Written Answers Nos. 25-50
25. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline how his Department is supporting returning Irish immigrants who wish to return to Ireland but face barriers in terms of housing, driving licences, opening bank accounts, educational and work opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3205/24]
View answerThe Government's current Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 pledges to monitor barriers to returning emigrants and undertakes to adopt measures to remove them where possible, as well as to improve the provision of information to our communities abroad on returning to Ireland.
To this end, my Department engages on an ongoing basis with other Government Departments and agencies as well as with a broad range of organisations, both in Ireland and overseas, to support returning Irish citizens and their families.
These partner organisations include Crosscare and Safe Home, both of which receive funding from the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.
The 2024 Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) grant round will open for applications this month, with an initial budget allocation of €15.395 million, the highest ever. This is very fitting, as we prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the programme.
My Department also funds the very successful Back for Business initiative, which provides peer guidance to Irish entrepreneurs who have returned, or plan to return, to Ireland. Numerous people have benefitted from this initiative since 2019. The call for applications for the seventh round of Back for Business closed on 15 January 2024.
In addition, my Department also funds the Citizens Information Board, which provides practical and comprehensive information to those intending to return to Ireland.
As Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, I chair the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, and one of that Committee’s core responsibilities is to address issues which are particular to Irish people abroad who are seeking to return to Ireland.
I can assure the Deputy that our commitment to assist returning emigrants remains strong, as evidenced by the foregoing, and that we will continue to do all we can in this area to make their return as straightforward as possible.
27. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown of the cost of facilitating Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Ireland earlier this month. [3067/24]
View answerFinal costs as incurred by my Department in relation to last week's visit by Premier Li are still being compiled and will be completed as soon as possible. A breakdown of actual and estimated costs as available at this point is set out below.
Other costs incurred by other Departments and State authorities which were involved in facilitating the visit are a matter for the Departments and authorities concerned.
|
Item |
Total (Estimated) |
|
Airport Facilities |
€19,859.40 |
|
|
|
|
Transport Services |
€5,620.00 |
|
|
|
|
Interpretation Services |
€7,051.10 |
|
|
|
|
Media Facilities |
€9,462.33 |
|
|
|
|
Printing |
€3,070.00 |
|
TOTAL |
€45,062.83 |
28. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the instances since 2020 whereby the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have sought his Department’s input in respect of the granting of export licences for dual-use products to Israel; if he raised human rights concerns in relation to such; and if he advised against the granting of such export licences in any case. [3219/24]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the National Competent Authority with responsibility for exports of dual-use goods, and administers these controls in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
The Department of Foreign Affairs does not advise the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regards to the licence application outcome. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs reviews all dual-use export license applications received from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment , against the eight assessment criteria set out in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP – criteria two of which is “Respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law”. Accordingly, the Department of Foreign Affairs raises relevant human rights considerations in respect of all export license applications received from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, including those concerning dual-use exports to Israel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs have provided 117 cases of foreign policy observations to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on dual-use export license applications to Israel since 2020; 36 in 2020, 22 in 2021, 31 in 2022, 27 in 2023, and 1 in 2024 as of 22 January 2024.
29. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will comment on the Government's engagement with the Chinese Deputy Leader, specifically in the context of human rights abuses in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3297/24]
View answerPremier Li Qiang visited Ireland on 16th and 17th of January, at the request of the Chinese authorities.
The Premier paid a courtesy call on President Higgins before being welcomed by the Taoiseach at Farmleigh House for a bilateral meeting and a lunch, which was also attended by a number of Ministers.
Meetings covered a range of topics including bilateral relations, human rights, EU-China relations, multilateral engagement and regional and international issues. Premier Li expressed interest in growing relations, including in trade, green low-carbon development, and sustainable agriculture. He announced the resumption of beef exports to China and a 15 day visa waiver to Irish passport holders travelling to China.
The Taoiseach communicated Ireland’s priorities for our relationship with China and recalled the values which underpin our engagement, including the global multilateral system. He welcomed the recent EU-China Summit, and set out the EU, and Ireland's, desire for a balanced, reciprocal trade relationship with China, and a level playing field for Irish and EU businesses. The Taoiseach made clear that derisking is not decoupling.
