Written Answers Nos. 183 - 202
183. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on concerns regarding the escalating situation in Yemen and the high civilian death toll that has resulted from military air strikes by the Saudi-led alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15179/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Foreign Affairs Council considered the situation in Yemen at its meeting in Luxembourg yesterday. At this meeting, I participated in a discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen and how the EU can respond with my fellow Ministers and with High Representative Mogherini. We adopted conclusions which set out the EU position.
In recent weeks, a coalition of states led by Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes in response to advances by Houthi forces and following an invitation from President Hadi. Last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for all parties to scrupulously respect international human rights and international humanitarian law during the conduct of hostilities. I hope that all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen answer this call.
Ireland does not have representation in Yemen, although our Embassy in Riyadh is carefully monitoring the crisis. Bearing this in mind, our ability to comment in detail on a fluid situation on the ground is constrained.
My view is nonetheless that peace talks are the optimum way to achieve a political consensus which can restore order to Yemen and avoid a protracted and sectarian conflict with implications for the future of Yemen and for the stability of the region. I would encourage all parties to engage with the UN to this end, so that a ceasefire can be agreed and a negotiated political solution found.
184. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the basis on which he reported that the 27 ministerial trips abroad for St. Patrick's Day yielded an immediate €5 million, as against a cost of more than €300,000; his views that the official trips of Ministers on business promotion trips abroad is financially justified, especially to countries which do very little trade with Ireland and have a very small number of Irish citizens resident in them; and if he will provide the full cost of any business promotion trips in 2015 in which he or other Ministers in his Department engaged. [15190/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe St. Patrick’s Day period is a cornerstone of the Government’s efforts to promote trade, tourism, investment, education, innovation and culture to an overseas audience. Over the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day period, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and a further twenty-seven Ministers and Ministers of State undertook extensive programmes of engagements in a total of 27 different countries, supported by the Embassy network.
Of the 29 separate itineraries for Ministerial office-holders, 25 were in markets identified as “Priority” or “Exploratory and High Potential” under the 2014 Review of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy. The choice of locations also reflected the recent expansion of the Embassy network, diaspora hubs, and Ireland’s work in development cooperation. The locations included the main centres of global business media coverage, which are critical to conveying Ireland’s message of economic recovery. As in previous years, North America was a particular focus of the visits, reflecting strong diaspora and trade and investment links.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads on the coordination of the Ministerial itineraries, and each year coordinates a set of key economic and related messages for dissemination at events overseas. The Embassy network is responsible for management of individual programmes on the ground, working closely with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. As such, Ministerial itineraries are designed to further our national objectives overseas in a highly co-ordinated, visible and effective way.
The value of Ministerial visits is incontrovertible, allowing us to leverage the unique opportunities provided by the international profile of our national day, which is unrivalled by any other country in the world. The presence of a Ministerial office-holder from Ireland helps to secure bilateral meetings at the highest levels of Government to discuss issues of mutual concern; helps to secure attendance by senior executives of foreign companies at trade and investment-related meetings and events; helps to secure coverage of Ireland’s economic recovery by global and local media organisations; and helps to promote Ireland as a destination for tourism and international education.
As regards the €5 million figure for 2014, this figure comes from the “Supporting Irish Exporters Section” of the report “Ireland’s Economic Diplomacy in Action: St Patrick’s Day 2014”, published by the Department in April 2014. This report was compiled on the basis of reporting by the Embassy network, in consultation with the promotional State agencies, and the figure represented an estimate of new business won in the immediate aftermath of the St. Patrick’s Day period. My Department is currently compiling a report on St Patrick’s Day 2015, and this will be published shortly.
Every effort is made to ensure that costs related to St. Patrick’s Day itineraries are kept to a minimum. In 2014, the total cost of all Ministerial travel was €281,739. Again in 2015, clear instructions were issued for all Ministerial visits to be undertaken in the most cost-efficient way. The full final cost is not yet available.
185. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further progress that has been made on regularising the status of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15264/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a repeat of my answer to Question No. 181
Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US is a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. All of this work is aimed at achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.
Throughout his recent visit to the US and in a series of high level contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and at State level, the Taoiseach raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish, stressing that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation.
