Written Answers Nos. 46 - 63
46. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to his recent statement that the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign is a legitimate political viewpoint, his plans to consider adopting such an approach as official Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19416/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statement referred to was in reply to a Parliamentary Question last month, and the Deputy will have noted that the full sentence was to the effect that the Government does not agree with this policy, but accepts that it is a legitimate political view.
I have made clear on a number of occasions my opposition to boycotts.
As successive Ministers of all parties have pointed out, there is no possibility of reaching agreement on such a policy at EU level, which is the only level at which it could be implemented.
47. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that 104 non-governmental organisations from across Europe have signed a statement condemning the European Commission’s communication on a new partnership framework with third countries; that this is testament to the strong concern across European civil society regarding the direction the European Union is taking; that this proposed partnership framework fundamentally contradicts international human rights law and Ireland’s commitments to supporting and upholding human rights, which was laid out in his Department’s The Global Island policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19465/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 June the European Commission published a new results-oriented concept of cooperation with third countries, the Migration Partnership Framework, which brings together the EU and its Member States, and focuses on ensuring the necessary coherence between the Union's migration policy and other Union policies, notably development and trade policies. The Communication states that the ultimate aim of the Framework is the coordinated and coherent management of migration in full respect for humanitarian and human rights obligations. It builds on the High Level Dialogues which the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy has been conducting in recent months aimed at engaging even more closely with countries of origin and transit and indeed with countries hosting large numbers of migrants. €8 billion has been earmarked for the initiative up to 2020.
I welcome this focus in the Commission’s initiative. Europe’s response to the migration crisis must be a comprehensive one, using all relevant EU policies, instruments and tools and delivered in a manner that fully respects the human rights of all concerned. Our response has to include longer-term solutions that address the root causes of such large-scale movements, and EU and Member State development cooperation programmes have a key role to play.
At the same time, Ireland will continue to reaffirm the principle that decisions on aid allocations - and in particular humanitarian assistance - should be made on the basis of need, and that this principle must not be forgotten as Europe responds to the migratory pressures which it is facing. We should also remember the importance of ensuring that focusing on those countries and regions which are contributing to the migration flows does not lead to the exclusion of other developing partners, which are currently not contributing to these flows. The EU needs to continue to build a comprehensive response to the immediate crisis, while looking to build the resilience of countries and communities – especially in Africa – where future crises can be averted.
48. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned at the treatment of Palestinian academics in the West Bank and Gaza at the hands of the Israeli Defence Force; and his plans to raise this issue with the Israeli ambassador. [19411/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have from time to time discussed in this house the difficulties experienced by Palestinian universities and colleges, and notably Bethlehem University, arising from the range of restrictions on movement, residence, construction and other areas which are imposed by the Israeli occupation. These can create significant practical obstacles for academics and students, and for the institution itself. There have also been individual cases of academics accused of various activities.
If the Deputy has a particular issue in mind in relation to the treatment specifically of academics she might bring it to the attention of my office and I will be happy to have it looked into in my Department.
49. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made contact with the Mexican Government concerning the reported state repression of a strike by school teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19480/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the reports of violence and deaths resulting from strikes by schoolteachers in Mexico to which the Deputy refers. These developments are of great concern and are being closely monitored by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico.
Ireland and other EU Member States engage with the Mexican authorities on human rights and civil society-related issues on an ongoing basis. In particular the EU uses the High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights, the High-Level Political Dialogue and the Security and Justice Dialogue, as well as other channels, to raise issues related to human rights, rule of law and security with the Mexican authorities. These fora allow for open and frank discussions on human rights and related citizen security issues in Mexico and the EU.
The sixth session of the High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights between the EU and Mexico was held on 20 and 21 June, 2016 in Brussels. Both sides agreed the importance of continued cooperation in effectively addressing challenges in the area of human rights, particularly on issues such as the rule of law and the fight against impunity, missing and disappeared persons, torture, discrimination, migration, protection of vulnerable groups, and human rights defenders and journalists.
