Written Answers Nos. 120-135
120. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if his Department has availed of services and or consultancy from a list of related companies (details supplied) in the past five years to date; if so, if he will provide a schedule of costs and the purpose for which the company was engaged; and if he continued to use services provided by it. [3789/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has not availed of any services or consultancy for the past five years to date from the companies in question nor has any expenditure been incurred.
121. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of costs incurred by his Department in respect of his travel episode to Miami in September 2023 in an itemised manner; if he will also provide a schedule of same in respect of his accompanying officials and advisors in an itemised manner (details supplied). [4059/24]
View answerOn the 20th September last year, I travelled to Miami to officially open the Consulate General of Ireland there. During my visit I met with members of the Irish community and local political leaders. The Consulate is the eighth Consulate in Ireland’s US network and was established under the Global Ireland strategy (2018) which commits to doubling Ireland’s diplomatic footprint. My visit to Miami was part of a wider trip to the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in New York.
The costs of the visit to Miami are outlined in the table below:
|
Flight costs for Taoiseach and accompanying delegation of six from New York to Miami return 20/09/2023 - 21/09/2023 |
€4,477.06 |
|
Accommodation costs in Miami for Taoiseach and accompanying delegation of six 20/09/2023 |
€1,610.21 |
|
Ground transportation in Miami for Taoiseach and accompanying delegation of six 20/09/2023 - 21/09/2023 |
€1,048.95 |
|
Travel and subsistence expenses |
€150.15 |
122. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Taoiseach when the Government will bring a resolution to Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference for the Citizens' Assembly on the Future of Education. [4139/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to establishing four Citizens’ Assemblies, on the topics of Biodiversity Loss; the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin; Matters relating to Drugs Use; and the Future of Education.
With the publication last week of the Citizens’ Assembly report on Matters relating to Drugs Use, three of the four Citizens’ Assemblies referenced above have now concluded their work and have submitted their reports to the Oireachtas, as required under their respective Terms of Reference.
The establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education, and its Terms of Reference, will be considered by Government in due course.
123. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach to provide a schedule of the number of civilian drivers and Garda drivers attached to him and to Ministers of State of his Department; to provide the official work pattern for each driver and the total annual hours worked by each driver; and to indicate the number of drivers assigned to each Minister and Minister of State. [4228/24]
View answerAs Taoiseach, I am provided with Ministerial transport driven by Garda protection officers.
Ministerial transport driven by Garda protection officers is also provided to the Government Chief Whip who attends Cabinet.
The arrangements for the civilian drivers for the Minister of State for European Affairs are a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Responsibility for provision of Ministerial transport and the specific arrangements relating to it is a matter for the Department of Justice.
124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland's position in relation to military operations conducted by the Pakistani state in Balochistan and the alleged human rights abuses being carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3642/24]
View answerI am aware of ongoing unrest in parts of Pakistan, including the south-western province of Balochistan, which has witnessed violent insurgencies and ethnic conflict in recent years.
Ireland engages regularly with Pakistan on political and human rights issues in the country, at both bilateral and multilateral level. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs held bilateral and political consultations with the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on 18 May 2023, during which the domestic political situation and human rights issues were discussed in detail.
The promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, including the freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process. Human rights is also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue and various concerns were raised at the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights during the 13th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission on 22 June 2023.
The EU is deeply concerned by the rise in religiously-based violence against minorities in Pakistan. EU representatives raised this issue at the Human Rights Council last October and called on the Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice, as well as to reform the blasphemy laws and take all necessary steps to stop their abuse and guarantee the protection of all minorities.
In January 2023, Ireland made an intervention during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the 42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. We recommended that Pakistan amend blasphemy legislation to avoid unjustly targeting or discriminating against any religious minority. We also recommended that Pakistan establish an independent inquiry into all suspected cases of enforced disappearance, and hold alleged perpetrators to account. Ireland will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance human rights through this UN Human Rights Council mechanism, acknowledging progress where appropriate.
Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes, but implements UN and EU sanctions. EU restrictive measures are used as part of an integrated and comprehensive policy approach and are subject to guidelines and best practices within the framework of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. Ireland and the EU will continue to raise issues of concern in Pakistan both bilaterally and in multilateral fora as an effective means of advancing our human rights priorities.
Following the recent Iranian airstrikes on Balochistan and Pakistani response, the EU expressed concern about a “spiral of violence in the Middle East and beyond”, noting its destabilising effect on the region.
The Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye, which is accredited to Pakistan, continues to monitor the situation in Pakistan closely, in close consultation with the EU Delegation in Islamabad, pending the opening of an Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad later this year.
125. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what initiatives his Department’s embassies are taking to gain international recognition of St. Brigid’s Day, with a particular reference to the 1,500th anniversary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3744/24]
View answerIreland's embassies and consulates undertake a wide range of diplomatic activities as part of their work to maintain Ireland's positive international profile and to support issues and initiatives which are of particular interest to us.
