Written Answers Nos. 161-180
163. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on this engagement with his counterparts in the Israeli Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50199/23]
View answer168. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expel the Israeli ambassador in light of the war crimes being committed by the Israeli Government in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50265/23]
View answer216. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what efforts he has made with the Israeli Government to end the onslaught in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50267/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 168 and 216 together.
Engagement with my counterparts is a central part of my work and of my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Within this context, we 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 met with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on 16 November during my visit to the region. I reiterated Ireland’s condemnation of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October and underlined the need for the unconditional release of all hostages. I also underlined my concern over the catastrophic situation in Gaza and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire. We also discussed the exit of Irish citizens through Rafah and the case of Emily Hand. During the course of this visit, I also met with President Isaac Herzog and stressed the urgent need to dramatically increase the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Within the context of the current crisis, I had previously spoken with Minister Cohen by telephone on 23 October. Recalling my letter of 8 October, I condemned the attack by Hamas and expressed my deep condolences with the Israeli people. We also discussed concerns at the potential for a wider regional escalation. I 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 also visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in early September, during which I also met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister Cohen and President Herzog.
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. I spoke with the Ambassador of Israel and conveyed my sympathies on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland for the horrific attack by Hamas on 7 October. I met with Ambassador Erlich in November as part of a meeting with the families of hostages held in Gaza, including the family of Emily Hand. My officials also regularly engage with their counterparts to discuss a broad range of issues.
In relation to the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador, as I have repeatedly stated, cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels. Diplomacy is not always, or only, about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful, and it is vital to maintain communication links.
164. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the countries for which his Department currently has a "Do not travel" security status in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50204/23]
View answerMy Department provides information and advice to prepare citizens before travelling abroad, and offers an objective assessment of the risks they could face. The Department publishes clear, accessible and up-to-date Travel Advice for around 200 destinations, so that citizens can make informed choices about international travel on the basis of accurate and impartial information. Travel Advice is one of the Department’s most consulted services.
Security Status levels are an important component of the Travel Advice service. They allow us to explain to citizens how safe or unsafe we believe a country may be to visit, and help them to make informed decisions about overseas travel. They are also relevant for Irish citizens currently resident abroad or already travelling abroad.
There are four levels of Security Status as follows: Normal Precautions; High Degree of Caution; Avoid Non-Essential Travel; and, Do Not Travel. Out of more than two hundred destinations for which we provide Travel Advice worldwide, twenty-three are currently assigned a ‘Do Not Travel’ Security Status. They are as follows:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gabon
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Myanmar/Burma
Niger
Russian Federation
Sudan
Somalia
South Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Yemen
165. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the process for ensuring that all US military aircraft which pass through Shannon Airport are not carrying weapons or munitions of war. [50253/23]
View answer166. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No.10 of 15 June 2023 where he stated that the Government will "[h]onour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine [to] protect the integrity of Palestinian territory", if the Government will now honour its commitment considering that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated that Israel’s plan to double the settler population in the occupied Syrian Golan by 2027 was unprecedented, and that 700,000 Israeli settlers are living illegally in the occupied West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50276/23]
View answer190. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what actions his Department and the Government will take to bring about an end of the bombardment of Gaza by Israel; if sanctions are being considered; if the occupied territories Bill will be implemented; if the Government will recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50208/23]
View answer219. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to call for a comprehensive international arms embargo to be placed on Israel; the details of any engagement he has had at EU and UN level in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50113/23]
View answer233. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will advocate for the suspension of trade with Israel at EU level, which is governed by the EU Israel Association Agreement, due to its abhorrent violations of international law. [50256/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 190, 219 and 233 together.
The situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is deeply concerning and it is imperative that the international community works together to address the immediate crisis and to lay the foundations for a sustainable peace.
I am determined that Ireland plays an active and meaningful role, within the EU and the UN as well as through the extensive bilateral engagement that I have been undertaking in recent weeks. I welcome that, over the past week, we have witnessed a pause in hostilities, which has enabled the release of hostages, including Emily Hand.
At the Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial meeting earlier this week, I stressed that the international community's central focus right now should be on a durable humanitarian ceasefire. We must bring our collective weight to bear to secure that outcome. There can be no solely military solution to the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel on 7 October. The people of Gaza need peace, as well as sustained humanitarian aid at scale. We must build on the progress of recent days to lay the foundation for a pathway to peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Recent events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have raised serious questions of compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law. The Government has made clear that we fully support impartial and independent investigations into any and all breaches of IHL and other relevant branches of international law by the appropriate authorities.