During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March the Taoiseach commended him on his executive action announced late last year. The Deputy would be aware that this action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts. The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He also highlighted the issue of those amongst the Irish undocumented who might be eligible for visas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior period of undocumented residence.
The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US for those who wish to make a contribution there, expressing the hope that a political way forward could be found on this issue which would encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress. President Obama spoke of his executive actions on immigration reform and acknowledged the contribution of Irish immigrants to America’s development. He considered that one of the great strengths of the United States had always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to its shores.
I also raised immigration reform issues, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also had the opportunity to discuss these matters on a number of occasions with US Ambassador O’Malley. In addition, the Taoiseach discussed immigration issues with Congressman Paul Ryan during his recent visit to Dublin on 30 March.
The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and with the US Embassy in Ireland.
186. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to protect an Irish citizen (details supplied), being detained in Abu Dhabi who experienced severe difficulties in obtaining copies of his Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15193/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department, through the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi, has been providing consular assistance to the individual since his arrest in 2012. As part of that assistance, Embassy officials pay regular consular visits to this person at Al Wathba Central jail in Abu Dhabi. To date this year, the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi has visited the individual on two occasions. Following each visit, the Embassy official met with senior prison officers to raise and discuss with them, any issues of concern reported by the Irish citizen.
Additional support from the Embassy has been extensive and has included securing permission for a friend to visit the person named and facilitating the transfer of funds from the person’s family to their prison account.
The passport of the person named by the Deputy is in the possession of the Emirati authorities, as would be the normal practice for any foreign citizen detained in that country. The Embassy requested and was furnished with a scanned copy of the details page of this passport on 13 April. This was then forwarded on the same date by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi to a family member of the person named.
I wish to assure the Deputy that this Department will continue to offer all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen detained.
187. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a timeline of his communications with the Egyptian regime in the past three months regarding an Irish citizen (details supplied); the position expressed by the Irish Government on the detention and release of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15278/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a repeat of my answer to Priority Question No. 2
Our objectives in this case are clear. Firstly to see this individual released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. The considered approach and sustained action that has been taken by me and my officials in this case has been to further these objectives, and most importantly to avoid any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to his best interests.
It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. Irrespective of any views regarding the fairness or appropriateness of any arrest abroad, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that applies and it is the relevant foreign court which decides matters such as bail and release. The decision to release this individual either on bail or on any other basis, will be a decision that is made solely by the Egyptian authorities.
Since this citizen was originally detained in August 2013, I, and officials in my Department including our Embassy in Cairo, have raised this case with the Egyptian authorities regularly and consistently. In addition, he has received consular visits from Embassy official on 37 occasions. I can confirm that the Irish Government has formally supported both the application by this citizen’s lawyers for his release and return to Ireland under the November Presidential decree, and the more recent application for his release on bail. Our official support for this citizen’s release has been duly communicated to the Egyptian authorities in formal diplomatic notes that have been included in the documentation submitted to the court and the authorities by his lawyer.
I have spoken to my Egyptian counterpart on numerous occasions, both in person and on the telephone. On 4 March I met with Assistant Foreign Minister Hisham Badr and discussed the case with him in some detail. On 2 April I spoke again with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Shoukry to underline the Government’s support for the formal applications that have been made for this individual’s release – both for the formal application for bail, and for the application that has been made for release under the Presidential decree on foreign prisoners. I also took the opportunity to highlight key humanitarian concerns – including this individual’s youth, his absence from his studies and the length of time in detention without conviction.
The individual’s trial has started, with the next hearing scheduled for 26 April. All of the information we have received indicates that it is highly unlikely that there will be any decision as regards his release until the court makes its decisions. We continue to review our approach and actions in this case, but we are guided at all times by the two key objectives set out above. Given that the trial has now commenced and a formal petition for his release on bail is currently being considered by the Egyptian courts, my Department must exercise restraint in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, in line with our clear objectives in this case and what we firmly believe to be in this citizen’s best interests and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.
We remain in ongoing contact with this individual and his family, and will continue to offer full consular support.
188. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, to date, with the embassy of the United States of America in Dublin on establishing a visa waiver scheme for returning emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a repeat of my answer to Question No. 181
Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US is a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. All of this work is aimed at achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.
Throughout his recent visit to the US and in a series of high level contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and at State level, the Taoiseach raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish, stressing that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation.
During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March the Taoiseach commended him on his executive action announced late last year. The Deputy would be aware that this action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts. The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He also highlighted the issue of those amongst the Irish undocumented who might be eligible for visas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior period of undocumented residence.
The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US for those who wish to make a contribution there, expressing the hope that a political way forward could be found on this issue which would encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress. President Obama spoke of his executive actions on immigration reform and acknowledged the contribution of Irish immigrants to America’s development. He considered that one of the great strengths of the United States had always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to its shores.
I also raised immigration reform issues, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also had the opportunity to discuss these matters on a number of occasions with US Ambassador O’Malley. In addition, the Taoiseach discussed immigration issues with Congressman Paul Ryan during his recent visit to Dublin on 30 March.
The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and with the US Embassy in Ireland.
189. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the authorities of Sweden, Britain and the United States of America regarding their treatment of a person (details supplied) who has been effectively incarcerated as a result of being pursued with relentless vigour by the United States of America for his work exposing mass-scale privacy invasions by the National Security Agency in the United States of America and the Government Communications Headquarters in the United Kingdom. [15191/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of this case but as it is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings it would not be appropriate for me to make representations to any of the States mentioned or, indeed, to comment.
190. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any contact or supports from Ireland to the autonomous provinces of Kurdistan in Iraq; and his views on Ireland's approach to the full recognition of Kurdistan's nationhood. [15189/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no meetings between the Government and either Ministers or officials representing the Kurdistan Regional Government. No official requests for any such contacts have been made to the Government. Ireland supports the territorial integrity of Iraq and does not propose to intervene in internal constitutional matters of Iraq, which are for decision by the Iraqi people and their democratically elected leaders.
191. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; if the issue of the North's budget and welfare system was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15282/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had regular and ongoing contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP. In recent months the primary focus of our discussions has been on the effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. However, we have also discussed a range of other areas of mutual interest including specific legacy cases.
In terms of our discussions on the Stormont House Agreement, both Governments remain committed to playing their parts in ensuring the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. In that context, the Secretary of State and I have discussed the need to ensure that recent developments in regard to the Welfare Bill in Northern Ireland do not have a corrosive impact on the wider implementation of the Agreement.
In accordance with the review and monitoring provisions of the Stormont House Agreement, quarterly review meetings are held involving the Northern Ireland Executive party leaders and the British and Irish Governments. I attended the second such meeting in Belfast on 27 March. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also attended. The meeting reviewed progress made to date on the detailed implementation timeline for the Stormont House Agreement, which was agreed by the NI Executive party leaders and the two Governments at our first review meeting on 30 January.
The Irish Government was not a party to the negotiations late last year in Stormont Castle or Stormont House which dealt specifically with budgets and financial issues. Recent and ongoing discussions on these matters take place primarily between the NI Executive Party Leaders themselves. For that reason, I have called on the Northern Ireland parties, and in particular Sinn Féin and the DUP, to work together to find a solution to the current difficulties on welfare. I know that work is ongoing by Northern Ireland’s political leaders to resolve the welfare issue, and I understand that some progress has been made.
192. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with reference to the global island policy framework, his plans on reaching the United Nations target of providing 0.7% of gross national product for development assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15277/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the very heart of our foreign policy. This is clearly articulated in 'The Global Island- Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World' which was launched in January by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In our policy on International Development, 'One World, One Future', we have clearly reaffirmed our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), and to making further progress towards it when economic circumstances permit.
In the face of severe economic difficulty, our aim has been to protect allocations to the aid programme, in so far as this has been possible. The Government has successfully managed to stabilise allocations to the programme. This is a major achievement, in extremely difficult circumstances. For 2015, we have again protected overall allocations to the aid programme, and provided a total of just over €600 million for ODA.
As our economic recovery continues to consolidate and strengthen, the challenge now is to determine how best we can make sustainable progress towards the UN target, as we continue to build on Ireland’s world-class aid programme by ensuring we make an effective contribution to the fight to end extreme poverty and hunger. I will be making the strongest possible case for an increase in the budget for the aid programme in 2016.
