Written Answers Nos. 1-30
6. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work with like-minded countries in the EU, or elsewhere, to organise an airdrop of emergency food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza who are being bombed, shelled, starved and besieged by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10892/24]
View answerI am appalled by the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza – after almost five months of relentless violence and displacement, civilians in Gaza are living in conditions that no one should have to endure.
The legal position is clear – under international humanitarian law Israel are responsible for the protection of civilians in Gaza, and ensuring that the essential needs of the population there are met. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable.
Along with a number of other states, Jordan has been leading on organising air drops of humanitarian assistance into Gaza with a number of other states. We are actively considering the possibility of Ireland contributing to this multinational effort.
However, this must not distract from the urgent need to dramatically scale up the level of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza by land. The International Court of Justice made clear in its order for provisional measures on 26 January that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
That was more than a month ago; since that time, humanitarian assistance entering Gaza by land has halved and WFP and UNRWA have had to withdraw from distributing aid in Northern Gaza given the deterioration of the security situation. Under international humanitarian law, Israel has the responsibility to protect civilians in Gaza and to ensure that the essential needs of the population there are met.
Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and massive scale up in humanitarian aid is Ireland’s priority, and is the priority of all humanitarian actors on the ground, and must remain our primary focus. Air drops alone can not deliver this.
13. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he could provide an update on the current situation in Gaza; outline what actions the Irish Government is taking at both EU and UN levels to contribute to a resolution of the ongoing issues in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11140/24]
View answer18. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has encountered any difficulties with EU partners by virtue of taking the most pro-Palestinian stance in the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11136/24]
View answer27. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland has taken the lead in Europe in supporting Arab peace initiative resolutions at the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11137/24]
View answer69. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his engagement to date with his EU counterparts and members of the UN Security Council on the potential Israeli attack on Rafah; his views on the statements by the Secretary General of the UN regarding "An all-out Israeli offensive on the city” (Rafah); what Irelands response to such an attack would be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/24]
View answer73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, unilaterally or in conjunction with other heads of government throughout the EU, can make further positive intervention with a view to the establishment of peace initiatives in the Middle East. [8110/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 18, 27, 69 and 73 together.
I remain focused on the dreadful situation in the Gaza Strip, where the current situation is a humanitarian disaster. I fully believe that an Israeli military escalation in Rafah, where almost 1.5 million people are sheltering in desperate conditions, would be catastrophic. We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and a drastic increase in humanitarian access.
I have been engaging intensively with our partners in the European Union, in the region, and internationally since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts have consistently focused on the urgent need for a ceasefire and a significant scale-up of humanitarian access and supplies into the Gaza Strip.
Ireland has also worked to encourage accountability for Israeli actions. Ireland participated in legal hearings on the consequences of Israel’s occupation and the Taoiseach has written to the European Commission on the subject of reviewing the EU-Israel Association agreement along with the Prime Minister of Spain. Ireland will continue to use legal and political channels to address possible infringements of international law.
At meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, I have emphasised that we urgently need a comprehensive, political track to end this conflict and called on my counterparts to urge for a humanitarian ceasefire. On 19 February, 26 EU Member States issued a statement that called for an immediate pause in fighting and urged Israel not to undertake further military operations in Rafah.
I have also stressed the need for the EU response to evolve as the situation evolves. On 22 January, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels, which Israeli, Palestinian and regional Foreign Ministers 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.
The Foreign Affairs Council of the EU on 19 February was also a good opportunity to urge countries to reinstate funding to the leading humanitarian provider in Gaza, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). I was pleased to see the decision by the European Commission to release €50 million in funding for UNRWA with a further €32 million to follow, and to increase its overall humanitarian aid for Palestinians in 2024. The role that UNRWA plays, both in Gaza and in the wider region, is crucial and irreplaceable.
Thus far, we have not achieved EU-wide consensus on the best approach to addressing the current crisis in Gaza. However, I continue to express Ireland’s long-standing and principled commitment to the rule of law and protection of human rights. As a member of the European Union, Ireland is committed to maintaining meaningful engagement with other member states on this issue despite differences in perspectives.
