Written Answers Nos. 1-24
1. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made any effort to secure the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement considering the clear breach by Israel of the human rights clause within that agreement. [3227/24]
View answerI want to begin by underlining my grave concern at the dire situation in Gaza. I am urgently calling for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire; the unconditional release of all hostages; and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the benefit of those in desperate need. The protection of civilians must be paramount and there must be accountability for civilian deaths.
I consistently advocate for the EU to more effectively use its leverage with Israel to positively influence the situation on the ground. I expressly raised the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the Foreign Affairs Council last December. However, a unanimous Council Decision would be required to suspend the Association Agreement and the reality is that this will not achieve consensus.
I understand and support calls for a more ambitious and consistent EU position. However, as the Deputy knows, there are differing positions among EU Member States. Notwithstanding this political reality, advocacy and leadership from Ireland does pay dividends. At the United Nations last December a clear majority of EU Member States voted in favour of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Only two voted against.
I strongly believe that the most credible and effective approach towards achieving a lasting settlement is for us to continue to work to influence the EU’s collective position in a realistic manner. The central pillars of the EU position remain important and valid, all the more so in view of the recent regrettable statements by Prime Minister Netanyahu and other members of this Israeli Government.
The EU’s unwavering commitment to the perspective of a Palestinian state on the basis of the two-State solution was made comprehensively clear to the Israeli Foreign Minister on Monday.
The EU’s clear position on the illegality of Israel’s settlement policy provides a robust basis for the consideration of EU sanctions against extreme Israeli settlers. Discussions are already ongoing at a working level on proposals, based on strong evidence, that enjoy very broad support. This is a clear area where EU leverage can be used effectively.
I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives at EU level that are both ambitious and achievable.
3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any interactions with the South African government in respect of the case against Israel under the Genocide Convention to the International Court of Justice and the circumstances in which he will propose that Ireland join that case. [3228/24]
View answerAs I have made repeatedly clear in this House, the Government is taking this case very seriously.
Following the oral proceedings that took place on 11 and 12 January, the Court will deliver its order on the provisional measures in the South Africa case tomorrow, Friday 26 January.
This decision will be analysed carefully by my officials once it has been published and we will continue to consult closely with our international partners, including South Africa.
I last spoke to my South African counterpart, Foreign Minister Pandor, on 19 December. While Minister Pandor did not refer to South Africa’s intention to initiate proceedings under the Genocide Convention, she expressed her strong appreciation for our principled position in relation to the conflict in Gaza.
As with all other similar cases that have come before the Court, states normally seek permission to intervene in the case only once the applicant – in this case, South Africa – has filed its memorial. This is what occurred in the other recent cases before the Court regarding the Genocide Convention, Ukraine v Russia and The Gambia v Myanmar.
Following this, the Government will consider whether to seek the permission of the Court to intervene and, if so, on what legal basis.
As I have made clear, interventions by states are not about joining one side or another. Rather, they aim to assert a legal interpretation of the issue at hand.
Any decision we take on intervention will, therefore, be based on detailed and rigorous legal analysis. As in the Ukraine v Russia case, I expect this to take some time; our declaration of intervention in that case was made six months after the Court made its provisional measures order, and two months after Ukraine, as applicant, submitted its memorial.
5. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he has had with Iraqi authorities on the Irish resident (details supplied) imprisoned in Iraq. [53469/23]
View answerThe conviction and imprisonment in Iraq of this person, who has an Irish family and is normally resident in Ireland, is a serious concern. There are good reasons to question the basis on which he was convicted.
However, it is important to be clear that the subject is an Australian citizen. It is therefore the Australian authorities, and their Embassy in Baghdad, who have consular responsibility and standing in relation to his case. We have made clear to Australia our willingness to help if they consider it would be useful, but we are limited in the extent to which we can intervene.
Within that context, we have nevertheless made clear to Iraqi authorities our concerns about the case. I raised the case directly with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hussein when we met at the General Assembly in New York last September. I am aware that former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, also raised this case directly at political level with Iraqi counterparts.