193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for initiatives and projects to commemorate and celebrate the Irish diaspora, now that there are no longer plans for a national diaspora centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10019/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 17 February my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, announced that he was not proposing to proceed with the development of a National Diaspora Centre but rather he was encouraging local communities to develop their own unique narratives of diaspora engagement.
The enhancement of our connections to the global Irish community remains central to Government policy. The establishment of the position of Minister for Diaspora Affairs is a tangible demonstration of the Irish Government’s deep commitment to the Irish community abroad.
On 3 March the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister Deenihan and I launched ‘Global Irish: Ireland’s Diaspora Policy’ the first ever Policy on the Irish diaspora. This whole-of-Government policy is series of actions that, taken together, will serve to deepen our engagement with members of the global Irish community.
The main goal is of the Policy is building long term, sustainable relationships with diaspora communities by: supporting Irish emigrants in making the best lives possible in their countries of residence; helping emigrants and their descendants to develop and maintain their Irish identity and their affinity and connections with Ireland; and working in partnership with members of the diaspora to contribute to continued peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland.
The Policy recognises the important ongoing contribution which members of the Irish diaspora have made, both individually and collectively, in shaping our development and identity. The Policy commits to fostering engagement with members of our diaspora and full details on its contents can be found on
https://www.dfa.ie/media/globalirish/global-irish-irelands-diaspora-policy.pdf.
There are already a number of initiatives in place which celebrate the many achievements by members of the Irish diaspora abroad. Since 2012 the Presidential Distinguished Service Award has recognised persons living abroad who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad. The Certificate of Irish Heritage was introduced in 2011 to formally recognise descendants of previous generations of Irish citizens. It gives practical expression to the sense of Irish identity felt by many around the world, who may not be entitled to Irish citizenship due to the passage of generations.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and his colleagues at European Union and United Nations level continue to focus on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, with particular reference to the degree to which the principles of democracy continue to be ignored and the extent to which arbitrary executions, the persecution of Christians, kidnapping, trafficking and abuse of women and girls continues unabated; if the international community has taken any action to address these issues in an effective way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe brutal activities of Boko Haram continue to represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, but also the wider region, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and a direct threat to education and education facilities. The abduction just over a year ago of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok appalled the world. It has been only one of a number of attacks on defenceless young people, and it still requires an adequate response. I once again urge the Government of Nigeria to commit the necessary resources to finding the girls and returning them to their families and their education.
Ireland has consistently condemned the acts of violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram. Most recently, at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 1 April, we highlighted in particular the terrible human rights and humanitarian impact of the terrorist violence. The extent of the humanitarian crisis has also been emphasised by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council on 9 February. The EU has pledged to continue providing immediate relief to those in need and to increase our efforts at regional level. Ireland has recently provided some €1 million in humanitarian stocks to the NGO, Plan, for Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram who are living in camps in northern Cameroon.
The recent military success in pushing Boko Haram back from major towns in north-eastern Nigeria provides an opportunity to bring the conflict to an end. It is critically important that the recently-established Multinational Joint Taskforce of troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin continues its efforts to protect innocent people and to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.
Ireland has joined with our EU partners in congratulating the Nigerian people on the conduct of peaceful national elections in recent weeks. I also welcome the commitment by President-elect Buhari to prioritise the ending of the conflict in the north east and the terrorist actions of Boko Haram.
195. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the escalation of the crisis in Yemen and the Saudi military intervention there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Foreign Affairs Council considered the situation in Yemen at its meeting in Luxembourg yesterday. At this meeting, I participated in a discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen with my fellow Ministers and with High Representative Mogherini. At this meeting, conclusions were adopted which set out the EU position in full.
In recent weeks, a coalition of states led by Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes in response to advances by Houthi forces and following an invitation from President Hadi.
Last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for all parties to scrupulously respect international human rights and international humanitarian law during the conduct of hostilities. I hope that all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen answer this call.
