Written Answers Nos. 51-87
51. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on discussions held with UK counterparts regarding recent reported safety issues at the Sellafield nuclear facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3142/24]
View answerIreland engages regularly with the UK Government on issues of nuclear safety, including in relation to the Sellafield site. I raised with issue with the UK Foreign Secretary during our meeting in London on 13 December 2023.
Ireland attaches the greatest importance to ensuring the highest levels of nuclear safety by all users of nuclear energy, and engages actively in the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and under the Convention on Nuclear Safety, with the UK and with EU partners to this end.
Officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), engage regularly with UK counterparts and relevant regulators, including under the auspices of the UK-Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters, which also encompasses matters relating to the Sellafield site. This group consists of senior officials and representatives from all relevant stakeholders.
I understand that officials from that Department, together with the EPA, most recently visited the Sellafield site in July 2023 to see at first hand the decommissioning operations that are underway at Sellafield. We continue to engage closely with the relevant UK authorities to ensure that the current levels of progress being made on the site on the various projects dealing with legacy related matters are maintained.
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed with the political parties in Stormont the potential of the Shared Island initiative to fund cross border projects to benefit communities North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3329/24]
View answerI am in regular contact with political parties in Northern Ireland to discuss matters of mutual interest, not least the urgent need for restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. The ongoing work and future potential of the Shared Island Initiative is regularly raised in these meetings.
The Government’s Shared Island initiative, launched in October 2020, is working to engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future and to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding on the island.
The Government has so far allocated €247m from the Shared Island Fund, investing in a more connected, sustainable and prosperous island for all communities on this island. These projects and programmes are being taken forward by Ministers and their Departments, working through all-island partnerships with counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK Government and with education and civil society partners.
Allocations are being made from the Shared Island Fund to deliver on objectives under the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan. This includes moving forward with the Ulster Canal and bringing the Narrow Water Bridge project to tender stage; delivering on our commitment to invest in Ulster University in Derry; and developing the bioeconomy on an all-island basis.
We also want to step up cross-border investment cooperation, for instance, on educational attainment in Northern Ireland, on enterprise development, and through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, which administered by my Department. I expect to announce further grants from the Civic Society Fund in February, and another round of the Fund will open for applications before the summer break.
The Government wants to do more. We would like to work with a new Executive and the British Government to take forward new all-island cooperation, including through the Shared Island Initiative.
54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which this country continues to respond to the needs of poorer communities, often beset by war, famine and national disasters; the extent to which our membership of the UN Security Council is being used as a means of accelerating help that is needed in such challenging situations; the extent to which Ireland continues to promote assistance through the bilateral aid or multilateral aid programmes; the extent to which such activity has increased in recent times given worldwide atrocities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3225/24]
View answerDespite progress in the fight against poverty and hunger over decades, conflict and the impact of climate change are now driving unprecedented levels of food insecurity. Disasters, often induced by climate, are increasing in intensity and frequency. The World Food Programme estimates that over 345 million people worldwide are living in acute food insecurity.
In response, we have increased the levels of Ireland's humanitarian assistance. In 2022 humanitarian spend reached a record €297.8 million, an increase of 31% on the previous year, and the figures for 2023 will be higher.
Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is provided by way of bilateral and multilateral aid and is channeled through a range of trusted partners: UN agencies, the Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Our funding is focused on the most severe humanitarian crises. In 2023 Ireland responded to devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, the earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya. We also continued to support vulnerable populations experiencing acute hunger – including in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen. Since October 7th, €20 million has been provided in response to the suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza.
During our tenure at the UN Security Council, in 2021 and 2022, Ireland advocated for urgent action to address the plight of vulnerable populations affected by conflict-induced hunger. As Co-Chair of the UN Group of Friends on Conflict and Hunger we continue to do so. Last week, for instance, we hosted a meeting at our Mission in New York to discuss urgent action to address the catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity as a result of the continuing conflict in Gaza.
