Written Answers Nos 1-67
35. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the briefings he has had on the Brexit negotiations, in particular in respect of the Border issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have discussions with my officials on an ongoing basis on all aspects of the EU-UK exit negotiations, and our national response to the impact of Brexit is unrelenting. I have regular meetings with my senior officials, including our Permanent Representative to the EU and our Ambassador in London, to discuss developments in the negotiations and these meetings have intensified in recent weeks. I also have frequent meetings with my officials on specific issues as the need arises and my office maintains a regular line of contact with the core team in my Department working on Brexit issues, as well as with senior officials in the Department of the Taoiseach and other relevant Departments.
Our Permanent Representation in Brussels and our Embassies in all EU Member States ensure that I am kept informed of the concerns and priorities of the EU Institutions and our EU partners and their views in relation to the Irish-specific issues. My officials based in Belfast and in Armagh also keep me informed of ongoing contacts in Northern Ireland on Brexit-related issues.
Since I took office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in June of this year, my priority has been to ensure that, not only am I kept fully briefed on the Brexit negotiations and on the border issue, but that - working closely with the Taoiseach and Minister of State McEntee - I am actively engaged in what is an existential matter for this island. I have taken time to meet with and hear from people in businesses and community organisations in Northern Ireland and the border region to deepen further my own understanding of this complex situation. The All-Island Civic Dialogue has also been invaluable in this regard.
Through all of this, I believe that the position being taken by the Government in relation to the border issue is the correct one. This approach proved successful in achieving our goals in phase one. These goals include the maintenance of the Common Travel Area, protection of the Good Friday Agreement including North South cooperation, and protection of EU citizenship and other rights. We have achieved the most important commitment of avoiding a hard border and the UK has set out in detail how this could be achieved. In the absence of an agreed solution the UK has committed to maintaining full alignment with the rules of the Internal Market and the Customs Union which, now or in the future, support the all-island economy and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement including North-South co-operation. This will ensure that people’s lives and livelihoods are protected and that communities and businesses in the border region are given every opportunity to develop and prosper. I therefore look forward to a positive outcome from this week’s European Council which will allow the EU-UK negotiations to proceed to phase II.
37. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the declaration by the President of the United States of America that Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Israel; his views on whether Israel’s occupation of east Jerusalem violates numerous international laws; his further views on whether this declaration is reckless and dangerous; and the timeframe for the Government to recognise the state of Palestine, with east Jerusalem as its capital, in view of the motion unanimously passed in Dáil Éireann on 10 December 2014 calling for same. [53148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Priority Question no 28 concerning the United States Government announcement on Jerusalem, and to the statement which I issued on behalf of the Government on 6 December. I will not repeat those again now.
The Government is committed to recognising the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict. Ireland has long looked forward to being able to recognise a sovereign Palestinian state existing in fact and not just in theory.
Ireland normally recognises states that actually exist and control their territory, and so successive Irish Governments have seen recognition of Palestine coming as part of an overall peace agreement.
However, in view of the long-term frustration of that ideal, and in particular in the light of the motions passed by the Dáil and Seanad in 2014, I am also considering whether early recognition now by Ireland of a state of Palestine, in advance of its actual achievement on the ground, could play a helpful part in advancing a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There are many varied factors bearing on this question. They include the likely impact of such a move on the peace process, the possible value of recognition as a symbolic gesture, the likely impact on other initiatives and perception by other actors, and the likely effect on Ireland’s ongoing influence on the issue. In addition, should I decide to recommend early recognition to the Government, then as an essentially symbolic action the timing of such a move would also be a matter of careful judgment.
I have not yet concluded that immediate recognition by Ireland would be a helpful step, but I keep this matter under continuous review, in the light of the views expressed by the Dáil and the Seanad in 2014. I intend to visit the region again early in the new year, and would expect that this issue will feature in my discussions with the various parties on that occasion.