EU member states also provide support to Mexico through projects led by national and international NGOs to promote human rights as well as the role of civil society and non-state actors. For its part, Ireland has provided support to civil society and missionary organisations for development projects to improve, amongst other things, the human rights situation in Mexico.
Despite the troubling events in Mexico, Ireland recognises the country’s sincere efforts to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. We will continue to engage positively with both Government and civil society on these important issues.
50. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he held discussions with representatives of the USA administration accompanying the Vice President of the United States of America, Mr. Joe Biden, during his visit here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19471/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI had the pleasure of greeting Vice-President Biden on his arrival at Dublin Airport last week and of welcoming the Vice-President and his family to Ireland. In our brief discussion, Vice-President Biden and I spoke about his close ancestral ties and deep affinity to Ireland and the Vice-President emphasised that he and his family had been greatly looking forward to the visit, which he had long been planning.
While on this occasion I did not hold a formal bilateral meeting with Vice-President Biden or other representatives of the United States of America, I engaged with both the Vice-President and President Obama during my visit to Washington DC for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in March. On that occasion the Taoiseach and I had the opportunity to raise a number of issues of importance to Ireland including economic and political links and immigration reform.
51. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his plans to deploy further resources, including monetary and staffing resources, to his Department given the United Kingdom referendum result and that the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union affects almost every unit within his Department; the need to protect and sustain trade, business, tourism and investment within the island of Ireland; the need to continue to advance peace and social and economic progress in Northern Ireland and the need to support the Irish community in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19461/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past few months the Government has prepared a contingency framework in the event that the UK voted to leave the European Union. A summary of this framework document was published on Friday 24 June after the result of the Referendum was announced. My Department, in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach, will be central to this work and the Deputy has correctly identified some key priorities within our areas of responsibility.
This cross-Government Contingency Framework indicates that there will be resource implications both centrally and for line Departments and work is currently underway to identify and cost the additional requirements to ensure that capabilities and resources are put in place to manage the complex process of a UK exit from the EU.
Within my Department, lead responsibility for the UK-EU relationship lies with the British Irish Relations Unit of the Ireland, UK and Americas (IUKA) Division. This Unit works very closely with colleagues in the wider IUKA Division, especially those colleagues focused on Northern Ireland, with colleagues elsewhere in the Department, and in the Department of the Taoiseach. An internal Departmental group on the UK-EU relationship was established in the months preceding the referendum, comprising officials across all of the Department’s divisions and units.
In addition, many of my Department’s offices, beyond our HQ in Dublin, are also focused on the UK-EU relationship, in particular the Embassy of Ireland in London, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh, our offices in Belfast and Armagh and the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. Missions across the EU and further afield are all working on this issue, and will continue to do so throughout the negotiations period.
I would also add that a number of diplomatic officers of the Department are seconded to the European Union Division in the Department of the Taoiseach, while two diplomatic officers are seconded to the International and EU Relations Division of the Department of Finance.
52. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 21 June 2016, if he has reconfirmed details in respect of the aircraft and if he is quite sure that the aircraft in question did not participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization military exercises in Poland which took place in early to mid-June 2016. [19086/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Embassy has reconfirmed details which it had provided in relation to the aircraft to which the Deputy refers. The Embassy has further stated that the aircraft were not carrying passengers or equipment intended for use in Exercise Anakonda and that the aircraft did not participate in that exercise.
I am satisfied that the US is aware of the need to comply with the strict conditions attaching to permission for military aircraft to land at Irish airports, including that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
Bilateral relations between friendly nations are founded on mutual trust. Details provided by diplomatic missions are therefore accepted in good faith as being accurate. In this particular case, details for the flights have been re-confirmed by the Embassy which has also provided the additional assurances which I have outlined.
