Written Answers Nos. 382-399
382. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the safeguards being taken to ensure that refugees who are returned to Turkey under the European Union-Turkey migration deal have their human rights upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7539/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTurkey has a key role to play in resolving the Migration crisis, as most of the migrants and refugees who have entered the EU since early 2015 have travelled via Turkey. The EU and Turkey have engaged deeply on developing joint approaches and the EU’s engagement with Turkey was the focus of the most recent European Council on 17 and 18 March 2016.
The core intention of the EU-Turkey agreement which emerged from the Council is to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable. Critically, it should stop people getting into unsafe boats and risking their lives.
The agreement complies with international law on the protection of human rights. All migrants will be protected in accordance with the relevant international standards and in respect of the principle of non-refoulement. This includes a guarantee that any migrants/refugees arriving in the Greek islands who wish to claim asylum will have their applications processed individually by the Greek authorities in accordance with the Asylum Procedures Directive, in cooperation with UNHCR.
The need to comply with international law was at the heart of the March European Council discussions. The legal advice of the EU institutions was that there is such compliance.
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the systems and structures put in place with regard to the European Union-Turkey migration deal to ensure that those who are seeking asylum have their applications assessed in a fair and legal manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7540/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core intention of the EU-Turkey agreement which emerged from the March European Council is to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable. Critically, it should stop people getting into unsafe boats and risking their lives.
Migrants arriving in the Greek islands will be registered and any application for asylum will be processed individually by the Greek authorities in accordance with the Asylum Procedures Directive, in cooperation with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).
Ireland is playing its part in ensuring that all asylum seekers receive a fair hearing and that their applications are processed in full accordance with international law. We have deployed two experts to the Greek island of Lesbos to support the EASO and we have nominated Liaison Officers to both Italy and Greece to support the work of the ‘hotspots’. In addition, my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality has agreed to send three international protection case work experts to the Greek Islands. Ireland will also be offering the services of two members of the Refugee Appeals’ Tribunal to support the establishment of Appeals Committees.
384. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the impact of the European Union-Turkey migration deal on the number of refugees entering the Greek islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMigration to the European Union via the Western Balkans Route has been slowing for some time. Determining the precise factors leading to this decline is complex. It may be that weather and the progressive closing of border crossings along the migratory route north, are contributory factors.
According to the UN High Commission for Refugees, the figure for average daily arrivals of refugees in Greece for March 2016 was 870. That figure had declined to 134 per day by mid-April.
The core intention of the EU-Turkey agreement which emerged from the March European Council is to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable. Critically, it should stop people getting into unsafe boats and risking their lives.
385. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Egyptian authorities misled officials in the Irish Embassy in Cairo on the whereabouts of a person (details supplied) who is imprisoned there without trial for nearly three years; if the person was transferred between prisons in recent days without the knowledge of his family and Irish Embassy staff in Cairo; if he will challenge the Egyptian Government over this issue and the continued appalling treatment of this person; when will Irish Embassy officials next meet the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe case of this individual, who has been detained in Egypt for almost three years, continues to be of the highest priority for the Government and for my Department. We are providing ongoing consular assistance to the individual including through regular prison visits and the monitoring of all trial hearings.
I can confirm that the citizen was transferred between prisons last week without the prior knowledge of the Irish Embassy in Cairo or his family. On learning that the citizen’s family had concerns about his whereabouts, officials from my Department immediately made contact with the Egyptian authorities, both in Dublin and in Cairo, to register our concern and to seek to establish the facts. After some temporary confusion on 12 April, my officials were able to confirm his place of detention.
The Egyptian authorities have advised that there are security issues pertaining to prisoner moves, and prison authorities do not release advance information on such moves in order not to prejudice the safety of both prisoners and security personnel.
I met with the Ambassador of Egypt, Ms Soha Gendi, on Thursday 14 April. During our meeting I once again underlined to her the Government’s concerns about the welfare of this Irish citizen.
On Sunday, 17 April, our Ambassador in Egypt, Mr Damien Cole, accompanied by officials from the Embassy, visited the detained Irish citizen in the prison near Cairo, and had the opportunity for a discussion on the full range of consular issues arising in the case. This was the latest in a very regular and frequent series of such meetings.
The Government, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is continuing to work through all diplomatic and political channels to achieve our objective of seeing this citizen returned to Ireland as soon as possible.
386. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised the killing of a person (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the inaction of the Turkish Government to bring the perpetrators to justice. [7586/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe murder, in the south-eastern Turkish city of Diyarbakýr on 28 November, of the Kurdish human rights lawyer, Tahir Elçi, as well as that of two policemen killed nearby, was another tragic and very worrying development following the breakdown in the ceasefire between the Turkish Government and the Kurdistan Workers Party - the PKK - in July.
