Vol. 869 No. 3
1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland’s position on the deteriorating situation in the Ukraine; if he has had contact with his Russian counterpart on this matter; if he will provide an update on the discussions he has had about the incursion into Irish airspace by Russian military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8340/15]
We have all witnessed the horrific loss of life and displacement of people in the Ukraine. I hope the long-awaited truce that took hold on Wednesday in eastern Ukraine will hold. As a sovereign Parliament, we should send a clear message that the sovereignty of the Ukraine must be respected. Has the Minister conveyed such sentiments to the Russian authorities and can he assure us that he will convey this message at the EU Foreign Affairs Council? Russian aggression cannot be tolerated.
The EU has been at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and Ireland has participated actively in shaping the Union’s approach. An agreement was reached in Minsk on 12 February on a new peace deal aimed at ending the ten-month conflict in eastern Ukraine. The declaration agreed in Minsk by Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, President Putin and President Poroschenko, and the package of measures signed by the parties to the conflict, provide for a ceasefire in and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from eastern Ukraine. The package also contains a timetable for the implementation of key parts of the September Minsk agreements, including local elections and securing Ukraine’s border with Russia. I welcome and fully support the 12 February peace agreement which provides the basis for a comprehensive resolution of the crisis. It is vital that the parties to the agreement abide by the commitments to which they have signed up.
The ceasefire came into effect at midnight on 14 February. Unfortunately, despite agreeing to a truce, Russian-backed separatists continued a full-scale assault on Debaltseve and forced Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the town, which is now in rebel hands. I strongly condemn the assault on Debaltseve. It is a major breach of the ceasefire and threatens to undermine the deal brokered in Minsk on 12 February. The rebels indicated last weekend a readiness to begin pulling back their heavy weapons from the contact line. A significant number of prisoners have also been exchanged.
I have not discussed the situation in Ukraine with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. My French and German colleagues, however, have been in regular contact with him in the lead-up to the negotiation of the Minsk agreement and subsequently. They have highlighted the need for Russia to use its considerable influence over the rebels to ensure full compliance with their obligations under the 12 February agreement. EU member states have been kept informed of these exchanges, including at the informal meeting of EU Heads of State and Government on 12 February.
I welcome the work that President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel have done in getting agreement to a ceasefire but, as I have stated previously, the Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy should be leading these discussions on behalf of the 28 member states of the EU. The Minister was correct to condemn the assault on Debaltseve. Concerns have been expressed that the city of Mariupol may be the next flashpoint. If difficulties arise in that regard, it will mean the end of the Minsk peace plan. I hope that does not occur. It is important that the European Union continues to play an active role in seeking an end to the hostilities, the displacement of people and the needless loss of life that have occurred in Ukraine over the past 12 months.
I agree with Deputy Smith's condemnation of the unacceptable levels of violence, destruction and displacement. Deplorable violence and suffering have been inflicted on thousands of innocent civilians over many months, and we are now facing a very serious humanitarian crisis in the region. The European Union has led the way in providing urgently needed support to the local populations in the affected areas and discussions continue regarding what more can be done in that regard. The European Commission has thus far allocated a sum in excess of €25 million in humanitarian assistance, with a further €15 million pledged for 2015. There is also awareness that the longer-term reconstruction of areas of eastern Ukraine will need to be a focus for EU support in the region. A co-ordinated effort will be required if we are to ensure these supports are as effective as possible.
Has the Minister engaged in discussions with his counterparts in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway, all of whom have publicly expressed concern about potential Russian aggression on their borders? In regard to encroachment on Irish-controlled airspace, I understand the Minister directed one of his senior officials to convey directly to the Russian ambassador the concerns of the Government and Irish people. Has he received a response from the Russian Government in regard to these concerns about illegal activity by Russian military aircraft?
In regard to my engagement with EU colleagues in the region, including in particular Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania, these matters are discussed on an ongoing basis at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings. I am fully briefed by my colleagues in the area who have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing situation in their neighbourhood.
In regard to the presence of Russian aircraft in Irish-controlled airspace, on 28 January and 18 February Russian military aircraft were in an area in respect of which the Irish Aviation Authority has responsibility for the provision, operation and management of air navigation services and civil aviation.