38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with civic groups in Northern Ireland regarding the need to have the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive restored; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53164/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of recent efforts to restore the Executive in Northern Ireland; the implications for Northern Ireland of the ongoing impasse in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 52 together.
As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the formation of a new Executive, over many months. However, devolved power-sharing government can only operate on the basis of an agreement reached between the two largest parties. The other parties represented in the Assembly also have a critical role to play.
I am disappointed that, after several phases of negotiations in different formats, we still do not have an agreement to form an Executive. The issues under discussion go to the heart of the divisions in society in Northern Ireland and agreement on them was always going to be challenging. However, I have always believed that it remains possible to reach an agreed outcome which ensures implementation of previous agreements and reflects the core principles of the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing itself - partnership, equality, and mutual respect. It remains my conviction that this is achievable.
The continuing absence of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland and of the North South Ministerial Council is all the more serious at this time, when the challenges of the UK exit from the EU need to be addressed. This needs to be done in a manner which protects the Good Friday Agreement and all of the progress it has enabled us to make in securing the peace and deepening reconciliation between communities in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain.
The power-sharing Executive and the Assembly are responsible for representing the interests of all of the people of Northern Ireland, including in relation to how the issues arising with the UK exit from the EU should be addressed. It is imperative that the devolved institutions can urgently operate again. The North South Ministerial Council must also resume its work to oversee and develop North/South co-operation, including that commenced last year to coordinate engagement by the Government and the Executive on dealing with the challenges raised on an all-island basis by the UK exit.
I maintain very regular engagement on behalf of the Government with civic society across all communities and regions in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and other Government Ministers also visit Northern Ireland on a regular basis and there is extensive engagement through the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit. All of this engagement with civic society confirms our view that there is an urgent need and demand for the resumption of the devolved institutions.
The Government has consistently affirmed our unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and our determination to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions. The Taoiseach and I continue to engage with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to give full effect to that commitment.
The Government is also continuing to work intensively, as part of the EU27, to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement through the Article 50 process. The negotiations over the last number of months saw a good political understanding develop on all sides of what is required to achieve what is a shared EU and UK objective. Last Friday, we received firm commitments in the joint report of the EU Task force and UK Government on the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts, including in relation to North South co-operation and the principle of consent, on the avoidance of a hard border and on the maintenance of the Common Travel Area.
As the EU-UK negotiations proceed, the Government will continue to pursue, with our EU partners, an outcome to the Article 50 process that protects our headline priorities and Ireland’s fundamental interests, including the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process.
40. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with European counterparts in regard to the ongoing reports of large-scale human trafficking and slave auctions in Libya; and the position the Government is taking in regard to this issue. [53231/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly condemn all human rights violations and abuses against refugees and migrants in Libya, and I am absolutely appalled by reports of slave auctions. Political fragmentation in Libya has led to a governance vacuum in some areas, but I call on the Libyan authorities to do everything they can to end this horrendous practice.
The situation in Libya was discussed at the June 2017 Foreign Affairs Council, and at the July Council, my EU colleagues and I adopted Conclusions, which urged the Libyan authorities to improve access to, and conditions in, detention centres, as well as to look for alternatives to detention. At the European Council in October, the Taoiseach conveyed Ireland’s deep concerns on the conditions in detention centres in Libya. He announced that Ireland will double its contribution to the EU Trust Fund for Africa to €6 million, to help address the root causes of migration.
The EU supports the UNHCR and the IOM efforts to ensure adequate reception facilities for migrants, and provides training in international humanitarian law, human rights and gender issues to the Libyan authorities. The African Union, EU and UN agreed in November to establish a trilateral Task Force to protect the lives of migrants, particularly inside Libya, by accelerating assisted voluntary returns to countries of origin, and resettlement of those needing international protection.
Real improvement in the situation of migrants in Libya will require political stabilisation and a return to order. Through the EU, Ireland supports both UN mediation, and regional efforts, to stabilise the situation in Libya.