Ensuring effective accountability is a central part of Ireland’s foreign policy. We aim to take actions that are most effective to practically promote this goal. This is why we announced last week a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the International Criminal Court, which is currently carrying out an investigation with respect to the situation in Palestine, including the events of 7 October and all actions since that date. This investigation, as well as investigations into a number of other situations around the world where such crimes may have been committed, will benefit from the much-needed funding.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis and towards a political horizon, there is also an urgent need for all parties to cease all unilateral measures that impede peace. This was recalled by the UN Security Council in February of this year, which underlined in particular that Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines. Within the context of the current crisis, we have also seen a sharp rise in settler violence and the displacement of Palestinian communities. This is unacceptable and must end.
As I noted earlier, unilateral actions and initiatives by Ireland, in the absence of support and engagement by other EU and/or regional states will not result in positive change and impact, but will simply serve to diminish our influence. Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes, but rather implements UN and EU sanctions.
At EU level, including with regard to the EU-Israel relationship, it is also clear that the most credible and effective approach is for Ireland to continue to work to influence the EU’s collective position in a realistic manner. The central pillars of the EU position remain valid. This includes the clear EU position that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and the EU’s ongoing concern regarding the rising level of extreme settler violence.
It is already the position that all agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland is consistently vocal in ensuring the application of this policy across all sectors of cooperation. As I noted in my reply to a previous question, I also intend to advocate within the EU for steps such as targeted travel bans in respect of violent settlers in the West Bank, which is something that President Biden has also indicated that the US is exploring.
In respect of recognition, I have already noted that there are intensive discussions ongoing at EU level and with regional partners on how to develop a credible pathway to a two-state solution, allowing the Israeli and Palestinian people to live in the peace and security that they deserve. The meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean, which I attended in Barcelona on Monday, was an important element in this conversation. The timing and context of any decision on recognition would need to take account of these discussions, as well as the situation on the ground.
As I have said previously, this is an issue that remains under review and that I discuss regularly with EU partners. I would expect these discussions to intensify over the coming period.
As regards the Control of Economic Activity Bill, the Government has reiterated its position on numerous occasions. The Bill would be incompatible with EU law, and would not be implementable.
167. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken to ensure that Russia and its leadership will be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other serious crimes under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50066/23]
View answer183. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had with EU partners in relation to the establishment of a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50067/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 183 together.
The Government has been consistent in the pursuit of accountability for Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression.
Ireland supports initiatives to bring to account perpetrators of international crimes committed in Ukraine in the context of Russia’s aggression. As the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute international crimes, the International Criminal Court (ICC), along with other accountability mechanisms, has a crucial role to play fighting impunity for international crimes that have been committed in Ukraine. In March 2022, Ireland was one of 43 states to refer the situation in Ukraine to the ICC in order to enable the ICC Prosecutor to immediately start an investigation. The Government has recently announced a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC in support of its important work across all situations. This is in addition to the voluntary contribution of €3 million made to the ICC in 2022 and Ireland’s assessed contribution to the Court’s budget, which was €1.4 million in 2023.
The Prosecutor’s investigation in Ukraine has so far resulted in the issue of arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia.
Ireland also supports accountability for the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression, a crime that is outside the jurisdiction of the ICC’s investigation in Ukraine. Ireland is one of 40 states, plus the EU, in the Core Group for the Establishment of a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine. Ireland participates in regular meetings of the Core Group to address the complex legal and practical issues that arise in trying to establish a credible, legitimate and effective tribunal to deal with this crime.
Ireland welcomes the establishment of an International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine by Eurojust in The Hague. The Centre will enable investigations into Russia’s leadership to commence while discussions continue on the creation of a special tribunal. The Centre began initial operations in July and will be fully established by the end of 2023.
Ireland, is a founding participant of the Register of Damage, which will serve as a record of evidence and information on claims of damage, loss or injury caused by Russia’s actions in or against Ukraine. Ireland views the Register as an important first step towards the creation of an international compensation mechanism to hold Russia accountable to victims of its aggression.
Ireland has also joined 31 other States intervening as a third party in Ukraine’s proceedings against the Russian Federation at the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention.
169. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the relevant timelines regarding the initiation of a case to the European Court of Human Rights in the case of the so-called legacy Bill adopted by the British Parliament; if he has engaged with those individuals who have taken cases; and if Government intends to take an inter-state case on this issue. [52835/23]
View answerThe British Legacy Act received Royal Assent on 18 September.
I am seriously concerned about the Act's impact on the fundamental work of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, and about its compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights. The incorporation of the Convention into Northern Ireland law was an explicit requirement of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government believe that this Act will not draw a line under legacy issues, but will instead ensure that the past remains a source of contention, suspicion and mistrust, undermining the reconciliation which we have worked so hard to progress. It is a matter of deep regret this is the space in which we find ourselves.