I condemned this brutal murder in the House on 17 December 2015. Mr Elçi was a strong and principled proponent of an end to the current violence and a return to the peace process and, as a human rights lawyer, he was critical of human rights abuses on all sides of the conflict.
The need for swift and transparent investigations into acts of terrorism has also been emphasised by the EU. I stated at that time of Mr Elçi’s murder that a full investigation would be important. I understand investigations are continuing, but as yet no perpetrator has been apprehended.
A commemoration for Mr Elçi was held in Diyarbakýr earlier this month, and is a reminder of the need to bring those responsible to justice.
389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the ongoing efforts being made to secure the release of almost 300 school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7646/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have consistently condemned the acts of violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people. The brutal activities of Boko Haram continue to represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, and to the wider region, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
The abduction in April 2014 of the schoolgirls from Chibok appalled the world. This attack was one of a number perpetrated on defenceless young people, seeking to destroy their education and their futures.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, continues to call on all parties to work for the release of the more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok who remain in captivity. We are aware that a video has been released in recent days, from which family members and friends are said to have identified some of the girls.
It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Government to create a secure environment in which the human rights of civilians are promoted and protected, including in those areas affected by Boko Haram.
The Nigerian Government has seen some recent successes in tackling Boko Haram and regaining control of territory. At an EU-Nigeria Ministerial dialogue last month, the EU urged the Nigerian Government to continue these efforts and to ensure full operationalisation of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, to which Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad are contributing a total of 8,700 troops.
Ireland has provided humanitarian relief to those affected by Boko Haram attacks. In March 2015, we arranged for the airlift of 87 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies for distribution by the NGO Plan to an estimated 13,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon. In October last year, we provided €500,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent (ICRC) for its humanitarian operations in Nigeria. In addition, one of Ireland’s Rapid Responders is currently working with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in northern Nigeria.
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely through our Embassy in Abuja and through the EU. Our Ambassador to Nigeria travelled to Borno State, the region in the North East particularly affected by Boko Haram activities, last December, where he met with the Governor.
The EU has pledged up to €50 million in support for the Multinational Joint Taskforce to tackle Boko Haram, and, in June 2015, announced €21 million in humanitarian funding to the four countries concerned. The EU has also funded technical assistance to the Office of the National Security Advisor of Nigeria to support the implementation of counter-terrorism legislation and capacity to tackle radicalisation.
390. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, that have taken place at recent European Foreign Affairs Council meetings on the plight of the Kurdish people; the efforts being made at EU level to secure peace between the main organisations representing Kurdish people and the Turkish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7647/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domestic situation in Turkey remains a matter of concern, both for Ireland and our European partners. I would like to reiterate the serious concern I have expressed several times already in this House at the escalation of violence since the breakdown of the ceasefire between the Turkish Government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) last summer. This breakdown has been all the more regrettable given that there were positive signs in the peace process as recently as early 2015.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of the peace talks between the Turkish Government and the PKK. The current situation demonstrates clearly the critical importance for all sides to cease hostilities and return to dialogue. The most recent Progress Report on Turkey, published in November 2015, stated that ‘It is imperative to resume the Kurdish peace process as a matter of urgency.’
The Government also remains concerned at the broader situation of fundamental freedoms in Turkey, particularly with regard to freedom of expression and the media. The rule of law and human rights are, of course, an integral part of the Enlargement process and were highlighted in the most recent Progress Report on Turkey. Ireland, along with the EU, will continue its dialogue with Turkey on these important issues to address the ‘significant backsliding in the areas of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly’ identified in the 2015 Progress Report.
The issue of human rights in Turkey has been raised by the Taoiseach at the European Council. The situation of the Kurds, of course, arises not just in the context of their situation in Turkey, but also in the context of the war in Syria and the situation in Iraq, both of which are discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council.
Officials in my Department, both at headquarters in Dublin and in our Embassy in Ankara, will continue to follow developments in Turkey very closely.
392. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the manner in which his Department plans to address the threat of religious fundamentalism to Ireland; the measures or discussions that have taken place at a European Union Foreign Affairs Council level with regard to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7649/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of terrorist groups are linked to a brand of religious fundamentalism and claim that their actions are in pursuit of their religious beliefs. However, religious leaders have condemned such actions as not in accordance with religious beliefs. We must continue to make this distinction: the threat is posed not by religious belief, but by terrorist groups.
The Minister for Justice and Equality takes the lead role in assessing and responding to the threat to national security posed by international terrorism. The Minster has stated that there is no specific information concerning any threat to Ireland, and that the level of threat is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána.