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the range of projects that can be funded under his Department's Reconciliation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/24]
View answerMy Department’s Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding and relations between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain. Since its establishment, the Fund has disbursed over €65 million in grant assistance to over 3,000 projects.
The Reconciliation Fund supports a wide variety of organisations in the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities in Northern Ireland and border counties as well as organisations working a on north-south basis along with a small number of organisations based in Britain. All projects supported by the Fund must be aligned to the Reconciliation Fund Strategy, available on my Department's website. The Strategy sets out the core aims and objectives of the Fund against the evolving context for reconciliation across these islands.
In Budget 2024, I secured a 40% increase in the allocation to the Reconciliation Fund to €7,000,000. This increase will allow the Fund to provide enhanced support this year for projects and organisations that seek either to address the drivers of division, conflict, and barriers, or to build a strong civil society that encompasses all communities. The window for application for the Fund's 12-month grants will open in February. The typical grant is around €25,000, but awards can be as small as €2,000.
Separately, the Fund has strategic partnerships stream, which allows for 3-year funding arrangements typically in excess of €100,000 per year. Applications to this stream will be accepted later this year.
A full list of the organisations which received funding from the Reconciliation Fund since 2012 is available on my Department’s website : www.gov.ie/en/service/acf50-reconciliation-fund/#annual-round-funding
58. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to attend the St Patrick's Day engagements in the United States; if he intends to boycott engagement with officials of the US administration for its role in arming Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/24]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland around the world. The Government’s programme of international travel for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day is still being finalised, but is expected to include ministerial visits to a spread of locations in the United States.
Ireland enjoys extremely strong relations with the United States. Each year St Patrick's Day provides a unique opportunity to connect with our extensive Irish community there. By providing a platform to promote Ireland as an excellent location to do business and to invest, St Patrick's Day helps consolidate the mutually beneficial and highly integrated trade and investment relationship between Ireland and the United States. There are almost one thousand US companies in Ireland, employing over two hundred thousand people directly, while 650 Irish companies provide direct employment to over one hundred thousand people in the US.
As part of the range of engagements in the US, the Taoiseach will undertake the traditional St Patrick’s Day visit to Washington DC. This visit gives Ireland unique access to the President of the United States, as well as senior members of the US administration, and Congress. The Taoiseach will use the opportunity to discuss a range of issues, including global issues of mutual concern.
Separately, I will be visiting Washington DC and Chicago in February, where I will meet with senior representatives of President Biden’s Administration and members of Congress. These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss a range of issues, including the conflicts in the Middle East. I will give Ireland’s clear position in support of an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire and the restoration of a political horizon, and the need to avoid a wider escalation of this conflict as an absolute priority.
I welcomed President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken’s recent visits to meet partners in the region. The US played a significant role in securing a temporary truce, along with Egypt and Qatar. Ongoing US engagement is essential to finding a solution to the current conflict and restoring a political horizon.
59. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps his Department is taking to ensure the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unequivocally supported, that the accession process to the EU progresses unimpeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3385/24]
View answerBosnia-Herzegovina lies in the heart of Europe and its future is within the European Union. In light of this, the EU and Ireland have a clear strategic interest in fostering peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The secessionist rhetoric and backsliding on human rights that we are seeing in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Republika Srpska entity is of great concern. We and our EU partners continue to monitor the situation closely.
However, despite these constant efforts to undermine Bosnia-Herzegovina’s EU perspective, the Government has continued to make some progress in implementing EU reforms, and - while more is needed - this year it achieved full alignment with the EU on issues of Common Security and Defence Policy, a clear sign of its commitment to a future in the EU.
The EU must honour the commitments made to candidate countries, and reward those who have been courageous in implementing necessary reforms. In an historic moment at December’s European Council, the EU signalled that it is ready to open accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina, once the required degree of compliance with the membership criteria has been met. This was the right decision, based on the Commission’s recommendations. I look forward to further reporting from the Commission in March, which I hope will facilitate additional steps.
