Written Answers Nos. 347-364
347. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the cost of the new credit-card-sized passport for European travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35229/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of the newly introduced Irish passport card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35460/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 353 together.
The new passport card combines pioneering technology and security features with very strong user-friendliness and flexibility in how applications are made. Since I launched the passport card on 5 October almost six thousand applications have been received from Irish citizens around the world.
The budget allocated to the passport card project this year is €1.35 million. In addition, initial development costs for the project incurred in 2014 were €416,000. These include costs associated with the production and design of a secure passport card, valid for travel to thirty one countries.
The card has advanced security features including an embedded hologram photo to prevent counterfeiting. The expenditure also allowed the development of a smartphone application to enable people to apply remotely and a dedicated website which facilitates on-line applications.
It is estimated that the costs incurred in developing the passport card system will be recovered from revenue within two years.
348. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the assistance given to a person (details supplied) who continues to be detained in Egypt awaiting trial. [35344/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided comprehensive consular assistance to this citizen since his original arrest in August 2013.
Significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of consular assistance. Embassy officials visited this citizen in detention for the 46th time on 11 October 2015.
This very high level of consular visitation is an important practical tool in monitoring his welfare and ensuring that the Embassy in Cairo is well placed to raise any concerns arising directly with the prison authorities.
349. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the postponement of the trial of a person (details supplied) in Egypt, if he will adopt a different approach to the diplomatic pressure being placed on the Egyptian authorities. [35345/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a very clear strategy in place focussed on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible. That strategy is based on two clear objectives: 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.
Any decision to release this individual will ultimately be taken by the Egyptian authorities and given that the trial is ongoing, the Government must exercise restraint in its public comments. However, I can say that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our position and we are keeping channels of communication with them open and sustained. I have raised the case on a number of occasions with my Egyptian counterpart and the Taoiseach discussed it with President Al-Sisi when they met in New York in late September. It is, however, clear that the Egyptian government position remains that the judicial process must be permitted to take its course.
While the further adjournment of the trial on 4 October was a disappointment, the Government's considered view, supported by decades of diplomatic experience in other consular cases and extensive consultation with states which have had citizens in similar circumstances, remains that the firm, measured and sustained diplomatic approach we are taking continues to be our best hope to return this citizen to Ireland at the earliest possible date.
Nonetheless, we continue to review our approach in line with developments and retain the flexibility to adjust it as and when that may be required.
350. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 1 October 2015, his views on the deteriorating political, military and human rights situation in occupied Palestine. [35346/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe clearly deteriorating situation in Palestine, in particular but not exclusively in East Jerusalem, is a matter of very great concern. The more violent conflicts elsewhere in the region have somewhat masked the continual rise in tension and in localized violence in East Jerusalem over more than a year. The main factors are the operation of policies on the ground intended to push Palestinians out of Jerusalem in favour of settlers, the absence of any political process or perspective which might promise an end to this situation, and among Palestinians the consequent loss of authority by political leaders and belief in a political path. To this has been added in recent months a reckless and provocative challenge by minority elements in Israel to the long respected status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem.
This is a very dangerous combination of negative factors, and the issue of the holy places has caused deep offence and concern also in the wider Arab world.
In common with others, I deplore any resort to violent attacks on civilians, be they prompted by despair or revenge. It is the job of local leaders, on all sides, to go beyond this, and beyond a mere security response, and to address the underlying issues. I again urge all sides to refrain from any provocative actions, and call on Israel to make clear – in practice as well as words – that the status quo on the Temple Mount or Haram al Sharif will be restored and respected. I note that President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have already taken some steps in this direction, and I encourage them to continue.
More broadly, these events underline the message I have conveyed at international level since I took office. Political leadership, including from the international community, needs to address the problems of the relentless expansion of settlements and the absence of any process aiming at the end of the occupation.
351. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to the United Nations General Assembly. [35347/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra352. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any bilateral meetings and discussions he held while attending the United Nations General Assembly. [35348/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 352 together.
Between September 26 and October 1 2015 I visited New York to take part in UN Ministerial Week. During this time, I addressed the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, setting out Ireland’s foreign policy priorities.
While in New York, I also attended a number of UN-related events and meetings and also held a range of bilateral meetings with ministers and senior representatives from Bolivia, Cuba, Lebanon, Mozambique, New Zealand, Palestine and the United States.
This year is the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations, which I presented to the General Assembly as an opportunity for stock-taking and reflection on Ireland’s long engagement with the world’s principal body charged with international peace, security, development and human rights. I launched a special anniversary exhibition on Ireland’s First Years at the United Nations (1955-1957), which then went on display at UNHQ and will be officially launched in Dublin in December. This exhibition is part of a wider programme of events and projects planned to mark the 60th anniversary.
My meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recalled his visit to Ireland in May of this year. The Secretary General referred in particular to Ireland's role in co-facilitating the newly agreed Sustainable Development Goals and the ongoing contribution of Irish staff to the work of the UN. We also discussed the current migration crisis and Ireland's commitment to UN peacekeeping operations.
I also attended a number of high-level events, including a Summit on UN Peacekeeping Operations convened by President Obama, a meeting with EU Foreign Ministers during which the Syria crisis and Middle East Peace Process were discussed, a meeting convened jointly by the EU and Jordan on the humanitarian consequences of the Syria crisis, an event hosted by my Finnish counterpart on the post-2015 Agenda and an event on countering terrorism and violent extremism hosted by President Obama. I participated in an awareness- raising event around nuclear disarmament with my counterparts from South Africa, Mexico and Austria. Participation in these events created valuable opportunities to advance Irish priorities across the areas of peace, security, development and human rights, the pillars of the United Nations.
During my meeting with Mr. Juan Carlos Alurralde, Bolivia's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, we discussed the Michael Dwyer case and also the potential to further develop bilateral relations between Ireland and Bolivia.
I also met with Mr. Malmierca Diaz, Minister of Foreign Trade of Cuba. We discussed recent developments in US-Cuban relations as well as the ongoing changes to the enterprise regime in Cuba. We also touched on the potential for greater cultural, political and professional exchanges between our two countries.
In my meeting with Mr. Gebran Bassil, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, we discussed Ireland's recently passed Marriage Equality Referendum and our engagement with the Irish diaspora. We also discussed Ireland's support for UN peacekeeping, including UNIFIL in Lebanon and the ongoing migration crisis in the Middle East, resulting from the Syrian conflict .
When I met Mr. Oldemiro Julio Marques Baloi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique, we discussed recent violent incidents in Manica Province as well as the prognosis for the Mozambican peace process. We touched on bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture, health and energy as well as the support provided through Irish Aid to Mozambique.
With Mr. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, we discussed Ireland's economic recovery, the UN and New Zealand's relations with the EU. I also discussed with Mr. McCully the scope for cooperation between the agricultural sectors of our countries.
In my meeting with Mr. Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, we discussed the current situation in Jerusalem, and the issue of international recognition of Palestine. Mr. al-Maliki also provided an update in terms of the progress that has been made towards hosting Palestinian elections.
My meeting with Ms. Victoria Nuland, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs focused principally on the Northern Ireland Peace Process, with bilateral and international issues also being discussed.
354. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the consultation and engagement his Department has had with the authorities in India following the tragic and sudden death of a person (details supplied); if an investigation is under way into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death; and if he will ensure the family receive the toxicology report, without further delay. [35562/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi and the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin, has been providing ongoing consular assistance to this man’s family since his tragic death in December 2014. The family were provided with the toxicological results last June, which were obtained on foot of a Third Party Note sent by the Irish Embassy to the Indian Foreign Ministry.
My Department’s contact with the Indian authorities, including the Mumbai police, regarding this case is ongoing. My Department remains available to this family and I wish to assure the Deputy that all appropriate consular assistance will continue to be provided.
355. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to increase the overseas aid budget to 0.7% of Gross National Product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35609/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. “One World, One Future” our policy for international development, sets out our vision for a sustainable and just world, and reaffirms our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) on Official Development Assistance (ODA). We have stated clearly that we intend to make further progress on this commitment as our economic recovery consolidates.
The Taoiseach repeated the commitment when he addressed the United Nations in New York last month, at the Summit to adopt the new framework for global development, the 2030 Agenda. Ireland played an important role in the negotiation of the framework, and also in helping broker agreement within the EU to recommit to achieving the 0.7% target within the timeframe of the 2030 Agenda.
Today, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will announce the 2016 allocation for Official Development Assistance. Our priority for next year will be to ensure we continue to sharply focus those resources to meet our commitment in the fight against poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries in the world, and to respond generously to the unprecedented level of humanitarian need worldwide, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
356. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of reports that the former President of the United States of America, President Bill Clinton, is offering to assist in the talks in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35610/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the course of a meeting with the Taoiseach in New York in September, President Bill Clinton expressed his continued interest in the process in Northern Ireland and stated his availability in the event that his assistance was required.
The President’s offer not only recalls his continued personal engagement with and commitment to the peace process but also reflects the wider engagement of the US Administration and Congress with the ongoing efforts to achieve political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
During my recent visit to New York, I discussed recent political developments in Northern Ireland with the US Administration and expressed my appreciation for their active interest and support in this regard.
The US continues to be a crucial partner in the peace process and I remain in frequent contact with Secretary of State Kerry’s Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Senator Gary Hart, who has made clear his commitment to assist in any way he can.
