Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; and the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings. [52199/23]
View answerNo briefings by these organisations have been facilitated by the Department of the Taoiseach, or any body under its aegis, from 2020 to date.
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has interaction with other European countries with a view to ensuring that the benefits arising from membership of the EU in terms of financial stratagems do not militate against Irish interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52558/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I, other Ministers, and officials within my Department, as well as other Ministers and Departments in government, are in ongoing contact with counterparts across the European Union on range of issues.
In relation to issues of a financial nature, Ministers at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also have important roles to play.
Both I and other Ministers also are in ongoing, regular communication with Commissioner McGuinness on matters pertaining to her portfolio of Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, and Commissioners, and officials within the European Commission, more generally.
This ongoing work is directed at ensuring that matters of importance to Ireland are regularly discussed, and Irish positions explained and, where necessary, defended. Areas in which I and other Ministers have been active over recent months include, for example: the midterm review of the Multiannual financial framework; developments on state aid; and ongoing work on ensuring that the single market is maintained and will be the basis for ongoing and future EU competitiveness.
At all meetings which Ministers attend- be they European Councils at Heads of Government level; EU Council of Economic and Finance Ministers; Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Councils and others; Irish positions are set out, defended and secured in discussions with other Member states.
83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he applied to enter Gaza on his recent trip to the Middle East; and if so, whether this application was blocked by Israel. [51816/23]
View answerI travelled to the region from 14-16 November as part of the Government’s continuing and intensive engagement on the current crisis in Israel and Gaza. A key focus was the situation of Irish citizens in Gaza and the case of an Irish citizen who is believed to be held hostage in Gaza.
My engagements during the visit also provided an opportunity to repeat my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, to underline the need for urgent and meaningful humanitarian access to Gaza, and to stress the urgency of de-escalation.
I had a substantive discussion in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry. I expressed our appreciation for Egypt’s help with the exit of our citizens from Gaza. We spoke about the ongoing crisis, and the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and rapid, unimpeded humanitarian supplies of water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. While in Cairo I also met with League of Arab States Secretary General Aboul Gheit.
I travelled to Ramallah in the occupied Palestinian territory and expressed my sympathy to the Palestinian people over civilian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank to Prime Minister Shtayyeh. We discussed the role the international community must play in the path to peace and Ireland’s support for the two State solution. I also met with Palestinian Foreign Minister Malki in Ramallah.
I also visited southern Israel and witnessed the devastation caused by the 7th of October attack in Sderot and Kibbutz Be’eri, where Emily Hand was taken hostage. I met Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen and expressed my grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I also met President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, during which I stressed the urgent need to dramatically increase the supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Visits by international leaders within the territory of Gaza Strip have been extremely limited since the outbreak of the ongoing crisis and I did not seek to visit Gaza on this occasion. I have spoken with the Commissioner General of UNRWA, one of the key mandate holders to visit Gaza, who briefed me on the situation on the ground.
84. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51825/23]
View answerWhile my Department does not have personnel assigned to a role with a significant or exclusive focus on integration, on-going work on our Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan aims to make the Department more diverse and inclusive.
85. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update in relation to a response to previous correspondence (details supplied). [51867/23]
View answerSince the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit of Irish citizens and accompanying dependents from Gaza that have expressed a wish to leave. To date 56 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to leave Gaza.
Clearance to exit from Gaza is decided by the relevant local authorities. These authorities have made clear to all countries with citizens in Gaza that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them.
In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus over the last seven weeks. The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave, including people holding a visa for Ireland or others with ties to Ireland. For those who do receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities, a visa application for Ireland can be made in the normal way.
86. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when an application for a foreign birth registration will be processed; when the applicant can expect a decision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51868/23]
View answerWith regard to the Foreign Birth Registration application referenced by the Deputy, this application has been approved.
87. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an application for foreign birth registration can be reviewed (details supplied); if an update can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51902/23]
View answerWith regard to the Foreign Birth Registration application referenced by the Deputy, this application is incomplete. The Passport Service contacted the applicant on 22 November 2023 to outline the additional documents that are required to approve the application. The Passport Service cannot process the application until these documents have been received.
88. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost to date of assisting Irish citizens in Gaza to leave the area following the outbreak of hostilities there on 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51923/23]
View answerThrough our Embassies in Cairo and Tel Aviv, our Representative Office in Ramallah and our Consular Directorate in Ireland, my Department has to date assisted 56 Irish citizens and accompanying dependents to leave Gaza, and with arrangements for onward travel to Ireland. A small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. We will continue to work with the relevant authorities on any additional cases where other Irish citizens and accompanying dependents wish to exit Gaza.
The extent or the consular assistance provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs is set out in the Consular Assistance Charter. Among others, we provide advice, assistance with travel documents, information on local practices and liaise with the family members of Irish citizens in difficulty abroad. In general, my Department does not provide financial support to Irish citizens overseas. A link to the Consular Assistance Charter is provided below for information: assets.gov.ie/274723/58a5786b-0337-4725-91d3-88b9209cbb50.pdf.
Given the particular circumstances of facilitating Irish citizens and their accompanying family members to leave Gaza, our Embassy in Cairo has in certain cases been required to assist citizens in meeting the costs of immigration into Egypt, accommodation in Egypt, transport in Egypt, and with making onward flight bookings.
On an exceptional basis, and where the citizen was not in a position to immediately bear the costs associated with travel, the Department has facilitated the repatriation of citizens subject to a commitment to repay the relevant costs at a subsequent time. Detailed procedures are in place to follow up in this regard. In total, costs of €33,113 have been incurred to date and these costs will be recouped where appropriate.
89. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51973/23]
View answerIn 2022, my Department received and processed 272 valid Freedom of Information requests of which 68 were issued with decisions refusing access to the requested records.
Up to 20 November 2023, my Department received 251 valid Freedom of Information requests of which 58 were issued with decisions refusing access to the requested records.
All valid Freedom of Information requests for access to records held by my Department are considered and processed under the terms and provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
90. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when it was agreed to permit Israeli security personnel to be located on the premises of Dublin Airport in order to screen passengers intending to travel on El Al flights from Dublin to Tel Aviv; if similar arrangements are in place for any other sovereign nations’ security or intelligence personnel in addition to those of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52012/23]
View answerAirport Security is a matter for the Airport Authorities in cooperation with AGS, and as such, not a matter for this Department.
91. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to expedite passport renewals for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52057/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, passports have been issued to the applicants.
92. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a German military aircraft, Luftwaffe 54-21, Air Defender 2023 is refuelling in an airport in the Irish Republic; the number of times this aircraft has landed at an Irish airport; if this military transport aircraft is being used to transport supplies or resources to support the genocide and illegal occupation taking place in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52075/23]
View answerUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
This policy is well known and is fully understood our international partners, and is implemented in full compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
It is the longstanding policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs not to disclose details relating to the specifics of diplomatic clearance requests, as such information is provided by Embassies in the expectation of the maintenance of confidentiality.
With respect to the aircraft in question however, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedures for foreign military overflights were followed in full.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also publishes statistics in relation to overflights and landings of foreign military and state aircraft on our website. This includes details on the number of German military aircraft that have landed in Ireland this year.
My Department is committed to the highest standards of transparency and, as such, will continue to publish details relating to overflights and landings on a monthly basis on the Department’s website, as well as working to compile and publish historic data relating to overflights and landing of foreign military aircraft where and when possible.
93. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the current guidance provided by his Department to Gaza residents who hold a valid Irish visa, if the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv fails to not put their names on the departure list to leave Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52089/23]
View answerSince the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit of Irish citizens and accompanying dependents from Gaza that have expressed a wish to leave. To date 56 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to leave Gaza.
Clearance to exit from Gaza is decided by the relevant local authorities. These authorities have made clear to all countries with citizens in Gaza that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them.
In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus over the last seven weeks. The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave, including people holding a visa for Ireland or others with ties to Ireland. For Irish visa holders who do receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities, they may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if and when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52142/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly in relation to the application.
95. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52164/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs uses 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 advertising costs.
As with other Government Departments, the Department of Foreign Affairs engages the services of a third-party media agency (PHD Media) for the purposes of advertisement placement and reaching audiences across a range of mediums including digital advertising, print media, 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 reach, without direct engagement or financial transactions with media organisations such as RTÉ.
The below figures represent the costs of advertising activity, conducted via this third party agency, placed with RTÉ channels (TV, radio, internet) that took place within each of the relevant calendar years.
