Seán Haughey
Ceist:21. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to commemorate the Good Friday Agreement and its twentieth anniversary. [41386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGood Friday Agreement
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
Planning is underway in my Department to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, on 10 April next year. A number of key events, at home and abroad, are being developed as part of a programme to highlight this important anniversary and to celebrate the achievement of the Agreement, which continues to be the cornerstone of our commitment to peace and reconciliation.
My Department, both here on the island of Ireland and through our overseas Embassy network, is supporting, and actively engaging with, a wide range of individuals, groups and institutions, who are considering and planning conferences, seminars, cultural and artistic responses, remembrance acts and other initiatives to mark the 20th anniversary of the achievement of this seminal Agreement. Initial contacts with the British Government have also taken place to consider how best to appropriately reflect the key role of both Governments as co-guarantors of the Agreement.
The Government’s programme to mark the 20th anniversary of the Agreement will include events in Dublin, Washington, London, and Belfast. These will include a new production of Rising to Reconciliation, which was developed for the 18th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and uses poetry, images and music to reflect on the troubled journey towards peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
All these events will also be an opportunity to reflect on the peace process, past and present; to remember the loss of life during the years of conflict; and to look back at all that has happened on the journey of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. This journey is of course an ongoing one, and the continued imperative to work to realise the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement will form part of the Government’s approach to the 20th anniversary.
Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 18.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (23)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:23. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has commenced a plan for the way in which the common travel area may operate if a hard border is introduced following Brexit. [48310/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Maintaining the Common Travel Area is a Government priority in the Brexit negotiations. The Common Travel Area is an important feature of the close relationship Ireland enjoys with the UK, with long-established bilateral benefits which enable activity between Ireland and in the UK in many areas including, for example, in trade and tourism. It means that Irish and British citizens can live, work, study, and access health, housing, welfare and pensions in each other’s countries. Importantly, it also underpins the citizenship provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. The CTA is an arrangement that is valued on both islands and continuation of this arrangement is a stated objective of both the Irish and UK Governments. The CTA pre-dates Irish and UK membership of the EU and is not dependent on EU membership.
Work to maintain the Common Travel Area is ongoing. The EU’s Guidelines and Negotiating Directives clearly provide for the continuation of bilateral agreements and arrangements between the UK and Ireland which are compatible with EU law. I welcome progress in the most recent rounds of negotiations on advancing joint principles on the continuation of the Common Travel Area and the support that has been shown by our EU partners to date in working towards this objective.
The border issue is complex, but the Government has been clear in its position that there can be no hard border on this island. I welcome that the UK Government shares this objective but I have been clear that it is up to the UK to propose workable solutions to ensure that this objective is realised. The continuing operation of the Common Travel Area is just one aspect in addressing this challenge. The work to date in the EU-UK negotiations on the Common Travel Area has been positive and, with my colleagues across Government, I will continue in my efforts to ensure that the Common Travel Area and its associated rights and privileges are maintained.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Ceisteanna (24)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:24. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; the detail of the recent meetings held by the special envoy appointed by the Government to the United States of America and other recent Government efforts to find a resolution to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48315/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Government’s objectives regarding undocumented Irish citizens in the United States remain constant, namely, to achieve relief for the undocumented and to facilitate greater pathways for legal migration to the United States.
With this in mind, Ireland’s diplomatic representatives in the U.S. are continuing to systematically avail of all opportunities to raise the immigration issue in their contacts with the US authorities, including the prospects for immigration reform and the situation of the undocumented.
We do not, however, underestimate the size of the challenge.
This policy area has been a deeply divisive issue within the US political system for decades, with pronounced disagreement, even within the same political parties, on the best way to deal with an issue which directly affects over 11 million people.
The Government has consistently engaged with both parties in a bipartisan way to address our longstanding concerns and this continues to be our approach.
I was able to emphasise the Government’s commitment to this issue when I travelled to Washington DC from 3 to 5 October and met with senior members of the US administration and with members of Congress, including the Congressional Friends of Ireland Group.
I was pleased that Deputy John Deasy, the Government’s Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, who was appointed by the Taoiseach to that position last June, was able to accompany me to those meetings. His appointment was another important statement of our intent and seriousness on this issue.
