Written Answers Nos. 155-165
155. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current processing times for passports through the normal application process and through passport express; the number of passports that have been processed to date in 2017 and that are being processed currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing times for passport applications is updated weekly on the Passport Service website, www.passport.ie. Depending on the category of application, different processing times will apply.
Renewal applications, submitted through the Passport Express service are currently taking an average of 15 working days while first-time applications are taking an average of 19 working days.
For people who have no immediate travel plans, Passport Express is the cheapest and most convenient method of applying for a passport. Applications may be submitted through the network of post offices in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Applicants who are travelling in 15 working days or less are advised to submit their application, by appointment, at the public counter in Dublin or Cork. An appointment can be made by logging on to www.passport.ie.
As part of the Passport Reform Programme a new online service will be launched in the coming months for adults, whether they are based in Ireland or overseas. The introduction of the online service will result in reduced turnaround times and greater convenience for applicants as well as significant efficiencies for the Passport Service.
The number of passports processed from 1 January to 17 February this year was 75,850, and the number of passport applications currently in process is approximately 60,000.
156. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the passport express ten-day turnaround was increased to a 15-day turnaround; the action he is taking to address the current backlog; if he will embark on an information campaign to ensure that applications are submitted allowing for extra time for processing due to the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Express service extended the target delivery date to 15 working days in May 2016 in response to the sustained increases in the volume of applications. An Post updated its printed and promotional materials and the website at that time to reflect the change and the website and communication materials of my Department were also changed. Information was also circulated to all Oireachtas members.
It should be noted that the turnaround times which are advised, including those for the An Post Passport Express service, are not a service guarantee.
The Passport Service website advises customers how to avoid the stress and inconvenience of having passport applications processed at the last moment. The key points are to:
- check the validity of passports before booking a holiday,
- remember that children’s passports vary in length of validity,
- as a matter of best practice, apply at least six weeks before the intended date of travel (passport applications can often be delayed if applications are incomplete and this timeframe allows for such an occurrence),
- choose the most appropriate application channel depending on the date of travel (this point is crucial),
- if travelling in three weeks or more (15 working days) the Passport Express channel is the cheapest and most convenient and cost effective option,
- if travelling in three weeks or less an appointment for the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork should be made online at www.passportappointments.ie.
To respond to the ongoing increase in applications and peak season demand, the Passport Service has recruited over 230 Temporary Clerical Officers to assist with checking and processing applications and to deal with customer care queries, through the phones, email and other media channels. Over half of these Temporary Clerical Officers are now in place.
As part of the Passport Reform Programme, a new online service will be launched in the coming months for adults renewing their passport, whether based in Ireland or overseas. The introduction of an on-line service will result in reduced turnaround times and greater convenience for the customer as well as significant efficiencies for the Passport Service.
As part of the Passport Reform Programme, and prior to the launch of on-line applications, a communication campaign is planned to engage with citizens including to raise increase public awareness on the need to renew passports early.
All passport holders can register for a free passport renewal reminder service on my Department’s website:
www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
157. 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; if any particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8999/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of how best to respond to the threat posed by terrorism has been and remains high on the EU agenda.
Foreign Ministers remain focused on implementation of the Council Conclusions on Counter-terrorism agreed in February 2015 and on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. 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, is at the heart of the EU’s strategy and is reflected in a substantial increase in assistance to third countries in this respect.
The EU has placed considerable emphasis on its immediate neighbourhood: Western Balkans, Turkey, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Actions include finalising Counter-Terrorism action plans with Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and Turkey, expanding the EU Counter Terrorism experts’ network to the Sahel and Western Balkans, and focusing on preventive action on conflict and violent extremism prevention priorities identified through the EU Early Warning process.
The EU’s approach is guided by, and is consistent with, the approach taken by the UN to countering terrorism and by the principles and measures set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2161 (2014) on freezing funds and other assets of terrorist groups, and UNSCR 2178 (2014) 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.