The fight to reduce poverty is one of the main drivers of large irregular migratory flows, and remains firmly at the core of Ireland’s aid programme. Irish Aid will continue to focus on ending extreme poverty, hunger and under-nutrition.
41. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on recent European efforts to address the refugee crisis and the supports being provided by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53146/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a range of measures to deal with this mass movement of people. These have included engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration including through the Migration Partnership Framework; agreeing a plan to relocate migrants from Italy and Greece across the Union; the launching of an EU Naval Force, Operation Sophia, to disrupt people smuggling in the Mediterranean; and substantial financial assistance to countries hosting large numbers of migrants. EU Heads of State and Government concluded a landmark migration deal with Turkey in March 2016, which has resulted in a very substantial reduction in the number of migrants risking their lives at sea to enter the EU from Turkey. These measures are bearing fruit and the numbers of migrants risking their lives is down significantly on last year.
Most migrants to Europe originate in Africa and the EU Trust Fund for Africa, established in 2015, is tackling the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration. Almost €3.2 billion has been pledged by donors to the Fund for the period 2016 to 2020, with the Irish Government making a commitment of €6 million. The EU is also supporting the Turkey Refugee Facility, a response to the almost 3 million refugees being hosted in that country. €3 billion has been committed to the Facility by the EU for the period 2016 to 2019, with Ireland providing €22.9 m. The Irish Navy has also been deployed in the Mediterranean and has to date rescued over 17,500 people.
Last month, the EU and African Union held a Summit meeting at which they agreed to enhance cooperation on migration. They announced the creation of a joint African Union, EU and UN Task Force specifically focused on reversing the humanitarian emergency. The objectives of the Task Force are to save and protect the lives of migrants and refugees along key routes and in Libya, in particular; to accelerate assisted voluntary returns to countries of origin; and the resettlement of those in need of international protection.
Ireland has been helping to alleviate the suffering of migrants and refugees. In 2016, €194 million, more than one quarter of our ODA, was directed to humanitarian needs, including support for responses to refugee influxes. This year, Ireland is providing €25 million in humanitarian assistance to alleviate the effects on civilians of the conflict in Syria, €11 million for South Sudan, €6 million for Somalia, and €4 million for Yemen.
42. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if commitments will be made with regard to multi-annual funding for overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas development cooperation programme and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy.
Predictable funding streams allow the effective planning of our assistance so that it can deliver maximum impact, and greatly assists the prudential management of the aid budget. Multi-annual funding arrangements are the most commonly used mechanism to facilitate predictability of funding and, importantly, to allow the delivery of strategic goals.
In 2017, over almost €74 million or 80% of Irish Aid’s civil society budget is governed multi-annual funding agreements. The Programme Grant, the largest civil society funding mechanism, runs from 2017 to 2021, and will provide approximately €53 million in funding per year to thirteen NGOs to deliver results. Only NGOs which reach a certain critical mass qualify for this mechanism: the next round of funding for other, smaller, NGO partners will increase the potential annual grant to assist these partners in achieving the scale required to qualify for Programme Grants.
While it is more challenging to provide multi-annual funding in the context of humanitarian emergencies, Ireland has committed to providing at least 20% of its humanitarian funding through multi-annual agreements.
Our bi-lateral programmes in Key Partner Countries are predominantly based on multi-annual strategies including indicative multi-annual funding commitments. We expect that this strong commitment to multi-annual funding will continue as Ireland progresses towards our 0.7% target by 2030.
It is the Government’s intention that a new White Paper on development cooperation would be published next year, most probably in the summer. One of the issues which will be considered in that context would be how to most effectively plan on a multi-annual basis, with a view to better achieving results.
43. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continued imprisonment of Vice President Orio Junqueras and the Interior Minister of the former Catalan Government Joaquim Forn; his further views on the continued imprisonment of two civic leaders (details supplied); and if he will raise concerns regarding their continued detention with his Spanish counterpart. [53151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia.
The resolution of the 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.