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has relayed its concerns to the International Civil Aviation Authority. It emphasised that the IAA co-ordinated closely with its UK counterpart at all stages during the incidents to avoid any risk to civil aircraft. Although there was no such risk on these occasions, non-notified and non-controlled flight activity is not acceptable.
On 3 February, senior officials in my Department met the Russian ambassador in Iveagh House to convey the serious concern of the Irish Government about the incidents. On 19 February, these concerns were further underlined to the deputy head of mission in the Russian embassy. The Russians have noted our concerns and I hope they will act accordingly.
2. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his recent trip to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan; and if his Department have plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine. [8447/15]
I welcome the Minister's visit to the Middle East last week, in particular the fact he visited Gaza and saw at first hand the conditions there, something which the Israeli Government and the Egyptian Government have denied to other Members of the Oireachtas and Irish MEPs. I tabled this question to get a brief report on the Minister's visit and on the discussions he had. I specifically want to know if he will detail his plans for formal recognition of the Palestinian state by this Government. As he knows, both Houses of the Oireachtas passed motions last year calling on the Government to do just that. I hope this will form part of his discussions.
Deputy Crowe was correct when he said that I had the opportunity to visit Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territory from 15 to 19 February. What was striking overall was that increasing instability, in particular arising from the conflict in Syria, is casting a dark shadow over the entire region.
In Lebanon, I had the opportunity to meet the UNIFIL force commander, Major General Luciano Portolano, and Irish troops serving with UNIFIL. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, it was not possible for my visit to Jordan to go ahead.
The primary purpose of my visit to Israel and the Palestinian territory was to personally assess the situation on the ground in the context of the Middle East peace process. I met a range of interlocutors, including the Foreign Minister of Israel, Mr. Liberman, Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, and Pierre Krahenbuhl, the Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency. I did not meet Hamas in Gaza. I also met UN agencies and civil society groups to develop a better understanding of the issues faced on all sides. I also had a telephone conversation with the leader of Israel’s Labour Party, Isaac Herzog, who has strong links with Ireland.
In Gaza, I was struck by the desperation of the humanitarian situation for so many people on the ground. In my subsequent meeting with Foreign Minister Liberman, I stressed the need to make further progress in lifting the blockade to meet humanitarian need and as an enabler of social and economic progress. I also raised with Minister Liberman my concerns about settlements and the threat that their continued expansion poses to the viability of a two-state solution. In the West Bank, I saw at first hand the impact of settlements, including on the daily life of Palestinians. I also met Israelis living near the border with Gaza who continue to live in fear of attacks from Hamas.
I welcome the fact the Minister visited Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon and that he laid a wreath to remember Irish peacekeepers who have died while on duty. I also welcome the fact that he met key political figures in Israel and Palestine. His announcement of more funding to UNRWA is strongly supported, and I have another parliamentary question on that issue. I hope the Minister can encourage other international partners to urgently donate to stem UNRWA's funding shortage.
My key question relates to the timeline for recognition of the state of Palestine. I think we all accept that the possibility of a two-state solution is dying. The people in Gaza cannot wait, which the Minister will know from the conditions there, nor can the people living behind the wall in Jerusalem. Does the Minister have a timescale, bearing in mind that both Houses of the Oireachtas voted in favour of this action?
I want to see the political process put back on track. In all of those meetings, the emphasis was placed on ensuring there were talks leading towards a two-state solution. The Deputy will be aware that elections are taking place in Israel currently. I hope we will see elections to the Palestinian Authority in the very near future.
I refer to what the Deputy said in regard to formal recognition of the state of Palestine. Members will be aware that the motion passed by the Dáil in December called on the Government to do everything it can at the international level to help secure an inclusive and viable peace process and two-state solution in order to bring about the positive conditions to end conflict in the area. The earlier Seanad motion in October used almost the same wording.
As Minister, everything I do on this issue is about ensuring that Ireland's actions will make a positive contribution towards that goal. In this regard, I had a very good discussion with the EU High Representative Mogherini in Dublin last month and again in a telephone call from the ground in Israel last week. As mentioned in my response to the Dáil motion, it is considered that it would be impractical and possibly counter-productive to attempt new initiatives while the Israeli elections are ongoing. I have consistently argued for a fundamental review of EU policy and I have assured the EU High Representative of my support and that of the Irish people.