The former UN Secretary General’s comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, presented in January last year, and his related reports are an important and welcome contribution to addressing the threat posed by international terrorism, and to highlighting the need to address drivers of violent extremism through dialogue and conflict prevention, strengthening governance and the rule of law, gender equality and empowering women, community engagement and youth empowerment, and education and skills development.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU and UN levels level to preventing and countering terrorism. At meetings of the 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 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 with a view to a coordinated and comprehensive response to terrorism that can help ensure the safety of citizens abroad and in Ireland.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if humanitarian aid continues to be made available in the regions throughout the globe currently most affected by conflict; if adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of aid and the establishment of safe havens for civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9000/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of effective humanitarian assistance is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland. Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is targeted where needs are greatest and we ensure a focus on crises and conflicts that are sometimes ignored in the media. In 2016, Ireland provided over €165 million in humanitarian funding, to provide assistance to people affected by crisis and conflict around the world including in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan and north east Nigeria. Ireland will maintain these funding levels for 2017.
Ireland also contributes to the European Commission’s humanitarian action outside the EU, which has an annual budget of approximately €1 billion. Ireland’s UN partners lead the coordination of international appeals for humanitarian assistance, including through the Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to this Fund, which has provided $3.7 billion in life-saving assistance since 2006.
In May last year, the UN Secretary General convened the World Humanitarian Summit in an effort to address the current scale of global humanitarian crisis. At the Summit, I delivered Ireland’s National Statement, making a number of specific commitments to sustainable and effective humanitarian action, including through our support to conflict affected states and our approach to peacekeeping. Ireland has also signed up to the Grand Bargain principles, accepting a series of commitments to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian funding.
Providing safe havens within conflict zones is extremely difficult, especially where civilian protection is not prioritised. Safe havens require UN mandates and robustly equipped peacekeeping personnel. Political will is lacking in many conflicts today, including from some on the UN Security Council. However, in other places, the UN is active and there are twice as many UN peacekeepers deployed today as 15 years ago. Ireland continues to play its part, with more than 570 personnel in UN-mandated missions overseas.
159. 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. [9001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEuroscepticism is not new, but in recent years it has become stronger and more vocal, and has manifested itself in the rise of extreme right wing movements and in the UK’s decision to leave the Union.
In the wake of the Brexit vote, EU leaders met in Bratislava last September. In the Bratislava Declaration they acknowledged the need to improve communications among Member States, with EU institutions, “but most importantly with our citizens”. They agreed on the need to inject more clarity into decisions, use clear and honest language and to focus on citizens’ expectations.
EU leaders will gather in Rome next month to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. They are expected to acknowledge the reality of eurosceptism, and the need to address it, including as set out in the Bratislava Declaration. They are also likely to display a strong unity of purpose, to assert that the Continent’s future peace and prosperity is best preserved and promoted through the European Union, and that the European Union, as a community of values, founded on the Rule of Law, democracy and human rights, is and will remain a bastion of these values in the world.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European colleagues continue to engage with their colleagues in the UK with a view to addressing any concerns that might exist in the event of a British exit from the European Union; if the full implications for Britain, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the European Union have been fully examined and steps taken to address any issues emerging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the informal meeting of 27 EU Heads of State or Government which took place on 29 June last year, it was agreed that no negotiations of any kind would take place with the United Kingdom until such time as they formally notified of their intention to leave the EU.
As the formal notification of departure under Article 50 has not yet occurred – although we expect it to take place next month in line with the UK’s stated intention – to date no negotiation has taken place between the EU and the United Kingdom.
For our part, the Government continues to engage closely with the UK government and the devolved administrations and of course more broadly with Northern Ireland, including through the All-Island Civic Dialogue. The Taoiseach met with Prime Minister May last July and more recently in January this year. I have met with the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU and his Parliamentary Under Secretary, as well as the UK Foreign Secretary and on a number of occasions, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. There have also been very constructive discussions at political and official level within the framework of the British Irish Council.
We have used these opportunities in recent months and weeks to address key bilateral points, while at the same time working with our EU partners and the EU Institutions. We have categorically not entered into any wider discussion or negotiations on Brexit with the UK; we have been clear from the outset with the British, that Ireland is part of the EU27 side for this process.
At EU27 level, the last formal discussion of Brexit took place among EU leaders in December, when a number of steps were agreed to handle the negotiation process that would follow the triggering of Article 50. In accordance with these steps, it is agreed that after the formal notification of departure, the EU27 Heads of State and Government will meet to agree and adopt guidelines defining the framework for the negotiations. The General Affairs Council will then adopt more detailed negotiating directives and will authorise the opening of the negotiations.