I welcome the fact that Senator Hart will visit both Dublin and Belfast in the coming days and I look forward to those discussions.
357. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the peace agreement that was signed in August 2015 in South Sudan was discussed at recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35649/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council the need for the European Union to take an active interest in supporting the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement signed in South Sudan in August 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35650/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council the need to provide further additional humanitarian assistance to South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35651/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357 to 359, inclusive, together.
The Foreign Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels yesterday adopted conclusions on the situation in South Sudan, following the signature of a peace agreement in August. The Conclusions call for the early, full and effective implementation of the peace agreement and commit the European Union to stepping up our engagement in support of its implementation.
The implementation of the South Sudan Peace Agreement will be complex and challenging. The European Union will enhance its support to the peace process, including through participation in, and the provision of financial support for, the transitional institutions. A sound transitional process will be essential to rebuild the country.
The civil war which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 resulted in the displacement of 2 million people, with evidence of murder, torture, looting and sexual violence perpetrated by both sides. The EU will work to pursue that the Commission of Inquiry reports are published and that the necessary steps to establish the Hybrid Court of South Sudan will be taken to ensure accountability for crimes committed by both sides during the conflict. Justice and accountability are crucial elements for sustainable peace and stability.
The Council Conclusions also draw attention to the disastrous humanitarian situation in South Sudan and call for full and unconditional humanitarian access. Security conditions in South Sudan remain volatile with sporadic fighting being reported across the country. More than 4 million people are suffering from acute hunger and one in three children are severely malnourished.
Since December 2013, Ireland has provided €16.7 million to support UN agencies, as well as international and national NGOs, in their life saving work in South Sudan and the region. We are committed to continuing Ireland’s support. Last week I approved an additional €2 million in humanitarian funding for South Sudan.
I am confident that this additional funding will assist in alleviating suffering in South Sudan, though I remain acutely aware that this is a humanitarian situation which we need to continue to address, together with EU and other partners, in the months and years ahead.
360. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call on the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's Irish embassy to condemn the brutality and persecution being directed against Christian and other minority groups within its borders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We attach great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians, and officials in my Department have conveyed our concern in this regard to the Embassy of Pakistan. Ireland and the EU consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including at the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member. Ireland reiterated its commitment to defending the right to freedom of religion or belief during a UN Security Council debate on 27 March 2015. I personally highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN Human Rights Council at its 28th session in March 2015, and at the UN General Assembly in New York on 1 October 2015. I also raised it during my meetings with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in September 2014 and May 2015.
During Pakistan’s last Universal Periodic Review, Ireland also raised the issue of freedom of religion and belief, recommending that Pakistan “take all appropriate measures to combat and prevent discrimination against children belonging to religious or other minority groups, including by removing educational material which could serve to perpetuate discrimination.”
Ireland also works within and alongside the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected.
The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis visited Pakistan in October 2014 where he held an in depth dialogue with the Pakistan authorities on key human rights issues. He also discussed the importance of implementing domestic laws to address major human rights challenges, including freedom of religion and belief.
Ireland will continue to raise the issue of the persecution of Christians, through its official bilateral contacts with other countries, including Pakistan, stressing the responsibility of governments to protect all citizens and minorities, irrespective of their religion or belief.
361. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider a matter (details supplied) regarding the mass persecution of Christians, Yazidi and Muslim minority groups in Syria and Iraq by ISIS; if he will support calls for Dáil Éireann to declare these acts as a genocide, under the relevant United Nations treaties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have repeatedly condemned the horrific crimes by ISIS against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq. ISIS has boasted of its use of murder, torture, mass sexual violence and forced religious conversions in areas under its control. Ireland has publicly condemned ISIS and other terrorist groups at the United Nations, including at the recent Human Rights Council session. I note that the High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded in his March 2015 report that, subject to a determination by an independent and competent court, ISIS may have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We echo his call that, in order to provide accountability and justice for the victims, all crimes are investigated in line with international human rights standards, and perpetrators are brought to justice.
362. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35780/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the UN engagements on my programme during my visit I would refer the Deputy to my answer to questions no. 351 and 352.I began in New York on 27 September with a visit to the New York Irish Centre, where I heard first-hand about the great work done in the area of mental health by Pieta House in New York, supported by my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme, as well as meeting with patrons, the Board and Management of the Centre. I then visited the Irish Famine Memorial in Battery Park and heard of plans to assure its long term sustainability. Given the importance of trade promotion, on 29 September I addressed an audience of 150 international financial services professionals at a joint Enterprise Ireland/BNY Mellon showcase event.
Six Irish companies took part in the event, which allowed them to interact with the key influencers, investors and buyers of payment technology in the North American market, while also helping to create awareness of Ireland’s strengths in this sector.