As the Deputies will be aware, I also travelled to the region from 14 to 16 November to engage directly with my Israeli and Palestinian counterparts and to urge an immediate, humanitarian ceasefire. I expressed my grave concern about the humanitarian situation on the ground and reiterated my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. 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 my Egyptian, Jordanian, Qatari, Turkish, Saudi, Lebanese, Iraqi and Emirati counterparts. These discussions have informed the leading position that Ireland has taken among EU counterparts to build momentum for a sustainable solution rooted in Arab peace initiatives.
Ireland’s actions to demand a ceasefire are visible in our strong and consistent commitment to multilateralism. 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. Although, I welcome the Security Council vote for increased humanitarian aid last December – I have been very disappointed by the failure of the Council to act decisively on this conflict thus far.
In the past few weeks, I attend the Munich Security Conference where I spoke with a range of counterparts from the Middle East and wider Europe. Last November, I also attended the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, alongside EU and regional partners to convey Ireland’s position on the conflict.
It is important that our efforts to address the immediate crisis also contribute to a sustainable peace in the long term. I will 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.
14. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the call by Yulia Navalnaya for European Union countries not to recognise the Russian Federation's presidential election in March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10800/24]
View answerI was appalled at Mr. Navalny’s death, which further underpins the lack of respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Russia. There must be a full and transparent international investigation into the circumstances of his death.
My EU counterparts and I met with Yulia Navalnaya at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 February, when we discussed the circumstances surrounding his death, and the EU’s response. In a statement following the Council, the EU confirmed it will keep its sanctions under review, including in response to the death of Mr. Navalny. Ireland will support any further EU sanctions targeted specifically at those directly responsible for Mr. Navalny’s death.
In respect of the March elections, Russia has not invited the OSCE to observe the Russian presidential elections, and Russian domestic legislation has been amended to prevent independent monitoring. During the 2018 election, the OSCE recorded restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association and expression, and on candidate registration, which limited the space for political engagement, resulting in a lack of genuine competition. Along with our EU partners, we will closely follow the election, and discuss any further action.
In December 2023, the EU strongly condemned Russia’s announcement that it would hold Presidential elections in regions of Ukraine temporarily under the occupation of Russia and stated that the EU will never recognise the holding of Russia’s so-called “elections” or their results in the territories of Ukraine.
Accordingly, Ireland will not recognise as legitimate the results of any polls held in these regions of Ukraine while under the temporary occupation of Russia.
15. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what initiatives are being taken to support Ukraine's repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners, and specifically in relation to the demining process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10900/24]
View answerThe ongoing destruction of Ukraine by Russia makes it difficult to assess the eventual cost of reconstruction. Most recent World Bank estimates have put the eventual reconstruction cost at US$486 billion, a figure which continues to rise.
Ireland has provided both humanitarian and stabilisation support bilaterally to Ukraine, focused on early recovery efforts, while engaging at EU and multilateral level on discussions around longer-term reconstruction.
International conferences in Lugano, Berlin, Paris and London, have focused on putting in place the necessary structures and mechanisms for a successful longer-term reconstruction effort.
A multi-donor coordination platform has been established, hosted by the European Commission, following agreement by the G7.
In February, the European Council finalised agreement on a Commission proposal for a €50 billion “Ukraine Facility” to cover the period 2024-27, which Ireland strongly supported and welcomes. Part of this package will invest in rebuilding critical infrastructure.
Also in February, the EU reached agreement concerning the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised sovereign assets to support Ukraine. This agreement establishes the necessary basis to make the revenue generated from the immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets available and to ensure it is held separately from the assets themselves. A later final step will then deal with how this revenue could be used to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
Ukraine is one of the most mined and weapons contaminated countries in the world, with mines present in over 174,000 km of Ukrainian territory. Humanitarian demining will be a complex, demanding, long-term challenge with estimated costs in excess of $37 billion. Ireland has donated demining equipment to Ukraine (mine flails) and provided the Ukrainian military with training on this equipment through EUMAM Ukraine. Ireland has also joined the Lithuanian-led demining coalition under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
16. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his recent meeting of the foreign affairs ministers in Brussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10957/24]
View answerOn 19 February, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where the Council’s discussion focused on the EU’s approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and the Sahel. The Council met with the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny.
