Written Answers Nos. 391-403
391. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the EU-Libya deal on migration and refugees; if he has satisfied himself that Libya is a safe country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16238/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe migration crisis has been one of the greatest challenges facing the EU for the past two years. Migration was the main focus of the informal European Council held in Malta on 3 February, at which a Declaration addressing the external aspects of migration was issued. The Declaration restates the EU’s commitment to assist Libya. Priority is to be given to supporting the Libyan national coast guard; ensuring adequate reception capacities and conditions for migrants; supporting the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in stepping up assisted voluntary return activities; and enhancing information campaigns and outreach addressed at migrants in Libya and other countries of origin and transit. Priority will also be given to reducing pressure on Libya’s land border, including through enhanced border management capacity; monitoring of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers’ activities; supporting initiatives by Member States directly engaged with Libya; and deepening dialogue and co-operation with neighbouring countries.
Ireland along with its EU partners is very concerned about the conditions of migrants and refugees in Libya. The issue was addressed at the most recent Foreign Affairs Council. The EU called on the Libyan authorities to redouble their efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country. The EU is committed to assisting the Libyan authorities in this endeavour by enhancing the protection of migrants, helping to improve conditions in detention centres, ensuring adequate reception facilities, looking for alternatives to detention, and increasing assisted voluntary return to Libya. The EU will make use of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and will increase co-operation with the IOM and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees in support of these commitments.
There is no "deal" with Libya. Rather the EU is proposing a number of ways to help Libya to manage and control the flow of migrants risking their lives. The EU will continue to be guided by its commitment to human rights and humanitarian concerns in this regard.
392. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU is planning new arrangements with third countries on migration and refugees; the steps that are taken before such arrangements are agreed, to ensure that the rights of refugees are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16239/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a suite of measures, including engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration. Draft 'Migration Compacts' have been drawn up for the first five priority countries identified under the Migration Partnership Framework: Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Ethiopia.
The objective of these Migration Compacts is to improve cooperation on readmission and return of those not entitled to reside in the EU; to prevent irregular migration and counter smuggling and trafficking in human beings; to reinforce the current international protection system for refugees in the partner countries; and, crucially, to address the root causes of irregular migration. Ireland has consistently been clear in all discussions on the EU’s response to the migration crisis that addressing the root causes is essential.
Engagement with the five priority countries continues to develop, and the third progress report – showing tangible progress - was presented by the European Commission to the European Parliament, European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in March 2017.
Ireland supports Migration Compacts as a key instrument to stem irregular migration and prevent human trafficking and we will continue to engage positively in the process. We are working particularly closely with Ethiopia, one of the five priority countries identified, and one of Irish Aid’s key partner countries.
Human rights and humanitarian values are at the core of the EU and Member States' approach under the Partnership Framework. The EU and its Member States are committed to enhancing human rights safeguards in all negotiations on migration and mobility and to ensuring cooperation frameworks with third countries are built on these principles.
393. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the level of overseas aid is decided each year; and the criteria that determine the eligible projects. [16315/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. In the Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target of providing 0.7% of GNP to Official Development Assistance (ODA) as resources permit.
Over the past two years we have managed to increase funding allocations for ODA, providing an increase of €40 million in 2016 and a further €10 million for 2017. The total 2017 allocation for ODA is €651 million.
Annual Budget allocations for ODA, as with all public expenditure, are a matter for Government, and are set in the context of available resources, our commitments and the competing budgetary demands. For 2018, when the Estimates process begins, I and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will be making the strongest possible case for a continued increase in the allocation to ODA.
Our priorities for the aid Programme are very clearly laid out in our policy - "One World One Future". In line with our commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, our aid programme is sharply focused on delivering our goals of reducing poverty and hunger, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and building more equitable and better systems of governance, particularly in our key partner countries.
Detailed financial allocations are made annually across the aid programme in response to existing needs, humanitarian crises and overall programme priorities. Clear criteria are in place to inform the budget allocation process. Sub-Saharan Africa remains our priority region, where we direct assistance to the poorest communities, particularly in our key partner countries. Our aid programme focuses on delivering real and sustainable improvements to the lives of some of the world poorest and most vulnerable people in the areas of basic health, education, agriculture, and food production.