In Washington on 30 September, I met with key Democratic and Republican contacts on Capitol Hill, including Congressmen Joseph Kennedy III, Paul Ryan, James Sensenbrenner, Richard Neal and other members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland group, and also with Senator Patrick Leahy. The main focus of our discussions was on developments on the Northern Ireland peace process and on the prospects for immigration reform. On foot of these meetings, a Bill has now been tabled by Congressman Sensenbrenner in the US House of Representatives, which aims to provide access to several thousand E3 visas for Irish citizens. I warmly welcome this positive step towards meeting the desire of many Irish people to live and work in the US for a time, but would also point out that there is a great deal of work to be done in both Houses of Congress before this Bill might become law. I am also aware that while this particular measure would help with our objective of securing improved legal migration channels, it would not address the concerns of undocumented citizens currently in the US. These remain a key priority for this government and continue to be the subject of our ongoing contacts with the US authorities.
At a lunch hosted by Ambassador Anderson I had a productive exchange on Northern Ireland with a number of Irish-Americans and friends of Ireland with a long-standing interest and involvement in the peace process. I also met with a senior representative of Vice President Biden’s staff and later that day addressed a special event on Capitol Hill to highlight the work of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).
Back in New York, on 1 October, I met over a working breakfast with leading figures from the Irish-American community in New York. I briefed them on the latest developments in Northern Ireland, the prospects for U.S. immigration reform, developments on the Irish economy and the upcoming 2016 commemorations.
There was a lively and useful exchange on some of these topics.After the breakfast, I presented the inaugural W.B. Yeats Emerging Playwright Competition award and launched the inaugural Frank McCourt Scholarship, both initiatives supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which are designed to recognise and celebrate Irish culture in the United States. I then met with some of the Board of the New York Irish Arts Centre to be briefed on progress on their major redevelopment project, which will see a new state of the art facility developed as a showcase for Irish culture in New York. Ireland has provided $4.65 million towards the expected capital costs of the project of $62 million.
Finally I had a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Ms. Victoria Nuland, to discuss developments in Northern Ireland. Some international and bilateral issues, including in particular our concerns about proposed changes to the J1 programme, were also discussed with Ms. Nuland.
364. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact of sanctions against Russia on trade to and from Ireland; his position on the issue of sanctions; if he foresees the lifting of sanctions before the end of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35787/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July and September 2014, the EU agreed a package of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation in relation to access to capital markets, trade in arms, dual use goods and access to sensitive technologies, particularly in the field of energy. In June, the Foreign Affairs Council extended the duration of the economic sanctions until 31 January 2016. In response to Western sanctions, President Putin signed an order in August 2014 banning the import of a range of food and agricultural products from the EU, Norway, Australia, Canada and US. The Presidential ban was initially fixed for one year. However, in June it was extended for a further year to August 2016. In 2014, the value of Ireland’s bilateral trade with Russia stood at €948 million, comprising exports of €722 million and imports of €226 million. This was an increase of €169 million on the previous year. However, the figure for exports in 2014 included a once-off order for fertilizer products valued at over €150 million and this had the effect of distorting the overall exports performance for the year.
In the first seven months of 2015, bilateral trade with Russia has fallen significantly. Between January and July, the value of exports to Russia reduced from €508 million to €217 million compared to the same period last year. This represents a drop of 57%. At the same time, imports from Russia fell from €155 million to €119 million, a drop of 23% on the corresponding period in 2014.
There are a number of reasons for the sharp drop in bilateral trade with Russia in the year to date. EU sanctions and, in particular, Russian retaliatory measures are clearly having a negative impact on trade flows. However, this does not capture the full picture as there are a number of other factors which have contributed in no small way to the current reduction in trade. These include the dramatic decline in the value of the rouble, the fall in oil prices, the economic downturn in Russia, negative investor sentiment towards the Russian market and a ban on pork products from the EU following an outbreak of African Swine Fever in a number of EU states in Eastern Europe. The decline in the value of the rouble is particularly striking, resulting in the cost of imports to Russia almost doubling in the past year.
Despite the challenging environment, the Embassy in Moscow, together with the state agencies, remains focused on raising awareness of Ireland as an attractive investment location and continues to support Irish companies present in Russia and those seeking to explore new market opportunities there.
The EU sanctions were imposed on Russia in response to its aggressive actions in Ukraine and with the clear aim of encouraging a change in its behaviour towards its neighbour. They are clearly having an effect on Russia’s economy and they remain a key element of the EU’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine. The measures can be strengthened or eased in light of developments on the ground and progress made towards the objectives set by the EU when they were put in place.
I am strongly of the view that the restrictive measures against Russia, coupled with open dialogue and continued political and diplomatic engagement with the various sides involved in the conflict, offer the best way of creating the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