The Government sought legal advice from the Attorney General on the possibility of Ireland initiating an interstate case at the European Court of Human Rights to test the compatibility of the British Legacy Act with the Convention. Detailed and comprehensive legal advice has now been received from the Attorney General, an essential contribution to our consideration of next steps.
The initiation of an interstate case would be significant and would have to be done on solid legal grounds. It is not a decision which could, or should, be taken lightly.
The Government will look at the broader implications of such a decision, including on the bilateral relationship with the UK as well as broader political and civic concerns in Northern Ireland on legacy issues. We will also take account of the opposition to this Act which has been expressed in this House and by victims’ groups and families across this island. The Government is fully aware of relevant timelines initiating a case and the need to make a timely decision on this matter.
The Government will continue to be guided by the best interests of victims and their families.
My officials have been following closely the cases being taken in the High Court in Belfast and are in ongoing contact with organisations who are providing them with assistance.
170. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of yet more new evidence emerging regarding the 1973 killing of a person (details supplied), he will make the family's desire for a public inquiry clear to the British Government; the steps the Irish Government is taking to aid the family in their quest for justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49807/23]
View answerI have raised the case of the person in question and the family's desire for answers on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Officials in my Department met with the family in November 2021 and again in February of this year.
On 24 February, I met with the family, who were accompanied by Councillor Michael Naughton. The strength of the family's desire for an independent investigation of their loved one's death and for the truth to be put on the record after almost fifty years was compelling. Hearing from families directly affected by the Troubles has guided my approach to legacy issues which has always been victim-centred and that will continue to be the case.
Following my meeting with the family, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris on 16 March, bringing the case to his attention. I made clear my view that the UK Government's legacy legislation would deny this family answers and the opportunity to clear their loved one's name. I met with the Secretary of State in Dublin on 16 May to discuss legacy matters in more detail. At that meeting I highlighted to the Secretary of State and his delegation that the following day was the 50th anniversary of the death of the person in question as well as being and the 49th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and that all of these families were still seeking truth and justice. I raised this case again with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland earlier this week, at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin. I highlighted that this family's efforts to secure a fresh inquest will be thwarted by the UK Legacy Act.
The Secretary of State spoke of the future work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Retrieval (ICRIR) which will be established under the UK Legacy Act, expressing his perspective that this would be the route for families to obtain answers. However, as the Deputy will be aware, this is not a view shared by the Government. It is the Government's assessment that this new British Act closes off avenues to truth for victims of the Troubles and their families.
The Government sought legal advice from the Attorney General on the possibility of Ireland initiating an interstate case at the European Court of Human Rights to test the compatibility of the British Legacy Act with the Convention. Detailed and comprehensive legal advice has now been received from the Attorney General, an essential contribution to our consideration of next steps.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on any recent discussions he has had in relation to the restoration of the executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50269/23]
View answerIt is deeply disappointing that 18 months on from the last assembly elections, Northern Ireland's political institutions remain blocked, and as a result the North-South Ministerial Council is also prevented from fulfilling the responsibilities mandated to it by the Good Friday Agreement.
I remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and representatives of the main Northern Ireland parties leaders to underline the importance of getting the full range of Good Friday Institutions up and running, across all its strands.
It is essential that the democratically elected representatives of Northern Ireland are allowed to take up their responsibilities and deliver on the multiple and intersecting challenges facing the people of Northern Ireland. My engagement with political and business leaders at September’s Northern Ireland Investment Summit left no room for doubt that a restored Executive would be best positioned to advance a rich array of opportunities. Elected leaders have a particular responsibility to demonstrate that politics works, and citizens deserve to see politics working.
At the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Conference on 12 October in Dublin, I discussed the challenges of Executive formation with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I was in direct contact with Northern Ireland political parties in late October.
I also recognise that Northern Ireland has always been at its strongest and made its greatest strides when the Irish and British Governments have worked in close partnership. As we tackle today's political challenges, we would like to see this partnership between the two Governments deliver in the same way. I had a number of engagements with British counterparts, including Secretary of State Heaton Harris, during meetings in Dublin of the British Irish Council last week and the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference earlier this week.
Those meetings underline the importance of structures of the Good Friday Agreement for engagement between the two Governments, providing a framework for our partnership.
172. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what international compacts are in development to regulate the impact of artificial Intelligence on economic, social and political life within and beyond the EU; and how Ireland intends to participate in emerging new arrangements. [50243/23]
View answerIn April 2021, the European Commission published the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act), a proposed law that aims to regulate AI systems in the EU. Ireland very much supports a harmonised regulatory environment across the EU in relation to AI. It welcomes the risk-based approach to regulating AI. Given that AI has evolved significantly in the last months, it is important that this regulation remains flexible and future proofed to ensure that it continues to protect the safety and fundamental rights of the individual while at the same time, ensuring that innovation for good continues in this area.
Negotiations between the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Member States of the EU are in their final stages and there is ambition on all sides to reach agreement on the EU AI Act by the end of 2023 or early in 2024. When agreed, it will be the most comprehensive piece of AI legislation anywhere in the world.
The Government is also actively involved in negotiations on the Council of Europe legal convention on AI. Together, these guardrails will ensure trust in AI and in turn support ongoing, responsible innovation in this area.
At a global level, Our Common Agenda (OCA) is the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) vision for the future of global cooperation. It calls for inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism, and for turbocharging action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to better respond to and deliver for people and planet. It outlines possible solutions to address the gaps and risks that have emerged since 2015, calling for a Summit of the Future to be held in 2024, where a Pact for the Future will be the outcome.
This initiative includes the development of the UN’s Global Digital Compact which will focus on, among other things, agile governance of AI. The Compact will involve a range of stakeholders including governments, the private sector and civil society. The aim of the Compact is to identify ‘principles, objectives and actions for advancing an open, free, secure and human-centred digital future, anchored in human rights and that enables the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals’. Rwanda and Sweden are co-facilitating and coordinating the work around the Global Digital Compact, supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. Arising from the Compact, the UN Secretary General’s appointments to a High-Level Advisory Body on AI were made on 26 October 2023.
This Body will produce an analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI by the end of 2023 and a final report by August 2024. The Body will offer diverse perspectives and options on how AI can be governed for the common good, aligning internationally interoperable governance with human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Multilateral negotiations on the Compact are expected to take place at the end of this year, and quarter one and two of 2024, before its adoption at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. Ireland is strongly supportive of the UNSG’s work on the OCA, and has called on countries to be brave in our ambition in upcoming negotiations.
173. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Irish passport redesign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50202/23]
View answerMy Department, via the Passport Service, has responsibility for issuing all Irish Passports under the Passports Act 2008. The Passport Service continues to experience growth in demand from Irish citizens in relation to the processing and issuance of passports. This demand is expected to continue due to demographic changes, continued increases in overseas travel by Irish citizens and other external factors. Preventing, identifying, and combatting the changing profile of fraud, while maintaining the strong reputation of the Irish passport is a key focus for the Passport Service.
The existing Irish passport, first issued in 2013, is a vital document of the Irish State and was recently ranked 4th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 190 countries. Frequent passport redesigns with enhanced security features are recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Therefore, the upcoming redesign is central to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Irish passport.
Passport design and printing is a complex process, requiring specific configuration of high-security machines, bespoke page layouts, inks and security features. Following an open procurement process last year, the Passport Service appointed a passport designer to assist in designing the new passport book, card and other related travel documents.
My Department also ran a consultation over the summer seeking input from the public on aspects of Ireland’s diverse natural environment, which will feature as part of the new passport book and card design. This public consultation received over 15,000 replies and is helping to inform the design considerations for the new passport book. The results of the consultation are expected to be released before the end of the year. It should be noted that the redesign relates primarily to the internal security pages of the passport, rather than the burgundy cover and distinctive harp emblem.
A procurement process for a passport manufacturer is currently underway and will take a number of months to complete. Subject to a successful procurement exercise it is envisaged that the next generation passport will launch before the end of 2025.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to the full and effective implementation of sanctions on Russia and the prevention of their circumvention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50056/23]
View answer180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to further strengthening sanctions on Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50240/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 180 together.
Ireland has strongly supported EU sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and emphasised the importance of effective implementation.
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Since February 2022, the EU has imposed import and export restrictions on Russia. Economic sectoral sanctions have been put in place to target exchanges with Russia in specific areas, including Russia’s military, financial, energy, technology, transport and media sectors. In addition, almost 1,800 individuals and entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures. To date, Ireland has frozen €1.85 billion of funds belonging to such individuals and entities.
The additional measures introduced this year in the 10th and 11th sanctions packages included new reporting requirements to strengthen enforcement and significant additional measures to combat circumvention. Discussions have begun on a 12th package of sanctions, which will seek to further strengthen implementation and combat circumvention, in particular via third countries. The 12th package is also expected to include additional individual listings, as well as measures to strengthen the implementation of the oil price cap.
