Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:477. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45353/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (477)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (478)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:478. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a family (details supplied) in Dublin 13 with a temporary residential care unit for a person with a mobility impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45354/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Hospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (479)
Pat Breen
Ceist:479. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with required surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45395/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Hospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (480)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:480. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath immediately admitted for a consultation, given that the person has been placed on the list but there is a waiting list period of over 80-weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45405/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (481)
Pat Breen
Ceist:481. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health if further assistance will be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45409/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Hospice Services
Ceisteanna (482)
James Bannon
Ceist:482. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the status of the finalisation of the plans for the proposed new specialist inpatient hospice unit with a full range of services in counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45434/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Hospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (483)
James Bannon
Ceist:483. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an urgent appointment for a procedure at Cappagh hospital in Dublin 11 for a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45437/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (484)
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:484. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45448/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
Health Care Professionals
Ceisteanna (485)
Helen McEntee
Ceist:485. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Health his plans to protect public health safety by distinguishing the difference between physiotherapists and physical therapists and to protect both titles under one register for use by members of the physiotherapy profession; and when he will make a ruling on this in order to protect the public and rule out any more confusion (details supplied). [45450/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Physiotherapists Registration Board will soon make the necessary bye-laws under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 to allow it to establish its register early next year. The title of physiotherapist will, as a consequence, be protected for the exclusive use of the board's registrants when the register's 2 year transitional period ends in 2018.
I am currently examining the issue of also protecting the title of physical therapist under the Act. In the rest of the English speaking world the titles of physical therapist and physiotherapist are interchangeable and their users are qualified physiotherapists. In Ireland, however, the title is used by a number of practitioners who are not physiotherapists but who are competing with physiotherapists in the private sector in the provision of musculoskeletal therapies.
Earlier this year, having consulted with the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, I wrote to a number of relevant organisations regarding my proposal to protect the title of physical therapist as a variant of the title of physiotherapist and invited them to submit their views. The submissions are now being examined and I expect that I will make a decision on the matter before the end of the year that ensures public protection and appropriately addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties.
Question No. 486 answered with Question No. 405.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (487)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:487. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a child (details supplied) in Dublin 13 receives an assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45457/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Death Penalty
Ceisteanna (488)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:488. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have raised objections to the existence of the death penalty in the Republic of Kenya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44919/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has a longstanding policy of strong and unequivocal opposition to the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances, and we are actively engaged in EU and international efforts to secure its universal abolition.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland actively supports UN resolutions on the death penalty at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. We also support EU efforts to secure universal abolition in line with the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty, which provide the framework for EU action on this issue.
We have also used our current term of membership of the UN Human Rights Council to raise our concerns in relation to developments regarding the use of the death penalty, including through national and EU statements to the Council. We have consistently called for a halt to executions during our interventions at the working sessions of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a peer review mechanism on the human rights records of UN Member States.
The death penalty remains on the statute books in Kenya and continues to be handed down as a sentence, although it has not been carried out in Kenya since 1987.
Ireland has raised its concerns with the Kenyan authorities in relation to the use of the death penalty. In 2010, during Kenya’s first UPR, Kenya accepted a recommendation from Ireland to abolish the death penalty. At Kenya’s most recent UPR in January of this year, while welcoming the positive efforts undertaken by Kenya since its first UPR, including the adoption of a new Constitution in 2010, Ireland noted that Kenya had made little progress in abolishing the death penalty. Ireland again recommended that Kenya take concrete steps to abolish the death penalty.
The EU Delegation in Nairobi also regularly raises the issue of the death penalty, on behalf of all EU Member States, in its engagement with the Kenyan authorities.
Consular Services Staff
Ceisteanna (489)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:489. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned for the safety of Irish civil servants working in Brussels and in other missions, if extra safety measures have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42293/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The security and safety of staff working in Ireland’s missions abroad is a key priority for my Department.
In 2014, a dedicated Security Unit was established within my Department to identify and regularly assess the security challenges facing our Missions overseas. This Unit draws on a network of security contacts, both nationally and internationally, and works closely with An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It liaises directly with our missions on specific security incidents and advises on appropriate follow up. It arranges specialised security support and, when necessary, has arranged the deployment of security experts to advise in relation to particular acute threats at missions.