The Taoiseach and President Higgins set out Ireland's long-held concerns around human rights. The Taoiseach raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang, the National Security Law in Hong Kong and the case of Jimmy Lai. The Taoiseach also raised Russia's war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. A discussion on climate took place with agreement on the need to work in partnership to face this global challenge.
Ireland will continue to raise human rights concerns in our bilateral engagement with China, as well as at multilateral fora.
Earlier this week, Ireland delivered a statement at the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council, which focused on repression of civil society and freedom of expression (including Hong Kong), the treatment of ethnic groups in Tibet and Xinjiang, and LGBTQI+ rights.
32. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the face of continued Russian attacks against Ukraine's civil and critical infrastructure, if Ireland is working with other EU states to intensify the provision of further humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/24]
View answerIreland has been steadfast in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to continue to defend itself against Russian aggression, and to address the humanitarian consequences.
The European Council in December had a comprehensive discussion on the EU’s response to Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and confirmed the European Union’s unwavering commitment to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.
Ireland’s financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 included over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support. Humanitarian assistance has focused on those most vulnerable and hard to reach, such as women & children, displaced persons, and those closest to the conflict lines. It targets critical needs, including provision of food, safe drinking water, cash assistance and the construction of prefabricated homes.
Ireland has provided significant in-kind assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) including support to the health and energy sectors which are vital in the face of repeated Russian attacks on this critical infrastructure. The European Commission continues to coordinate the delivery of assistance through the UCPM to Ukraine, from all 27 Member States and five other Participating States. Almost 100,000 tonnes of assistance has been delivered to Ukraine in the largest and most complex UCPM operation to date.
We have also welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Ireland remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. In 2024, we expect to provide over €20 million in humanitarian support alone, with additional funding to be allocated to other development needs, as the situation develops.
33. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on passport applications and processing times presently; how many applications were processed to date in 2024; how many are outstanding and currently waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/24]
View answer47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures to ensure that all passports applications are processed as speedily as possible in the coming months. [3217/24]
View answer60. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what measures have been taken to improve on current processing times on first-time passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3315/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 47 and 60 together.
The Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at or well-ahead of target and there are no backlogs. Currently the majority of child online renewal applications are issuing within 6 days and online adult renewal applications are issuing within 2 working days. First-time online applications are being processed within 18-19 days.
The advertised turnaround times are as follows:
|
Adult Online Renewal |
10 working days |
|
Child Online Renewal |
15 working days |
|
First-Time Online Applications |
20 working days |
|
Post Passport (paper-based renewal or first-time) |
8 weeks |
My Department is currently running an extensive communications campaign to encourage passport applicants to apply early and to apply online. This campaign has been very successful in increasing the numbers of applications received in January 2024 and will help to ensure that those citizens who need to renew their passport this year or apply for a passport for a child will have their passports well before the traditional summer peak season.
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.
Passport Online was rolled out to an additional 175 countries for first time applicants in 2023, meaning that 99.9% of all first-time and renewal applicants worldwide can apply now online.
Online enhancements rolled out last year have also simplified the process for first time applicants and especially children applying for their first passport.
The Passport Service is well-resourced to meet forecasted demand for 2024. My Department has implemented a staffing plan to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained throughout periods of peak demand. There are currently 800 staff working in the Passport Service and my Department is continuing to work to increase resources within the service.
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. The Customer Service Hub responds to an average of 10,000 queries per week.
In 2023, the Passport Service was ranked 18th out of 150 public-facing organisations in a survey conducted by the Customer Experience (CX) group. This ranking recognised the Passport Service as the best customer service brand in the public sector. In addition, the Customer Service Hub in the Passport Service was shortlisted for the “Best Customer Service Team” award at the 2023 Customer Experience Awards.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service.
2024 is expected to be another busy year for the Passport Service and the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet the demand forecasted for this year.
I would ask the Deputies 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.
The figures requested by Deputy Smyth are outlined in tabular form below.
Passport figures as of 22 January 2024
|
Applications in the system |
124,348 |
|
Applications being worked on by the Passport Service |
58,785 (47%) |
|
Applications requiring further action by applicant |
65,563 (53%) |
|
Total passports issued in 2024 (up to 22 January) |
53,570 |
34. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what continued efforts he is making in regard to restoring the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3316/24]
View answer55. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline recent efforts by him and his Department to assist in re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/24]
View answer57. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the recent work done by him and his Department on the re-establishment of the Executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3290/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 55 and 57 together.