When does the Minister think the right time will be? That is the key question. It is inevitable that we are moving towards that path. I spoke to EU High Representative Mogherini about this and she said she did not believe anything would happen until after the elections. However, it is clear that the conditions are getting worse and that the possibility of a two-state solution is disappearing before our eyes.
People are looking for action. The action by the Irish Government should include recognition of the Palestinian state. It will not bring about Palestinian freedom but it will signal our support for those people who are oppressed.
I do not disagree with what Deputy Crowe said but I emphasise that my whole approach will be guided by a concern to ensure that the actions of Ireland will make a positive contribution to the achievement of a Palestinian state. We continue to stress, as successive Government have for some time, that a two-state solution is the only solution for the region that will bring about stability and peace. I emphasised this point in the context of our meeting with President Abbas. Our discussions were focused entirely on issues affecting the peace process. These included the settlements, the situation in Gaza, the possible role for the European Union in ensuring efforts to further internationalise the issue, including through the United Nations Security Council, and efforts to encourage further recognition for the Palestinian state.
It is clear there are very real and serious issues here, which I saw on the ground in Gaza where the situation was unacceptable. There was acknowledgement on the part of President Abbas and others of the Irish contribution towards the relief of the unacceptable humanitarian crisis there. I am closely monitoring the situation to ensure Ireland continues to play a positive and active role in this regard.
3. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will stress the urgency at European Union and United Nations levels in realising a political solution to the crisis in Syria; and if he will ensure commitments made on humanitarian aid are realised. [8342/15]
Will the Minister stress at both European Union and United Nations level the urgency of realising a political solution to the Syrian crisis and ensuring that commitments made on humanitarian aid are realised?
Ireland continues to support efforts by the EU and the UN to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in both Syria and Iraq. We have repeatedly stressed that only a political solution can achieve a sustainable peace in Syria. We will also continue to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and provide urgent assistance and support to the civilian populations within Syria and Iraq who have been displaced or suffered violations of their rights at the hands of ISIS and other extremists.
Ireland is working to support the efforts led by the UN special envoy, Staffan di Mistura, to promote a political resolution based on the Geneva principles and which provides for transition to an agreed, democratic form of government and the holding of genuinely free national elections in Syria. Mr. di Mistura discussed measures to address the acute security and humanitarian situation, as well as possible steps to move towards a political process, with foreign Ministers in Brussels at a December 2014 meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
The EU is the main donor of humanitarian relief in Syria, having provided a total of €3 billion since the outset of the conflict. Ireland has already provided almost €29 million in humanitarian support to Syria since 2011, delivered through UN partners and NGOs, and I have recently approved a further €1.8 million in funding to UNICEF and UNHCR to support refugees and child victims of the conflict. In addition, we have provided €1.15 million in funding to our partner organisations responding to the crisis in neighbouring Iraq. Ireland has consistently advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of international humanitarian law.
Last week, during my visit to the Middle East region, I had the opportunity to meet in Beirut with Ireland’s honorary consul in Syria and he briefed me on developments there.
The key word is "urgency". There is no doubt that one crisis will overtake another. Gaza was overtaken by Syria, Syria is now being overtaken by the crisis in Ukraine and I have no doubt that the next one will be Libya. I had the opportunity, with the foreign affairs committee and at the invitation of GOAL, to visit the Turkish-Syrian border recently and we saw the extent of the humanitarian aid. I want to acknowledge the Syrian employees of NGOs who are working inside Syria. We understand that only 46% of the aid that has been pledged in the humanitarian area has been realised, and some of the biggest culprits in this regard are the Gulf states. There should be a stronger effort to ensure that all the humanitarian aid that has been promised is delivered. There is a particular issue with regard to the use of barrel bombs. This is an issue that must be addressed at the UN and at EU level. A strong condemnation of the war crimes by all parties in the conflict - war crimes that include rape, violence and the use of children as soldiers - is necessary.
