Joan Burton
Ceist:8. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his most recent meeting with the EU Brexit negotiator, Mr. Michel Barnier. [44870/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (8)
Freagraí scríofa
I met with the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, in Luxembourg in advance of the meeting of the General Affairs Council on 17 October. This was our third meeting since my appointment. It was a constructive meeting at which we discussed the progress of negotiations to date. I welcomed the progress that has been made in the areas of citizens’ rights and the Irish-specific issues. However, it was clear that there are still many issues outstanding, not least on the issue of the financial settlement.
In all of my meetings with Mr Barnier to date, I have laid particular emphasis on Ireland’s objective of protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. I have strongly emphasised the need for an imaginative and flexible political solution. In so doing, I have been equally clear that we will only pursue solutions that are compatible with our aim of protecting the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union and Ireland’s place in them. I conveyed this position again on 17 October, recognising that these priorities are reflected in the Commission Task Force’s Guiding Principles paper of 7 September on Ireland and Northern Ireland. I thanked Mr Barnier and his team for their hard work and the progress made on the Irish-specific issues, most notably with regard to the Common Travel Area. We agreed that there is still a lot of work required on protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including sustaining North South cooperation and avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. We are agreed that the Task Force’s Guiding Principles on Ireland and Northern Ireland should form the basis of the firm political assurances and tangible commitments required from the UK in phase 1 future and the ultimate solutions on the Irish specific issues as part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.
We also discussed the issue of sufficient progress ahead of the October European Council. Mr Barnier informed me at that time that although progress had been made in the previous rounds of negotiations, he was not in a position to recommend to the European Council that sufficient progress had been made on all of the withdrawal issues to enable the negotiations to move to phase two. While it had been hoped that the UK’s position would be more advanced by October, Mr Barnier’s position and the subsequent decision by the European Council not to advance to phase two, was not unexpected.
I am hopeful that the sufficient progress required can be made in the negotiations in the coming weeks so that a decision can be taken by the European Council in December that discussions with the UK on future relationship issues, including on transitional arrangements, can begin.
Questions Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (13)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:13. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the prevalence of tied aid from various EU countries as a form of overseas development aid; his plans for Ireland to be a stronger voice in Europe on asserting that ODA be open, transparent and unconditional in view of Ireland's reputation as a country that does not put conditions on its aid programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has consistently been recognized by the OECD Development Assistance Committee for the quality of our aid programme and the emphasis we place on achieving results for the poor, particularly in least developed countries. The OECD DAC has also commended Ireland for continuing its commitment to ensuring that our aid is untied, a consistent record.
The most recent analysis from the OECD does indicate that the overall share of aid that is untied dropped to 87.1% in 2014 and 83.5% in 2015 after rising for several years to a high of 89.5% in 2013.
Ireland is amongst the top performers of EU countries committed to untied aid, along with Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK.
We believe that untied aid contributes to more effective development assistance for people and communities that need it most and that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is most effective when it supports the development objectives that people, communities and governments prioritise. Untying aid also means that more aid is spent in developing countries themselves.
Within the OECD DAC, and at the EU, Ireland has continued to advocate for the delivery of aid which is open, transparent and unconditional to support countries own national priorities. We advocated for and welcome the agreed language in the new European Consensus for Development that commits the EU and its member states to accelerate efforts to untie aid and encourage all providers of development cooperation, including emerging economies, to do the same.
Ireland’s aid programme will continue to focus on ending extreme poverty, hunger and under nutrition by 2030 and our aid will remain untied.
Ministerial Travel
Ceisteanna (14)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:14. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a report on his trip to Ethiopia and Kenya; the stakeholders and government officials he met; and his views on whether his trip will lead to an increased political and humanitarian engagement between his Department and the Horn of Africa region. [48396/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I visited Ethiopia and Kenya from the 6th to the 8th of November.
In Ethiopia, I met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu and discussed the current political and humanitarian situation in the country and the wider region, reaffirmed Ireland’s continued partnership with Ethiopia, and explored opportunities for trade and investment.
In Kenya, I met with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amina Mohamed. In these meetings, I raised regional peace and security concerns, and discussed the current political situation and Ireland’s strong economic and development ties in Kenya. I oversaw the conclusion of business agreements between Kenyan and Irish companies and discussed the potential for further trade and agri-business links between our two countries.
I had planned to visit Somalia and was unable to do so because of a deteriorating security situation. I telephoned the Foreign Minister of Somalia, Yusuf Garaad, to express sympathy and solidarity with the people of Somalia in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks, and was briefed on the fragile security situation and the important role of the EU in continued support for AMISOM.
I also met key representatives from the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to discuss regional peace and security issues and the urgent need to find a political solution to the South Sudan conflict.