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent, if any, to which he might, along with his European Union colleagues and arising from Brexit, identify if political groups within individual member states in the European Union appear to be determined to undermine the Union itself and bring about a chaotic situation which can only lead to social and economic instability and unrest; his views on whether a time has come to redefine and restore the objectives on which modern Europe was founded whereby each individual member state instead of imposing its will on the Union or opting out of participation in its structures can again come to take ownership of the European project for the benefit of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues which the Deputy raises are complex and there will be many views on the factors that gave rise to the outcome of the referendum and the roles played by the political parties and groups in the campaign. Of course, conditions with regard to public discourse and debate on the Union within each Member State are different. I am well aware that, in individual Member States, there are those who would wish to leave the Union. However, this is not the position of any Government or Parliament.
The outcome of the UK referendum has highlighted issues which are surfacing - not only in the EU – but in politics throughout the Western World. From an EU perspective it reminds us of the need to focus on implementing concrete measures on jobs, growth and security – measures that improve the lives of all EU citizens, and that are the building blocks of long-term prosperity and stability for us all. At the European Council meeting in Brussels last week which the Taoiseach attended, the 27 EU leaders addressed this point and had a preliminary exchange on the best way forward. It was agreed that a period of further reflection would begin, and that they would have a more substantial discussion in the autumn. To this end, a meeting of EU leaders has been scheduled for September in Bratislava, hosted by the Slovak Presidency.
For the future, we must address the big challenges we face in a way that commands public confidence. We must work both to ensure that the EU emerges stronger from the current situation: that it does its own work better and that it is better communicated to the public. The Government will continue to work closely with the EU Institutions and our fellow Member States to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, competitiveness, growth and jobs.
54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union and United Nations colleagues continue to address the threat of international terrorism as evident in the massacres in France, Belgium and Turkey; if any particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting peaceful citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19414/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe atrocities perpetrated by terrorists in France, Belgium, Turkey and other countries have been discussed and condemned at numerous EU and UN fora. These brutal attacks continue to represent a serious threat to international peace and security.
The issue of how best to respond to the threat posed by terrorism has been high on the EU agenda over the past 18 months. Foreign Ministers have focused on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. At the heart of the EU’s strategy is engagement with third countries to prevent violent extremism and to strengthen their capacity to detect and prevent terrorism in full compliance with international law and human rights. The EU is also focused on the need to address contributory factors and underlying causes and has stressed in particular the importance of a political solution to the conflict in Syria.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level to preventing and countering terrorism. At meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council I have stressed the need to tackle underlying factors that contribute to radicalisation and terrorism and in particular the importance of the link between security and development. I have also emphasised the need to ensure a joined-up approach in relation to the discussions of Foreign Ministers and those of our Justice and Home Affairs counterparts.
Increasing the effectiveness of information and intelligence-sharing and enhancing border security have been priority themes at recent meetings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council and they will remain at the top of the agenda for the foreseeable future. A series of measures is being rolled out to strengthen cooperation and to develop the EU's legal framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms. Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.
The EU’s strategy and discussions are guided by the principles and measures set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions including UNSCR 2161 on freezing funds and other assets of terrorist groups, and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State to plan or carry out terrorist acts or training. I welcome also the presentation earlier this year by the UN Secretary General of a comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.
A coordinated and comprehensive response to terrorism is key to ensuring the safety of peaceful citizens abroad and in Ireland. Issues concerning national security and the protection of citizens in Ireland are a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality. Threat levels are kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána and appropriate measures taken. It is the assessment of our security services that while a terrorist attack in Ireland remains possible, it is not likely.
55. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the increase in the number of Palestinian children arrested by Israeli security forces in the past year; the number of these children who were arrested without their parents being informed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe treatment of Palestinian children in the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem is of deep concern, and an issue on which Ireland has been active for some time.
The significant rise in the number of children arrested, which has been highlighted in reports by UNICEF and others, is largely connected to the wave of violent incidents over the last ten months in which, tragically, many children and young people have been involved.
At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in October 2013, during the universal periodic review of Israel’s human rights record, Ireland expressed this concern and urged Israel to fully implement the recommendations of the February 2013 UNICEF report, entitled “Children in Israeli Military Detention”. We recommended that Israel end urgently night arrests of Palestinian children, the admissibility in evidence in military courts of written confessions in Hebrew signed by Palestinian children, the use of solitary confinement and the denial of access to family members or to legal representation.
