Written Answers Nos. 1-5
2. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Government's policy on the use of foreign-bestowed, non-elected titles, such as 'Sir' and 'Dame'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55481/23]
View answerAs outlined in my reply to Questions Nos. 34 and 35 of 6 December 2023, Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
Government policy remains that under Irish law, such a title has no significance in terms of conferring rights, entitlements or dignities. Any rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise rights, privileges or dignities as flowing from it.
3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of our diplomatic relationship with Iran; the recent engagements he and the Government have had with representatives of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55487/23]
View answerIreland and Iran have a functional diplomatic relationship. The Irish Mission in Tehran is operating, for the moment in temporary premises, while seeking permanent accommodation. A number of posted staff are now stationed in Tehran and the Department expects to be in a position to accredit an Ambassador in the first half of 2024.
The Embassy of Iran in Dublin is currently headed by a Chargé d'Affaires, whom I most recently met in October. In both Dublin and Tehran our officials are in regular routine contact, as is normal.
I have spoken three times this year with Foreign Minister Amir-Abdolahian, including twice in relation to the situation in Gaza and the plight of hostages.
4. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek an exchange of views on the situations, including conflict and humanitarian crises, in the Horn of Africa, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55488/23]
View answerWe remain deeply concerned by the crises affecting the Horn of Africa, in addition to the conflict and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ireland continues to engage with EU partners on these important issues, including at the Foreign Affairs Council.
Last year alone, Ireland provided over €100 million in assistance to the Horn of Africa, with a focus on addressing the impact of the drought and food insecurity, as well the humanitarian consequences of conflict and instability. We are continuing to provide practical support to the people of Sudan with over €7 million in humanitarian and development aid in 2023, together with additional assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. Earlier this month, Ireland bolstered UNHCR’s emergency Sudanese refugee response with an additional €2 million in assistance. We are supporting diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, emphasising the need for humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in the country's political future. In October, the EU agreed on a new autonomous sanctions framework, which targets those impeding peace, particularly those who attack civilians and obstruct humanitarian access. At the May and June meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland was clear on the need for action in relation to ongoing reports of large scale systematic violence against civilians, including consideration of sanctions. We look forward to further discussions of the situation at the Council.
The DRC has experienced an increase in instability and conflict ahead of national elections scheduled for 20 December 2023. Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region, which was adopted earlier this year, and we continue to work closely partners on implementing a common approach to the situation in DRC. We have actively contributed to the EU sanctions regime for individuals who commit serious human rights violations and help sustain conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. We have provided over €8 million in assistance in DRC this year, over €4.6 million of which was allocated to development and humanitarian programmes operated by Irish NGOs. In addition, we have provided €3.8 million to UNICEF to address child malnutrition in DRC. This year, the EU will provide almost €92 million in humanitarian funding for DRC.
5. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the statement of European Union Lead Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (details supplied), of 31 October 2023, that the violence perpetrated by illegal settlers in the West Bank amounts to terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55489/23]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in the West Bank. Since the attacks by Hamas on 7 October, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, there has also been a sharp rise in terror attacks perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. We have seen the displacement of Palestinian communities and reports of maltreatment of Palestinian detainees and prisoners. This is unacceptable. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be the priority everywhere.
I have consistently raised my concerns about such actions, which both infringe on the rights of Palestinians and actively undermine the prospect for the resumption of meaningful talks. Ireland is one of the leading voices raising this issue. I will continue to push for a halt to these actions, including through my conversations with EU counterparts and with regional partners, while actively supporting the resilience of Palestinians living under threat. Ireland has called on Israel to take genuine measures to protect the Palestinian population from terror attacks by settlers.
I have also raised the issue of demolition and confiscation of humanitarian aid and Palestinian property both with the Israeli Ambassador in Dublin and directly with his Israeli counterparts during visits to the region. Together with other donors, including EU member states, Irish diplomats based in Embassy Tel Aviv raise these issues with Israeli authorities.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 11 December, I sought agreement to start work at EU level to implement on sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. I am very pleased that the EEAS has agreed to develop proposals for discussion. As I have clearly stated, settlements and violent settlers actively undermine prospects for a two-State solution and risks provoking further violence in the West Bank.