Elections have been called for 21 December in which all of the parties can participate and which will give all Catalans a voice.
I hope that after these elections, regional autonomy can be restored.
44. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will join the calls for an immediate halt to the use of violent tactics by the state in Honduras; and if he will condemn the human rights abuses that are being committed. [53161/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the worrying and volatile situation in Honduras; his views on the violent tactics employed by state forces against persons in the aftermath of the recent contentious election (details supplied); and his plans to contact his Honduran counterpart to protest the actions of the state forces. [53150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 59 together.
I am aware of the situation to which the Deputies refer, namely the violence which occurred during protests following general elections in Honduras, which took place on 26 November.
I condemn unreservedly any acts of intimidation or violence perpetrated against those seeking to peacefully demonstrate or defend their rights. In particular, I wish to condemn the loss of human life in recent days and to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
I echo calls made by the spokesperson of the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini last week for calm and restraint in Honduras in the aftermath of the election.
It is imperative that all sides act responsibly and work together, using the legal mechanisms available to them to address any potential complaints of irregularity regarding the electoral process, and to avoid violence at all times.
The EU deployed an Election Observer Mission to Honduras in October, which consists of 22 long-term observers and 40 short-term observers. Facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Ireland contributed one long-term observer and one short-term observer to that mission, the aim of which is to provide an independent public assessment of the election process.
I am pleased that Ireland was in a position to contribute to this vital work.
The EU Election Observation Mission released a statement last Thursday, 7 December regarding the post electoral situation, calling for fundamental freedoms to be respected and for violence to be avoided at all costs. The statement welcomed the openness expressed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Honduras to address any challenges made to the election result. Crucially, the EU Election Observation Mission delegation is committed to remaining in Honduras and continuing its vital work to closely observe the election until the electoral process is fully concluded.
While Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Honduras, officials of my Department do raise issues relating to the protection and defence of human rights in Honduras both at EU and UN level, including through direct contact with the EU Delegation in Tegucigalpa.
On my instruction, they will continue to do so in light of recent developments in the country.
Officials at my Department have also met with human rights defenders from Honduras, most recently in Dublin in October 2017, when the then upcoming elections were discussed in some detail.
Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas development programme, contributes funding to programmes in Honduras through civil society organisations, chiefly Trócaire, including in support of its important work on human rights.
I can assure the Deputies that we will continue to monitor the situation in Honduras closely as the post electoral process progresses into its next stages.
45. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the petition signed by more than 22,000 persons highlighting the arms trade with the state of Israel presented to An Taoiseach by members of an organisation (details supplied) on 4 October 2017. [51490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the petition referenced by the Deputy, which was presented to the Taoiseach in October and has since been brought to my attention.
I am pleased to inform the House that Ireland does not have an arms industry and is not therefore an exporter of weapons to any country, other than a small amount of sporting guns. National legislation imposes a licensing requirement in respect of items on the EU Common Military List, including rifles and shotguns for sporting/hunting purposes. These applications are assessed on a case by case basis taking account of the EU Common Position, EU sanctions and the Arms Control Treaty. Licenses have also been granted for ‘dual use’ items, relating not to arms, but to components such as engine parts and to software. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is responsible for issuing licenses.
As regards the purchase of arms by Ireland from Israel, the acquisition of military equipment by the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Department of Defence. I believe that the principal criterion used is the best equipment which can be obtained for the protection and operational effectiveness of Irish troops, and such equipment is often available from a limited number of sources.
46. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the person or bodies he is engaging with on the ongoing issues of prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraConditions in the prison form part of my regular discussions with political interlocutors in Northern Ireland, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who has certain responsibilities around the separated regime at the prison.
Deputies will be aware of my ongoing concerns about conditions in Maghaberry Prison. My officials at the Belfast Secretariat maintain regular contact with the Northern Ireland Office on this issue, as well as with the NI Department of Justice, the NI Prisoner Ombudsman, the Criminal Justice Inspectorate, the International Committee of the Red Cross’s Belfast office, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the members of the Stocktake group, and other relevant agencies.