Ireland's Ambassador in Jordan, who is also accredited to Iraq, discussed the case with Iraqi Ministers and senior officials when she visited Baghdad last year, as well as liaising with the Australian Embassy. Since the opening of the Embassy of Iraq in Dublin last year, my Department has discussed the issue with that Embassy on many occasions.
Last week I met with the family of the individual concerned, and heard from them the toll his imprisonment has taken on the individual himself and on the family. I assured them that we would continue to do as much as we can to help in his case.
8. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an overview of the consular assistance provided by his Department in 2023; how many people from Carlow availed of such assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/24]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for raising this question. The delivery of responsive, empathetic and consistent consular assistance is a key priority for my Department. Our Embassies and Consulates across the globe place a strong emphasizes on ensuring that our citizens who require consular assistance overseas feel supported in their time of need. I am proud of the work that my Department and the wider mission network does in delivering high quality consular assistance all year round.
As part of my Department’s commitment to transparency, the Department of Foreign Affairs publishes an overview of the consular assistance it has provided to Irish citizens overseas at the end of each calendar year. In 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs provided consular assistance in 2,043 new cases. This work is in addition to the consular support that is being provided on an ongoing basis.
The Department does not record the location where each citizen ordinarily resides, in a format that can be collated and reported on. The Deputy will also appreciate that we provide consular assistance in a confidential manner and do not comment on the details of specific cases.
The Deputy can find further information on the consular assistance provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2023 at this link: gov.ie - Tánaiste announces Consular Assistance Overview for 2023 (www.gov.ie).
12. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagements he has had with the Israeli ambassador since 7 October 2023; the outcome of these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3379/24]
View answerEngagement between my Department and the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland is routinely carried out at senior official level. Such engagement is frequent and particularly important in the context of the crisis that is currently unfolding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The current Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, Dana Erlich, presented her credentials on 20 September. In the immediate aftermath of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October, I spoke with Ambassador Erlich, underlining Ireland’s condemnation of the attack and expressing my condolences to the people of Israel, including the Israeli community based here in Ireland. I subsequently met with the Ambassador in the context of my meeting with families and representatives of the Israeli hostages, including the family of Emily Hand, on 14 November.
During my visit to Israel in early September, Dana Erlich, in her capacity as Ambassador-designate to Ireland, participated in several elements of the programme. In addition, as is standard for such visits, Ambassador Erlich also participated in the official programme during my visit to Israel in mid-November.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. His presence enabled me to communicate a number of key concerns directly to him. In particular, I stressed that the large-scale civilian casualties and destruction cannot be allowed continue. I demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire – a demand echoed by the majority of the international community. I also noted that the violence being carried out by settlers in the West Bank is unacceptable. I stressed the need for accountability for this violence, noting Ireland's support for EU sanctions against extreme Israeli settlers.
Such extensive engagement, at both an official and political level, with the Israeli Government are crucial to maintain in times of conflict and tension.
14. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his position in relation to the abolition of the veto in almost all areas of EU decision-making – including on military and security matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/24]
View answerThe EU faces unprecedented foreign and security policy challenges. The invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East demonstrate the need for the EU to be able to react robustly and rapidly to developments that threaten our interests and values.
It is important to state that Defence and Security remain national competencies and will of course continue to require unanimity in EU decision-making. Any decision to alter these arrangements would require treaty change. The specific character of Ireland's own security and defence policy, as set out in the Protocols attached to the Lisbon Treaty, is also well known and respected by our fellow EU Member States.
In tandem, discussions are ongoing amongst Member States on future EU Enlargement and its policy and budgetary implications. As the Granada Declaration adopted by the Informal European Council of 6 October outlined, both the EU itself and future Member States need to be ready for Enlargement. Just as we expect candidate countries to prepare for the requirements of EU membership, we within the Union are undertaking the necessary internal groundwork and reforms.
The Commission will carry out a series of assessments of these implications in the coming months, which will be an important contribution to the ongoing reflections on EU decision making.
Like many other Member States, we have a cautious approach to greater use of Qualified Majority Voting and believe it is important to consider this issue collectively. In this context, we have joined the Group of Friends of QMV in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy as an observer. We see the value of greater use of QMV for decision-making in certain limited circumstances where it would make decision-making more efficient and where the Treaties already make allowance for it. We continue to stress nevertheless, the unique value of the united voice of the EU 27, in projecting a coherent voice on the international stage.
15. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what measures the Irish State is taking to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza; the Government's position on the conditions of a ceasefire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3389/24]
View answer61. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken with his EU counterparts in relation to the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3140/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 61 together.
I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. During all of these engagements I have conveyed the same message: there is an urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and a significant scale-up of humanitarian access and supplies into Gaza. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these three core elements.
Immediately following the attack by Hamas, I attended an extraordinary meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 10 October where I underlined the importance of principled and collective action by the EU and its Member States. In subsequent meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council during October and November, I emphasised that a purely military approach was unworkable and called on my counterparts to urge for a humanitarian ceasefire. I stressed the need for the EU response to evolve as the situation changes. On 1 November, I spoke bilaterally to the EU High Representative and discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. On 22 January, I attended an intensive Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels, which was attended by the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers as well as regional representatives. I stated Ireland’s key priorities and reiterated that the EU must be robust in underlining that international law applies in all conflicts, to all parties, state actors and non-state actors alike.
I travelled to the region from 14 to 16 November. During this visit, I met then Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen, President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Across my engagements, I expressed my grave concern about the humanitarian situation on the ground and reiterated my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
In my discussions with regional leaders, I have conveyed the message that urgent de-escalation and a ceasefire must be prioritised. I have spoken with my Iranian counterpart and urged him in the strongest terms to bring his influence to bear in avoiding regional escalation and in insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. I have also engaged with the Lebanese Defence Minister as well as my Egyptian, Jordanian, Saudi, Qatari and Emirati counterparts.
Ireland’s actions to demand a ceasefire have also reflected our strong commitment to working through multilateral channels. Ireland also voted in favour of both UNGA resolutions and participated in the United Nations Security Council open debate on 24 October to call for a ceasefire.
It is important that our efforts aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for a pathway towards a sustainable peace in the long term. I will continue to underline this point in my ongoing engagement with EU, regional and international partners. I will continue to advocate for a clear position from the EU, which emphasises the need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire and remains alive to the evolving situation.
16. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on his Department’s engagement with Ukrainian counterparts in the context of the ongoing war with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3164/24]
View answerI maintain regular contact with the Ukrainian Government, both through the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Ireland's Ambassador to Ukraine, as well as directly with my Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Kuleba.
Foreign Minister Kuleba joined the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January, via video call, providing us with an update on the situation on the ground and on Ukrainian needs. I also participated in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv on 2 October, where EU Foreign Ministers discussed how to strengthen the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in direct consultation with the Ukrainian government.
My officials maintain regular contact with Ambassador Gerasko and her team in Ireland on a range of bilateral issues. Last week, they met to discuss a number of areas where we might be able to deepen our existing cooperation.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine, along with her dedicated team in Kyiv, are also working hard in challenging conditions on the ground to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure that Ireland continues to play a role in ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary political and humanitarian support it requires.
Ireland is engaging with Ukraine in support of President Zelenskyy’s ten-point Peace Formula. Ireland has to date participated in three working groups on the plan, and has recently attended meetings on preventing escalation and confirmation of the end of the war. Irish officials, along with a of number representatives of the Ukrainian Government, participated in the most recent meeting on the Peace Formula in the format of National Security Advisors in Davos on 14 January.
My Department remains committed to working closely with Ukrainian counterparts to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to continue to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression, and to support it on its European path.
18. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Peace Commissioners can sign all passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3391/24]
View answerIn order to verify the identity of a passport applicant, and in the case of children, the consent of their guardians, the Passport Service requires certain forms to be witnessed.
While Peace Commissioners are included in the list of approved witnesses accepted by the Passport Service, there are certain applications for applicants resident in Ireland that must be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. These include:
• Certificate of Identity on Post Passport (paper) applications
• Identity Verification Forms for First time adult online applications
• Child Identity and Consent Forms for First time child online applications
Peace Commissioners in Ireland can witness the following:
• Section 7 Consent of Guardians on Child Post Passport (paper) applications and
• Child Identity and Consent Form for Child online renewal applications.