In that context, Ireland's diplomatic network has been to the fore in efforts in recent years to raise awareness of St. Brigid's Day and to establish the day as an international celebration of Irish women's achievements.
In February 2018, to mark St. Brigid's Day, the Embassy of Ireland in London hosted a celebration of the creativity and achievements of Irish women, which was a resounding success. In the years since, St. Brigid's Day has been celebrated across Ireland's diplomatic network, developing into what is now an annual global programme.
This year is a very special year, being the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid, and that will be reflected in the celebratory events being organised by our missions. While my Department provides funding, missions themselves, often working with State agencies and other local partners, devise the events, missions being best placed to judge what is most suitable in their host countries.
So far this year, my Department has confirmed funding for over 60 events, hosted by 51 of our missions, with others expected to be added to that list in the run up to St. Brigid's Day. Included in those events are panel discussions, cultural performances, mentoring sessions and exhibitions, to name just a few.
The list of participating missions confirmed to date is:
Abu Dhabi
Abuja
Addis Ababa
Atlanta
Austin
Beijing
Berlin
Berne
Boston
Brasilia
Brussels
Budapest
Cairo
Canberra
Cardiff
Chicago
Copenhagen
Edinburgh
Frankfurt
Holy See
Helsinki
Hong Kong
Jakarta
Lisbon
London
Luxembourg
Lyon
Madrid
Mexico
Miami
Mumbai
Nairobi
New York
Nicosia
Ottawa
Paris
Prague
Rabat
Riga
Santiago
Stockholm
Strasbourg
Sydney
The Hague
Tokyo
Toronto
Valetta
Vienna
Vienna OSCE
Warsaw
Wellington.
126. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has availed of services and or consultancy from a list of related companies (details supplied) in the past five years to date; if so, if he will provide a schedule of costs and the purpose for which the company was engaged; and if he continued to use services provided by it. [3781/24]
View answerMy Department engaged the consulting services of the named company for a fixed period which ran from 30 May to 4 July 2023 at a total cost of €6,098.35.
The consulting services were engaged on matters relating to the administrative and operational activities of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
127. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he considers the recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh to have been free and fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3858/24]
View answerI note the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on 7 January, which saw a resounding victory for the ruling Awami League party.
I fully support the EU statement of 9 January regarding the elections, which reiterates that the EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I join with EU partners in regretting that not all major parties participated in the elections, in condemning the violence witnessed during the election period and expressing concern about the detention of opposition leaders.
I look forward to the upcoming report and recommendations from the EU Election Expert Mission. I welcome the Bangladeshi authorities’ decision to make this report public and I urge them to ensure full investigation of any reported irregularities.
Ireland has consistently engaged with Bangladesh on matters concerning the democratic process, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
At an EU level, political issues are regularly raised with Bangladesh, including via the EU Delegation in Dhaka and within the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. During the most recent meeting of this Joint Commission in May 2022, political developments were discussed with a focus on the democracy, rule of law and good governance situation in the country, and the importance of holding free and fair elections was emphasised.
In the context of our bilateral relationship, Ireland's Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Bangladesh, continues to closely monitor the political situation in-country.
128. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent elections in Serbia with particular reference to allegations of fraud and mismanagement and if he considers democratic values and rule of law in Serbia to be strained. [3867/24]
View answerI am very concerned by allegations of fraud and mismanagement during the local and parliamentary elections in Serbia on 17 December 2023.
The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP) noted in their preliminary findings, published on 18 December 2023, that although the legal framework to carry out the elections was adequate, and that voters were offered a choice between political alternatives, the electoral process was undermined by the misuse of public resources, the lack of separation between the official functions and campaign activities, and intimidation and pressure on voters, including cases of vote buying.
These are very worrying allegations, particularly from an EU candidate country, and future Member State of the EU. We await the international observation mission’s full report and recommendations, which we expect the Serbian government to act upon swiftly and comprehensively, ahead of any future elections. The proper functioning of democratic institutions and respect for the democratic process are fundamental elements of Serbia’s EU accession process.
Serbian citizens have taken to the streets to protest the allegations of electoral fraud. While these protests have been largely peaceful, I condemn the scenes of violence that we witnessed on 24 December, when protestors clashed with police. Serbia’s political leadership should ensure that a constructive and inclusive political dialogue can now be facilitated, with the aim of bolstering Serbian democracy.
