Written Answers Nos. 22-41
22. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures Ireland is taking to support women’s rights internationally, particularly in countries that face extreme discrimination and violence, like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and so on. [46496/24]
View answerIreland’s overarching foreign policy goal is the achievement of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world. It is evident that this cannot be achieved if half of the world’s population does not enjoy equal rights and freedom from discrimination. The attainment of gender equality and equal rights for women and girls is therefore a policy priority across Ireland’s international engagement, including in international human rights, development cooperation, and in our bilateral relationships.
We are deeply concerned by the situation of women and girls in acutely discriminatory circumstances, including situations of violence and conflict. Ireland actively raises these concerns in multilateral settings, including through debates, resolutions, and statements at the UN, such as at the Commission on the Status of Women and the UN Human Rights Council.
For instance, during the spring 2024 Universal Periodic Review session, Ireland recommended that Afghanistan reverse all decrees implemented by the Taliban that place restrictions on women and girls’ rights to education, employment, legal remedies, health and freedom of movement. Ireland also recommended Yemen end the mahram, or male guardian requirement, for all women and take measures to criminalise all forms of gender-based violence.
The continuing and worsening discrimination in Iran against the position and freedoms of women and girls has been a major concern in recent years, including substantial public protests in Iran which have been suppressed by force. These issues have been a particular focus of Ireland’s engagement on human rights in Iran, conducted through resolutions and actions at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council, contacts at EU level, and our own direct representations to the Iranian authorities, including at official level bilateral political consultations held in Dublin last year.
In the difficult circumstances of a continuing civil war in Yemen, there have been positive discussions at EU level with the Government on issues relating to the rights and status of women. However, prospects for major progress are severely limited until the war can be ended, and while much of the territory and more than half of the population of Yemen are outside the control of the government. Ireland continues to fund the UNOCHA Yemen Humanitarian Fund, which includes two strategic objectives on improving and maintaining non-discriminatory access to basic services and protection of the most vulnerable crisis affected population, by ensuring timely, principled, and non-discriminatory humanitarian assistance and solutions by promoting international norms and standards.
In relation to Saudi Arabia, bilaterally, through EU channels and in international fora, Ireland has recognised advancements in the position and status of women while encouraging further action.
The restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls in Afghanistan are truly horrendous and could amount to gender persecution which is a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the ICC. Ireland has consistently condemned the actions of the Taliban and worked with like-minded partners to maintain international attention on the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, including through organising a successful event I attended at the UNGA high level week last September. The Government will continue our active engagement on this appalling situation, in line with the commitment now set out in “Securing our Future.”
Support to women’s rights organisations and human rights defenders is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. This includes, for example, the provision of funding to organisations working globally to protect human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in recognition of their central role in driving progress and promoting universal human rights.
Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World, also commits to increasing Ireland’s funding to women’s rights organisations, as key actors in advancing gender equality at local, national and global levels.
23. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will consider introducing a foreign travel advice warning of the harm caused by orphanage volunteering. [46516/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs, via TravelWise, the department’s travel advice service, publishes advice online for outward travel in over 200 countries. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling, whether by air or other modes of transport, working, or living overseas, with a view to helping Irish citizens make informed decisions for themselves.
The Department's travel advice is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country, our international partners, and our domestic partners, where appropriate.
Regarding volunteering overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs has a long-standing strategic partnership with Comhlámh, the Irish association of development workers and volunteers. An important feature of this partnership is the provision of travel advice by my Department via TravelWise on volunteering, including on the subject of volunteering in or visiting orphanages. This advice can be found at Backpacking, Volunteering And Adventure Tourism | Travel | Department of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie
It should be noted that our Travel Advice remains under regular review. Any change will be notified through my Department's website at www.dfa.ie/travel
24. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider extending voting rights to Irish citizens living abroad. [46523/24]
View answerThe Government's current Diaspora Strategy concludes at the end of this year.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will shortly begin working on the next strategy which will include consultations with our global Irish community to reflect their evolving circumstances in our new strategy.
25. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the preparations to date his Department has undertaken for a united Ireland, or a united Ireland referendum. [46524/24]
View answerThe approach of any Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998. The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether the continuation of the union with Great Britain or a sovereign united Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement - and the two sovereign Governments - explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of both of these constitutional positions, which are deeply held.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. The decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Agreement provides that the Secretary of State shall call a poll: “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.”
The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of the island of Ireland, North and South. Should there be a vote in favour of constitutional change in the future, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.