During the discussion on Gaza, I reaffirmed that the EU must call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. I called on Member States who have suspended funding to UNRWA to rescind this decision as a matter of urgency. I also asked the Commission to carry out the review of Israel’s human rights obligations requested by Ireland and Spain, as soon as possible.
After one Member State said that it would not participate in collective decisions around EU messaging and sanctions, the other 26 Ministers agreed a statement urging Israel not to proceed with an offensive in Rafah and to abide by the ICJ provisional measures, and calling for an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire. This was an important step. They also agreed to move forward with coordinating the implementation of national measures in respect of violent settlers in the West Bank.
The discussion on Ukraine occurred on the week of the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, and shortly after the announcement of the death of Alexei Nalvany. It was extremely powerful to hear from his widow, Yulia. This was a stark reminder of the character of the Russian government which is seeking to impose its rule over Ukraine. During the discussion, I underlined that it is essential to maintain EU support to Ukraine. I called for the Ukraine Assistance Fund to be agreed without delay, and am pleased that the EU has agreed a thirteenth package of sanctions against Russia.
17. 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 this year; how many are outstanding and currently in waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10959/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. So far in 2024, the Passport Service has issued over 200,000 passports.
There are currently 147,000 passport applications in the system. 83,000, or 56%, of these applications, are with the Passport Service for processing. The remaining 64,000 are awaiting further action by the applicant before they can be progressed. This means that the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit supporting documents in order to move the application forward.
The turnaround times for passport applications are:
• 10 working days for simple online adult renewals
• 15 working days for complex or child online renewals
• 20 working days for first time online applications
• 8 weeks for post passport or paper applications
The Passport Service is currently ahead of all of its advertised turnaround times and there are no backlogs.
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 and is continuing to work to increase resources within the service.
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. 99.9% of all first-time and renewal applicants worldwide can apply now online.
Applicants can easily access the information they need through calling the Passport Service Customer Hub or through Webchat. The Customer Service Hub responds to an average of 10,000 queries per week.
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.
19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 24 January 2024, the details of Ireland's financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/24]
View answer21. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland will continue to support Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 21 together.
Ireland's overall financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 amounts to over €212 million, comprised of over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian funding and commitments of approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility.
Within these overall figures, funding for humanitarian assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs amounted to €20 million in 2022, and €19 million in 2023 respectively.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided assistance for stabilisation and recovery efforts, including through the World Bank Trust Fund to support for critical infrastructure and public services; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support SMEs and Small Business Impact Fund and funding for UN agencies and NGOs for communities devastated by the war.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided funding to ensure accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine. This included €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court to support ongoing investigations, including with regard to Ukraine.
Further funding is being provided in support of reform governance efforts, including to the Council of Europe Development Bank Ukraine Solidarity Fund, and through the OSCE, OECD and NGOs.
The Department has also provided over €1 million in peace and stability funding to Ukraine across 2022 and 2023. This makes a total of some €78 million to date from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Other Government Departments have made contributions including in-kind and monetary supports to Ukraine, including €8.4 million in medical aid contributed by the HSE, €1 million from the Department of Defence towards the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) via the European Peace Facility (EPF) and approximately €1.2 million from the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in Ukraine.
Ireland has also donated two mine flails, 5,000 ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks, two and containerised water treatment plants and tools, equipment and spare parts for repairing gas and electricity networks.
Through EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat casualty care, demining/mine clearance, drill instruction training, and training on the use of mine flails
Ireland committed €43 million in 2023 to address the wider consequences of the war globally, including food insecurity, increasing fragility, and acute child malnutrition. In total, Ireland provided over €75 million to address the wider consequences of the war in 2023.