It is hugely disappointing that Northern Ireland remains without functioning devolved government so long after the May 2022 Assembly elections. The absence of an Assembly and an Executive is now undermining people’s faith in politics.
It is essential that the Good Friday Agreement operates across all its Strands. The absence of devolved Strand One institutions in Belfast also means that North South Ministerial Council, established under Strand Two, cannot operate fully.
I have been in close contact with Northern Ireland’s political parties and also with counterparts in the British Government, in particular Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, on our shared priority of restoration of the institutions. On 20 December, I spoke with Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris. During meetings in Dublin of the British-Irish Council on 24 November and the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on 28 November, I had a number of in-person engagements with Secretary of State Heaton-Harris. In our ongoing conversations, the Secretary of State and I have exchanged views on the urgent need for the Executive, Assembly and North South Ministerial Council to be restored to full and sustainable operation.
These meetings highlight the importance of structures of the Good Friday Agreement for engagement between the two Governments. A strong partnership approach from both Governments remains central to addressing the range of issues facing Northern Ireland. The importance of such coordination is only underlined by periods of instability like the one Northern Ireland is currently facing.
Last week saw major strike action across Northern Ireland, involving workers from a range of vital public services, which underlined the widespread impacts of almost two years without a functioning Executive on people and public services.
Last week also saw another deadline to form an Executive pass without result. A similar deadline was extended by primary legislation this time last year, which serves to highlight the length of time that Northern Ireland has been without functioning institutions. Yesterday, Westminster passed legislation to extend the window to form an Executive until 8 February. I know that Deputies across this House will join me in hoping that this short window is used to take the urgently needed decision to restore the Executive.
I am keenly aware of the level and depth of frustration among ordinary citizens, businesses, and elected politicians at the ongoing blockage of the institutions, who want to see Stormont get back to work. I am also conscious of the increasingly urgent need for decisions on issues that affect the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland. It is clear that other parties elected to the Assembly – each of which has a democratic mandate – are enormously frustrated at being prevented from doing the work they were elected to do. In my engagements, I have been clear that the current situation cannot be allowed to drift indefinitely.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has outlined that there is a significant financial package of £3.3 billion pounds that will be delivered, including funds for public pay and services, contingent on the restoration of the Executive. The decision to continue the blockage – and to continue the deterioration of core services that has accompanied it – is a political one, that belongs to one party. However, I truly believe that it is in everyone’s interest – regardless of constitutional or community outlook – to get all of the Good Friday Agreement institutions back up and running.
A restored Executive working collectively is best placed to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland and to ensure that Northern Ireland’s specific needs and challenges are addressed. The Government is ready to engage constructively with any new Executive to assist and to work together in areas where North South cooperation could make a positive difference.
35. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to Russia's intensification of its war against Ukraine over the new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3006/24]
View answer62. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees that the security of the entire European continent depends on Russia not winning its war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3123/24]
View answer84. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the recent warning by the leaders of five political groupings in the European Parliament against 'Ukraine fatigue'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3124/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 62 and 84 together.
Ireland condemns the recent escalation by Russia of its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure. The drone and missile attack launched by Russia on 29 December was the single largest aerial assault of the war so far, with 153 missiles and drones targeting cities throughout the country.
Attacks of a similar scale have continued against Ukrainian cities on a daily basis, with United Nations officials estimating that nearly 70 Ukrainians have been killed and 360 injured since the 29 December escalation. Such a large scale assault on civilians makes clear that Russia has no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Russia is also clearly seeking indications that European support for Ukraine is weakening.
In this context, and as the two-year anniversary of the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, it is vital that our commitment towards Ukraine remains steadfast. Our continued support for Ukraine is vital in the first instance for the people of Ukraine but is also necessary to safeguard the security of Europe as a whole, and to protect our own freedom and values.
Russia’s aggression also has global implications, as we have seen in relation to the impact on food and energy security. It represents a threat to international law and the rules based international order. The issue of Ukraine continues to be a regular focus of discussions at EU level - including at this week’s Foreign Affairs Council, where we were joined by Foreign Minister Kuleba by video conference - and the upcoming European Council.