Primary responsibility for the conditions in Maghaberry rests with the Northern Ireland Department of Justice. The continued absence of a functioning Executive - and Minister for Justice - is a source of ongoing concern here. In that regard, the Government is continuing to work closely with the British Government to support the effective operation of the NI Executive and all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
47. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland supports the current efforts to reconcile the political parties in Palestine and be a voice in ensuring respect for the results of democratic elections when they occur. [53160/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has for many years consistently supported the objective of Palestinian reconciliation, and worked at EU level to ensure that the EU also recognised the importance and potential of this process. The EU has consistently endorsed reconciliation in successive Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the conflict.
Differences and sometimes outright conflict between the disparate Palestinian groups, and in particular the two main organisations, Fatah and Hamas, has obviously weakened the position of the Palestinian people in addressing the problems that surround them. Conversely, reconciliation could be an essential step in allowing Palestinians to speak with one voice and to negotiate and to deliver on a peace agreement with Israel which would end the occupation. It could also be crucial to the task, with which we are familiar in relation to our own peace process, of helping bring former militants to support political process to address their grievances.
In saying this I am fully conscious of continuing problems with the positions, methods and aims of Hamas. I am also aware of more moderate signals they have given, including of accepting the lead of President Abbas as negotiating on behalf of the Palestinian people, and in pursuit of his objective of a two state solution. How or whether these divergent impulses can be resolved within Hamas is still to be proven, but the effort is surely one worth making.
Although the contrary is often asserted, it is not the case that the European Union, or for that matter the United States, refused to accept the results of the 2006 Palestinian elections. Both parties recognised as legitimate the Palestinian Government subsequently formed by Hamas, but they also exercised their own right to decide whether or in what form to engage directly with members of Hamas while it remained committed to an armed struggle.
I would be happy to urge support for any Palestinian Government which was committed to the peaceful achievement of a two state solution.
48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to advocate at the EU Foreign Affairs Council for the lifting of the EU’s economic sanctions against Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53156/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to contact the US ambassador to raise the issue of lifting the United States’ economic sanctions against Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 56 together.
Sanctions are a tool which the international community may use to put political pressure on those who commit violence against their own people. In the case of Syria, the EU sanctions include an oil embargo, restrictions on investments, a freeze of Syrian Central Bank assets and export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression, or for interception of internet or telephone communications. There are no sanctions on food, medicines or most other civilian goods.
In addition to these measures, targeted EU sanctions are in place against over 250 people and almost 70 entities which are complicit in the violent repression of the civilian population in Syria. The first person on this list is Bashar Al Assad, whose forces have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
The EU’s Basic Principles on the Use of Restrictive Measures, state that “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 ….” Accordingly, the EU’s Syria sanctions include specific exemptions for essential civilian needs and for humanitarian assistance. The EU keeps the impact of sanctions under constant review, and will consider options to mitigate any unintended consequences which can be documented as relating directly to the measures themselves, as distinct from the more general economic disruption caused by the conflict and the Assad regime’s actions.
In line with the EU strategy on Syria, the EU will maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters as long as the repression of civilians continues.
Ireland has consistently supported EU sanctions targeting the Assad regime and its supporters, and will continue to do so as long as the situation on the ground justifies these measures. To lift these sanctions would amount to tacit support for the Assad regime and would serve to encourage further impunity with regard to attacks on civilians, and disregard for the UN-led peace process.
Some of the US measures pre-date the current conflict. However, I understand that the aims of the sanctions that the US has imposed since 2011 include depriving the regime of the resources it needs to continue violence against civilians, and this is a goal shared by the EU.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to liaise with his EU colleagues and the UK Government in the context of ongoing negotiations in respect of Brexit; if he has been assured that the UK Government continues to ensure that the DUP is briefed on progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53168/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe remarkable solidarity of our EU partners regarding the unique challenges facing the island of Ireland has been strong and consistent throughout the first phase of the EU-UK exit negotiations. I am very pleased with the progress so far in the negotiations and we reached a key moment last Friday when we achieved the goals we set out to achieve in phase one. This includes maintenance of the Common Travel Area, and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts including North/South cooperation.