In 2024, Ireland has allocated €35 million to support to Ukraine and its neighbours to address ongoing humanitarian needs, and progress towards its early recovery and eventual reconstruction.
Ireland has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. In December, we welcomed the European Council decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. This sends an important signal of hope to the Ukrainian people.
In February, the European Council agreed a €50bn package of financial assistance to Ukraine. This package is designed to provide predictable funding in the coming years to help Ukraine meet its immediate needs as well as to assist with early recovery and reconstruction. Ireland welcomes agreement on the Ukraine facility, which we have strongly supported.
We hope that the European Union will shortly agree on additional funding for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility.
22. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide details on the interactions between the State and the Polisario Front of Western Sahara, and if his Department intends on recognising Western Sahara as a sovereign state. [11133/24]
View answerOn 14 February, officials from my Department met with visiting representatives of the Polisario Front to discuss the ongoing political situation in Western Sahara. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss a variety of issues including the return to armed conflict in the region, engagement with the United Nations, the peace process, and human rights issues, including within Sahrawi refugee camps. The delegation raised the ongoing case at the European Court of Justice on the EU-Morocco Fisheries agreement.
Ireland’s longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. Including through our Embassy in Rabat, Ireland pursues constructive engagement and supports initiatives by the UN, such as the visit of UN Special Advisor Staffan de Mistura to the region in September 2023.
As I have previously stated, Ireland recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law. Our long-standing policy is to support the UN Security Council Resolutions on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a view on the outcome of that decision so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
23. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a status update on Ireland's plans 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. [11057/24]
View answer31. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland, in light of Belgium’s move to support South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, has plans to shift its position to one of support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3821/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 31 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.
I welcomed the Court’s order of provisional measures in this case on 26 January, particularly the direction that Israel take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Ireland has been consistent in calling for this from the start of this conflict. I know that Israel filed a report to the Court on foot of the Order on 26 February, but this has not been made public.
My officials continue to analyse the legal and policy aspects of this case, and we are in contact with South Africa and other like-minded partners in this regard. However, as I have stated before, the Government will make a final decision on intervention once South Africa, as the applicant state, files its written memorial.
The reason for awaiting the filing of the applicant state's memorial in such cases is to enable third states to make informed decisions on whether to intervene, based on as complete as possible an understanding of the matters in question before the Court. This allows a state considering intervention the time to undertake detailed and rigorous analysis of those matters in advance of intervention. In turn, this means that any intervention is more likely to be permitted by the Court, or be deemed admissible by it (depending on the intervention’s legal basis). It also means that interventions are more likely to be relevant, comprehensive and helpful to the Court in its consideration of the legal issues before it.
This is exactly what Ireland did in respect the Ukraine v Russia case, which was also taken under the Genocide Convention. Our intervention in that case was deemed admissible.
To date, no state has ever successfully intervened in an International Court of Justice case before the applicant filed its memorial. I note that only one state, Nicaragua, has requested permission to intervene in the South Africa v. Israel case to date. The Court has not yet decided upon that request.
It is important to note that when third states seek to intervene in International Court of Justice cases, they do not ‘join’ or 'support' 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.
24. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the Munich Security Conference 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10890/24]
View answer55. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his discussions on Ukraine at the recent Munich Security Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 55 together.
I attended the Munich Security Conference from 16-18 February. The Munich Security Conference continues to be one of the world’s leading platforms for debate and policy exchange on international security and foreign policy, including Russia’s ongoing illegal war in Ukraine and its impact on European and global security, the situation in the Middle East, and support for the global multilateral system.
The Munich Security Conference is an important opportunity for Ireland to remain at the centre of global conversations on foreign and security policy choices. This year the Government was represented for the first time by both the Taoiseach and myself. I was able to meet with a range of global leaders, decision-makers and policy-thinkers including my counterparts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan, Lebanon, Moldova, Norway, and Palestine, as well as the UK Shadow Foreign Secretary and the ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, with whom I discussed the progress of his investigations in both Ukraine and the Middle East. The Taoiseach participated in a panel discussion on neutrality, moderated by Professor Louise Richardson, which included participants from Austria, Malta and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and also had a programme of bilateral engagements.