Grants to partners are made to support development and humanitarian programmes. Eligible partners include civil society organisations and missionary organisations, multilateral organisations and national and local governments in partner countries. All partners are assessed to ensure that they have the appropriate governance systems in place, that they can ensure proper accountability of funds and that they have the capacity to deliver effectively.
394. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has or is in the process of preparing an analysis on a country basis of the way and the sectors in which Ireland can build on its bilateral relationships with the remaining EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16320/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to deepening and broadening its existing good relationships with all other EU Member States. I would emphasise that, while we have never been part of a geographical subgroup, ever since joining the then EEC in 1973 we have worked closely on a sector-by-sector or issue-by-issue basis with like-minded partners. Much of this work takes place between Permanent Representations in Brussels and in the margins of Councils but capital-to-capital contact is also important.
Substantial analysis of how best to develop this further, both by country and by sector, has already been undertaken. The extensive programme of meetings at political and official levels with all other Member States on Brexit has also underscored the importance of networking with partners. Discussions with many Member States have revealed that they too are very mindful of the need to intensify alliances post-Brexit and are also looking at how best to do so. Some of them, especially those whose broad approach to economic issues such as trade and the digital single market is consistently similar to ours, have expressed an interest in co-operating further with us. In other areas, views and potential alliances may shift according to the specific issue under discussion, with the Member States concerned taking a common approach for different national reasons.
We will continue to develop our engagement with other Member States including through regular bilateral contact at both political and official level and through the effective use of our diplomatic network, above all the Permanent Representation in Brussels.
395. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to the need for new formal structures to be established to facilitate dialogue between the British and Irish Governments post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16321/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has strong relationships with both the EU and the UK and we firmly intend to maintain both in the new environment which will exist following the UK’s exit. There are numerous channels for Irish-British engagement, some of which were developed in the context of the Good Friday Agreement and some of which were established more recently. All will be used to the full, not least given the UK’s exit from the European Union.
These channels include the British Irish Council (BIC), the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) and a formal process established in 2012 involving summits between the Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister, supported by a Joint Work Programme managed at official level by the heads of all government departments in Dublin and London. At political level, there are ongoing and frequent contacts between myself and my ministerial colleagues and our UK counterparts.
The last summit meeting of the British Irish Council was held in Cardiff in November 2016, and the next summit is scheduled to take place in Northern Ireland in June 2017. These summit meetings have been complemented by regular meetings for the specific work sectors.
BIC meetings such as these provide Ireland with valuable opportunities to engage with devolved administrations. We take care in particular to maintain close contacts with the Scottish and Welsh governments, with First Minister Sturgeon visiting Dublin late in 2016 and the Taoiseach meeting with the Welsh First Minister in Cardiff in recent weeks.
Parliamentary links are also vitally important and must continue in earnest given the UK’s exit from the EU. I look forward to addressing the next plenary meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, to be held in Kilkenny in May 2017. BIPA Committees continue to meet regularly to examine areas of shared importance across the BIPA member jurisdictions (Ireland, the UK, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the Crown Dependencies), including Brexit, while the regular interaction between other parliamentary committees is to be welcomed and encouraged.
396. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a firm commitment has been received from the UK Prime Minister, Mrs. May, on Britain's intention to remain in the European Convention of Human Rights in view of the fact that withdrawal from this convention would have implications for the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement.
At their first meeting in London on 26 July 2016, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister May reaffirmed that the Good Friday Agreement is and will remain the foundation for co-operation between the Irish and British Governments on Northern Ireland. It is important to underline that the ECHR system is separate and distinct from the European Union, and current process of the UK exit from the European Union has no impact on the UK’s participation in that system. In this regard, I welcome the clarification last week in the UK Government’s White Paper on withdrawal from the EU that it has no plans to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.
In the crucial area of human rights it is important that both Governments do all they can to engender confidence by demonstrating their commitment to both the letter and spirit of the Agreement. In Northern Ireland, the human rights provisions support the confidence and willingness of all communities to participate in the agreed political institutions of the Agreement and ensure that every citizen is guaranteed equal status and equal protection under law.