RTÉ spend 2016 to date:
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total spend 2016 - to date |
|
Total Spend (€) |
0 |
0 |
78,492 |
262,946 |
183,971 |
139,394 |
27,250 |
31,847 |
723,901 |
96. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52191/23]
View answerMy Department has not facilitated any in-person or remote briefings with the named organisations from 2020 to date.
97. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. [52223/23]
View answer98. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that has been provided by the Irish Government to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan; the purpose of this funding; if he intends to provide additional funding for these purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52224/23]
View answer99. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any meetings or engagements in respect of the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan; the detail and outcome of any such meeting or engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52225/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 98 and 99 together.
We are deeply concerned by the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the conflict began in April, over 6.2 million people have fled their homes and nearly 25 million people, half of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection assistance.
Ireland has been a long-term partner of the people of Sudan in both development and humanitarian action, providing over €35 million in assistance between 2018 and 2022. Ireland has provided over €7 million in humanitarian and development aid to Sudan so far this year, together with further assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. This includes €4 million to the UN OCHA Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which channels funding through non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners on the ground who are best placed to deliver immediate life-saving assistance. Support is also provided to the work of Irish NGOs including GOAL, Concern Worldwide, Trócaire and Plan International. Core funding to WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, ICRC and other multilateral agencies also plays a role in helping to alleviate the catastrophic impact of the conflict on delivery of services.
Ireland will continue to provide support to Sudan in 2024 alongside diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict. Horrific reports of widespread sexual and gender based violence, targeted killings, large-scale attacks on civilian settlements and forced displacement have been a hallmark of the conflict. On 14 November, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide issued a statement warning that acts which amount to genocide may have been committed.
In this context, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need for protection of civilians, maintenance of humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in Sudan's political future. At the meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in May and June Ireland initiated calls for additional sanctions in order to increase pressure on the parties. In October, the EU adopted a new autonomous sanctions framework for Sudan which targets those impeding peace efforts, perpetrating civilian harm and obstructing humanitarian access.
At the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland has advocated for a ceasefire, an end to attacks on civilians, and protection of humanitarian access. In October, the Council established a Fact Finding Mission, charged with investigating human rights violations in Sudan.
Ireland is also working with partners who are supporting the work of human rights defenders and civil society, engaging in peace mediation and inclusive dialogue, promoting transitional justice, and conducting research and analysis on conflict dynamics.
100. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to provide aid to support Belarusians in exile. [52236/23]
View answer101. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his representations to the European Union in respect of the need to assist Belarusians in exile whose passports have expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52237/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
Three years after the fraudulent elections in Belarus and with repression only intensifying, it is vital we maintain our support for democratic Belarus and those forced to live in exile. It is estimated that 200,000 to 500,000 Belarusians have been forced to flee their country as a result of the regime crackdown.
In the wake of the 7th September 2023 presidential decree by the Lukashenko regime to ban the issuance and extension of Belarusian travel documents abroad, we continue to work closely with our European partners, to monitor the situation and coordinate our response. Belarusian civil society has described this decree as a retaliatory move against pro-democracy activists in exile as it requires them to return and risk arrest in order to renew their travel documents.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland has sought to support Belarus’ democratic forces and wider civil society actors to mitigate the impact of the violence and repression of the Lukashenko regime, and in planning for the future. Ireland welcomed the establishment of the Council of Europe Contact Group and EU Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. These crucial platforms for dialogue will help shape our action in support of a free, sovereign, and democratic Belarus and maintain our connection and support for Belarusians in exile.
In November, Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke held a meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, who herself is in exile in Lithuania. At that meeting, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya expressed her appreciation for Ireland’s steadfast support. While in Vilnius, Minister Burke, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Survila hosted a seminar on Media Freedom in Belarus in association with the Belarusian Association of Journalists. The event heard from Belarus’ independent journalists and human rights defenders who had been forced into exile but whose important work continues to shine a light on the situation in Belarus, despite the regime’s efforts to keep it hidden.
Ireland is providing support for several Belarusian civil society projects that have been forced into exile by a repressive and authoritarian regime. This includes support to the Belarusian human rights NGO ‘Viasna’, which provides medical, psychological and humanitarian support to current and former political prisoners, support to the European Endowment for Democracy, and funding for independent Belarusian media. Ireland is also providing support to the International Accountability Platform for Belarus which is working to collecting evidence on gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law allegedly committed by Belarusian authorities.
Ireland is committed to supporting Belarusian civil society and democratic forces in exile in order to support a democratic future for Belarus and its people.