I also addressed the conference in a spotlight event on UN Security Council Reform, a key foreign policy priority for Ireland, as part of a panel discussion alongside leaders from Slovenia, Peru, Kenya, and Germany. Following our UN Security Council term in 2021 and 2022, I am more convinced than ever that maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of the global multilateral system, with the UN Charter at its heart, requires radical reform of the Security Council. The UN’s peace and security architecture needs to adapt to address global realities. This is the message that I delivered to the conference participants.
Munich was also an opportunity to have extensive conversations with Arab, European and transatlantic partners on the situations in Gaza and Ukraine. Throughout my engagements, I called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and full, unhindered and safe humanitarian access to all civilians, while also underlining the urgency of moving quickly and decisively to a permanent political solution, including the full recognition of two states, Israel and Palestine, by the entire international community.
I also participated in discussions around the continued need to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression. Yulia Navalnaya, just hours after the death of her husband Alexei, also addressed the conference, in what was a stark reminder of the character of the Russian government, which is currently attempting to forcibly annex Ukrainian territory. I attended the address of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to the conference and took careful note of his appeal for sustained and substantive support in the face of escalating aggression. Ireland will continue to answer that call. Ireland continues to believe that EU membership is the ultimate security guarantee that can be provided to Ukraine, and we will support their accession path in every way possible.
Participation in the Munich Security Conference once again ensured that Ireland’s voice was heard in the discussions on critical foreign and security policy issues underway globally, and allowed us an opportunity to present our principled vision for a path towards greater global stability and security, with respect for the UN Charter at its core.
25. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the consequences for all of Europe if Russia is allowed to prevail in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/24]
View answer26. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views 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. [10854/24]
View answer53. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the 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. [10855/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 26 and 53 together.
As Ukrainians face into the third year of war, we must make clear that we are unwavering in the strength of our commitment to supporting Ukraine. Ensuring that Russia does not succeed in its imperial ambitions is existential for Ukraine, but is also fundamental for European and global security. This is true now, as it was just over two years ago, when Putin launched his unprovoked and illegal invasion.
That is why the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. The EU and its Member States have mobilised unprecedented levels of support for Ukraine since February 2022. Collectively, the EU has provided approximately €88 billion in financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support.
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. Since February 2022, the EU has introduced measures targeting the military, financial, energy, technology, transport and media sectors of the Russian economy. Almost 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures.
Over the past year, the EU has been working with third countries to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and combat circumvention of sanctions. Ireland fully supports these efforts, including the work of the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan in his outreach with third countries.
These sanctions are an integral part of Europe’s response to Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine. They are having a negative impact on Russia’s economic and military capacity, impeding its ability in particular to access advanced technology and military goods. This pressure must be maintained.
We have seen that the implications of Russia’s aggression go far beyond Europe. Russian aggression represents a threat to international law and the rules based international order. How Europe responds sends a signal to others who might seek to change international borders through the use of force.
We have also seen other global impacts of the Russian invasion, for example in relation to food and energy security. For that reason, the Irish and European response to Russia's invasion has also focused on stabilising world markets and alleviating the impact on the most vulnerable countries, including through the EU Solidarity Lanes and wider humanitarian assistance.
We have just marked the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and it is essential that our commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast. This is vital in the first instance for the Ukrainian people, but also to safeguard the security of Europe as a whole. The concept of ‘Ukraine fatigue’ does a disservice to the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In December, the European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. Ireland has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. We believe that EU membership will be the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine.
In February, the EU again demonstrated its firm commitment to continuing to support Ukraine by agreeing on a new €50 billion financial assistance package. The “Ukraine Facility” will allow Ukraine to continue to pay wages and pensions, maintain essential public services, ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia in the coming years. Ireland also welcomes the recent agreement on a 13th package of sanctions against Russia.
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.
28. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications on hand more than one, three and six months; and his proposals to ensure that all applications are processed as efficiently as possible ahead of summer 2024. [10951/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is meeting its turnaround times which are at or well-ahead of target, with no backlogs. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days and over 90% of applicants now apply online.
There are currently 147,000 passport applications in the system. 83,000, or 56%, of these applications, are with the Passport Service for processing. The remaining 64,000 are awaiting further action by the applicant before they can be progressed. This means that the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit supporting documents in order to move the application forward. It is the experience of the Passport Service that it can take weeks or months for Passport Online applicants to submit the documents required in order to progress their application.
The number of passport applications currently with the Passport Service for processing for 1 to 3 months since the last correspondence with the applicant is 5,293. This includes Post Passport applications that have a turnaround time of 8 weeks.
The number of passport applications currently with the Passport Service for processing for 4 to 6 months is 93.
The total number of passport applications currently with the Passport Service for processing over 6 months is 180.
The number of passport applications that are with the Passport Service for processing six months or more represents 0.001% of the total number of applications in the system. These are very complex or sensitive cases that may involve citizenship, guardianship or legal issues. These require very thorough examination by experienced staff and can take longer to process. There are often multiple interactions between the Passport Service and the applicant or their guardians during this time, as well as with other government departments and agencies if required.
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.
29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for further discussions with the British foreign secretary and the secretary of state for Northern Ireland on the need for the British government to respond positively and without further delay to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann regarding the Monaghan and Dublin bombings of May 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/24]
View answer35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any recent substantive response from the British authorities in relation to the unanimous motions passed by Dáil Éireann concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11118/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 35 together.
The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings continues to be a priority, in fulfillment of the Programme for a Partnership Government. The continuing absence of a substantive response from the British government on these motions is a matter of concern and is an issue I consistently raise with UK Ministers.
At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in November, I raised the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I reminded him of the need for a considered response with a view to ensuring access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the case. In correspondence earlier this year, I highlighted to the Secretary of State the upcoming 50th anniversary of the bombings.
I am conscious that the work of the Operation Denton investigation is very relevant to a number of cases North and South, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I met with the then lead investigator, Mr. Jon Boucher, and officials from my Department have met with his successor, Sir Iain Livingston, to hear about their work and that of the Denton team. It is to be hoped that the anticipated report of the Operation Denton investigation will contribute to the long process of justice, truth and acknowledgement for the victims and survivors.
Last year I attended a very moving and powerful memorial in Dublin on 17 May hosted by Justice for the Forgotten remembering those that lost their lives in the Dublin attacks and to meet with the families of those killed and injured. I assured those families that the Government is actively pursuing the implementation of the all-Party Dáil motions. Justice for the Forgotten is an organisation which supports families affected by the Dublin and Monaghan bombs, and is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund.
This year as we prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings I am acutely aware that families have waited too long for answers. The Government will continue to seek the full facts of the events of 17 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to secure a review of Israels adherence to human rights clauses within the EU Israel Association agreement; and if Ireland will demand a suspension of this agreement until such stage as Israel adheres to its obligations under international law. [10948/24]
View answer67. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline any engagement he or his Department has had with EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles, or his office, on the potential suspension of the EU-Israel trade association agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/24]
View answer71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his engagement at EU level following the recent letter signed by the Taoiseach and the Spanish Prime Minister for a review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU/Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11187/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 67 and 71 together.
The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission on 15 February calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The letter was addressed to Commission President von der Leyen, and was copied to High Representative/Vice President Borrell.
Given the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian and security conditions in the Gaza strip, the ongoing active hostilities, and the risk of a ground offensive by Israel in Rafah, we expect the review to be carried out in an expedited manner and proposals to be presented to the Council rapidly. I raised the matter at the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, and asked that the review be carried out as a matter of urgency. The review should result in a credible and robust assessment of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the relevant provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Without prejudging the outcome of the review, if Israel is not in compliance, concrete measures should be proposed by the EU institutions to the Council, for consideration and decision. There are a number of options in respect of concrete measures that could potentially be proposed, including the suspension of the agreement in whole or in part.