My view is that peace talks are the optimum way to achieve a political consensus which can restore order to Yemen and avoid a protracted and sectarian conflict with implications for the future of Yemen and for the stability of the region. I would encourage all parties to engage with UN Special Adviser Jamal Benomar to this end, so that a ceasefire can be agreed and a negotiated political solution found.
196. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position on the status of Balochistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to the Balochistan province of Pakistan, and will reply on that basis. I am conscious that Balochistan, which has the largest land area of Pakistan’s four provinces, is one of the poorest regions of Pakistan and has witnessed armed conflict. The Government does not consider that the problems of Balochistan can be resolved through violence and we support all efforts to reach a generally acceptable solution through peaceful negotiations and political processes.
197. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland voted no against the United Nations ad hoc mechanism on sovereign debt restructuring processes and missed the first meeting of the committee on sovereign debt restructuring; if the International Monetary Fund advised the Government in any way on Ireland's foreign affairs policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15259/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, in common with all other EU Member States, was unable to support the UN General Assembly Resolution last September on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the establishment of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a binding debt resolution mechanism.
At the time of the vote, the EU explained that it had made extensive efforts and engaged in the process in good faith and reiterated the considerations outlined at the outset of negotiations, as follows: “The ad-hoc committee must be limited to the elaboration of a non-binding 'set of principles' which builds upon a market-based voluntary contractual approach to sovereign debt restructuring and aims at furthering its implementation and use. Neither the EU nor Member States will participate in discussions aiming at the establishment of a binding multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes.
The ad-hoc committee should reflect the recent and ongoing work on sovereign debt restructuring undertaken in the IMF, subject to the previous considerations, and should take place in close coordination with and with technical support from the Fund. Discussions should also make reference to the work in other fora on these issues, such as the Paris Club, which has a history of discussing sovereign debt restructuring issues.”
In the event, the resolution continued to propose the elaboration of a new legal framework. In these circumstances, the agreed EU position is that we will not be participating in the work of the committee.
Ireland considers that the work being undertaken at other levels, including in the IMF and at the international conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Addis Ababa in July, offers more appropriate and established means for dialogue on this issue. We are actively engaged in these processes.
Over recent years, the Government has had an engagement with the European Union, and with international financial institutions, including the IMF, which is unprecedented, both in range and depth. The Department of Finance manages Ireland’s engagement with the international financial institutions charged with helping ensure global financial stability and sustainable development, including the IMF and the World Bank.
198. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 539 of 31 March 2015, if he will report on any further representations made to the authorities of the People's Republic of China regarding the detention of women's rights activists. [15283/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that since PQ 539 of 31 March 2015, the five women’s rights activists have been released in China.
On 14 April last, the EU Delegation in Beijing issued a statement noting with relief the release of the five women’s rights defenders, who were detained on the grounds that they wanted to launch a campaign against sexual harassment on International Women’s Day.
The EU Delegation’s statement expressed regret however that the investigation of their cases has not yet been withdrawn as they are still subjected to “bail pending further investigation” which entails restrictions on their freedom of movement and communication. The EU Delegation also urged China not to restrict the activities of human rights defenders promoting the human rights of women, as the UN is preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action.
As I stated previously in my reply to the Deputy, Ireland continues to raise human rights issues with third countries including with the People’s Republic of China. Ireland also remains committed to advancing gender equality and women’s rights and is an active participant in the work of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the principal global policy-making body on gender equality. Ireland works to integrate the human rights of women, as well as a gender perspective, into the work of the UN Human Rights Council, including the Council’s programme of work, and when considering the content of resolutions and special mandates.
199. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been following the multi-country talks on Iran’s nuclear programme; and if he is satisfied with the progress they have made. [15180/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn behalf of the Government, I wholeheartedly welcome the agreement in principle reached between representatives of the international community and the Government of Iran on 2 April. I urge all responsible parties to support this agreement and the continuing work of their governments to finally bring it to a successful conclusion. The extended presence at the negotiations in Lausanne of the EU High Representative and the Foreign Ministers of the seven states involved has been a further testament of the seriousness and intent with which they have pursued a diplomatic solution to this difficult issue over a long period, and in particular over the last two years. What has been achieved is a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a set of understandings in principle on the shape of a final agreement. Hard and serious work remains to be done to complete the technical details and produce a final agreement by June, as is the intention. There may still be difficulties ahead and a continuing need for compromises, but the parties have reached outline understandings on the main issues, and there is every reason to believe that they will also reach a final agreement.