The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The Government’s focus now, and our commitment through the Shared Island initiative, is on working with all communities and political traditions to take up the significant opportunities of deeper cooperation and connection on the island, and to build consensus on key issues for our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
26. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect of a united Ireland; and how he sees it evolving in the next five to ten years. [46525/24]
View answerThe approach of any Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998. The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether the continuation of the union with Great Britain or a sovereign united Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement - and the two sovereign Governments - explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of both of these constitutional positions, which are deeply held.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. The decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Agreement provides that the Secretary of State shall call a poll: “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.”
The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of the island of Ireland, North and South. Should there be a vote in favour of constitutional change in the future, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.
The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The Government’s focus now, and our commitment through the Shared Island initiative, is on working with all communities and political traditions to take up the significant opportunities of deeper cooperation and connection on the island, and to build consensus on key issues for our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
27. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the process by which it was agreed that the Irish embassy in Britain would host a book launch for a person (details supplied); whether this facility is open to all authors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46535/24]
View answerThe book launch event was hosted by the Ambassador as part of the Embassy of Ireland in London’s outreach and event programme, which included over 100 events in 2024. These events have included 13 book launches over 2023 and 2024, 7 of which were hosted by the Embassy in London throughout 2024. The Embassy also supported the Irish Writers Weekend at the British Library in November, which featured the work of over 30 Irish writers.
The Irish Embassy in London works actively to protect and promote Ireland’s interests in Great Britain, with a particular focus on fostering strong political, economic, cultural and people-to-people links between our countries. To this end, the Embassy undertakes a wide-ranging programme of representational activities, many of which are focused on engaging with the significant Irish community in London and beyond, as well as those interested in Irish related affairs. The event in question was undertaken in the context of this broader work.
28. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied); if the application will be expedited as the applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46573/24]
View answer30. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an urgent passport application for a child (details supplied) will be expedited. [46671/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the requirements for having a passport issued with the name in Irish when a person had previously used their English name; if these requirements are discordant with State efforts to facilitate increased use of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46658/24]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.
Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on a person's birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person's birth certificate is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc., where civil or legal documents are available to verify this change.
In cases where a name change arises, other than by marriage or civil partnership etc., the Passport Service requires evidence in respect of the constant and sustained use of the new name and identity over a two year period. Evidence of this, for at least two years, through documentation such as photo ID, bills, bank statements, or official correspondence in the new name is required.
The Passport Service has put in place an option for those citizens who wish to use the Irish form of their names, but who lack the full two years proof of use. In these circumstances, the Irish form of the name will be personalised on the passport with the person's birth name added as an observation on the passport, once the person can provide evidence of six months proof of use. Once the two year proof of use of the Irish name has been obtained, the passport holder can re-apply for a new passport in their Irish name without any observation.
This policy seeks to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against identity fraud, while at the same time balancing the wishes of those citizens, who wish to use the Irish language more frequently in their daily lives. The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport currently ranks fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 191 countries.
Further information for citizens who wish to change their name from English to Irish on their passport is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/adult.
31. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign births registration application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46759/24]
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 through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
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.
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.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received for the application on 04 July 2024. This application is within the turnaround time.
32. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the release from prison of a prominent Tibetan environmental rights defender (details supplied) after serving a 15-year prison sentence; if he will publicly support the release of the activists brothers, who were arrested after their environmental protection group sought to expose local officials who hunted endangered animals; and if he will express concerns about restrictions on the activists freedom of speech and other fundamental human rights actions. [46761/24]
View answer44. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a recent report on China (details supplied) which described how the human rights landscape continues to deteriorate, characterised by widespread repression and systematic violations against various groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1304/25]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is a core pillar of Irish foreign policy. Ireland is active bilaterally and as a member of the European Union on human rights issues, including in relation to China.
I remain deeply concerned by the continued repression of civil society in China, including harassment of human rights defenders; restrictions on freedom of expression, including in Hong Kong; and the treatment of ethnic and religious groups, including in Xinjiang and Tibet. Support for human rights defenders is a key and long-established priority for Ireland. My officials engage regularly with a broad range of civil society and international organisations on the promotion and protection of human rights, including the one referenced in question 1304/25.
Ireland regularly raises concerns regarding human rights with China, both in bilateral meetings as well as in the appropriate international fora. I raised Ireland’s long-held concerns about these matters when I met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in November 2023. Then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and President Higgins also expressed concern about these issues when they met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Ireland last January.
In January 2024 ,as part of its submission to the Universal Periodic Review of China at the Human Rights Council, Ireland highlighted the continued repression of civil society in China; including harassment of human rights defenders, restrictions on freedom of expression (including in Hong Kong), the treatment of ethnic and religious groups, including in Tibet and Xinjiang, and LGBTQI+ rights.