Ireland is engaging in discussions at EU level aimed at putting our support for Ukraine on a more sustainable footing in the coming years. We were disappointed that an agreement on the Ukraine Facility could not be reached at the December European Council. It is important that EU member states find a solution at the Extraordinary European Council of 1 February. Ukraine urgently needs this multi-annual, sustainable and predictable funding. It is also important that we send a strong signal to Russia that the EU remains united and unwavering in its support.
While EU Member States may have different positions on individual issues related to Ukraine, this does not detract from the EU’s overall steadfast support. Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. Our response has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
As the Government has repeatedly underlined, Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. Ireland’s position, and our support for Ukraine’s right to defend this attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, has been consistent.
The historic decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine was a strong signal to the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their country that Ukraine belongs within the European family. We believe that EU membership will be the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine, and is in the overall strategic interest of the European Union. Ireland remains a strong supporter of EU enlargement and we will do all we can to help Ukraine progress along its European path.
In parallel with our ongoing support for Ukraine, we will continue to work to hold Russia to account. The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive sanctions in EU history, and aim to impede Russia’s ability to continue to wage war. Ireland has welcomed the recent adoption of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, with a focus on strengthening implementation and combatting circumvention.
Ireland continues to be active at the UN, and other multilateral fora, in defending the rules-based international order, and working towards accountability for potential crimes and breaches of international law committed in Ukraine. Russia must be held accountable for its illegal aggression against its neighbour and its grave violations of the UN Charter.
36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for Ireland to support South Africa's case against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/24]
View answer45. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs why the Irish Government is not supporting the South African genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for genocide; what crimes against humanity would need to be committed for the Irish Government to call this genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3388/24]
View answer63. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his reason why, as a state party to the Genocide Convention with a responsibility to act to protect humanity, Ireland has not joined South Africa's genocide case against Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/24]
View answer73. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he will reconsider his position on the ICJ case on Palestine and join with South Africa. [3380/24]
View answer75. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any contact with the government of South Africa to discuss that country's legal case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, concerning the carnage being inflicted of the people of Gaza; if he sees a role for Ireland in assisting or supporting this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3127/24]
View answer76. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs at what stage and in which conditions he would deem it appropriate to define Israel's killing of Palestinians as genocide. [3068/24]
View answer79. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline explicitly his reasons for not being in favour of backing South Africa's case accusing Israel of the genocide of Palestinians in the International Court of Justice. [3069/24]
View answer85. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland in relation to the genocide case taken against Israel by South Africa in the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2556/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 45, 63, 73, 75, 76, 79 and 85 together.
I have been closely monitoring developments in the case taken under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention’) by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice. The public hearings that took place on 11 and 12 January involved only the two parties to the proceedings, South Africa and Israel, and focused on the question of provisional measures. It is likely to take the Court some weeks to issue its ruling on this request. Any provisional measures ordered by the Court will be final and binding on the parties to which the orders are addressed.
The Court’s decision on provisional measures will be analysed carefully by the Government once it has been published and we will continue to consult closely with our international partners, including South Africa. Following this analysis and consultations, the Government will consider whether to seek permission to intervene and, if so, on what legal basis. This reflects the fact that the Statute of the Court provides a narrow legal basis on which third parties may be permitted to intervene in such cases and the need for careful and rigorous legal analysis of the relevant issues.
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, as occurred in the Ukraine v Russia and Gambia v Myanmar cases.
If states chose to do so in the case, they do not ‘join’ one side or another; rather, they submit a statement that asserts their interpretation of the provision of the Convention at issue, or they must identify a specific legal interest affected by the proceedings.
Ireland has participated in two advisory opinion cases before the International Court of Justice regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory to date. In 2004, Ireland submitted a written statement on the ‘Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.
In 2022, the UN General Assembly requested that the Court give an advisory opinion on the ‘Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem’. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution, and submitted a written statement to the Court last July. In this statement, Ireland provided its legal analysis of the occupation and of issues related to Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory. The oral proceedings in this case will take place in February. Ireland will participate. The Court will then give its opinion some months after the conclusion of the oral hearings.