The guidelines and negotiating directives will be updated as necessary in the course of the negotiations. The European Commission will be the Union negotiator for the EU27 and its team, which will include a representative of the rotating Presidency, will be led by Michel Barnier. The aim is to agree all of these steps as soon as possible in the weeks following the triggering of Article 50, with the objective of starting negotiations proper with the United Kingdom in May/June.
The Government is very clear on Irish priorities in the forthcoming negotiations: to protect our economic interests; to protect the Good Friday Agreement; to maintain the Common Travel Area with the UK; to ensure an invisible border; and to maintain the integrity and unity of the EU, which is itself a core national interest.
Now that we have further detail on the type of future relationship with the EU that the UK will seek and as we approach the start of the Article 50 negotiations, the Government’s detailed preparatory work, which began over two years ago and has steadily intensified since then, will increasingly focus on the negotiations themselves, as well as on the analysis of the impacts of Brexit.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in South Sudan remains under observation by the European Union with a view to making positive impact to protect civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9003/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am extremely concerned about the political, economic and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, particularly in light of the declaration of famine this week in parts of the country. The United Nations has estimated that 100,000 South Sudanese people are already facing starvation, with a further one million on the brink of famine.
Following the resumption of the civil war in July 2016, the country is in a deep and profound crisis. The UN estimates that 7.5 million South Sudanese people will require humanitarian assistance in 2017. Humanitarian assistance is being delivered but it is being impeded by the difficult security situation and attacks on humanitarian workers.
Ireland and our EU partners share the deep concern about the situation in South Sudan. The Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions on 12 December strongly condemning the outbreak of violence, and calling for measures to protect civilians in South Sudan. The EU called on all parties to observe an immediate ceasefire and to end violations of human rights law. It called on the Transitional Government to uphold its responsibility to protect civilians. The Council Conclusions emphasised that the EU would continue to enforce the arms embargo on South Sudan, and urged the United Nations Security Council to impose a UN arms embargo. The EU has also agreed to impose further autonomous restrictive measures against any individual who obstructs the peace process, prevents the exercise of humanitarian duties or incites, orders or commits atrocities against civilians. The Conclusions called for the establishment of the Hybrid Court, so that anyone who commits criminal acts of violence in breach of South Sudanese or international law, would be held accountable before a court.
The European Commission has provided over €381 million to respond to the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan since fighting broke out in December 2013. Ireland is also playing its part bilaterally, having provided over €46 million in humanitarian and development funding since December 2013 to respond to needs in South Sudan and among refugees in neighbouring countries. I met with Southern Sudanese refugees who had just fled their homes during my visit to Northern Uganda last July.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely, with our EU partners and through our Embassy in Addis Ababa, which is accredited to South Sudan, and our Embassies in Kampala and Nairobi.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new trading links continue to be established globally; the extent to which it is expected that Ireland can benefit from such developments in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9004/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdvancing Ireland’s trade, tourism, education and investment objectives through economic diplomacy and related activities is a key goal of Ireland’s foreign policy, informing and directing the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our mission network.
Efforts have intensified in recent years to equip the mission network in particular to take advantage of new market opportunities for Irish business. Trade promotion was a key part of the rationale for our expansion of the mission network three years ago to include Embassies in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Nairobi and new Consulates General in Hong Kong, Austin (Texas), and Sao Paulo.
This expansion has recently been bolstered by the appointment of Commercial Attachés in Brasilia, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Jakarta and Bucharest, and Economic Development Officers in Abuja and Nairobi. These locally hired staff will focus on improving market access, identifying market opportunities, raising Ireland’s visibility and facilitating Irish businesses overseas in locations where State agency presence is limited.
My Department has also recently implemented more flexible funding arrangements with a new system of Promotion and Outreach Budgets for the mission network. This was rolled out in January. The new system of Three Tiered Funding is designed to enhance the capacity of missions and regional groups to act more autonomously and catalytically in support of our High Level Goals, including of course Prosperity.
It is increasingly important that our work both at home and abroad is strategically focused and closely coordinated as a whole-of-government exercise. My Department, together with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is currently finalising Ireland’s new trade, tourism and investment strategy. This strategy, which will be published next month, has been the subject of wide consultation with stakeholders and is designed to (i) provide strategic direction; (ii) set out an overarching framework, drawing together a range of economic and sectorial strategies; (iii) set out approaches to geographic markets; and (iv) act as a platform for enhanced global visibility.
