for asylum from Albanian nationals between 2020 and 2022 amounted to 328, in comparison to 3089 applications from Georgian nationals over the same period. In the January to June 2023 period, 84 applications from Albanian nationals were received, in comparison to 1181 applications from Georgian nationals. There have been no recent discussions specifically related to international protection claims with the Albanian authorities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains regular dialogue with the Department of Justice on migration and asylum issues.
Passport Services
Questions (111, 112, 113)
Michael Ring
Question:111. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will carry out a feasibility study for the need for a Passport Office in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47943/23]
View answerMichael Ring
Question:112. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what discussions have taken place surrounding the possibility of Passport Office for the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47948/23]
View answerMichael Ring
Question:113. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he acknowledges the need for a Passport Office in the west of Ireland in view of the difficulties that the lack of a Passport Office is causing for the people located in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47951/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.
The Passport Service is pursuing a Digital First strategy and promoting Passport Online as the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants. This has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing resulting in greater efficiencies for the Service and for customers. The majority of Passport Service operations take place at the newly expanded Balbriggan Campus that now has capacity for 500 staff. The Passport Service has issued over 866,000 passports to date in 2023.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications.
Over 90% of all passport applications, including first time applications, are now being made through Passport Online which is now available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world.Having a centralised passport system allows us to maintain the integrity of this vitally important document. It ensures that applications are processed by highly skilled staff who are expertly trained. The Irish passport was recently ranked 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries. It is critical that this high standard is maintained.
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. The Customer Service Hub responds to an average of 10,000 queries per week. My Department has implemented a staffing plan to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand.
The Passport Service was recently placed 18th out of 150 public-facing organisations in a survey conducted by the Customer Experience (CX) group. This ranking recognised the Passport Service as the best customer service brand in the public sector.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. Currently, only 39% of urgent appointment slots are being used.
In considering any expansion of existing services, a number of criteria are examined including the efficiencies that would be gained, whether the proposed expansion would improve the overall quality of the service and whether the potential benefits of expanding the service would justify the significant costs involved. Any expansion of services would need to consider the potential demand for an in-person Urgent Appointment service given the efficiencies built-in to Passport Online and in light of the efficiencies of the online renewal service.
Any proposed expansion would also need to complement the Passport Service's Digital First strategy.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for opening any additional passport office.
The Passport Service continuously considers ways that it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live and regularly reviews the range of passport services on offer while also strategically planning to respond to future needs.
Given that all turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs, it does not make financial sense to invest in additional staff, buildings, equipment and security at an additional site.
The Passport Service continues to be in an excellent position to meet the demand forecast for the remainder of this year. I would ask the Deputy to encourage your constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 111.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 111.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (114)
Réada Cronin
Question:114. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department engages a company (details supplied); if so, the duration and nature of the work; the cost of same to the Exchequer for the years 2022 to present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48012/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not engaged the services of the company referred to by the Deputy from 1st January 2022 to date.
Irish Aid
Questions (115)
Patrick Costello
Question:115. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the current Irish Aid provided to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs work in Palestine; how this aid is used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48035/23]
View answerWritten answers
On 18 October, following a discussion I had with the Commissioner General of UNRWA on October 16th, I announced additional core funding of €10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The Agency provides essential services to 5.7 million Palestine refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Even before the current conflict 80% of the population of Gaza was dependent on support from UNRWA for basic essential services. I also announced an additional €3 million for the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs’ (UN OCHA) Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund. This additional €13 million brings Ireland’s support to the Palestinian people to €29 million so far in 2023.
Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the critical work of UNRWA with and on behalf of Palestinian refugees, and we remain firmly committed in our political and financial support to the Agency. In March 2021, Ireland signed a 3-year MoU with UNRWA with an annual base contribution of €6 million per year. In line with this agreement, we provided €6 million to UNRWA in March 2023, followed by an additional €2 million in June in response to funding appeals.
In the current unprecedented crisis, UNRWA staff are providing support to over 629,000 displaced persons taking shelter at 150 UNRWA facilities. This includes access to health, water and relief. The Agency’s staff are at present running the remaining 8 out of 22 UNRWA healthcare centres still operational in Middle Area, Khan Younis and Rafah, where they provide basic health care and psycho-social support.
UNWRA’s Commissioner General stated on 30 October that 63 UNWRA staff have so far been killed in Gaza since 7 October. Civilians and aid workers should never be targets in war.
The additional €3 million provided to UN OCHA will support the humanitarian response to the ongoing devastating conflict. It will be used to urgently address the escalating humanitarian needs by enabling rapid deployment of aid, particularly in life-saving sectors that have been hit hardest, including health, shelter, water, sanitation, food security and protection.
Middle East
Questions (116)
Patrick Costello
Question:116. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update in relation to Ireland’s role and actions in the ongoing crisis in Gaza; the engagements he has had with other EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs in relation to this crisis; what further steps he believes the EU should take in relation to alleviating the ongoing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48037/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has been active in the EU in calling for adherence to international law, the protection of civilians, and a humanitarian ceasefire.
I attended an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 10 October, alongside my EU counterparts to discuss the ongoing violence on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I underlined the importance of principled and collective action by the EU and its Member States and the need for the EU to ensure that the protection of civilians and adherence to international law is central to our engagement.