Analysis of trade flows of goods and technologies to third countries of items of particular importance for the Russia military and industrial complex is ongoing across the EU to inform discussions on preventing circumvention and strengthening implementation. The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, has also been working to address circumvention and has travelled to a number of third countries to engage with them on this.
In Ireland, the level of coordination and cooperation on sanctions across Government has increased significantly in response to the war in Ukraine. The Cross-Departmental International Sanctions Committee (‘CDISC’) monitors, reviews, and coordinates the implementation, administration and exchange of information on sanctions in Ireland.
At EU level, coordination among Member States has increased to ensure that sanctions are implemented in a harmonised way. The Commission has published guidance and FAQs covering a broad range of topics and continues to update them, in order to assist stakeholders in applying sanctions packages. Ireland regularly participates in a range of expert group discussions to co-ordinate and share information on the implementation of the Russia sanctions with our EU partners.
The extensive sanctions imposed on Russia are having an impact. Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to maintain this pressure on Russia and impede its ability to wage aggression in Ukraine.
175. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland’s humanitarian response to the situation in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50198/23]
View answer201. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of humanitarian aid his Department is providing to citizens of Gaza; how much of that aid is getting through; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49605/23]
View answer227. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of the recent EU Council, his Department’s work on ensuring that water, food, fuel and medical supplies are being provided to the people in Gaza as part of a unified international humanitarian response; that any fuel assistance provided not be abused by Hamas, and that Irish citizens in Gaza are brought home safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49760/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175, 201 and 227 together.
Since the appalling Hamas violence on 7 October and the start of the Israeli military operation, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate. The UN has increased its flash appeal for aid to a total of $1.2 billion to provide assistance to 2.2 million people in Gaza and 500,000 in the West Bank.
In response, on 18 October, the Government announced immediate additional Irish humanitarian assistance of €13 million for Gaza, through the United Nations. This additional funding brings Ireland’s support to the people of Palestine to €29 million so far this year. The new funding comprises:
• €10 million in additional core funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential services to 5.7 million Palestine refugees in Gaza, the West Bank and also in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.
• €3 million to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs’ (UN OCHA) Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund. It is being used to deliver humanitarian assistance and protection through International and local organisations.
Ireland also provides prepositioned funds to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The CERF has already allocated $15 million for Gaza. The WHO has released $15m in funding for medical response in Gaza, and for readiness in the region. We are keeping further humanitarian assistance under close review.
We have called on other donors to increase their assistance to meet the huge needs of the people of Gaza at this time. The EU Commission has just completed a review of all EU assistance to Palestine, which concluded there has been no diversion of funds.
We welcome the agreement between Israel and Hamas on a pause in violence and the release of some hostages held in Gaza, and the releases which have taken place. We hope that the agreement will be extended and have repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire. Gaza’s civilian population urgently need further deliveries of fuel, food, water, and medical supplies, on a sustained basis and at scale. Ultimately, the situation can only be addressed through the restitution of a credible political process towards a two state solution.
I am also pleased to confirm that 51 citizens and dependants have now been assisted to depart Gaza.
176. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of exemptions permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory that have been granted to US military aircraft from 2022 to date; and the destination of each aircraft which has been provided an exemption. [50255/23]
View answer177. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50055/23]
View answerInformation manipulation and interference, including disinformation, by the Russian Federation has been of concern for the EU and its Member States for some time, and has become more acute since the illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February last year. In this regard, the Russian Federation has been seen to use a wide spectrum of tactics and techniques with the objective of sowing divisions in societies, denigrating democratic processes and institutions and rallying support for its policies.
The European Union has taken extensive measures to counter Russian disinformation since the outset of the conflict last year, primarily through the Strategic Compass, which provided for the development of new EU Hybrid and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Toolboxes. The Toolboxes, which are now agreed, provide a range of preventive, cooperative, stability-building, restrictive and support measures for the EU, its Member States and partner countries.
The Toolboxes build on and complement a range of other EU measures to counter disinformation, including information manipulation of Russian origin, such as the ongoing work of the Digital Services Agreement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) East Stratcom Taskforce, the Code of Practice on Disinformation and the work of fourteen European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) hubs across the EU, including the EDMO Ireland hub that is coordinated from Dublin City University.
Ireland is strongly supportive of these measures at EU level and has also provided support to independent media platforms throughout the European Neighbourhood to continue vital work and counter Russian narratives. The Government is also taking a number of steps domestically to counter disinformation, including the current development of a new National Counter Disinformation Strategy, as well as the establishment of Coimisiún na Mean and An Coimisiún Toghcháin, both of which will have specific powers related to countering disinformation.