Deputy Deasy has travelled to Washington D.C three times since his appointment in June. On all three occasions, in July, September, and October, he has met with key interlocutors in Congress system, and the US Administration, to explore avenues for relief of the undocumented. This relief can only come through legislative proposals, which, in the current US political climate, remain sensitive and uncertain. Nevertheless, Deputy Deasy, in conjunction with ongoing engagement from our Embassy in Washington, continues to explore the available options, and sensitise the US Administration and Congress to the importance this Government places on the issue. The Deputy will appreciate the need for confidentiality around the detail of Deputy Deasy’s meetings, given the subject matter.
The Government remains wholly committed to working with the US authorities to resolve the plight of the undocumented Irish. The Government will continue to articulate to the US authorities our keen interest in this area while respecting the right of the United States to set its own immigration policies.
I can assure the Deputy of the Government’s continued commitment to pursuing these matters on behalf of our affected citizens in the US, and our continued openness to routes and policies that will provide relief for the undocumented.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (25)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:25. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State about the prison conditions of segregated prisoners in a prison (details supplied) in County Antrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48383/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the Deputy’s ongoing concerns about conditions in Maghaberry Prison.
The management of the prison is a matter for the Northern Ireland Prison Service, an agency of the Department of Justice at Stormont. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s day to day role is limited to adjudicating on prisoners' access to the separated regime which separates paramilitary prisoners from the rest of the prison population and loyalist prisoners from republican prisoners.
As the Deputy will recall, a Stocktake of the 2010 agreement between the NI Prison Service and the prisoners in the separated regime at Maghaberry was published in November 2014. It made a number of recommendations to be implemented within a period of six months. At the time, the Government’s strong view was that the full implementation of the Stocktake report offered an opportunity to create a conflict-free environment in the prison. This view was conveyed to the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms. Theresa Villiers MP, and to the then Minister of Justice in the Northern Executive, Mr. David Ford MLA, and to their officials.
My officials at the Belfast Secretariat continue to engage on an ongoing basis with a range of interlocutors including the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the members of the Stocktake group, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC), and others to discuss, explore and encourage progress. They are also in regular touch with the Criminal Justice Inspectorate for Northern Ireland whose most recent report on conditions in the prison, issued in August 2017, noted that health and educational provision is improving and that levels of disorder and violence were generally low. The report found that there were still significant challenges around the separated regime.
In seeking satisfactory outcomes in Maghaberry, the cooperation of both the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the prisoners themselves is required. I would encourage all with influence to move forward in the right spirit. The restoration of the Executive at Stormont and the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Minister for Justice would also be of great assistance in addressing prison issues in the round.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (26)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has intervened to address issues of war, famine, starvation, genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Horn of Africa; the effect of this intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland, in particular through EU and UN structures, continues to support efforts to address issues of war, famine, starvation, genocide and ethnic cleansing around the globe, including in the Horn of Africa.
The humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa continues to deteriorate. Primarily due to drought, millions of people across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya are facing crisis levels of food insecurity. In South Sudan, conflict continues to exacerbate the already desperate situation, and while the famine declared in parts of the country earlier this year has been alleviated as a result of the international community’s response, 6 million people are still severely food insecure.
Our Government is strongly committed to responding to the unprecedented humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa. During his recent visit to the region, Minister Coveney announced additional assistance to the Horn totaling €11 million, bringing Ireland’s humanitarian assistance to the region to over €138 million since 2012. We continue to monitor the situation through our embassies on the ground and our humanitarian partners, and we will continue to respond.
We also are the fifth largest contributor to the Central Emergency Response Fund in 2017. This UN managed fund has already contributed $118 million to the region this year – almost 30% of the total CERF 2017 allocation.
Ireland remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance where it is needed most, working with partners who ensure that assistance is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner. However, we also recognise that humanitarian aid alone is not the answer. We will continue to focus our efforts on supporting the international system to address the issues driving humanitarian need.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (27, 30)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:27. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with President Juncker regarding the development of the future of Europe strategy. [40446/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Joan Burton
Ceist:30. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his contact with the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, since his state of the Union address. [40345/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 30 together.
In March the European Commission published a White Paper on the Future of Europe, and followed up with a series of reflection papers covering a number of key issues including European Defence, EMU and Globalisation. We welcomed the White Paper and the Reflection Papers as important contributions to the evolving debate on the Future of Europe.
In September the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker made his State of the Union address.