The Government’s position on the current conflict remains that we need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, the end of Hamas’ rocket attacks on Israel, and rapid, full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. These actions cannot wait for the Court’s decision on provisional measures; they need to happen now.
37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his Department’s and the Government’s recent international interactions and planned future engagements on the issue of Gaza and the wider Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3289/24]
View answer41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues, unilaterally or through the aegis of the EU/UN, to influence the situation in the Middle East with particular reference to the setting up of a permanent peace process to which Israeli and Palestinians can refer their grievances on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3224/24]
View answer80. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the work at EU and UN level which Ireland is undertaking in pursuit of peace and of a two-state solution in the Israel Palestine conflict. [2981/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 41 and 80 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. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts have focused on the urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire and a significant scale-up of humanitarian access and supplies into the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels, which the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers as well regional representatives also attended. I 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. At meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council since the Hamas' attack on 7 October, I have consistently emphasised that a purely military approach is unworkable and called on my EU counterparts to push for a humanitarian ceasefire. I stressed the need for the EU response to evolve as the situation changes.
I travelled to the region from 14 to 16 November to engage directly with my Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinian counterparts and urge an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I also expressed my grave concern about the humanitarian situation on the ground. Keeping these channels of communication open is the most effective way to make our voice heard.
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, Qatari, Saudi, Lebanese, Turkish and Emirati counterparts.
Ireland’s actions to demand a ceasefire have also reflected our strong commitment to multilateralism. Last November, I attended the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, alongside EU and regional partners to convey Ireland’s position on the conflict. Ireland voted in favour of both United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for a ceasefire, and participated in the United Nations Security Council open debate on 24 October.
It is important that our efforts to address the immediate crisis also contribute to a sustainable peace in the long term. I will continue to underline this point in my engagements with EU, regional and international partners and will advocate for a clear EU position, which emphasises the need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire.
38. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland in relation to attacks by Yemeni-based Houthis in the Red Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2557/24]
View answer81. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he or his Department is taking part in any form of diplomacy in relation to the conflict in the Red Sea. [3070/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 81 together.
I condemn the ongoing attacks by Houthi forces on shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks threaten the lives of the crews aboard and also seek to close one of the most important shipping routes to the world.
While there are no direct diplomatic links with the Houthis, the US and other international partners have made clear the urgent need to end these attacks, so far without success. Ireland has not been directly engaged in these contacts.
If If these attacks are not stopped, it is the poorest and most vulnerable communities – in the Middle East, Africa and globally – that are the most severely affected in terms of food and energy security. In addition, the attacks have an obvious negative impact on our European and Irish economies and cost of living .
For this reason, Ireland welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2722, calling for an immediate end to the attacks.
The EU is discussing the setting up of a defensive naval operation in the Red Sea to protect merchant vessels from attack. The proposed operation would be established under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), with ships and crew deployed from the navies of EU Member States. While Ireland will not be participating in the operation, we are supportive of its establishment in principle. The sole mandate of the mission will be to escort civilian ships and protect them if they come under attack.
I The Houthis must immediately desist from any further attacks on civilian ships and their crews; I hope that the military operations in the Red Sea consequent on their actions can be ended as soon as possible.
39. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in respect of the war in Ukraine and the EU's support for Ukraine, how he envisages the EU can mitigate against uncertainty in the context of the US Presidential election to assist Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3378/24]
View answer71. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views that support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity is unanimous across the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3125/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 71 together.
It is crucial that European resolve and support for Ukraine remains consistent. Russia’s brutal invasion has had appalling consequences for the Ukrainian people but also has wider implications, including for the security of the European continent.
This is the context in which Ireland strongly supports putting EU financial support for Ukraine on a more sustainable footing over the coming years. Ireland has consistently supported Ukraine’s EU candidacy and welcomed the December European Council decision to open accession negotiations. We view European Union membership for Ukraine as a key long-term security guarantee. As the second anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches, the decision to commence accession negotiations made clear that the European Union is resolutely committed to continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
At EU level, work continues to unanimously agree of the Ukraine Facility, which will provide stable, predictable and multi-annual EU funding. EU leaders will meet in Brussels on 1 February at an Extraordinary European Council, convened specifically with a view to finalising agreement on this issue.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland continues to engage with international partners to build broad support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, based on Ukraine's Peace Formula. This Formula has been endorsed by the European Council and covers nuclear safety; food security; energy security; release of prisoners; the UN Charter; withdrawal of Russian troops; restoration of justice; countering ecocide; preventing escalation and confirmation of the end of the war.