I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for her continued engagement on this matter and for raising these issues regularly in the House and beyond. She is right. One of the most difficult features of the crisis in Syria is that many of those who are most in need are beyond the reach of humanitarian aid. Many are unable to receive it and many are only receiving it on a sporadic basis. Both the Syrian Government and rebel factions are using siege tactics and heavy weaponry in populated areas. The operating environment is extremely volatile and insecure, particularly in areas controlled by the opposition. It is important that we continue to welcome the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2165 last July, which authorised the delivery of humanitarian aid by the United Nations and its partners across the border into Syria, even without the consent of the Assad regime. The United Nations has been delivering cross-border aid where local conditions make this feasible. Ireland continues to work through a variety of channels, including our established United Nations partners, NGO partners, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to ensure that Irish aid can be delivered across the borders and conflict lines to those who most need it.
Where ISIS is controlling borders, either it will not allow humanitarian aid in, it will take half of it itself or it will look for some monetary contribution. That is just perpetuating what is going on. There is an issue with the Lebanese Government with regard to the issuing of registrations for NGOs, particularly the international NGOs. They are the ones who have vast experience. They can train the other NGOs from the country, so it is vital that they get in. Perhaps that is something the Minister could address.
There is another point about refugees. The Minister has seen for himself the extent of the pressure on countries such as Turkey and Lebanon. While Turkey can absorb it to some extent because of its size, Lebanon cannot. Turkey has received ten times as many Syrian refugees as all the EU member states together. The EU member states could be doing more on the refugee situation.
We are a main player when it comes to humanitarian aid. That is completely recognised. However, we constantly hear that Ireland is also a political force. Sometimes I do not think we realise the importance of our voice at both EU and UN level.
I stress the importance of ensuring an adequate level of humanitarian aid to the region. I acknowledge what the Deputy has said with particular reference to refugees in Lebanon, in Jordan and in the wider region. In December, the United Nations released its 2015 Syria crisis appeal plan, requesting over $8.4 billion to meet the needs of millions of people in Syria and across the region. So far this year, I have approved funding of €1.8 million to alleviate suffering in Syria and neighbouring countries, but I acknowledge that we need to do more, as the Deputy has said. In this regard, a donor pledging conference will take place in Kuwait at the end of March. I am pleased to announce that the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Sean Sherlock, will attend. He will have an opportunity, on behalf of the Irish Government, to set out how we intend to target our assistance to Syria and the region this year. Ireland will also make a pledge in respect of how much funding we can commit to the Syria crisis in 2015. We are currently considering how Ireland can best respond to the needs there while remaining mindful of the huge needs of people affected by other humanitarian crises across the world, in Africa and elsewhere.
4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8341/15]
Since the publication of the Stormont House Agreement on 23 December last, I welcome the fact that the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, has had some meetings on its implementation. Its implementation should be treated with the utmost urgency. Can the Minister outline for us the legislative provisions that would have to be enacted through the Oireachtas and what progress is being made in that respect? Could the Minister also outline to us whether the British Government has started the legislative process, taking into account that it has gone into the electoral cycle? I am particularly concerned about the timeframe for the establishment of the historical inquiries unit, because further grief is caused to victims and families of victims every day that goes by that they do not get the truth about the loss of so many loved ones.
The focus of the Government is currently on the effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. In this context, I represented the Government, together with the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, at the first implementation and review meeting of the agreement in Belfast on 30 January last, at which a detailed implementation timeline was agreed. Both the British and Irish Governments, as well as the five Northern Ireland Executive party leaders, took part in this meeting. The timetable we agreed is ambitious, as the vision of the Stormont House Agreement demands, and will require sustained engagement and co-operation on all of our parts. I was pleased with the level of progress made during the first meeting. Good discussions were had across the areas we considered and I was particularly pleased about the positive momentum shown on the North-South area of work. The five parties demonstrated a clear willingness to get down to the work needed to make the agreement a reality, and this was reflected in the concrete detail contained in the implementation timeline.
Yesterday in Belfast, I represented the Government, together with the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting in institutional format. The First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, represented the Northern Ireland Executive. Our agenda included a report on possible new sectoral priorities for North-South co-operation, as provided for under the Agreement.
Overall, work on implementation of the Stormont House Agreement is progressing well and a second review meeting will take place in March. It will require, as Deputy Smith has said, an element of legislation in Westminster, in Stormont and here.
Our Government will be proposing legislation for consideration by the Oireachtas to facilitate the setting up of the independent commission on information retrieval, ICIR, a body which will enable victims and survivors to seek and privately receive information about the deaths of their loved ones, as per the terms of the agreement.