The outline agreement will allow Iran to continue to develop its civil nuclear power programme, while providing reassurance to its neighbours and others that there will be no military nuclear programme. The agreement will provide for removal in due course of the sanctions that have been placed on Iran in relation to this dispute, as well as the continued monitoring of the Iranian programme by the appropriate international agency, the IAEA.
There will be those, on both sides of the issue, who will wish to reject this agreement and seek tougher terms. This is unrealistic. I urge them instead to welcome this agreement as a major step forward towards the peaceful resolution of a long running dispute, which has had the potential to significantly further destabilize an already volatile region.
The agreement which has been reached is a fair and balanced one, and has, I believe, the overwhelming support of governments and responsible leaders around the world. I commend all those who have worked to achieve it.
200. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in recognition of the effects of climate change, which have impacted on Ireland through the severe Atlantic storms of last winter and which impact significantly on developing nations, the steps his Department is taking in promoting climate justice, including the work to secure international agreement in 2015. [15276/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises global climate change as one of the key challenges of this century. Failure to address it effectively will seriously affect all countries. Ireland’s policy for International Development “One World One Future” was published in May 2013, and identifies “Climate Change and Development” as one of six priority areas of action. The most severe impact of climate change is on vulnerable people and communities in the least developed countries, in particular women and children. Erratic weather patterns and the increasing number of severe weather events are already having a devastating effect on their lives. Through our aid programme, Ireland is supporting the affected communities to build their resilience, through the adaptation of agriculture and food systems to climate change, and through assistance to address climate risks and prepare for the effects of disasters. Over the last three years, we have provided some €34 million annually through the work of the Irish Aid programme in integrating climate change actions into development. These resources are delivered principally through the key partner countries for the aid programme, civil society organisations, and international organisations, mainly for work in sub-Saharan Africa.
This year, through the aid programme, Ireland will provide €1 million to a fund under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, dedicated to assisting least developed countries to better plan for climate adaptation nationally. In addition, we are providing funding to support these countries to participate in the international climate change negotiations.
I am pleased that my Department has also been in a position to provide €100,000 in support of the office of the UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, Mary Robinson, as well as facilitation of political outreach for the role at EU level. Irish Aid has also provided funding in recent years to support the work of the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice.
Ireland and our EU partners are determined to work with all Parties towards delivery of an ambitious climate agreement at the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in December 2015.
201. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken at European Union level to raise his concern at recent pronouncements by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, that a two-state solution will not occur under his premiership; the Government’s position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question 154 on 25 March 2015, which was as follows: “The comments of Prime Minister Netanyahu before the recent election, in relation to the two state solution, were both disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have disproportionately negative impacts on the other side. I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to the achievement of a two state solution.
For its part, the international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. High Representative Mogherini on behalf of the EU, President Obama, and others, have made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election.
What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, actually acts and what is set out in its Programme for Government.
The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity.”
202. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that this year, 24 April 2015, the annual Armenian genocide remembrance day, marks the centenary of the genocide, and that no Irish Government has officially recognised the genocide; and his plans to officially recognise and remember the genocide this year. [15267/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra2015 marks the centenary of terrible events which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire. President Higgins recently expressed the sympathy of the Irish people for the enormous suffering of Armenians in that era to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. The Ambassador of Ireland to Armenia, John Biggar, will represent Ireland at the official centennial commemorations taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, on 24th April.
These tragic events continue to overshadow relations between Armenia and Turkey, and the two sides maintain sharply different historical interpretations of them. The Irish government has never taken a position on this issue, believing that it is not in a position to adjudicate on this contentious matter, involving the consideration of a number of legal issues and an assessment of the actions and intentions of many parties during that time.
In this centenary decade, when we hope commemorations in Ireland will increase mutual understanding, we would urge Armenia and Turkey to take advantage of any opportunity to progress reconciliation for the good of their people, the region, and their shared future.