In addition, the Programme for Partnership Government mandated whole-of-Government, cross-sectoral strategies for the Asia Pacific and Americas regions. Work on the formulation of these strategies is well underway and will be complemented by our increased Embassy presence in these regions.
All of these efforts will continue to be guided by the work of the Trade Division within my Department working closely with colleagues across Government, and by the Export Trade Council, which I chair.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and his colleagues at European Union and United Nations level continue to focus on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, with particular reference to the degree to which the principles of democracy continue to be ignored and the extent to which arbitrary executions, the persecution of Christians, kidnapping, trafficking and abuse of women and girls continue unabated; if the international community has taken any action to address these issues in an effective way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned by the activities of all terrorist groups and the impact that these groups have on the stability and security of States across the Middle East and West and North Africa.
The activities of Boko Haram continue to pose a threat to the people of Nigeria, and the wider Lake Chad region. They involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls. Over the past months the Nigerian Government, supported by the international community, has made some progress in the fight against Boko Haram. The EU and UN have continued to provide assistance to the Nigerian Government to create a safe and secure environment for its people. In August 2016, the EU pledged up to €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, which supports 8,700 troops from Nigeria and neighbouring countries to promote regional security.
Ireland is engaging with the Nigerian authorities, in conjunction with our EU and other international partners, in responding to the crisis. Our Embassy in Abuja continues to monitor developments closely, and our Ambassador has made a number of visits to Borno State, most recently last week.
The EU has also placed considerable emphasis on its immediate neighbourhood - Western Balkans, Turkey, and Middle East and North Africa – in responding to the threat posed by terrorism. Actions include finalising counter-terrorism action plans with Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, and Turkey and expanding the EU Counter Terrorism experts’ network to the Sahel and Western Balkans.
The EU’s approach is guided by the approach taken by the UN to countering terrorism and by the principles and measures set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including those related to the financing of terrorism and the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU and UN levels level to preventing and countering terrorism. At meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, we 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.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which European Union enlargement continues to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9006/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently five countries which have EU Candidate Status: Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, Albania and Turkey. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the enlargement process, and views it as a transformative driver for peace and stability in the region.
The European Commission continues to work actively to support prospective member states in implementing reforms in order to make progress on their respective EU paths. The Commission publishes regular reports on each of the candidate and potential candidate countries. These provide a ‘state of play’ assessment on the preparations for Union membership in each individual accession country across the acquis communautaire, highlight the remaining challenges and set out guidelines on key reform priorities.
Progress on recommendations is reviewed at EU Council level, as well as at regular working groups in Brussels. Ireland welcomed the 2016 reports, which were published on 9 November and discussed extensively by Ministers at the General Affairs Council in December 2016, at which Minister of State Dara Murphy represented Ireland. Presidency Conclusions on Enlargement were adopted by the Council.
Enlargement remains an important policy for the future stability and prosperity of the European Union and its neighbouring countries.
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which aid and support continue to be provided to the civilian population in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2012, the Government has provided a total of €67.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region, in Ireland’s largest response to any humanitarian crisis.
We provided €25 million in 2016 alone, €19 million of which was delivered through the Irish Aid programme, managed by my Department, and €6 million through the Department of Agriculture, through the World Food Programme.
Irish Aid funding seeks to meet the needs of the civilian population inside Syria and those who have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. I will travel to both Lebanon and Jordan next week, where I will meet with Syrian refugee families and their host communities, as well as with the Irish NGOs and UN organisations working to meet their critical needs using humanitarian funding provided by the Irish Government.
Ireland’s support to the civilian population inside Syria is also channelled through our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners. These partners provide humanitarian supplies and urgently needed health, education, water and sanitation services, as well as implementing measures to protect women, children and vulnerable families. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in particular, has proven capacity and expertise in reaching the most vulnerable communities in Syria and in gaining access to besieged areas. During 2016, Ireland’s funding supported the work of the ICRC to carry out 55 cross-frontline operations to bring food, clean water and essential aid to millions of Syrians.
Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Syria, which amounted to €445 million in 2016. The EU and its Member States are collectively the lead provider of international aid to the people of Syria and we intend to maintain this substantial commitment in 2017.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Syria and the region closely with a view to providing significant further assistance, focusing in particular on the needs of the civilian population.