Appalling attacks over the past year in France, Lebanon, Mali, Turkey and elsewhere have served to remind us that terrorism does not respect borders. The recent horrific attacks in Brussels have demonstrated once again that the potential for terrorist attacks is heightened by European citizens returning from areas of conflict. Accordingly, while member states have the primary responsibility for addressing terrorism, an effective response requires international cooperation.
At EU level, external action to prevent and counter terrorism has been discussed regularly by the Foreign Affairs Council. An EU Counter Terrorism Strategy for Syria and Iraq, was approved by the FAC in October 2014 and an outline of this was subsequently made public.
Further discussions took place at the FAC in January and February 2015. At our 9 February meeting we reiterated the EU’s support for swift implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions in full compliance with international law, fundamental values and international human rights standards. We highlighted the need to step up EU external action and to that end, agreed to pursue initiatives in five broad areas. These concerned strengthening partnerships with key countries in the Middle East and North Africa and with regional bodies such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; supporting capacity building in those countries; countering radicalisation and violent extremism; active engagement with international partners and organisations; and addressing underlying factors and crises.
Under the heading of countering radicalisation and violent extremism we welcomed initiatives to facilitate interfaith dialogue, we invited the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to continue efforts to defend and advocate freedom of expression, religion and belief particularly in the MENA region, and we agreed that the EU would continue to work with faith-based organisations.
Our discussions and conclusions fed into a meeting of the informal European Council on 12 February. This meeting also took account of work undertaken by EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers to promote EU internal security. Heads of State and Government set out an agenda for action for 2015 on internal and external EU action. This detailed guidance included a focus on promotion of tolerance, non-discrimination, fundamental freedoms and solidarity, including stepping up inter-faith and other dialogue, and promoting narratives to counter terrorist ideologies.
Work on these various strands continued throughout 2015. The December Foreign Affairs Council reviewed progress in implementing the measures agreed at our February 2015 meeting. Progress was achieved in a wide range of areas, supported through the provision of substantially increased funding for counter terrorism activities in third countries. Some €142 million was allocated in 2015 compared to just €10 million four years previously. A comprehensive package of assistance has been put in place for Tunisia and it is hoped that this will lead to similar packages for other countries in 2016.
Counter terrorism experts were appointed in 2015 to a number of EU delegations in the MENA region, Turkey and Nigeria to work closely with the host countries to tackle the terrorist threat. We also strengthened cooperation with international partners including the UN, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. We agreed on the need to step up our efforts in 2016 and that priority should continue to be given to counter terrorism cooperation in the MENA region, Turkey and the Western Balkans.
The FAC will keep the effectiveness of EU external action under review throughout 2016. I expect that there will be a continuing focus on the need to promote political solutions to the underlying crises; the importance of continuing the EU’s support for work on counter-radicalisation; and stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, funding and weapons in Syria, Iraq and more widely in the region in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
393. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected percentage of overseas development aid that will be spent on climate justice or climate-related initiatives in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7651/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of our response to the global challenge of climate change, Ireland is strongly committed to supporting developing countries to address its most serious and intense impact on some of the poorest communities in the world.
Our policy commitments are reflected in The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World which recognises the impacts of climate change on weather and ecosystems and the adverse effects particularly on the poorest people in least developed countries. In addition, Ireland’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future includes climate change and development as one of the seven priority areas of action under the development programme.
At the 21st UN Framework C Convention on Climate Change held in Paris in December 2015, the Taoiseach committed Ireland to continuing our support to developing countries in areas such as climate justice and in supporting vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change. For 2016, the Government has provided a gross allocation to Official Development Assistance of €641 million. €486 million of this is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Irish Aid programme. During 2016, Ireland will continue to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into relevant development cooperation programmes. We estimate that some 7% of funding under the Irish Aid programme in 2016 will be devoted to climate-related initiatives in developing countries.
394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union, in conjunction with the United Nations, continues to focus on the activities of ISIS, with particular reference to the persecution of Christians and others of different religious beliefs; if a co-ordinated effort is emerging in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7720/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland 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 combatting all forms of discrimination and incitement to religious hatred.
With our EU partners, we 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. Our approach is informed by the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion adopted during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2013 and by the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-19 which, at Ireland's instigation, includes a reference to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief.
External action to prevent and counter terrorism has been discussed regularly by the EU Foreign Affairs Council. An EU Counter Terrorism Strategy for Syria and Iraq, was approved by the FAC in October 2014 and an outline of this was subsequently made public.