We welcome the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which envisages an investment of €6 billion to bring the countries of the Western Balkans closer to the EU, accelerate accession-related reforms, and boost economic growth. I encourage political leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina to continue to advance reforms, so as to benefit from these important funds.
Ireland continues to engage bilaterally with our Bosnian counterparts and offer support and expertise through various knowledge-sharing programmes. Ireland will also support EU efforts to strengthen engagement with candidate countries, including in relation to hybrid threats, disinformation, and cyber security.
It is clear to see that the aspiration of the overwhelming majority of the Bosnian people is to fulfil their EU perspective, and we should continue to encourage them in this endeavour, and to be a strong supporter of EU enlargement as a strategic tool to consolidate democracy and stability throughout the European continent.
64. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the work of his Department in the resumption of beef exports to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3299/24]
View answerIreland's Embassy in Beijing is responsible for the promotion of Irish trade in China, including supporting access to the Chinese market for Irish exporters across a range of sectors. As regards Ireland's food and beverage exports, the Embassy and the Consulates General in Shanghai and Hong Kong work closely with Bord Bia and with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Since the detection of a single atypical case of BSE in November 2023, the Embassy team, led by the Ambassador and the Agriculture attaché, worked closely with the Chinese authorities to provide the necessary reassurances and to reestablish confidence in Irish regulatory and food safety systems, in close consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The announcement by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during his visit to Dublin last week, of China's intention to lift the temporary suspension on exports of deboned Irish beef to China, was the culmination of these efforts, combined with political and technical interventions by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is testament to the strong bilateral relations we have developed with Chinese counterparts over the years.
I am pleased that the matter was resolved within a matter of months and that trade will soon resume with this significant market for Irish agricultural products. In line with the Government's refreshed Asia Pacific Strategy, my hope is that we can increase our level of exports of Irish food and drink products as much as possible in this dynamic region and extend our reach to markets we have not yet fully explored.
65. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an overview of the passport service for Cork applicants in 2023; how many passports issued to applicants from Cork and how this compared to 2022; the number of outstanding applications for passports currently awaiting processing for Cork applicants at the end of 2023 and how this compared to the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3392/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at or well-ahead of target and there are no backlogs. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days.
Over 1 million applications were received by the Passport Service in 2023, and over 950,000 passports were issued.
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 online.
Online enhancements rolled out last year have also simplified the process for first time applicants and especially children applying for their first passport.
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.
2024 is expected to be another busy year for the Passport Service. I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
My Department will continue to work to ensure that our services meet the needs of our citizens in 2024.
The figures requested by the Deputy are outlined in tabular form below. Please note that only Passport Online figures are available for the number of applications outstanding at the end of each year.
|
|
2022 |
2023 |
|
Passports issued to Cork residents – Online and Paper |
92,687 |
76,200 |
|
Applications outstanding for Cork residents at end of year requiring action by the Passport Service (Online only) |
645 |
533 |
|
Applications outstanding for Cork residents at end of year requiring further action by the applicant (Online only) |
1,235 |
1,080 |
66. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will remain one of the strongest advocates of Ukraine’s European path and if we will continue to support them along their journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3214/24]
View answerIreland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. EU membership has been transformative for Ireland over the past 50 years, bringing both peace and prosperity to the island, and enhancing our global influence. We believe that all candidate countries deserve the same opportunity, provided that they meet the accession criteria.
We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the clear need for continuing, ever-closer cooperation between the EU and our nearest neighbours. 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 supported the decision of the European Council in June 2022 to grant EU Candidate Status to Ukraine, and welcomes the Council’s decision in December 2023, based on the Commission’s recommendation of 08 November, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine.
It was clear from the Commission’s report that Ukraine had made significant progress in fulfilling the key recommendations set out for it, and so we feel this decision is fully justified. We encourage Ukraine to maintain its reform efforts in the period ahead. We look forward to additional reporting from the Commission in March, which we hope will facilitate next steps on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
Ireland will continue to strongly support the EU enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to Ukraine in its EU perspective.
67. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an overview of the passport service in 2023; how many passports issued to applicants from Carlow and how this compared to 2022; the number of outstanding applications for passports currently awaiting processing for Carlow applicants at the end of 2023 and how this compared to the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at or well-ahead of target and there are no backlogs. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days.
Over 1 million applications were received by the Passport Service in 2023, and over 950,000 passports were issued.
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 online.
Online enhancements rolled out last year have also simplified the process for first time applicants and especially children applying for their first passport.
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.
2024 is expected to be another busy year for the Passport Service. I would ask the Deputy to encourage her constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
My Department will continue to work to ensure that our services meet the needs of our citizens in 2024.
The figures requested by the Deputy are outlined in tabular form below. Please note that only Passport Online figures are available for the number of applications outstanding at the end of each year.
|
|
2022 |
2023 |
|
Passports issued to Carlow residents- Online and Paper |
9,955 |
8,539 |
|
Applications outstanding for Carlow residents at end of year with Passport Service for action (Online only) |
72 |
56 |
|
Applications outstanding for Carlow residents at end of year requiring action from applicants (Online only) |
159 |
164 |
68. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the progress of getting family members of Irish citizens out of Gaza. [1667/24]
View answerSince the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave.
The Government, through our Embassies in the region, has consistently sought clearance for all Irish citizens who wish to exit Gaza to do so. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to a small number of citizens who have not yet been permitted to leave and we stand ready to assist other Irish citizens and accompanying dependents wishing to exit Gaza.
The authorities have made clear that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them.
To date, 57 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to exit Gaza. Dependents have included the spouses and minor children of Irish citizens, along with dependent parents accompanying an Irish citizen, where they met the visa eligibility requirements set by the Department of Justice. Let me assure you, Deputy, that we are giving very close consideration to these matters, given the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus since the crisis began.
The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. In recent weeks, my Department has received many enquiries regarding the situation of individuals, including people with ties to Ireland or already holding a visa for Ireland.
Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities. The issuance of visas to non-nationals wishing to enter Ireland is a matter for the Department of Justice. Holders of valid Irish visas who receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.
69. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussion with his South African counterpart on that country’s ongoing close relationship with the Russian Federation that has continued despite Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3003/24]
View answerI had a very substantive meeting with my South African counterpart, Minister Naledi Pandor, during my visit to South Africa last July, and subsequently spoke to her in detail by phone on 19 December. We covered a range of foreign policy issues and shared perspectives on the consequences of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. I stated Ireland’s clear position on the illegal war of aggression, which is in contravention of the UN Charter, and on our support for Ukraine and its people. I set out the strong response of the EU to Russia’s attempts to redraw its borders through force. Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s belief that the UN Charter must be respected and that no country should occupy another.
The participation by South Africa in the African Peace Initiative last year, with visits to Ukraine and Russia, was intended to promote a peaceful resolution, and to raise awareness of the millions of Africans affected by food insecurity. The invasion has exacerbated an existing global food and nutrition security crisis.
South Africa is a member of the BRICS grouping, which includes Russia. South Africa views this economic grouping as a key platform to address their concerns on imbalances in the multilateral system. It is of course also used by Russia to work to influence other countries on the situation in Ukraine.
Ireland and South Africa have had a warm and enduring friendship over 30 years of diplomatic relations, which is the result of important shared moments in our histories. These include the Irish people's support for the fight to end apartheid in South Africa and South Africa's valuable assistance to the Northern Ireland peace process.
South Africa is an important partner for Europe, with a key leadership role in regional peace, security and economic initiatives. I will maintain contact South Africa in the period ahead on foreign policy issues, including the war in Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion.
70. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will amend its policy to include first degree relatives on the list of evacuees that is being used to ensure their safe passage out of Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2577/24]
View answerSince the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave.
The Government, through our Embassies in the region, has consistently sought clearance for all Irish citizens who wish to exit Gaza to do so. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to a small number of citizens who have not yet been permitted to leave and we stand ready to assist other Irish citizens and accompanying dependents wishing to exit Gaza.