In his speech, President Juncker proposed an ambitious agenda for the EU. I have not had any discussions with President Juncker on his proposals. However, the Taoiseach was actively involved in Future of Europe discussions at a summit in Tallinn in September and at the October European Council in Brussels. President Juncker participated in both of these discussions.
At last month’s European Council President Donald Tusk formally launched his Leaders’ Agenda. He is proposing an ambitious work programme between now and June 2019 with a focus on practical solutions to EU citizens’ real problems. We support President Tusk’s positive forward-looking agenda which he aims to progress through facilitating a more dynamic process while maintaining unity among the 27.
This week the Taoiseach and I, together with the Minister for European Affairs, formally launched the Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe at the Science Gallery in Trinity College Dublin. This marks the start of a process designed to engage the Irish public directly in a debate on the kind of Europe they want to see evolve. Our aim is to raise awareness of the issues involved; to encourage participation in the debate; and to use this engagement process to help formulate Ireland’s contribution to the wider European debate.
In taking forward this debate, our focus will be on delivering a positive EU agenda with concrete outcomes that directly benefit Irish and EU citizens.
Overseas Development Aid Expenditure
Ceisteanna (28)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:28. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to develop a roadmap to reach the 0.7% ODA-GNP target. [48313/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas development cooperation programme and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for International Development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in Official Development Assistance (ODA), as economic conditions allow.
In the current Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. Progress needs to be made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in contributing to ending global poverty and hunger and providing humanitarian assistance.
During the very difficult economic circumstances of recent years, the Government managed to stabilise and largely protect allocations to ODA. Since 2011 we have made annual contributions in excess of €600 million and have cumulatively allocated over of €4.5 billion in the period 2011 to 2017.
For 2018, the Government has allocated just over €707 million for ODA, the third consecutive year ODA has increased. The bilateral aid programme, Irish Aid, managed by my Department, will increase by €13.5 million on last year bringing the Irish Aid budget to over €500 million for the first time since 2012.
We remain committed to making incremental, sustainable progress towards achieving the 0.7% UN target by 2030, over the period of the Sustainable Development Goals. Reaching this target will involve significant annual increases to the ODA budget.
This will require careful planning and in consultation with other government departments, I along with Minister Coveney, intend to present a paper to Cabinet in February 2018, outlining how ODA assistance will be spent across government and by Irish Aid as we see growth in the ODA budget. This paper will form the basis of further consultations with strategic stakeholders and the development of a new policy document on Irish Aid.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (29)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the escalating tensions between the USA and North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48401/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a matter of grave concern to the government. The latest actions taken by North Korea, particularly the nuclear test on 3 September, are a major challenge to international efforts to advance global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This has been a longstanding goal of Ireland’s foreign policy.
Our leadership on this critical global issue was given most recent expression when Ireland co-chaired the 31st Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Plenary Meeting in Dublin in October. In my speech to the MTCR Plenary, I reiterated my grave concern at the deteriorating situation on the Korean Peninsula, and reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to its denuclearisation.
The deeply worrying developments in North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes present a real threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the entire North East Asia region, and indeed beyond. Such actions represent a flagrant and provocative violation of North Korea’s international obligations not to conduct such tests. I have unreservedly condemned such actions.
The government’s concerns are shared by EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council adopted Council Conclusions on North Korea on 17 July this year. The Council stressed that lasting peace and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula must be achieved through peaceful means. It highlighted the importance of the unity of the international community in addressing this challenge.
On 16 October, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted new EU autonomous restrictive measures against North Korea to further increase pressure on the regime to comply with its obligations. The measures complement and reinforce UN Security Council sanctions. The Foreign Affairs Council also agreed to actively lobby for a robust implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the part of all UN member states.
The United Nations General Assembly in New York in September presented an opportunity for the international community to further demonstrate its resolve in this regard, and I conveyed Ireland’s grave concern about ongoing developments. In my address to the United Nations General Assembly, I unreservedly condemned North Korea’s programme of missile and nuclear weapon testing.
Most recently this resolve to implement the sanctions regime was re-affirmed by the European Council on 19 October, and a commitment was made to consider further responses in close consultation with partners.
Throughout, we have been very clear in stating that North Korea must cease the series of provocative acts that have contributed to growing instability in the region and further afield. It must re-engage with discussions on the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, immediately and without pre-conditions. It must abandon its programmes to develop ballistic missiles, nuclear capabilities and weapons of mass destruction. It must carry out these processes in a manner that is complete, verifiable and irreversible.