The scale of humanitarian needs across the Horn of Africa is now unprecedented, driven by conflict, severe drought, massive population displacements and acute hunger. During my visit, I announced additional humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa totaling €11 million, bringing Ireland’s humanitarian assistance to the region to over €138 million since 2012.
Ireland, together with our EU and UN partners, will continue to work to address the drivers of instability and conflict in the region. We will maintain strong bilateral political and economic ties, and provide sustained humanitarian and development support to vulnerable communities.
Syrian Conflict
Ceisteanna (15)
Clare Daly
Ceist:15. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to advocate in the EU for the lifting of the sanctions on Syria, which are causing unnecessary hardship and suffering to ordinary Syrians. [48366/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted a package of measures aimed at addressing the continued brutal repression and violation of human rights by the Government of Syria.
The measures currently in place against Syria include an oil embargo, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU and export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression or interception of internet or telephone communications. There are no sanctions on food, medicines or most other civilian goods.
There are numerous barriers to humanitarian access in Syria as a result of actions by the parties to the conflict, particularly the Assad regime. I am confident that EU sanctions are not a barrier to the delivery of aid.
As stated in the EU’s Basic Principles on the Use of Restrictive Measures, “Sanctions should be targeted in a way that has maximum impact on those whose behaviour we want to influence. Targeting should reduce to the maximum extent possible any adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for persons not targeted or neighbouring countries.” In order to minimise the adverse effects of sanctions, exemptions for essential civilian needs and for humanitarian assistance, have been introduced in certain sanctions regimes, such as the Syria sanctions regime.
On 29 May 2017, the Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2018. This decision is in line with the EU strategy on Syria, which states that the EU will maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters as long as the repression of civilians continues.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (16)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:16. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the threat to jobs in a company (details supplied) in his meetings with the British Government or leaders of the Northern Ireland parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48319/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is concerned at the possible adverse impact on jobs at Bombardier Belfast and on the wider economy in Northern Ireland of the ongoing US Administration anti-dumping and anti-subsidies investigation regarding the development of Bombardier’s C-Series aircraft.
I have raised the Government’s concerns directly with the US Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. I have also discussed the matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with political parties in Northern Ireland.
I wrote to the US Secretary of Commerce in September to convey the concerns of the Irish Government, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and had the opportunity to speak with him in person on the issue at a bilateral meeting in Washington D.C. on 4 October.
I outlined to Secretary Ross the Government’s concerns at the preliminary finding and the implications the case could have for Bombardier’s operations in Belfast. I noted that the Government appreciated fully that the matter is a commercial dispute on which the US authorities must adjudicate. I asked Secretary Ross to consider fully the significance of the case in terms of the impact on the economy in Northern Ireland, noting the important support which economic prosperity provides to the Peace Process. I recalled also that the United States has been instrumental in brokering and consolidating peace in Northern Ireland and continues to provide immensely valuable support to the Peace Process.
The Government will continue to proactively raise our concerns on the investigation with the US Administration. My Department is also maintaining contact with the trade unions representing workers at Bombardier Belfast, to keep them informed on the Government’s engagement on the matter, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
It should be noted that the findings by the US Department of Commerce are preliminary decisions, in a process that is not expected to conclude until 2018. Bombardier have stated that they will fully contest the preliminary findings and that the implications for their operations in Belfast are as yet unclear.
I note also that, further to the announcement of a deal between Airbus and Bombardier last month, indications have been given that the deal will support jobs at Bombardier Belfast. That would be most welcome news, if confirmed, particularly for the people employed by Bombardier in Belfast who are most directly concerned.
The potential impact of the preliminary finding by the US Department of Commerce on jobs at Bombardier Belfast remains a key concern for the Government, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. I will continue to do all that I can to assist on this matter and engage further with the US Administration in the period ahead, as and when required.
Catalan Referendum
Ceisteanna (17, 20)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:17. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of the jailing of members of the Catalan Government and other repressive measures with the Spanish ambassador or with the Spanish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48320/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that two Catalan civil society activists remain in jail in Spain awaiting trial on charges of sedition for organising peaceful and democratic public demonstrations (details supplied); his views on whether the Spanish Government’s decision to dismiss the Catalan Government, dissolve the parliament and bring serious charges against Ministers with a democratic mandate is undemocratic and counterproductive; and if he will raise his concerns regarding these decisions with his Spanish counterpart. [48398/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 20 together.
We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia.
Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Any decision on a question as important as independence requires legitimacy both in the broadest possible political terms and in terms of the legal framework.
The resolution of the current crisis needs to be within Spain's constitutional framework and through Spain's democratic institutions. It is for all Spaniards – all Catalans and all Spaniards – to shape their own constitutional and political arrangements, through their own democratic institutions and laws.
Ireland supports efforts to resolve this crisis through lawful and peaceful means. I have made these points to both Foreign Minister Dastis, when I met him at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday and the Spanish Ambassador when I spoke to him recently.