Since its launch by President Zelenskyy at the G20 Summit in November 2022, there are more than 80 countries involved in discussions on implementing the ten-point formula. Working groups have been established for each point of the 10-point plan, with the aim of translating political support into practical and pragmatic implementation. Ireland is engaged in a number of key elements of the plan, including addressing food security, ensuring accountability for Russian actions in Ukraine, and nuclear safety.
Ireland participated in recent meetings on the Peace Formula in Malta and Davos, where a large number of countries from different regions of the world participated. We will continue to engage with Ukraine, and with our European and international partners in the months ahead with a view to arriving at a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
In respect of engagement with the US, our Ambassador from Washington regularly meets a wide variety of Congressional representatives, both Republican and Democrats, to discuss a range of issues, including Ukraine. I will be travelling to Washington in early February and will stress the essential need for continued support to Ukraine in all my meetings at political level.
40. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on his discussions with the German Foreign Minister in relation to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/24]
View answerI am committed to working closely with my EU partners, including Germany, to ensure Ukraine gets the support it so urgently needs to continue to defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks.
My recent visit to Berlin was an excellent opportunity to discuss bilateral and EU support for Ukraine with our German partners. Germany is one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in terms of military and financial aid. Germany is also hosting over 1 million Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Ireland, like Germany, has been unequivocal and steadfast in its support for the people and Government of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Foreign Minister Baerbock welcomed Ireland’s support for Ukraine, evidenced by some 100,000 Ukrainians being offered refuge in Ireland, representing 2% of Ireland’s population. She compared Ireland’s current generosity with its past assistance to German children post WWII as part of the Operation Shamrock programme.
Foreign Minister Baerbock further noted that solidarity with Ukraine is a pan-European obligation and that Ireland and Germany are working to ensure the Ukrainian people can live in peace.
I thanked Minister Baerbock for Germany’s leadership in ensuring Ukraine and its people have the means to defend themselves and the freedom of their country.
We continued these discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, where EU Foreign Ministers were clear in their commitment to continue providing strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.
42. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his recent meeting with the British Foreign Secretary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/24]
View answerI travelled to London on 13 December to meet with the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, our first since his appointment as Foreign Secretary in November.
Our meeting focused on the importance of the relationship between Ireland and Britain. We had a good discussion on matters relating to Northern Ireland, including an exchange regarding the UK's the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act. I also raised issues related to Sellafield.
We also discussed several pressing foreign policy matters. We had a lengthy exchange on the international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Given that both of us had recently visited the region, our discussion on the conflict in Gaza and its implications for the wider Middle East was important. We also explored possible areas for deeper cooperation between our respective international development programmes.
The relationship between Ireland and Britain remains deeply important. We are joint stewards of the Good Friday Agreement, close and mutually interdependent trading partners, and neighbours who share significant people-to-people ties. The relationship is also one of huge potential, as is particularly evident from our ongoing cooperation in areas of mutual interest including energy, cybersecurity, and research and innovation.
I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Cameron over the time ahead to further strengthen the British-Irish relationship and to address issues of common foreign policy priority.
43. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will open a new consulate in Australia, in recognition of the growing Irish population in that country and the strengthening relationship between Ireland and Australia. [3218/24]
View answerIreland is represented by two diplomatic missions in Australia, with an Embassy in Canberra and a Consulate General in Sydney. The Embassy and the Consulate work to promote and protect Irish interests in Australia, to strengthen political and economic relationships, to support the Irish community, and to promote cultural ties and the Irish arts. In addition, an Honorary Consul in Perth provides consular services and assistance to Irish citizens, supports local Irish community efforts and assists in developing trade and economic relations with Western Australia. Our missions work closely with the State Agencies, to promote trade, tourism and inward investment.