Ireland fully supports the international sanctions regime against North Korea, and emphasises that continued disregard of its international obligations will only lead to increased diplomatic isolation. We believe greater emphasis should be placed on effective implementation of the sanctions regime, but further sanctions cannot be ruled out.
The deteriorating situation on the Korean Peninsula can only be resolved by peaceful means, and we have repeatedly underscored the urgent need for dialogue between all stakeholders. We will continue to be a strong voice for a peaceful outcome, and we will work closely with our international partners to this end.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 27.
Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 12.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (32)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the latest crisis in Lebanon regarding the former Lebanese Prime Minister; if he has expressed his views to the Saudi Arabian embassy here regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48422/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The formation of the current Government of Lebanon in December 2016 was a very positive development after a considerable period of political stalemate, and marked an opportunity for a new beginning in addressing the challenges facing that country. Not least of these is the fact that Lebanon is host to well over a million Syrian refugees, a huge number for a small country with a population similar to that of Ireland.
Lebanon’s political system is based on ensuring balanced representation for the country’s different communities, and the Prime Minister’s role in that regard is very important. I am very concerned about allegations of threats to the life of the PM Hariri, and also by the fact that any gap in the Prime Minister role risks opening the door to renewed instability. I regret that Prime Minister Hariri has felt it necessary to submit his resignation.
Ireland has a long-standing commitment to the unity and stability of Lebanon, as evidenced by the long tradition of Irish participation in the UNIFIL peace-keeping mission. Despite the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, southern Lebanon has remained an area of relative calm since 2006, and the achievements of the UNIFIL operation and the role of our own Defence Forces in this success should not be overlooked.
When officials from my Department met with officials from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Dublin last week, they took the opportunity to stress the need for regional stability, and the need to de-escalate tensions, instancing Ireland’s contribution to UNIFIL and UNDOF as a practical demonstration of our commitment in that regard.
I am continuing to monitor the situation in Lebanon very closely.
Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 18.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings
Ceisteanna (34)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the ongoing outstanding requests with the British Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48309/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I acknowledge at the outset those across the House who work on a cross-party basis with the Government on this issue and the tireless efforts of Justice for the Forgotten. Dealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The 17th of May marked the 43rd anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which saw the biggest loss of life in a single day during the Troubles. My colleague Minister Flanagan, then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, participated on behalf of the Government in the commemoration ceremony that day and in addressing the commemoration ceremony, he reaffirmed the Government’s determination to continue - and to complete - our efforts to seek the truth of those awful events of 17 May 1974.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 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 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
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. I have spoken directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, about this matter and am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
As part of this engagement, the Government underlines 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 advised 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 I have emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues that could achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
Brexit Documents
Ceisteanna (35, 36)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:35. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will publish all research conducted on the potential impact of Brexit by Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48316/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:36. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the preparations within his Department for a hard Brexit and reports or analyses conducted in this regard. [44893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, I have responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, I am working closely with colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios, including one in which no Withdrawal Agreement is concluded. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government‘s previous contingency planning.
Aside from its wider co-ordination responsibilities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has lead responsibility for planning for, preparing positions on, and following the EU-UK negotiations. This requires research on and analysis of very many legal, institutional, and political issues. The eventual outcome of negotiations will of course be decisive in determining the shape and effects of Brexit. This work is led by the European Union Division in co-operation with the Ireland and United Kingdom and Americas Division, the Legal Division, the Political Division and the Trade Division. Our Permanent Representation in Brussels, and our Embassies in all Member States, send in a constant stream of reports describing and analysing the concerns and priorities of the EU Institutions and our partners.
These work streams are reflected in the Government’s policy positions and public statements, such as the comprehensive document on the Government‘s approach to the Article 50 negotiations and our response to Brexit which was published on 2 May as well as through in depth analysis such as the series the Department of Finance/ERSI research papers on the implications of Brexit. The Government will continue to consider how best to reflect the work ongoing across Government, in addition to the channels of public consultations and stakeholder engagement such as the All-Island Civic Dialogue and the Brexit Stakeholder Forum. However, it would not be helpful or appropriate to publish detailed material which is heavily informed by confidential and ongoing analysis and discussions, including with other Member States and the EU Institutions.
The Department is also analysing the possible impact of Brexit on policy areas within its remit, notably the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the EU’s policy on international development.