I stressed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting that any review of the EU's development cooperation funding should take place rapidly and in coordination with Member States. I welcome the confirmation that EU humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people will continue uninterrupted, for as long as needed.
At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 October, I discussed the conflict with my counterparts and held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Spain, Sweden and Italy. On 1 November, I additionally spoke to the EU High Representative, Josep Borell.
The Taoiseach attended the European Council meeting on 25-26 October, where Heads of State and Government discussed the situation on the ground, called for adherence to international law, and for unhindered humanitarian access.
Ireland continues to advocate for a clear position from the EU, which emphasizes the protection of civilians, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the need for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Irish Aid
Questions (117)
Patrick Costello
Question:117. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on any interactions he has had with EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi in relation to EU-Palestinian aid payments; and if he believes the Commissioner position to be tenable given recent events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48038/23]
View answerWritten answers
On 9 October, the European Commission stated that it would not immediately suspend its package of financial assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories. This followed an earlier announcement by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, that the Commission was putting its full development portfolio for Palestinians under review and that all payments were suspended. In clarifying, the Commission also stated that it would carry out an urgent review of the EU’s assistance for Palestine in light of the current conflict. It indicated that this urgent review does not concern humanitarian assistance provided under the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
I have made clear, including at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 23 October, that any such review must be completed rapidly and in close consultation with Member States. Equally, I have been clear that there should be no suggestion of engaging in collective punishment following the heinous acts of terrorism carried out by Hamas on 7 October. It is also vital at this time of crisis that critical services to the Palestinian people in Gaza, including water, health and relief, must not be negatively affected by a review of assistance.
On 14 October the Commission announced a tripling of its humanitarian assistance to Gaza to €75 million. I welcomed this announcement. Ireland has already provided an immediate package of €13 million in additional humanitarian support through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and UN OCHA, and we are working with our partners on the very urgent need for access so that vital assistance can reach the people of Gaza.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (118)
Patrick Costello
Question:118. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the statements made and actions taken by the Israeli Embassy and its staff in recent days; if he believes that these statements and actions are appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has regular contact with the Israeli Embassy in Dublin on a range of issues. The Department raises issues of concern directly with the Embassy where appropriate.
Following the brutal and horrifying attack by Hamas on October 7, I spoke to the Ambassador of Israel in Dublin to express my deep concern and sadness at the scenes in Israel. I also wrote to the Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland.
In relation to the comments made by an Israeli Embassy official on social media, I understand that they were deleted and a clarification was issued by the Embassy noting that the comments did not represent the position of the Embassy or the Government of Israel.
It is essential that we maintain open channels of communication through Embassies and Ambassadors during times of conflict.
Middle East
Questions (119)
Patrick Costello
Question:119. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, given the statement by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, outlining that the ICC has jurisdiction over possible war crimes carried out in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel (details supplied), if he will push for the ICC to open an investigation into potential war crimes in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48052/23]
View answerWritten answers
In 2021, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) determined that the Court may exercise its jurisdiction over certain international crimes, including war crimes, committed in Palestine since June 2014, and that the scope of its territorial jurisdiction extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Shortly afterwards, the then ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of an investigation into alleged international crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The current ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, visited the Rafah crossing in Egypt on 29 October where he confirmed that his office’s investigation is ongoing and has jurisdiction over alleged international crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory or by Palestinian nationals. This includes jurisdiction over current events in Gaza and the West Bank. In his statement at Rafah, Prosecutor Khan committed to scrutinising all information his office receives that is relevant or probative to alleged crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory or Israel.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the Court, and respects the independence and impartiality of the Office of the Prosecutor. We have been consistent in saying that all situations before the Court warrant adequate attention and resourcing, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland made a voluntary contribution amounting to €3 million to the ICC last year, in addition to its assessed annual contribution, to help address the Court’s resource challenges.
Middle East
Questions (120)
Patrick Costello
Question:120. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with the International Court of Justice to provide Ireland's opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories in February 2024; what this opinion will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48053/23]
View answerWritten answers
On 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 77/247, which included a request to the International Court of Justice 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. These proceedings have been fixed by the Court to open on 19 February 2024 at the Peace Palace in The Hague and the question of Ireland’s participation in them is now under consideration.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (121, 128, 129, 130)
Thomas Pringle
Question:121. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48309/23]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:128. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48658/23]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:129. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48691/23]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48707/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
My Department does not currently hold any contracts with the companies referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (122, 123)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:122. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he last met the Australian ambassador to Ireland; and when he is next scheduled to meet the ambassador. [48320/23]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:123. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he last met the New Zealand ambassador to Ireland; and when he is next scheduled to meet the ambassador. [48321/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
I met Ambassador Mallard of New Zealand and Ambassador Gray of Australia on 27 June. Both Ambassadors and their teams are in regular contact with my Department on a range of issues including follow up to bilateral consultations held with each country earlier this year. As set out in the recently relaunched Asia Pacific Strategy, the Government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s relations with Australia and New Zealand, building on already close political, economic and people-to-people ties.
Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 122.
Consular Services
Questions (124)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:124. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons who applied for the post of facilities officer at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC. [48322/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC is currently running a recruitment campaign for the role of Facilities Officer. As the process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.