I thank the Minister for his response. Less than three weeks ago, Deputy Martin and I had meetings in Belfast with a number of groups. One of the issues that was particularly highlighted to us was the concern in regard to responsibility for parades being devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly. There is a need for a strong Parades Commission. The first Parades Commission was strong and it did good work in very difficult circumstances at the time. I ask the Minister to outline to the House his views in regard to the devolution of responsibility for parades to the Northern Ireland Assembly, which, unfortunately, can be so contentious.
Another issue highlighted to me in Armagh no later than Friday evening was the total disregard for some aspects of the Good Friday Agreement. Some outstanding legal aspects of the agreement are not being implemented. I refer to the need to have the Civic Forum re-established. As the Minister knows, there is a commitment in the Stormont House Agreement to have a civic consultative body, whatever that entails, but one of the particular concerns, which I share with the broader community, is that the members of that forum will be chosen by the Office of the First Minister and the Office of the Deputy First Minister. Why would all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive not be involved in nominating people for participation in such a forum?
The important aspect with regard to the establishment of new bodies and forums of whatever shape is that they be balanced and that there be cross-community representation. As a result of our deliberations prior to signing the historical Stormont House Agreement, I am satisfied with regard to any new bodies that are established. I agree with Deputy Smith that the timeframes are very important. Any new bodies that are established must be representative of the community and seen to be both representative and balanced.
With particular reference to the parades issue, as raised by Deputy Smith, an agreed resolution to the sensitive parading issue in north Belfast is in the interests of all and everyone, not only in the region but throughout Northern Ireland. It is important that the Parades Commission be supported and actively so. I reiterate the support of the Irish Government towards the Parades Commission, which continues to have a very important role in parading issues across Northern Ireland.
At a recent meeting with Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, I raised the issue of parades, with particular reference to the situation in north Belfast. She updated me on her thinking with regard to how the current impasse on the issue might be addressed. I emphasised to her, as I do to the House this morning, that any successful initiative must enjoy the necessary cross-community support.
I ask the Minister to give me an assurance that every effort will be made to ensure that the work of the historical inquiries unit will commence at the earliest possible time. I asked the Secretary of State and I ask the Minister now that no blockage be put in the way of the referral of particular incidents, carnage and loss of life to that historical inquiries unit, as it has to be approved by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
I previously raised in the House the terrible bombing and loss of life in Belturbet in my own county in December 1972. A formal request will be made to have that bombing incident and unfortunate loss of life on that evening put before the historical inquiries unit. I have made that request to the Secretary of State and I hope the Minister can support the request. I asked the Secretary of State that the British Government give a positive response to the unanimous requests of this House in 2008 and 2011 to provide access to files and papers relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974. This issue needs to be constantly pursued with the British Government, because families need to get the truth.
I accept the importance for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict, including those in this jurisdiction, as referenced by Deputy Smith, of the fact that the Stormont House Agreement provides for a new and comprehensive framework for dealing with the legacy of the past. In the agreement, the two Governments recognised that there are outstanding investigations into allegations on the matter of incidents related to the Troubles, including a number with a cross-Border dimension. As part of the framework on the past as set out in the agreement, it is proposed that people in both jurisdictions will have access to an independent commission on information retrieval which will enable them to seek and receive information about the death of their loved ones during the Troubles. The establishment of the ICIR will require legislation in this jurisdiction. I wish to assure Deputy Smith that I continue to raise the matter of the incidents. The ICIR and the historical investigations unit will present an opportunity to deal finally and comprehensively with the very vexed legacy of the Troubles, which is personal for so many thousands of people.
5. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will set a date to meet the Justice for the Forgotten group and the Pat Finucane Centre in relation to issues concerning them in the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8239/15]
Will the Minister set a date to meet the Justice for the Forgotten group and the Pat Finucane Centre with regard to the issues surrounding them in the Stormont House Agreement and the outstanding issues relating to the bombings?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a long-standing working relationship with the Justice for the Forgotten group. It is also in regular and ongoing contact with the Pat Finucane Centre on a range of legacy-related cases. My officials are in contact with the Justice for the Forgotten group with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss the Stormont House Agreement.