We have already seen the implications that Brexit has had for our consular and passport services. There has been a marked increase in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. In this regard, the Passport Service in Dublin, Cork and London as well as Consular Division have recruited a number of additional temporary and fulltime officers to meet increased Passport and Foreign Birth Registration demands including increased demand as a result of Brexit.
My Department also works closely with the European Commission and European Parliament Offices here in Dublin and with civil society organisations including the Institute for International and European Affairs and European Movement Ireland. With funding from this Department, the IIEA is undertaking research on the future shape of the EU and the new strategic alliances that Ireland will need to develop within the EU after Brexit. The analysis will also consider the macro-economic effects of Brexit and the EU institutional implications of Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. This work will build on the extensive analysis being undertaken by a range of organisations, both in Ireland and further afield, and will be presented in a series of public research papers over the coming months and years.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (37)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:37. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have written to Ms Aung San Suu Kyi regarding Ireland's concerns about the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. [40540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, in particular the treatment of the Rohingya people. Developments in Myanmar, and the related humanitarian crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, are being monitored carefully by my officials. Ireland is pressing for an end to the violence, for restoration of humanitarian aid and media access to Rakhine State, and for full investigation of allegations of human rights violations by the Myanmar security forces. In order to address the long term drivers of the tensions underlying the current violence, Ireland has also called for the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State to be implemented swiftly and in full by the Government of Myanmar.
As I have outlined in previous responses in this House, Ireland is engaging in the efforts by the EU and in international fora, including at the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, to press for a resolution of these issues.
The ASEM Foreign Minister’s Meeting will take place in Nay Pyi Taw next week and is being chaired by Myanmar’s State Counsellor and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Aung San Suu Kyi. This meeting presents an important opportunity to engage directly with the Government of Myanmar on this issue. Ireland will be represented by Minister of State Ciarán Cannon at this meeting, and I have asked him to convey the Government’s concerns to representatives of the Government of Myanmar on my behalf.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 12.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (39)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:39. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is Ireland's position that Mr. Michel Barnier’s mandate should be adjusted to ensure progress in the Brexit negotiations. [44896/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK are proceeding on the basis of the phased approach set out in the European Council Guidelines of 29 April 2017. Phase 1 is focusing on the exit issues of citizen’s rights, the financial settlement and the Irish specific issues. Once the European Council has agreed that sufficient progress has been made on these issues, the negotiations can move into phase 2 and parallel discussions on a framework for a future EU-UK relationship and on a transitional arrangements. Ireland fully supports this phased approach. This phased approach was also agreed by the UK in the first round of negotiations on 19 June.
The Negotiating Directives, based on the European Council Guidelines and as agreed by the EU27 at the General Affairs Council in May 2017, provide a formal mandate for the European Commission negotiating team, led by Michel Barnier, for the Article 50 Negotiations. The European Council can revise its guidelines when necessary as the negotiations proceed and move into phase two. Any additional or revised European Council Guidelines may subsequently require a revision, as agreed by the Council, to the more detailed negotiating directives.
At its meeting on 20 October, the European Council welcomed the progress made in the EU-UK negotiations to date but agreed that further work is needed before it can agree that sufficient progress has been made on all of the exit issues to enable discussions on the framework for a future EU-UK relationship and transitional arrangements to begin. Decisions on sufficient progress will be made collectively by the Heads of State and Government of EU27. In that respect, I welcome the call by the European Council for work in the negotiations to continue, and its commitment to reassess progress at its next meeting on 14-15 December.
Once sufficient progress has been made by the UK on all of the exit issues, additional guidelines will be agreed by the European Council on the framework for a future relationship and possible transitional arrangements. I welcome the fact that the European Council last month asked Michel Barnier and the Council to start internal preparatory work among the EU27 for Phase 2. This was a positive acknowledgement of the UK’s constructive approach to the Article 50 negotiations as reflected in Prime Minister May’s speech in Florence on 22 September and an indication the EU is willing and ready to begin phase 2 once sufficient progress has been achieved. While the existing Guidelines include elements on these Phase 2 issues, I expect that they will need to be adjusted and expanded as negotiations in that phase begin.
The Government remains hopeful that, with hard work and political will, progress can be made in negotiations in coming weeks so that decision can be taken by European Council at its meeting in December that parallel phase 2 discussions on future relationship and possible transitional arrangements can begin.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 12.
Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 10.