The authorities have made clear that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them.
To date, 57 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to exit Gaza. Dependents have included the spouses and minor children of Irish citizens, along with dependent parents accompanying an Irish citizen, where they met the visa eligibility requirements set by the Department of Justice. Let me assure you, Deputy, that we are giving very close consideration to these matters, given the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus since the crisis began.
The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. In recent weeks, my Department has received many enquiries regarding the situation of individuals, including people with ties to Ireland or already holding a visa for Ireland.
Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities. The issuance of visas to non-nationals wishing to enter Ireland is a matter for the Department of Justice. Holders of valid Irish visas who receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.
72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the Minister for Finance in relation to Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill. [3220/24]
View answerThe Government’s position on the Private Members Bill entitled Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023, including the coordination of advice from other relevant Departments or Agencies, is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
Ireland’s overriding position on Israeli settlements is crystal clear. They are illegal under international law and are damaging to the prospects for peace. Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, and will continue to do so.
In accordance with international law, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 and ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to the occupied territories. A whole of Government approach is applied to this policy of differentiation. The Department of Foreign Affairs also ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements on its website.
77. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the impact of the Global Ireland 2018 – 2025 strategy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3165/24]
View answerGlobal Ireland 2025 is a whole-of-Government strategy that aims to double Ireland’s global footprint and influence in the period 2018 to 2025.
Significant progress has continued on the Global Ireland 2025 strategy to build Irelands impact and influence in the world. The ambition is to make our voice count for more on the international stage, to build our national reputation, and to be a strong participant in global enterprise, trade, culture, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and development.
In July 2023, the Government published a comprehensive review of the strategy. The review confirmed that it is on track and continuing to deliver strongly for Ireland. It also reaffirmed that while expanding our global reach was a good idea at the outset of the strategy in 2018, it is indispensable in facing today’s unprecedented economic and political challenges.
It found that implementation of the Global Ireland 2025 strategy has brought significant benefits to Ireland, including by equipping our country to better withstand the challenges of recent years; positioning Ireland to make effective contributions on issues of national and global concern, and supporting a diversification in markets and international alliances. The review also identified areas for greater focus and action in the period ahead.
Among the achievements of the strategy are 22 new missions which have been opened or announced for opening, comprising 11 embassies, and 11 consulates general; the appointment of seven new cultural officers abroad; the launch in May 2021 of A Career for EU Strategy; the EU50 Programme (2022-2023); and Ireland’s successful term on the UN Security Council in 2021-2022.
Global Ireland regional strategies for engaging with Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Nordic region, Latin America and the Caribbean and the US/Canada have been launched and are being actively implemented, building relationships with important partners, winning jobs and investment for Ireland in key markets, promoting Ireland’s values and culture and strengthening connections to our diaspora. In addition, a new Global Ireland integrated communication framework, with ireland.ie as Irelands primary international digital platform, has been developed, complementing an expanded cultural attaché programme,
Between now and the end of 2025, when the Strategy concludes, the primary objectives of particular reference to my Department will be to continue to expand Ireland’s network of missions; fully implement the five whole-of-government regional strategies and two country-specific strategies (France and Germany).
We will enhance Ireland’s impact in shaping the future direction of EU policies, budgets, programmes, and legislation, particularly in preparation for Ireland’s presidency of the EU in 2026, and via our ongoing presidency of the Eurogroup, our programmes to mark EU50, and through increased representation of Irish citizens in the EU institutions.
We will deliver a comprehensive programme of engagements at Expo 2025 Osaka; expand assistance for promoting Irish arts and culture internationally, implementing Culture Ireland’s 2022-2025 strategy, appointing new cultural officers in priority locations, and furthering the development of international cultural capital projects. My Department will also work with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the implementation of their new international strategy – Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy.
A key deliverable of the Global Ireland programme was the successful campaign to win a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council, and we will build on the legacy of our UN Security Council term and Council of Europe presidency, including by seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term.
78. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department can provide an update on a case (details supplied); his plans to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3051/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I met the citizen recently and I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. I have engaged with my counterpart in the jurisdiction on the case and the Embassy of Ireland has also engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the jurisdiction in question. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
I understand the citizen is now in the process of engaging the services of a local lawyer to advocate on her behalf and I welcome this development. The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
82. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list the occasions upon which he has met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland. [2940/24]
View answerEngagement between my Department and the Palestinian Ambassador is routinely carried out at senior official level. Such engagement is frequent and is particularly important in the context of the crisis that is currently unfolding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
I have had the occasion to meet directly with the Palestinian Ambassador-Head of Mission, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, on 24 October 2023 in Dublin Castle alongside a group of Arab Ambassadors, as well as on 24 November, when I met with a number of Irish citizens who had been evacuated from Gaza.
I maintain close engagement with my Palestinian counterparts at political level. I welcome that Foreign Minister Malki attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council last Monday. This was an important opportunity for him to update EU Foreign Ministers on the situation on the ground.
83. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if discussions have taken place between the Shared Island Unit and SEUPB with regard to exploring if organisations applying to either the Shared Island Fund or the PeacePlus fund can utilise one as match-funding for the other; if approval will be given to enable this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3334/24]
View answerThe headline objectives of the Government's Shared Island Initiative and of the PEACEPLUS programme are complementary. The Shared Island Initiative is funded by the Government of Ireland. The PEACEPLUS programme is funded by the European Union, the UK government, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive and is separate and distinct from the Shared Island Initiative.
Organisations are free to apply for funding under both schemes. Any application would need to be in accordance with the requirements of the specific programme and the general principle that double funding of the same activity from different sources is not involved. It would of course be for with the Special EU Programmes Body or for the relevant Government Department on a Shared Island Initiative programme to determine whether any given application falls within its terms of reference.
The Special EU Programmes Body maintains an ongoing engagement on the PEACEPLUS programme with its Sponsor Department in this jurisdiction, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and with all relevant Government Departments, including my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach. The Special EU Programmes Body has commenced calls for the PEACEPLUS programme across a range of themes and full information is available at www.seupb.org.
87. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the issues he raised with Columbian officials on his recent visit to Columbia; the role Ireland will play as guarantor of the ongoing peace dialogue there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3129/24]
View answerDuring my visit to Colombia on 10-11 January I met with Colombia’s two Vice Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Francisco Coy and Elizabeth Taylor Jay. We discussed Ireland's strong support for the Colombian peace process, particularly the 2016 Agreement and the Government’s Total Peace policy. This included Ireland's role as guarantor in the dialogues with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) and the sharing of lessons from both peace processes. Ireland’s support for the implementation of peace in Colombia will be over €5 million this year.
We also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations; trade and investment, including business and human rights and the need for diversification in our goods trade; bilateral cooperation in the areas of education and agricultural research; climate; migration; cooperation in multilateral fora; EU-CELAC relations; and the current situations in Ukraine and Gaza.
I also met Colombia’s Minister for Defence, Ivan Velasquez. Our discussion also focused on Ireland’s support to peacebuilding in Colombia and the EMC dialogue process. We also discussed ongoing police cooperation, including how this could be further developed, approaches to tackling organised crime and drug use, the use of models of citizen engagement, and police reform.
In addition, I met with senior officials from the Colombian High Commission for Peace for an exchange on peacebuilding in Colombia.
These meetings were important to deepening understanding of Ireland's guarantor role in the ongoing peace dialogues with the EMC, together with Norway, Switzerland and Venezuela. Positive progress has been made in the rounds of negotiations that have taken place thus far. The next round of dialogues is scheduled to take place from 3-10 March.
The guarantor role involves maintaining a continuous presence at the talks, promoting and protecting the dialogue process, supporting the parties to advance the process, and providing technical support and assistance. Ireland’s engagement in this process is based on a number of key principles, including active support for the promotion of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law and other normative frameworks, and complements Ireland's continued support for the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement.