More recently, in September 2024 , Ireland reiterated our concerns over restrictions on civic space in China and about the treatment of Tibetans in our national statement at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland also joined the EU Statement, which expressed concerns about the human rights situation in China and specifically included reference to the situation in Tibet - including, inter alia, the ill treatment and unlawful detention of human rights defenders. China was urged to abide by its obligations under national and international law to respect, protect and fulfil the rule of law and human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and other persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious or other groups and minorities across China.
Ireland will continue to address human rights concerns with China, through our bilateral contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels.
33. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on the continued detention of the political prisoner (details supplied) in Hong Kong, on efforts made by his Department to raise the case with Chinese authorities; if he is concerned by the use by China of its national security law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46782/24]
View answerIreland has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation in Hong Kong since the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020. The National Security Law, together with the subsequent Article 23 legislation, adopted in March 2023 introduces crimes such as treason, sedition and collusion with foreign forces, and allows for trials to be held behind closed doors. Such legislation has a chilling effect on fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle. Ireland was among a number of EU Member States to suspend its Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong, as a result of this worrying legislation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also followed the specific case of Jimmy Lai with concern since his arrest in August 2020.
The Tánaiste raised Ireland’s concerns about developments in Hong Kong when he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in November 2023. Then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, also raised Ireland’s deep concerns with regard to Hong Kong at his meeting with Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Ireland last January.
Mr. Lai's case is among several cases which highlight issues related to media freedom in Hong Kong. As a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, a group of countries for which this is a priority issue, Ireland joined a statement in September 2024, expressing our concern regarding the suppression of media freedom in Hong Kong, following the guilty verdict of the Stand News editors in August 2024.
Ireland also frequently raises our concerns about the National Security Law in Hong Kong at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). We flagged the situation during the Universal Periodic Review of China at the Human Rights Council in January 2024 and, most recently in September 2024, Ireland expressed concern about the continued erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong at the 57th session of the HRC.
In November 2024, in the margins of the UN General Assembly, my officials met with Mr. Lai’s international legal team and received an update of recent developments and concerns regarding the ongoing case.
Mr. Lai’s trial resumed in Hong Kong on 6 January 2025. Officials at Ireland's Consulate General in Hong Kong have been observing the trial, alongside EU colleagues, since the beginning.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that human rights remains on the agenda with China, and we will continue to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong, at the bilateral and multilateral level.
34. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions taken during 2024 at international level by Ireland in support of Ukraine and against the illegal invasion by Russia; the number of public statements or press releases issued by his Department on Ukraine during 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46783/24]
View answerIreland has been clear in our unwavering support for the people and Government of Ukraine since the launch of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion in February 2022. We remain committed to providing Ukraine with the political and practical support it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and make progress along its EU accession path.
Ireland’s support for Ukraine is multifaceted. We have contributed extensive political, humanitarian, military, and economic support to Ukraine since February 2022.
On 4 September last year, I announced with the Taoiseach a significant package of supports for Ukraine and its neighbours, worth €36 million, which has now been allocated. This announcement brings Ireland’s total support to Ukraine since February 2022 to over €380 million, including approximately €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian supports and commitments of approximately €250 million of non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility.
This package of support is helping provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations. Ireland makes extensive use of the multilateral system, and works with trusted partners on the ground to ensure a harmonised approach and enable the fast delivery of sustainable support.
Ireland has also been participating directly in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) following Government approval in February 2023. Through Ireland’s participation in EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training to over 700 Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) personnel in training modules which include tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training.
Ireland, through the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, has donated 30 vehicles to Ukraine, in addition to demining equipment,10 tonnes of ready to eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks. Through the framework of the European Defence Agency Project EU SatCom Market, of which Ireland is a participant, support was provided to Ukraine in respect to provision of satellite communications equipment at a value of €1.36m.
Ireland is also supporting civilian security sector reform through the provision of eight civilian experts to the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine.
Ireland has also welcomed over 110,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Additionally, a number of significant decisions have been taken at EU level in recent months on opening accession negotiations, establishing the Ukraine Facility, agreeing to use the profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets to further support Ukraine, and on a 15th package of sanctions targeting Russia. The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history.
The Taoiseach visited Ukraine on 4 September 2024 to meet with President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Shmyhal in Kyiv. The Taoiseach signed with President Zelenskyy a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and cooperation between Ireland and Ukraine. This new Agreement is a political and practical declaration of Ireland’s support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We also continue to build support among global partners for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart.
In 2024, my Department issued 5 press releases and posted 15 statements on X specifically on our support to Ukraine, with an additional 37 press releases mentioning our work in Ukraine within the context of broader foreign policy issues.
35. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline Ireland’s continued support for the United Nations 1967 Outer Space Treaty and Ireland’s opposition to proposed amendments by Russia to that Treaty in November/December, 2024; the position of Ireland on the development of space law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46785/24]
View answerIreland is fully committed to preserving outer space as a safe and secure global commons for the use and benefit of all, and to the prevention of an arms race in outer space. We continue to support the Outer Space Treaty, oppose the placement of weapons in outer space, and actively participate in the multilateral process to prevent an arms race in outer space.
At the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution, led by the United States, Japan and Argentina, reaffirming the Outer Space Treaty and opposing the development and deployment of a nuclear weapon or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit. This resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly, adds to the existing body of rules, norms and principles that can reduce space threats.
Ireland opposed the Russian Federation’s amendments – rejected by UN members - to this resolution. The amendments served to confuse the singular positive contribution of the resolution – a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons specifically designed for placement in outer space – including by incorporating language from Russia’s non-consensual approach to developing space law, which has not demonstrated a practicable basis for implementation. Following Russia’s actions earlier in 2024 vetoing a UN Security Council Resolution on the non-placement of nuclear weapons in outer space, the good faith intent of these amendments was always in question and could not be demonstrated.
Ireland will continue to advocate for global norms and rules governing human activity in space, in accordance with international space law through an inclusive process. Ireland awaits the publication of the proposed EU Space Law by the European Commission, which is expected this year. This initiative is designed to provide a common framework for security, safety, and sustainability in space, that would ensure a consistent and EU-wide approach.
36. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has undertaken an examination of Project 2025, the transition plan developed by the United States Heritage Foundation, and if he would outline the assessment of its potential implications for Ireland. [46786/24]
View answerMaintaining and growing our close and mutually beneficial relationship with the US is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland, as reflected in the 2025 Programme for Government, and as it has been for successive Irish Governments.
As with all political developments taking place globally which are likely to impact on Ireland’s international and domestic priorities and interests, the Government has carefully analysed the potential impact of policy changes in the US on Ireland's core interests. This analysis has been informed by reporting from our diplomatic network across the US, including the Embassy in Washington and eight Consulates General, engagement with business and economic stakeholders, as well as ongoing discussions at EU level.
This work has included consideration of publications by a variety of US-based think tanks which may be relevant to policy development by the new US administration, including the policy proposals contained in Project 2025, published by the Heritage Foundation. While Project 2025 describes itself as a Presidential Transition Project aiming to 'pave the way for an effective conservative administration', it is not formally linked to President Trump's administration. The extent to which some of its proposals will be taken up by the incoming administration remains to be seen.
The Government looks forward to working constructively with the new US administration on issues of mutual interest and priority. It will be important to focus on the actual policy decisions taken by the administration and on their implications for Ireland and for the EU.
37. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence within his Department; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI, if the Department has used AI (including large language models) in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46787/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs has developed a policy on the use of Generative AI in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. ICT related policies are available to all staff.
The Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the various policy considerations that arise. The Department has not used AI in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments. There are no agencies under my Department's aegis.
38. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an application to the foreign birth register for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/24]
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, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications are processed in strict order based on date of receipt, and applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
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.
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.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received for the application on 13 August 2024. This application is within the turnaround time.
39. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a list will be provided of all persons appointed to State or semi-State boards under his remit since 1 November 2024. [46928/24]
View answerThere are no State or semi-State boards under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
40. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be issued for a person (details supplied). [1034/25]
View answer47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to review passport renewal applications (details supplied); if he can expedite same given the travel date is approaching immediately and passports are required in order to obtain visas in advance of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1368/25]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passports to the applicants.
41. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens who have sought permission pursuant to Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution to receive titles of nobility or other honours; and the number of persons who have been granted or refused such permission. [1071/25]
View answerArticle 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
It is these types of award that are considered by Government. If a foreign Government wishes to make any such award to an Irish citizen, the standard practice is that the relevant accredited diplomatic mission would notify my Department in advance of the conferral of the award. It is noted that rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise rights, privileges or dignities as flowing from it. Under Irish law, such a title has no significance in terms of conferring rights, entitlements or dignities.
In addition, awards that provide for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one's name or involve the presentation of medals, ribbons or academic honours are not regarded as conferring a title of nobility or of honour in this context.
Based on a review of records held by my Department and compiled in the time available, the Government has considered 22 such awards in the period between December 2000 and November 2024. Information prior to this period was not possible to obtain in the time available.
The Government approved twelve of these awards. In relation to the remaining ten awards, the honours in question were extended to the Irish citizens concerned before the conferral was brought to the attention of the Government. No facility exists for retrospective approval by the Government. However, my Department regularly reminds the relevant authorities that the prior approval of the Government should be sought where awards of the nature outlined in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution are to be conferred on an Irish citizen.