My Department regards the security of its staff as fundamental to its duty of care and security threats are kept under ongoing review, including within the risk management process. In our missions abroad, each Head of Mission prioritises the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for staff, as well as safe living conditions for posted staff and their families. Missions are encouraged to proactively identify threats and to maintain regular communication with the Department’s Security Unit, as well as liaising closely with local security contacts at post in relation to ongoing security related issues.
As part of their pre-posting training, all officers are given training on security issues and personal safety. Officers assigned to more security sensitive locations receive advanced security training.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (490)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:490. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if attacks on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria were discussed with the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42292/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I discussed the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Syria to the peoples and States of the Middle East region and the European Union and the need for coordinated international action with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London on 23 November.
Ireland fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by the Daesh group, consistent with international law. The recent attacks in Paris, Tunisia, Lebanon and elsewhere, including those in which Irish citizens have been murdered and wounded, show that Daesh’s terrorist crimes are an international and indiscriminate phenomenon which does not respect borders or nationality.
The threat posed by international terrorism requires a coordinated response from the international community. An effective response also requires a comprehensive approach which addresses root causes and contributory factors, promotes a counter-narrative, prevents radicalisation, deters and disrupts terrorist travel, addresses terrorist financing and brings perpetrators to justice.
Ireland, in common with all other UN Member States has a duty to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we have taken steps to do so. These Resolutions include UNSCR 2161 on freezing the funds and other assets of terrorist groupings and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State in order to perpetrate, plan or participate in terrorist acts or training.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Daesh.
It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by DA’ESH and other UN-designated terrorist groups. Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to "take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Daesh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Daesh, as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria."
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (491)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:491. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the comments by the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, on how safety and security depend on degrading and ultimately destroying the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41154/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by the Daesh group, consistent with international law. The recent attacks in Paris, Tunisia, Lebanon and elsewhere, including those in which Irish citizens have been murdered and wounded, show that Daesh’s terrorist crimes are an international and indiscriminate phenomenon which does not respect borders or nationality.
The threat posed by international terrorism requires a coordinated response from the international community. An effective response also requires a comprehensive approach which addresses root causes and contributory factors, promotes a counter-narrative, prevents radicalisation, deters and disrupts terrorist travel, addresses terrorist financing and brings perpetrators to justice.
Ireland, in common with all other UN Member States has a duty to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we have taken steps to do so. These Resolutions include UNSCR 2161 on freezing the funds and other assets of terrorist groupings and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State in order to perpetrate, plan or participate in terrorist acts or training. We are coordinating our national efforts to counter Daesh, in particular by responding to the international threat from foreign terrorist fighters and addressing humanitarian needs, with a global coalition of international partners.
It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by Daesh, and other UN-designated terrorist groups. Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to “take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Daesh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Daesh, as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria."
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Daesh.
Defeating Daesh cannot be separated from resolving the Syrian conflict. Ireland supports the efforts of the UN to renew political negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva Communiqué and the statements of the International Syria Support Group of 30 October and 14 November. We urge all parties to expedite steps to end the conflict, to support the UN’s efforts and to commit themselves to a nationwide ceasefire and a negotiated peace agreement.
Northern Ireland Issues
Ceisteanna (492, 501)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:492. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding dealing with the legacy of the past element of the agreement on the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41157/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:501. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the outstanding issues for the Justice for the Forgotten group can be finally addressed in view of the constant excuse being given of national security; and his further views on whether there should be an independent panel to decide if there is a matter of national security. [45459/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 501 together.
The Government very much regrets that the Fresh Start Agreement did not, in the end, include agreement on the implementation of provisions of the Stormont House Agreement dealing with the legacy of the past. We share the deep disappointment of the victims and survivors of the Troubles and their families.
It was not the Irish Government who pressed for an agreement that completely left aside the legacy of the past. However, when it became clear that the choice was between having an agreement which uncoupled the past and having no agreement at all, the Government most reluctantly agreed to have a less comprehensive deal that would at least ensure that the devolved institutions would be protected and placed on a stable and sustainable footing.
I remain convinced that the provisions of the Stormont House Agreement for dealing with the legacy of the past offer the best possible way of bringing whatever healing is possible to those affected by the Troubles, including those affected by collusion. When discussing the past in Northern Ireland and its legacy of loss and hurt, iconic tragedies such as Dublin-Monaghan remain central to our work. I believe these new institutions can help to deliver truth and justice to families who have waited too long. It is therefore vitally important that the new institutions have the trust and confidence of the victims and survivors and their families. Their needs will therefore remain central to the Government’s work in this area.