Bilaterally, our concerns regarding the detention of Palestinian minors have been raised as part of our ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities on the overall situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian population, both with the Israeli Embassy here and through our own Embassy in Tel Aviv.
My clear view is that Palestinian children should be afforded the same rights and protections under the law which Israel rightly considers to be appropriate for Israeli children living alongside them.
The overall human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the treatment of children in detention, remains a matter of concern and will continue to be raised in the relevant multilateral fora, and to feature in the EU’s broader concerns about human rights in the area.
Similar concerns would exist in relation to the detention of children in many other states in the region.
56. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the focus that has been placed on the role of the European Free Trade Association, EFTA, given the results of the United Kingdom referendum on European Union membership; if he considered how the democratic credentials of the EFTA might be strengthened to ease the transition process of the United Kingdom as an European Union partner to another position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation set up for the promotion of free trade and economic integration to the benefit of its four Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The European Economic Area Agreement enables three of the four EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) to participate in the EU’s Internal Market.
EFTA was founded by Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Finland joined in 1961, Iceland in 1970 and Liechtenstein in 1991. In 1973, the United Kingdom and Denmark left EFTA to join the European Economic Community. They were followed by Portugal in 1986 and by Austria, Finland and Sweden in 1995. Ireland was never a member of EFTA.
It is a matter for EFTA and its four members to decide how the organisation, including its membership, may evolve.
57. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he recognises the importance RTÉ long wave 252 will have for elderly Irish citizens in the United Kingdom now that the UK has voted to exit the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2014 RTÉ announced plans to shut down their longwave 252 service which enables RTÉ Radio 1 to be broadcast into Britain. While the initial plan was for the longwave service to close on 27 October 2014, this was further deferred until 19 January 2015. On 18 December 2014 a decision was taken to continue Longwave Radio services until 2017.
Following this announcement I committed to commissioning research into the listenership figures in Britain for the RTÉ Longwave service using the Emigrant Support Programme. The purpose of this research was to obtain concrete data on the current listenership and also explore the possibility of continuing the service using alternate technologies.
The research was conducted by the Social Policy Research Centre at Middlesex University, who were appointed following a competitive tender process run by Irish in Britain. Information was gathered through individual submissions, group submissions and focus groups.
Overseeing the research was a Consultative Group of key stakeholders which is composed of representatives of RTÉ, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade officials as well as community representatives.
An executive summary of the research was published earlier last month. The figures show out of 3,191 people who completed the individual surveys, 72% of those who responded were over 60, while 68% of respondents were born in Ireland and 62% were retired. For the majority of respondents, Longwave was seen as a ‘lifeline’ to Ireland – helping them to maintain ‘a sense of Irishness’ and to keep up with events ‘back home’. The majority of listeners in the focus groups preferred the familiar, analogue service – as opposed to digital platforms, computers, laptops and smartphones.
The Government recognises the special value placed on RTÉ Longwave 252 by Irish citizens in the United Kingdom, especially the elderly, and my Department is working closely with RTÉ to ensure that the views of this community are heard in any decision making process.
While any decision on the future of longwave services in Britain is ultimately an operational matter for RTE, it can, as a result of the study, now be informed by awareness of the role that the service plays in preserving and enhancing links with Ireland and keeping our people in Britain informed of important events and developments, such as the UK’s vote to leave the EU and the Irish Government’s position.
A further meeting of the Consultative Group will take place over the coming months to consider the research findings in detail and discuss the next steps and I am hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved.
58. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19463/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed “to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict”.
The Government works consistently to achieve a free, independent and sovereign Palestinian state, not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I am considering carefully whether the immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The process begun by France at the Paris Conference on 3 June is an effort to break the deadlock and stimulate new efforts, and one the Government fully supports. It would clearly be unhelpful and confusing to make a unilateral move on recognition in the middle of that process, which is aimed at a second conference at the end of the year.