Elections have been called for 21 December in which all of the parties can participate and which will give all Catalans a voice.
Measures have been taken to limit regional autonomy. I hope that after the elections, regional autonomy can be restored.
I am aware that judicial proceedings are underway and as these are matters before the Courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
We will continue to monitor closely developments in the period ahead and to maintain open lines of communication with the Spanish authorities at all levels.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (18, 22, 33)
Clare Daly
Ceist:18. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations at EU level for the imposition of an embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia in view of the letter sent by a group of MEPs representing 48% of the European Parliament urging such a ban. [48365/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:22. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Saudi Arabia has again placed an illegal and inhumane blockade on Yemen (details supplied); if he will condemn the imposition of this blockade; and if he will contact his Saudi Arabian counterpart and demand that it is lifted. [48399/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mick Wallace
Ceist:33. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reconsider Ireland's current relationship with Saudi Arabia, due to its ongoing involvement in Yemen; his further plans to interact with the Saudi Arabian embassy regarding these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48402/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 22 and 33 together.
I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Yemen, the suffering of civilians there, and the humanitarian crisis which the war has triggered. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Yemen last April, and called on the parties to start negotiating a peace agreement. Ireland will continue to support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his team in their work towards a peace agreement that is acceptable to all parties to the conflict.
The war in Yemen is having increasingly devastating consequences for civilians. I strongly condemn all attacks targeting civilians, in all circumstances, which are contrary to international humanitarian law. There have been numerous such attacks in the Yemen conflict, causing great suffering. I also condemn the recent missile attack on Riyadh on 4 November, which endangered the lives of ordinary people. Such acts are unacceptable.
Ireland takes the issue of humanitarian access extremely seriously. The closure of land, air and sea ports earlier this month, including for the transit of humanitarian aid, was an alarming development. When my officials last met with officials from the Saudi Embassy in Dublin last week, they stressed Ireland’s condemnation of the missile attack on Riyadh, and also made clear the priority Ireland attaches to unfettered humanitarian access. My officials relayed my request that all parties to the conflict do everything possible to facilitate the delivery of aid. There have also been EU contacts with Saudi Arabia on this issue.
I am encouraged by announcements by Saudi Arabia that it intends to allow the reopening of some ports and border crossings, which is an extremely necessary step. I will continue to monitor this closely, and I take this opportunity to reiterate my call on all parties to the conflict to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to those in need.
Ireland has close economic ties with Saudi Arabia, and this relationship has considerable benefits for the Irish economy. However, this partnership does not prevent us from raising our concerns in the appropriate channels. My predecessor, Minister Flanagan, raised concerns about the appalling humanitarian situation in Yemen, and about attacks which have directly impacted on civilians, with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nizar bin Obaid Madani, in November 2016. Following this, he also raised these concerns with the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both in the UAE and more recently here in Dublin. More recently, when senior officials from my Department met with the Saudi Chargé d’Affaires last week, they reiterated these concerns, and re-stated Ireland’s view that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Yemen.
Ireland’s foreign policy is underpinned by a set of values which include the protection of human rights, support for development, and the promotion of disarmament – values which Ireland champions and promotes in its interactions with all of our international partners irrespective of any trading relationships.
All EU Member States have signed and ratified the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the first legally binding instrument to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons. States which sign up to the Treaty are prohibited from exporting arms to countries if they know those weapons will be used to commit gross violations of human rights.
I can assure the House that I will continue to take every appropriate opportunity to press for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Yemen and improved humanitarian access in the future.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ceisteanna (19)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:19. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the need for greater urgency in the implementation of the strategic development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48421/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2030 Agenda, with seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was adopted by world leaders at the UN in 2015. This landmark global agreement, negotiated by Ireland and Kenya, provides the framework for sustainable development globally. Given their universal nature, Ireland’s implementation of the SDGs is being undertaken domestically, as well as through the work of my Department in supporting Lesser Developed Countries in their efforts.
Effective implementation of the SDGs at national level requires a broad and integrated domestic policy response, as well as engagement by a broad range of stakeholders. To this end, an Inter-Departmental Senior Officials Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, and an Inter-Departmental Working Group, chaired by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, are now taking forward the work in developing Ireland’s National SDG Implementation Plan 2018-20, to be finalised early next year.
Ireland will be one of 48 countries to voluntarily present a national review of implementation of the SDGs at the July 2018 UN High Level Political Forum. We have seen from the national reviews last year that progress is evident in the implementation of the SDGs. National governments are strongly committed to the transformative agenda and to leaving no one behind. At the same time, many challenges remain and over 760 million people globally continue to live on less than $1.90 a day, compounded by conflict and fragility in different parts of the world.
We will continue our strong role in addressing these challenges with the urgency they deserve, and in the domestic implementation of the SDGs with other Departments.
Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 17.