A full list of approved witnesses and guidance for having passport forms witnessed is available at my Department's website - www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/
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.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
20. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his visit to Berlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/24]
View answer26. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his engagement with the German Federal Foreign Minister; if the humanitarian situation in Gaza was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3139/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 26 together.
I travelled to Berlin last week, where I met with German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Dr Anna Lührmann, and the Chair and Members of the Bundestag Committee on EU Affairs. I also delivered a keynote address, ‘Navigating Europe: Ireland's Voice in Shaping the Future of the EU”, at the Jacques Delors Centre in the Hertie School of Governance.
My visit comes against a background where bilateral relations between Ireland and Germany have probably never been stronger. There were thirteen Irish Ministerial visits to Germany in 2023, reflecting the importance of the bilateral relationship and the strong economic, political and cultural ties which now exist. The German Minister for European Affairs, Anna Luhrmann, also visited Dublin on 11-12 January 2024 where she met with my colleague, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke.
The Ireland-Germany Joint Plan of Action launched in 2018 has been central in helping to promote the strengthened bilateral relationship. Work is ongoing on a third iteration of the JPOA that will further build on that success. I am delighted that we will further deepen our relations with the establishment of a Consulate General in Munich this summer.
While in Berlin, I had the pleasure to formally launch Zeitgeist Irland 24, a season of Irish arts and culture which will take place across Germany throughout 2024. Zeitgeist Irland is a partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Culture Ireland, is supported by Tourism Ireland, and represents a strategic joint investment of more than €2.5 million to deepen Ireland’s cultural engagement with Germany as a key partner in Europe. The opening concert on 18 January showcased some of the best modern Irish talent and was the first event of a year-long programme.
My meeting with Foreign Minister Baerbock provided a valuable opportunity to discuss both the excellent state of bilateral relations as well as important issues on the EU and international agenda such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, relations with China, EU Enlargement and Climate Policy. I also updated the Foreign Minister on developments relating to EU-UK relations.
I did of course raise with Foreign Minister Baerbock our deep concern regarding the events we are witnessing in Gaza and discussed how we can best advance towards an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian access, as well as the protection of civilians. This meeting afforded a vital opportunity to raise Ireland’s priorities with Germany to build momentum in the international community to contribute to meaningful peace efforts. We also exchanged on the EU’s response and continued our discussions on this, together with all EU Member States, at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 Janury.
21. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposed timeframe to officially recognise the state of Palestine. [3221/24]
View answer30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/24]
View answer31. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given the latest repeated rejection by the Israeli government of Palestinian statehood and the statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu that all territory west of the Jordan River would be under Israeli control, and if the minister will recognise now that state of Palestine. [3226/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 30 and 31 together.
The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
There are intensive discussions ongoing at EU level and with regional partners on how to develop a credible pathway to a two-state solution. I discussed this in detail with a number of EU and Arab partners earlier this week in Brussels. The timing, and context, of any decision by Ireland on recognition will be informed by these discussions as well as by the situation on the ground.
23. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned about a potential Chinese offensive action against Taiwan; if the Government intends to intervene on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3300/24]
View answerOfficials in my Department follow developments in the Taiwan Strait closely. Military activity in the Strait intensified during 2022 and 2023. Any escalation or confrontation is deeply concerning and has the potential to impact regional and global security, as well as the free flow of trade. I am in regular contact with my EU counterparts on matters of foreign policy significance, including with regard to the tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
My officials also followed the democratic elections in Taiwan, which took place on 13 January.
During my meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing last November, I underlined the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait and welcomed increased China-US engagement in this regard, notably the meeting between Presidents Xi and Biden in San Francisco in the margins of the APEC Summit. The Government has made clear that the status quo should not be changed unilaterally by force. We continue to encourage maximum restraint and the maintenance of strong communications channels, including between the US and China. Last year, the European Council also underlined its shared opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
As set out by the Taoiseach following his meeting with the Chinese Premier, Ireland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the One China Policy. This means we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. We recognise the People’s Republic of China as the legal representative of China. However, this does not preclude the development of economic, cultural and people-to-people connections with Taiwan, nor the meaningful participation of Taiwan in relevant multilateral fora.