What is important now is that we find a way forward that banks the good progress already achieved during the talks on legacy issues and secures a solution to outstanding matters, including the key issue of striking the right balance between the onward disclosure needs of families and the national security requirements being sought by the British Government.
To this end, I met with Northern Ireland’s Victims’ Commissioner on 26 November to discuss the concerns of victims and possible ways to take the issue forward in a manner that satisfies these concerns. I also met the Northern Minister for Justice, David Ford, on 11 December to discuss possible next steps and I will be meeting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, later this month to explore potential options aimed at resolving the outstanding issues on dealing with the past.
In my discussions with her, I will again raise the All-Party Dáil motions of 2008 and 2011 urging the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all original documents in their possession relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. When we last discussed this issue on 8 October, the Secretary of State assured me that she would consider afresh how the British Government could respond to the Dáil motions. I am disappointed that the British Government has not yet positively responded to the requests made in the All-Party Dáil motions and I will ask the Secretary of State again to provide a positive response to the Dáil motions.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (493)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:493. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in 2015 and in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45056/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All commitments in relation to the rental of properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including ground rent where applicable, are discharged by the Office of Public Works.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (494, 503)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:494. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position on the air strikes in Syria; if he has voiced his position at European Union level; and if he will outline Ireland's position on the future of President Assad of Syria in any peace talks on the future of Syria. [45189/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:503. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on air strikes in Syria; if he has voiced his position at European Union level; and if he will outline Ireland's position on the future of President Assad of Syria in any peace talks on the future of Syria. [45461/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 503 together.
Ireland fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by the Daesh group, consistent with international law. The recent attacks in Paris, Tunisia, Lebanon and elsewhere, including those in which Irish citizens have been murdered and wounded, show that Daesh’s terrorist crimes are an international and indiscriminate phenomenon which does not respect borders or nationality.
The threat posed by international terrorism requires a coordinated response from the international community. An effective response also requires a comprehensive approach which addresses root causes and contributory factors, promotes a counter-narrative, prevents radicalisation, deters and disrupts terrorist travel, addresses terrorist financing and brings perpetrators to justice.
Ireland, in common with all other UN Member States has a duty to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we have taken steps to do so. These Resolutions include UNSCR 2161 on freezing the funds and other assets of terrorist groupings and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State in order to perpetrate, plan or participate in terrorist acts or training.
It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by DA’ESH and other UN-designated terrorist groups. Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to “take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Daesh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Daesh, as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria."
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Daesh.
Defeating Daesh, cannot be separated from resolving the Syrian conflict. Ireland supports the efforts of the UN to renew political negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communiqué a and the statements of the International Syria Support Group of 30 October and 14 November and urges all parties to take steps to immediately end the all violence, establish a transitional governing body with executive powers and control over Syrian security forces and the implementation of a constitutional reform process which preserves Syria’s pluralistic character. We urge all parties to take steps to end the conflict, support the UN and to commit themselves to a nationwide ceasefire and a negotiated peace agreement.
Ireland, together with its EU partners, made clear in the EU statement of 4 June 2014 that we do not accept the legitimacy of the 3 June Presidential elections held in Syria. These were held under a flawed electoral law which imposed identification requirements that deprived most Syrians living in areas under opposition control of the ability to cast their vote. The law also prevented exiled opposition candidates from standing against President Assad, and blocked access to alternative sources of campaign information. Ireland has co-sponsored a resolution called on the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court and has repeatedly supported the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry, which has made clear that the Assad regime is responsible for the overwhelming majority of attacks against civilians in Syria.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (495, 496, 504)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:495. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he condemns the Israeli raid on the Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem and the perceived total overreaction of Israeli forces to stone throwing; if he accepts this reaction by Israeli forces will further deter moderate Palestinians from peaceful dialogue; and if he will condemn this action. [45190/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:496. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he condemns the treatment of the Palestinian poet Mr. Ashraf Fayadh at the hands of the Saudi Arabian Government on the charge of abandoning his Muslim faith, a crime which warrants a death penalty in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make representations to the Saudi Arabian authorities on this issue. [45192/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:504. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the relevant authorities over the raid on Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem and the plight of a Palestinian poet (details supplied) facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. [45462/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 495, 496 and 504 together.
Since the beginning of the current disturbances in the occupied Palestinian territory, I have stressed that any necessary security response by Israeli authorities needed to be both restrained and proportionate. It is essential to reduce tensions, and not to increase the cycle of violence. Other international voices have repeated this call.