The Government continues to support the Justice for the Forgotten group in its campaign on behalf of the families affected by the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. In this regard, the group received grant support of €48,000 in early 2014 from my Department’s reconciliation fund. The funding will assist Justice for the Forgotten with its work of great importance. Justice for the Forgotten operates as a project of the Pat Finucane Centre, which itself received a further grant of €50,000 in the most recent round of reconciliation fund grants in late 2014. Overall, between 2002 and 2014, the Pat Finucane Centre and the Justice for the Forgotten group have received funding of €348,500 from the reconciliation fund.
The focus of the Government is currently on the effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. In this context, I participated in the first implementation and review meeting of the agreement in Belfast on 30 January 2015, at which a detailed implementation timeline was agreed. Work on implementation is progressing well and a second review meeting will take place in March. A progress report will be published in June 2015. The Government remains committed to playing its part in ensuring the full implementation of the agreement.
Do I take it from the Minister's response that he will meet the Justice for the Forgotten group? With regard to funding last year, the group was fearful that the funding was to be stopped and it was necessary to put pressure on the previous Minister and to have meetings with him on that issue.
Last May, on the 40th anniversary of the bombings, the Taoiseach attended the commemoration on Talbot Street. The relatives and survivors have been waiting for answers for the past 40 years. This is an urgent matter. How much longer must they wait? When I met the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, I did not get the slightest impression that this was top of her agenda or that she would support the release of that information to an international commission.
I refer to the accounts given by the survivors, one of whom was a 14 year old boy who had just begun working. He woke up in the morgue because he was presumed dead. He is living with the nightmares and the psychological scars of that incident. President Michael D. Higgins put it succinctly when he said that a strategy of amnesia is simply not an option. We are heading into the 41st anniversary and it is time the commission of inquiry was given access to all of the documents.
The Government fully supports the all-party Dáil motions of July 2008 and May 2011 urging the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all documents in its possession relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.
I have raised this issue on several occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, MP, including, most recently, when I had the opportunity to meet her in Dublin on 11 February last, when she assured me that she would consider afresh how the British Government can respond to the Dáil motions.
I welcome the continued all-party support for the campaign on behalf of the Dublin-Monaghan families. As I noted earlier, the Justice for the Forgotten campaign, which supports victims and their families and which operates as a project of the Pat Finucane Centre, continues to receive grant aid from my Department. As I indicated in my reply, the Government continues to have a long-standing relationship with Justice for the Forgotten and the Pat Finucane Centre. Meetings have taken place on several occasions, the most recent of which was at senior political level. Contact at official level is both regular and ongoing. In recent weeks my officials met representatives of both organisations in Belfast. Following those discussions, I remain open to considering a meeting with both groups.
Justice for the Forgotten would really welcome a meeting with Deputy Charles Flanagan as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department of Justice and Equality, through its victims of crime office, has committed to providing funding for the physical needs of those injured in attacks relating to the Troubles. Such funding is both welcome and needed. However, there is no funding available for individuals, such as the man I referred to, who suffered psychological injuries. I ask the Minister to discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality to ensure that funding will be provided for those survivors who suffered psychological harm and who require counselling. It could be stated that these events occurred over 40 years ago but every year on the anniversary of the bombings and on each occasion on which a bombing or similar incident occurs, all of the old scars are reopened. As a result, there is a need for continual counselling to be provided. It is just not good enough that, over 40 years after the bombings, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to state that she will consider how the British Government can respond.
Both groups have received a significant amount of financial support, the purpose of which is to acknowledge the important work they do, including in the context of dealing with the legacy of the past. Between 2003 and 2008, Justice for the Forgotten received just over €1.2 million from the Remembrance Commission, through the Department of Justice and Equality, in respect of counselling and other support services for the victims of the Troubles. The commission was wound up in 2008 but a further allocation of €190,000 was provided by the Department of Justice to allow Justice for the Forgotten to transition to other funding arrangements. The Pat Finucane Centre received €98,000 from my Department's reconciliation fund in 2014. This included a sum of €48,000 for a project organised by Justice for the Forgotten. Overall, between 2002 and 2014 the Pat Finucane Centre and Justice for the Forgotten received funding of the order of €350,000 from the reconciliation fund. I will continue to monitor the situation in light of what the Deputy said.