Respect for the rule of law is a core EU value, and sits at the heart of the EU accession process. European Commission President von der Leyen, in her State of the EU speech on 13 September 2023, announced that the European Commission would open its Rule of Law Reports to include accession countries, as an aide to accelerate reforms in this crucial area. I very much welcome this step, which I believe will be a useful tool to support Serbian authorities in their efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take a stance against Pakistan's actions and explore avenues such as sanctions to halt the ongoing war crimes in occupied Balochistan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3935/24]
View answerI am aware of ongoing unrest in parts of Pakistan, including the south-western province of Balochistan, which has witnessed violent insurgencies and ethnic conflict in recent years.
Ireland engages regularly with Pakistan on political and human rights issues in the country, at both bilateral and multilateral level. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs held bilateral and political consultations with the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on 18 May 2023, during which the domestic political situation and human rights issues were discussed in detail.
The promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, including the freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process. Human rights is also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue and various concerns were raised at the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights during the 13th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission on 22 June 2023.
The EU is deeply concerned by the rise in religiously-based violence against minorities in Pakistan. EU representatives raised this issue at the Human Rights Council last October and called on the Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice, as well as to reform the blasphemy laws and take all necessary steps to stop their abuse and guarantee the protection of all minorities.
In January 2023, Ireland made an intervention during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the 42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. We recommended that Pakistan amend blasphemy legislation to avoid unjustly targeting or discriminating against any religious minority. We also recommended that Pakistan establish an independent inquiry into all suspected cases of enforced disappearance, and hold alleged perpetrators to account. Ireland will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance human rights through this UN Human Rights Council mechanism, acknowledging progress where appropriate.
Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes, but implements UN and EU sanctions. EU restrictive measures are used as part of an integrated and comprehensive policy approach and are subject to guidelines and best practices within the framework of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. Ireland and the EU will continue to raise issues of concern in Pakistan both bilaterally and in multilateral fora as an effective means of advancing our human rights priorities.
Following the recent Iranian airstrikes on Balochistan and Pakistani response, the EU expressed concern about a “spiral of violence in the Middle East and beyond”, noting its destabilising effect on the region.
The Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye, which is accredited to Pakistan, continues to monitor the situation in Pakistan closely, in close consultation with the EU Delegation in Islamabad, pending the opening of an Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad later this year.
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of costs incurred by his Department in respect of a visit by An Taoiseach to the formal opening of the consulate general in Miami in 2023, in an itemised manner; if he will also provide a schedule of same in respect of his officials and advisors, in an itemised manner that travelled to the event (details supplied). [4060/24]
View answerA new Consulate General of Ireland was established in Miami in October 2022, gradually scaling up operations and taking over responsibility for the State of Florida on a phased basis from the Consulate General in Atlanta, as well as responsibility for the States of Mississippi and Alabama, and Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Florida is the third most populous state in the United States, with the fourth largest economy among US states. Bilateral trade with Ireland amounted to circa $5.8 billion in 2022. Florida is a popular tourist destination with Irish visitors, receiving up to seven direct flights weekly in Florida’s high season, sustaining a need for a high level of consular services.
In addition, South Florida is closely linked economically and culturally to Latin America and the Caribbean and is an important bridge between North America and the rest of the hemisphere.
The timing of the Taoiseach’s visit in September 2023 presented an ideal opportunity to elevate the Consulate’s profile and deepen local contacts. During his visit, the Taoiseach held a number of high-level meetings, including a meeting with the Secretary of State of Florida, Cord Byrd. The Taoiseach also addressed a very well-attended gathering of political, economic and cultural contacts, including Irish community members, at the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, an important repository for Irish culture in Miami. The complimentary use of the venue for the reception was secured by the Consulate General and cultural performances were also arranged without charge.
Costs charged to the Consulate General in Miami arising from the visit are provided in the table below. Travel costs for the Taoiseach and other members of the delegation travelling from Ireland were covered by the Department of the Taoiseach.
|
Description |
Cost (EUR) |
|
Hospitality |
€6,272 |
|
Car hire |
€1,058 |
|
Photographer fees |
€250 |
|
Total |
€7,580 |
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the specific areas in which Ireland could enact sanctions unilaterally on other countries or individuals, without breaching European Union agreements or legal frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4068/24]
View answerIreland applies all sanctions that are adopted by the United Nations Security Council or by the European Union (EU).
Sanctions are an important tool to promote the objectives of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. EU sanctions are always targeted, are based on extensive evidence packs, and are adopted under a variety of geographic and thematic sanctions regimes, unanimously adopted by Member States. In respect of sanctions measures aimed at specific individuals and entities, these can include a number of elements, including asset freezes, and visa and travel bans.
Sanctions in areas that fall under EU competence are implemented in EU Regulations, which have direct effect in all Member States. While it is difficult to be definitive as to what measures may be adopted by a Member State in the absence of unanimously adopted EU sanctions measures, in broad terms issues relating to the functioning of the Internal Market are matters of EU competence. In contrast, to the extent to which Member States retain competence in areas such as entry of third country nationals into their territory and the import and export of arms, there can be greater scope for Member States to consider adopting national measures.