Some recent incidents, including the events in Aida camp have contributed to worsening the situation.
We have raised these concerns, in public, at EU discussions and directly with the Israeli authorities, including recent high level diplomatic contacts in both Dublin and Israel. We shall continue to do so.
In relation to Saudi Arabia, I am aware of the case of Ashraf Fayadh. This is a cause for concern both because Mr. Fayadh has been accused of something that is widely regarded as the simple exercise of his right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion, but also because of the death sentence imposed on him.
Ireland strongly condemns the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and works for its suspension and abolition around the world. We have expressed concern about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. Its abolition is one of Ireland’s priorities at the United Nations, including while a member of the Human Rights Council. For example, Ireland made a statement at the Council on 21 September 2015 voicing deep concern in relation to another Saudi Arabian death penalty case.
These and other human rights issues are raised with the Saudi authorities usually in conjunction with our EU partners. Presenting issues in a unified manner ensures greater impact. High Representative Mogherini stated in July that the EU will continue to closely follow the issue of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia in general, and to voice its concern through appropriate diplomatic channels.
My Department will also continue to monitor both the specific case of Mr. Fayadh and the general issue of death sentences in Saudi Arabia.
Human Rights Issues
Ceisteanna (497, 502)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:497. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the human suffering of families of prisoners of conscience in Iran, especially those of the Baha'i faith, where parents are in jail for their beliefs and children are deprived of their parents. [45193/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:502. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the human suffering of families of prisoners of conscience in Iran, especially those of the Baha'i faith, where parents are in jail for their beliefs and children deprived of their parents. [45460/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 502 together.
The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes freedom of expression and assembly, and conditions in detention. There are concerns in particular about the treatment of some religious and ethnic minorities, political activists, journalists and bloggers, and human rights defenders. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of our engagement and dialogue with Iran.
During my address to the UN Human Rights Council on 4 March 2015, I expressed my concern that “Freedom of Religion and Belief is in peril in many places worldwide, with members of minority religious communities, including those of Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faith, disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and harassment.”
Ireland continues to call strongly for the release of the seven Bahá’í leaders and the end to the persecution of members of this faith in Iran, including through bilateral contacts, with our EU partners and at the UN. Ireland has been instrumental in consistent activity by the EU in raising the discriminatory treatment of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
In January 2015, during political consultations with Iran, which took place in Dublin, my Department again directly communicated our concerns regarding the treatment of the Baha’i community to the visiting Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Majid Takht Ravanchi.
I reiterated these concerns directly to Mr. Larijani, the Speaker of the Majlis, during his visit to Ireland in June.
During Iran’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in April 2014, Ireland voiced concerns in its intervention regarding the situation of religious minorities, including recommending that Iran review its policies discriminating against students on account of their faith, ensure that the trials of members of religious minorities are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and accord them the full rights of citizens of Iran.
At the 27th Session of the Human Rights Council in September 2014, under Agenda Item Four, on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, Ireland raised concerns that some groups, including those of the Baha’i faith and some Christian groups, are subject to significant persecution.
We also raised the issue at the 28th Session of the Human Rights Council in March 2015 during the interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Irish Bahá’í community.
Ireland, along with the EU, will continue to encourage progress in relation to religious minorities in Iran and to make clear our concerns to the Iranian authorities at every appropriate opportunity.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (498)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:498. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with President Hollande of France regarding French military action in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44826/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have not discussed this matter with President Hollande.
Ireland fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by the Daesh, group, consistent with international law. The recent attacks in Paris, Tunisia, Lebanon and elsewhere, including those in which Irish citizens have been murdered and wounded, show that Daesh’s terrorist crimes are an international and indiscriminate phenomenon which does not respect borders or nationality.
The threat posed by international terrorism requires a coordinated response from the international community. An effective response also requires a comprehensive approach which addresses root causes and contributory factors, promotes a counter-narrative, prevents radicalisation, deters and disrupts terrorist travel, addresses terrorist financing and brings perpetrators to justice.
Ireland, in common with all other UN Member States has a duty to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we have taken steps to do so. These Resolutions include UNSCR 2161 on freezing the funds and other assets of terrorist groupings and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State in order to perpetrate, plan or participate in terrorist acts or training.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Daesh.
It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by Daesh, and other UN-designated terrorist groups. Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to “take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Daesh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Daesh, as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria.”