I continue to follow closely developments in the region. In recent weeks I have met a cross party delegation from the Knesset, participated at the Paris Conference, and made another visit to the region, where I spoke to Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders about this and other topics.
61. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that has called on the Sri Lankan Government to take further action to provide justice to war victims and survivors; that it also called on Sri Lanka to rein in its military forces in Tamil areas and to prosecute Sri Lankan soldiers for war crimes they committed during the war with the Tamil Tigers; that witnesses must be protected under an effective transitional justice mechanism, which should include international judges; and if he will assist this process in any way. [19467/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report on Sri Lanka presented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the 32nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Ireland is a strong supporter of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and has welcomed this update on Sri Lanka.
On Wednesday 29 June, Ireland delivered a national statement at the Human Rights Council responding to this report in which we welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s positive engagement with the Council to date and recognised areas in which progress towards reconciliation has been made. This includes visits by Special Rapporteurs, and steps being taken towards the establishment of an Office of Missing Persons. We also echoed the call of the High Commissioner for further concrete steps to be taken to facilitate access to justice for victims of conflict in Sri Lanka. In particular, we called on the Government to ensure that the implementation of commitments made under resolution 30/1 is carried forward in an inclusive manner. This statement highlighted the importance of international participation in the accountability mechanism being developed and urged the Government to engage in broad and open consultations with all affected communities.
Ireland understands reconciliation as a long-term process in which all levels of society should be actively involved. In order to support this process in conflict-affected areas, my Department provides support to non-governmental organisations and international agencies involved in mediation and reconciliation throughout the world, several of whom are active in Sri Lanka. These organisations engage at the levels of government, civil society and community to promote dialogue and reconciliation for a lasting and sustainable peace.
62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the implications for the working of the European Court of Human Rights and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement arising from the British decision to leave the European Union. [19088/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no change to the status of the Good Friday Agreement or the workings of the European Court of Human Rights arising from the result of the UK referendum of the EU last week.
As reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent agreements, including the 2014 Stormont House and the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement, is a priority for the Government.
Following the referendum result on 24 June, I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and we both agreed that the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions remain central to both Governments’ approach to Northern Ireland.
The Government will seek to ensure that future EU-UK and Ireland-UK negotiations give priority attention to the Northern Ireland dimension. This includes issues relating to the border and EU funding. During such negotiations we would actively seek to avoid the introduction of any new measures that could negatively impact on the Border region, either North or South.
It is important to underline that we do not envisage any immediate changes to EU funded Cooperation Programmes involving Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These include the current round of PEACE and INTERREG Programmes under the European Regional Development Fund which are managed on a North-South basis by the Special EU Programmes Body, which reports to the North-South Ministerial Council.
On the specific issue of the operation of the European Court of Human Rights, the UK remains a party to the European Convention of Human Rights under which the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe are established. This Convention system is separate and distinct to the European Union, and the referendum result has no impact on the UK’s participation in that system.
The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights, is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law and this is an ongoing obligation.
The Government has underlined this obligation in the context of British Government proposals to repeal the UK Human Rights Act, which incorporates the ECHR into domestic law and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government takes very seriously its responsibility to safeguard its institutions and principles including in the area of human rights. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government and with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that the protection of human rights remains at the heart of civic life, politics and ongoing societal change in Northern Ireland.
63. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if has met with any groups concerning the representation of civic society in policy discussions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17906/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was in Belfast on 13th June, as part of a programme of outreach in the lead up to the EU/UK referendum. During that visit, I made a keynote address at the Ulster University under the theme of 'Working Together for Peace and Prosperity’, which gave me the chance to speak about the Irish Government’s position regarding the referendum to a wide range of people representing a range of interests across society in Northern Ireland. Prior to this address, I was glad to get the opportunity to meet separately with a group of representatives of civil society in Northern Ireland, to hear their particular views on the issues arising and how they might impact on Northern Ireland.