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update in relation to Ireland pushing for the EU to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on violent settlers; the reason for the difference between settlers, violent or non-violent, given that Dáil Éireann recognises Israeli settlements as the "de facto annexation" of Palestinian land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/24]
View answerThe EU position is clear; Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law.
In view of the unacceptable levels of violence being perpetrated by certain Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in particular since 7 October 2023, I have underlined my strong support for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme Israeli settlers. This is a matter that I have raised at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
Under the existing EU Global Human Rights Sanctions regime, it is possible to target individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses such as where they meet the threshold of being widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
Detailed discussions are currently ongoing at official level regarding sanctioning certain individuals and/or entities where there is evidence that their activities meet this threshold. Decisions would need to be taken by the Council acting by unanimity. There is currently broad support from EU partners for this measure, which mirrors the approach taken by other international partners, including the US.
This initiative is not, nor is it intended to be, a comprehensive response to the issue of illegal Israeli settlements. EU policy on settlements in occupied territory remains clear and is based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.
133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Irish-Norway relations. [4077/24]
View answerIreland and Norway enjoy excellent bilateral relations. We share unique historical connections as well as growing people-to-people links. In the past few years, Ireland’s relationship with Norway has been revitalised through the Global Ireland Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025. The Nordic Strategy has provided a framework for Ireland to deepen our relationship with Norway and its neighbours across a spectrum of areas including politically and in the areas of trade, tourism, the environment and culture.
On a political level, our bilateral relationship with Norway is excellent. Norway is a likeminded partner on many international issues. We cooperate actively on the world stage to support our shared values, such as upholding international law and the importance of multilateralism. Ireland and Norway worked closely together during our recent UN Security Council term. Our countries successfully led negotiations on the renewal of the vital Syria Humanitarian cross-border resolution, which ensured the continuation of the UN's cross-border aid operation on the Turkey-Syria border. Then Minister Simon Coveney and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt made a joint visit to Turkey and the Syrian Border crossing in June 2022.
Ireland is appreciative of Norway’s efforts and role in facilitating energy security for Europe and showing solidarity with European partners such as ourselves at this challenging time. Ireland sources a significant amount of our gas supply from Norway. In recent years, there has been growing collaboration in renewable energy, and several Norwegian companies have made important investments in wind energy in Ireland.
Ireland also engages with Norway on Arctic issues, which are becoming increasingly prominent and relevant to Ireland, particularly in terms of climate change, energy, and the changing geopolitical landscape. This week our Ambassador to Norway will attend a major conference on Arctic issues in Trømso (Arctic Frontiers 29 January – 1 February).
In December 2023, Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disability, had a constructive study visit to Norway on the provision of digital and assistive technologies with a delegation from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the HSE, and the National Disability Authority.
Through our Embassy in Oslo and our State Agencies Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia based in Stockholm and Copenhagen we are deepening our trade with Norway. According to the latest CSO released in 2023 total trade between Ireland and Norway was worth €5.9 billion in 2021, with the trading balance firmly weighted in Ireland's favour. Several Norwegian companies have investments and operations in Ireland notably in the fisheries sector as well as the expanding renewable energy sector.
Norway and Ireland are now more connected than ever with direct routes between Dublin and the capital Oslo and Dublin and Norway’s second city, Bergen. As part of the European Economic Area for thirty years now, Norway is well integrated into the Single Market. I look forward to further progress in our economic, trading and people-to-people links in 2024.
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a schedule of the number of civilian drivers and Garda drivers attached to him and to Ministers of State of his Department; to provide the official work pattern for each driver and the total annual hours worked by each driver; and to indicate the number of drivers assigned to each Minister and Minister of State. [4220/24]
View answerFour civilian drivers are employed by my Department. Two civilian drivers each are assigned to the Minister of State for EU Affairs and the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora.
Civilian drivers are contracted to work on a week-on week-off basis, with hours of attendance amounting to on average not less than 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week. No additional remuneration is paid for extra attendance during the week-on. Civilian drivers receive extra payment equivalent to two days’ pay for each day they are required to work on the week-off. The contract of employment for civilian drivers is coterminous with that of the Minister of State to whom they are assigned.
My Department does not hold information on the assignment of Garda drivers and their assignment details are a matter for An Garda Síochána.
135. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his officials in the foreign births registration section will liaise with the parents of a child (details supplied); if he will confirm receipt of the application which was sent in December 2023 through the Irish embassy in Beijing China; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4242/24]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 8-9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents, a decrease in turnaround time of 75% from over two and a half years in 2022. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
With regard to the specific Foreign Birth Registration application about which the Deputy has enquired, the online application was made in December 2023. Supporting documents were received by the Passport Service this month, January 2024. In line with current processing times, this application will be processed by September 2024.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