Further discussions took place at the FAC in January and February 2015. At our 9 February meeting we reiterated the EU’s support for swift implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions in full compliance with international law, fundamental values and international human rights standards. We highlighted the need to step up EU external action and to that end, agreed to pursue initiatives in five broad areas. These concerned strengthening partnerships with key countries in the Middle East and North Africa and with regional bodies such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; supporting capacity building in those countries; countering radicalisation and violent extremism; active engagement with international partners and organisations; and addressing underlying factors and crises. We must address these underlying causes and through diplomacy seek to resolve the crises that contribute to the terrorism threat. In the absence of comprehensive political solutions, our efforts to combat terrorism will be in vain.
EU Foreign Ministers have welcomed initiatives to facilitate interfaith dialogue, have invited the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to continue efforts to defend and advocate freedom of expression, religion and belief particularly in the MENA region, and we have agreed that the EU will continue to work with faith-based organisations.
During the past year, Ireland has reiterated its commitment to defending the right to freedom of religion or belief on many occasions. I highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on Christians when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York in October 2015 and during my meeting with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in May 2015. At the UN Human Rights Council in September 2015, Ireland made a number of statements in which we condemned DA’ESH’S barbarous treatment of civilians, their campaign of violence against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq, and their treatment of women and girls, including their being subjected to harrowing acts of sexual and physical violence and to sexual slavery. Ireland also delivered a statement addressing the importance of freedom of religion or belief during an interactive dialogue at the thirty-first session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2016. Ireland will continue to raise the issue of the persecution of Christians through its engagement at the United Nations and as part of EU efforts to support and promote freedom of religion or belief.
395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which particular emphasis is placed on efforts within the European Union to address the issue of euroscepticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7721/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of euro-scepticism is complex and multifaceted, but is by no means a majority position across the EU or its Member States. Governments and citizens across Europe continue to hold broadly positive views on the European union.
The EU, and Ireland as a Member State, engages with the big issues of the day, whether they relate to stability, jobs and growth, or to challenges external and internal, such as migration and international terrorism. It is important to continue to engage with these issues at the EU-level if we are serious about addressing them. Equally, our Union’s positive image depends to a large degree on its ability to respond to these challenges in a way that commands public confidence.
We must work both to ensure that the EU does its own work better and that it is better communicated to the public. The Government has worked closely with the EU Institutions and our fellow Member States to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, growth and job creation.
The Juncker Commission has strengthened engagement with the public and is making good on its commitment to develop a Commission which is "more ambitious on big things and more modest on little things", thus ensuring a focus on the areas where the EU can deliver value and allowing other matters to be regulated at the national level.
396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to engage with the various parties in Syria with a view to bringing about a ceasefire and settlement and the elimination of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7722/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the resumption of the Geneva III talks on Friday 15 April, and in particular the focus by UN Special Envoy Steffan de Mistura on achieving a political transition. This remains the core issue in the conflict and no sustainable peace can be achieved without agreement on political change in Syria.
The cessation of hostilities remains critical to the negotiations. There can be no prospect of meaningful negotiations if the violence continues. The reports of Assad regime helicopters barrel bombing opposition held areas underline the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution. I note the concerns expressed by the opposition that the Assad regime is seeking to undermine the negotiations by its ceaseless campaign of violence against civilians.
I call on all parties, including all members of the International Syria Support Group, to support the UN’s efforts and to commit themselves to work sincerely and with urgency for a nationwide ceasefire, a negotiated peace agreement which will protect the rights of the Syrian people and preserve the pluralistic character, unity and sovereignty of a free and democratic Syria at peace.
Ireland strongly endorses the efforts of the United Nations to renew peace negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communique principles and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, in particular the ending of violence, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers and a constitutional reform process which would protect Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian character.
I believe that there must also be legal accountability for victims of the Syrian conflict and in 2014 we co-sponsored a resolution called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
I would also note that the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry has reported that the Assad regime is responsible for the majority of crimes against the Syrian people.
While recognising the need for a political transition and an end to the Assad regime, I want to make clear that it is the Syrian people’s right to decide on Syria’s future national leadership.
398. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a written decision will issue to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal regarding the building of a new classroom; if she will permit this classroom to be built as part of the main school building rather than as a stand-alone building; if not, the reasons for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7251/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for significant capital funding for the provision of additional classroom and ancillary school accommodation.
As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the competing demands on my Department's capital budget, my Department's focus at this time is on the need to prioritise available funding towards the provision of essential school classroom accommodation where an additional teacher appointment has been made.
The application from the school in question is currently being considered in that context and a decision will be conveyed to the school shortly.
399. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the grant aid for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the developments from the schools appraisal unit; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7255/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for funding for capital works.
Further details relevant to the application were requested from the school. On receipt of that information the application can be considered further with a decision conveyed to the school authority in due course.