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 a continuing obligation. The Government has underlined this obligation in the context of British Government proposals, not connected with Brexit, to repeal the UK Human Rights Act, which incorporates the ECHR into domestic law, and to introduce a domestic Bill of Rights. In this regard, the Government has stressed to the British Government the importance of fully meeting its human rights obligations under the Good Friday Agreement and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
397. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) from prison in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis consular case continues to be a matter of top priority for the Government and exceptional levels of resources are being devoted to the provision of consular support to the citizen and his family. The Government is doing everything it possibly can in our ongoing engagement with the Egyptian authorities to seek to have this young man returned to his home and his family at the earliest possible time.
The Government has repeatedly appealed to the Egyptian Government to release this young man, and has stressed in particular the humanitarian grounds for returning him to Ireland. The Taoiseach has made repeated representation to Egypt’s President el-Sisi, and I have raised the case on many occasions with my counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry. We have called for him to be released under the terms of Egyptian Decree 140; we have called for him to be released under the so-called ‘Youth Amnesty’ scheme, and we have made the case for his release on humanitarian grounds. The Egyptian Government’s consistent response has been that it cannot intervene while the matter is before the courts, and that the President can only consider the use of the discretionary powers that he has to release this citizen when the trial has ended and a verdict has been decided by the judges.
The Government maintains open lines of communication at all levels with the Egyptian Government on the case. I once again urged the Egyptian Government to release this citizen without further delay when I met with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, in Brussels on March 6th while the Taoiseach again wrote to the Egyptian President in recent days.
We have made it clear to the Egyptian authorities that we hold them responsible for ensuring this citizen’s welfare while he remains in their custody by carrying out regular medical checks and providing all required medical treatment.
Our Embassy in Cairo has paid an unprecedented number of consular visits to this citizen. The most recent consular visit was on March 29th.
The trial in which this citizen is a defendant will be back in court on 5 April. Officials from the Irish Embassy will be present in the court to observe the proceedings, as they have been at every hearing in the case to date.
398. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of requests his Department received for material to be made available in Braille format in each of the years 2014 to 2016; the number of these requests which were accommodated by his Department; the cost implication and the person or body which provided the translation service. [16387/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received any requests for material to be made available in braille format in each of the years 2014 to 2016.
399. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 25 January 2017, if he has had further discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the British Foreign Secretary on the need for the British Government to respond positively and without further delay to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann to provide access to papers and files pertaining to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16589/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this commitment, making specific reference to pursuing the issue of the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted in this House on 25 May last year has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government. The Taoiseach has raised the issue with Prime Minister May, emphasising the Government’s continued support for the Dáil motions. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and am actively engaging with the British Government on an ongoing basis, as are my officials.
In our discussions, I have advised Secretary of State Brokenshire that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined to the Secretary of State that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government.
Secretary of State Brokenshire has acknowledged the importance that the Government and Dáil Éireann attach to this case, but indicated that the British Government is still considering how it could respond in a way which would adequately address the motions and be consistent with its obligations.
The Government will continue to pursue this matter with the British Government, urging it to provide a satisfactory response to the motions that have been adopted by this House. The Taoiseach and I will also continue our engagement with party leaders in the Oireachtas on the issue.
There are many families throughout these islands and beyond who continue to deal not only with the awful pain of losing a loved one, but also with the struggle for answers decades after these traumatic events. Accordingly, the establishment of a new comprehensive framework for dealing with the past, as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement, is a priority for the Government.
There has been intensive engagement on legacy issues as part of the discussions currently underway in Belfast. There remain a number of outstanding points, but I am very conscious of the urgent need to achieve progress, so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and support broader societal healing and reconciliation. The Government will continue to work with the British Government and the parties to achieve the establishment of these legacy institutions as soon as possible.
400. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the passport service is not meeting timelines with the passport express service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16591/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service aims to process passport renewal applications within 15 working days of receipt, assuming that the documentation is in order. The public is advised that the turnaround time will vary depending on factors such as seasonal demand. Turnaround times for each category of applicant are updated weekly on the Passport Service website.