The network of diplomatic missions in the Asia Pacific Region is kept under close review, in the context of the Programme for Government, the Global Ireland Strategy: Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025 and Global Ireland: Renewing our Commitment to Delivering in the Asia Pacific Region to 2025.
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made to scale up climate financing through existing channels; what new funding initiatives are planned and/ or underway; what plans there are to enhance reporting on the gender responsiveness of Ireland's climate financing; if official 2023 figures have been submitted to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/24]
View answerThe Government has made significant progress in scaling up Ireland's international climate finance in recent years. Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap sets out how we will deliver on the target of providing at least €225 million annually in climate finance by 2025. The Roadmap is rooted in Ireland’s effective climate finance to-date, which focuses primarily on supporting adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries.
In 2022, Ireland provided €120.8 million in climate finance, the highest amount to date. This figure represents an increase of more than 100 percent since 2015. We are on track to meet the €225 million target next year.
Our climate finance funding is channelled through our Embassies, through multilateral organisations, and Irish and international NGOs. At COP28 in Dubai in December, the Taoiseach pledged €25 million to the new Loss & Damage Fund for 2024 and 2025 to support vulnerable countries affected by climate disasters. Another new channel of funding is the recently launched Climate Action Account of the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund to which Ireland has pledged €5 million.
Under OECD rules, Ireland is required to report all Official Development Assistance that supports climate action and gender equality respectively. As both are core priorities of Ireland’s policy for international development, the Department of Foreign Affairs decided to include a gender/climate analysis of bilateral climate finance in Ireland’s Climate Finance Report 2021. Analysis of the latest available data will feature in the 2022 report, which will be published shortly. In addition, in future years, the Department intends to provide relevant qualitative data through the provision of case studies.
In line with the EU Governance Regulation adopted in 2018, Ireland reports on climate finance to the EU on an ex-post basis. The figures for 2023 will be submitted to the EU before the deadline of 30 September 2024.
46. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3004/24]
View answerOn 22 January, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where the Council’s discussion focused on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The Council agenda featured detailed exchanges and engagements with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, as well as with the Israeli, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian Foreign Ministers, and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States.
This high-level engagement from representatives across the region allowed me, my EU counterparts, and the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, to hear the full range of regional perspectives on the situation in the Middle East. In the discussions, I restated Ireland’s priorities; civilians in Gaza urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire, the hostages need to be immediately and unconditionally released, and we need a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid and access. I also underlined the need for international humanitarian law to be upheld. I highlighted the need for de-escalation in the West Bank, and for accountability for the actions of violent settlers against Palestinian communities, including though EU sanctions.
The only sustainable solution to this horrible conflict is a political pathway, leading to a two-state solution and this is something I strongly emphasised to both the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers. I was encouraged by the focus in the discussions with Arab Foreign Ministers on their thinking on the need for a comprehensive political and peace plan, with a Palestinian state as a central component.
The discussion on Ukraine took account of the historic decisions we took in December regarding the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and the adoption of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, and I underlined the need to press forward with further measures, and we agreed to progress work on windfall revenues arising from immobilised Russian assets. The abhorrent attacks carried out by Russia in recent weeks show that they are determined to continue to escalate their war, demonstrating the critical need for unity and further action amongst EU Members State in our clear, strong and resolute support for Ukraine.
48. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on the current situation in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the continuing deterioration of the situation in Myanmar. I wish to reiterate the Government's strong condemnation of the February 2021 coup and the resulting violence.
Recent figures suggest that 18.6 million people, over a third of the population, are now dependent on humanitarian assistance for their survival. Nearly 2.6 million people have been displaced and more than 3,600 deaths have been recorded. Over 50% of the population are now living in poverty. I am disturbed by reports that the junta has been withholding humanitarian aid from civilian populations and by the mounting evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity collected by the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.
Since October 2023, Operation 1027, a joint military operation of anti-junta groups, has resulted in regained territory for resistance forces. These months have also seen increasingly brutal attacks by the junta, including indiscriminate air strikes on civilian targets. On 12 January, a ceasefire agreement was announced between the military junta and resistance groups in the Shan State region of Myanmar, though continued fighting is reported in the region. Conflict between the Tatmadaw and other anti-junta groups continues elsewhere in the country.