As the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. There are currently over 70,000 applications in the system and application numbers so far this year are over 20% higher than for the same period last year. The average processing time for renewal applications submitted through the An Post Passport Express service is currently 16 working days (one day over the target 15 working day turnaround).
With respect to the specific case that the Deputy refers to, the application was received on 24 March and I am satisfied that the estimated issue date is in line with the notified turnaround timelines for Passport Express.
As a matter of best practice my Department advises customers to apply at least six weeks prior to travelling and to submit their application through Passport Express only if they have no immediate travel plans. There are a limited number of appointments available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork for those travelling in three weeks or less. These appointments can be made online.
The Passport Service has put in place a number of measures to manage the high volume of applications, including the recruitment of 230 Temporary Clerical Officers. The majority of these officers are now in place.
The new online passport application service for adult renewals which was launched last week will result in considerable efficiencies and should further assist in alleviating pressure on passport processing. The service offers a target turnaround of ten working days (plus postage). It is convenient and secure and I ask the Deputy to encourage eligible applicants to use this channel.
To ensure timely applications I would also urge the Deputy to assist in promoting the free email reminder service for passport holders whose passports are due for renewal. The service can be found at: www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/top-passport-questions/when-should-i-apply-for-a-new-passport/.
401. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will allocate more resources and staff to the passport offices to assist in the timely processing of passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been a surge in passport applications in recent months. There are currently over 70,000 applications in the system. Between 1 January and 31 March over 250,000 applications were received, representing an increase of 26% over the same period last year. The current processing time for adult renewal applications is 16 working days (just one day over the target turnaround time of 15 working days). Some categories, such as first-time applicants and those reporting their passports lost or stolen have taken longer, due to extra security checks.
The exceptional volume of applications is likely be sustained into the summer months and my Department has worked hard to put in place a number of measures, including additional staffing resources, to mitigate the impact.
A total 230 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) have been assigned to the Passport Service to assist with the processing of passport applications and to respond to customer queries via phone, email and social media. This is an increase of 59 officers over the number recruited in 2015. The great majority of these TCOs are already in place and the remaining officers are expected to join in the coming weeks. My Department has also requested the Public Appointments Service to assign additional Clerical and Executive Officers to fill recent vacancies in the Passport Service.
The new Online Passport Application Service for adults renewing their passport which I launched last week will assist greatly in managing increased volumes of applications in the months and years ahead and in meeting target turnaround times. The service allows citizens to renew their passport books and cards online twenty four hours a day from wherever they are in the world. It removes the requirement to have a form witnessed and is a fast, secure and convenient way to renew a passport.
I have circulated a note to all Deputies on the new online service and I would appreciate assistance in raising awareness among constituents. I would also ask the Deputy to continue to help promote good practice in his communications with constituents. As a matter of best practice and to avoid unnecessary stress, applicants should allow six weeks for a passport application. Applicants should check the validity of their passport before booking travel. If travel is already booked, applicants should consult the Passport Office website to ensure they use the correct channel for their application. The Passport Office offers a free renewal reminder email service to Passport holders and I urge passport holders to avail of this service. See www.dfa.ie for more information.
I will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff and other resources in order to minimise the impact of the exceptionally high demand on turnaround times for applicants and on customer service.
402. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if either the permanent representative or deputy permanent representative to the European Union received or engaged in communications with representative bodies, trade associations, legal or lobbying firms, or private sector employers based here or overseas between 1 September 2016 and 31 December 2016 on matters relating to policy or legislation; and if so, if the nature of those communications, the matter it concerned and with whom they could be listed. [16646/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe list of designated public officials of this Department, as required under the terms of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, is available on the Department’s website - www.dfa.ie/about-us/who-we-are/regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/. Details of returns in respect of engagements with the Permanent Representative and the Deputy Permanent Representative for the period in question may be found on www.lobbying.ie.
403. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Irish embassy in Tehran, Iran, will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 11 Consulates General and one Representative office. The configuration and scale of the State’s diplomatic network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources. The Government is of course conscious of the political, economic and trade factors that might warrant the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in Iran – as in a number of other countries. However, resource constraints do not allow us to have resident representation in all the locations that might objectively justify it having regard to those factors.
Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Iran is sustained and promoted through the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara on a concurrent basis. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul.