Ireland remains actively engaged on the crisis in Myanmar through multilateral fora including the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. Most recently, Ireland made a statement at the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee, condemning the military, drawing attention to the dire human rights and humanitarian situations, and expressing support for relevant accountability mechanisms including the International Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.
On 11 December 2023, the EU adopted the eighth sanctions package on Myanmar since the coup in 2021.
Ireland also provides significant humanitarian funding to Myanmar and to the Rohingya crisis. In 2023, Irish funding for these crises totalled nearly €2.4 million which included grants to both civil society organisations and UN agencies. In 2024, Ireland will continue to provide support to the people of Myanmar, including through increased sums of €1 million to the UN Myanmar Humanitarian Fund and €1.5 million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
49. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland is working to support the Republic of Moldova and Georgia in addressing the challenges they face as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3213/24]
View answerRussia’s continued military aggression against Ukraine continues to have a profoundly adverse impact not only on Ukraine but also on the wider region, including Moldova and Georgia.
Ireland welcomed the decision of the European Council on 14 December to open accession negotiations with Moldova, and to grant EU candidate status to Georgia, once the relevant steps set out in the respective Commission recommendations are taken. I look forward to further reporting from the Commission in March, which I hope will facilitate additional progress. EU membership has been transformative for Ireland, and we believe Moldova and Georgia deserve the same opportunities, provided they carry out these necessary reforms.
The EU has provided Moldova with significant financial and political support over the past two years, including €1.2 billion euro to meet spiralling energy costs, and support for Moldova’s EU Membership application. In April 2023, at the request of Moldova, Ireland supported the establishment of a new EU sanctions regime to target individuals seeking to destabilise Moldova and its constitutional order. To date, five individuals have been subjected to restrictive measures under this regime. Also at Moldova’s request, the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) was launched on 22 May, which aims to enhance the resilience of the security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats.
Ireland has been directly supporting Moldova to mitigate the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to support them on their path towards European integration. Last November Ireland announced €5 million in support to Moldova channelled via the World Bank, focused on supporting Moldova to increase its resilience, including in the energy sector. In October 2023 Ireland announced a further €2 million in support.
Georgia also faces significant challenges, including the impacts of the 2008 war with Russia. Ireland supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Ireland has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia., and for the release of detainees.
For 2021-2024, EU funding for Georgia will amount to €340 million. Priorities include the economy, institutions, rule of law, security, environment and climate resilience, and gender equality. EU assistance is based on strict conditionality and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms and the respect of the rule of law and human rights.
Ireland is also supporting Georgia through the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia). The Mission is an unarmed civilian monitoring mission which was established following the August 2008 conflict, and currently has over 200 staff, including five Irish civilian deployees. The Mission’s mandate focuses on stabilisation, normalisation and confidence building activities, as well as reporting to the EU.
50. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the issues he raised with the Mexican Foreign Minister on his recent visit to Mexico; if he will provide details of the meetings he had there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3128/24]
View answerI visited Mexico on 7-10 January.
In a rich exchange with Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena, we discussed: bilateral relations, including our deepening economic relations and the consistent growth of our trade and investment relations over recent years; shared priorities in development/cooperation and peacebuilding in the Latin America region, notably Central America and Colombia; the Russian war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza; migration; and continued close bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
I also met with high-level representatives of various Irish companies with significant investments in Mexico, as well as with Mexican companies that have invested in Ireland.
In addition, I opened the new premises of the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, and formally inaugurated Ireland’s Office for Central America. This Office is located within the Embassy and has been working to strengthen political, cultural, economic and values-based links with the Central American region since last year, including through the development and rollout of a development/cooperation programme.
My visit programme also included a visit to Cafemin, one of the main migrant reception centres in Mexico City, which is in receipt of Irish funding. While there, I had the opportunity to meet some of the residents of the centre, as well as the heads of the UN High Commission for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration in Mexico, and to discuss the issue of migration from both a local and global perspective.
Together with members of the Irish community in Mexico City, I also participated in a ceremony to honour the Saint Patrick’s Battalion (Batallón de San Patricio), a group of Irish soldiers who fought as part of the Mexican army in the 1840s. The ceremony reflected our longstanding historical and diaspora links, and also allowed me to meet many members of the active Irish diaspora based in Mexico City.