Ireland is negotiating as part of the EU27, through the work of the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and his team. My officials are in regular contact with Mr Barnier’s team and provide all support they can to the work of the Task force in the negotiations, particularly where it concerns the Irish-specific issues, which will continue to be taken forward in a distinct strand of the negotiations in phase two.
In the lead up to Friday’s publication of the joint progress report by the EU and UK negotiating teams and ahead of the European Council decision on sufficient progress, I undertook an intensive round of bilateral contacts with my EU counterparts, to reaffirm the importance of making sufficient progress across all three exit issues, including the Irish-specific issues. I met with Michel Barnier again in Brussels on 24 November and also met with my counterparts from Poland, Hungary and Spain on the same day, in the margins of the Eastern Partnership Summit. I have spoken to a number of my counterparts by telephone over the past week, including with my colleagues from Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal and Slovakia. I also joined the Taoiseach in his meeting with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, in Dublin on Friday 1 December. There has also been extensive engagement with EU partners by Minister of State McEntee and at official level. These strategic engagements will continue as the Brexit negotiations move into phase 2.
My most recent meeting with a UK minister was with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. While we had a broad agenda, it provided the opportunity to exchange views on the exit negotiations. The Taoiseach and my cabinet colleagues engage regularly with our UK counterparts on a range of issues unrelated to Brexit, but have used these opportunities to restate the EU position on the negotiations and to reaffirm that the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU are through the agreed structures in Brussels.
One of the key priorities of the Government in these negotiations has been to ensure that the gains of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement are fully protected. This is a shared objective of the EU and of the UK. Ireland is negotiating as part of the EU27. Any internal consultations on the UK’s position in the Article 50 negotiations are a matter for the UK Government.
I am very pleased that the EU Task Force was able to reach this agreement with the UK government last Friday and that Michel Barnier was in a position to recommend to the Council that sufficient progress has been made on all phase one issues. Language on Ireland and Northern Ireland in the joint report from the negotiators of the EU and the UK Government reflects our goals of maintaining the Common Travel Area, protecting the Good Friday Agreement and North South cooperation, and protecting EU citizenship and other rights. I am hopeful that the European Council will agree to start discussions on the framework for a future EU-UK relationship as soon as possible. The Government will keep working to achieve the best possible outcome for the island of Ireland, our citizens and our economy.
50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the conversations he has had with President Trump or the US Administration since the President's decision to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53229/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific actions the Government will take in view of President Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and in view of the escalation of illegal settlement activity, forced displacement and demolition of Palestinian villages in Area C; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, further to Prime Minister Netanyahu's appearance at the Foreign Ministers' meeting on 11 December 2017 and his intention to justify illegal settlements in Palestine, he will condemn this illegal activity, in view of President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. [53162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further action the European Union is considering taking with regard to the recent recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital by the US government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 54, 60 and 61 together.
In relation to the announcement by the United States in relation to Jerusalem, I refer Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question no 28.
I was in direct contact with the US authorities to express my concerns before this decision was taken, and I issued a public statement of the Government’s response and views when the announcement was made. Subsequently, US diplomats have contacted my Department at senior official level, as well as in other capitals, to explain the perspective of the US Government in taking this action. My officials in turn underlined the deep concerns which I expressed in my statement.
The European Union, as well as Ireland and many other Member States, have clearly expressed their concerns about, and disagreement with, the decision of the United States, and have restated our own policy that Jerusalem must become the capital of two states, Israel and Palestine. This position remains unchanged.
The expansion of Israeli settlements, and related policies of dispossession, demolitions and evictions, have been central to Ireland’s concerns on the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) for some years. I have stressed these issues at EU level in discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council and directly in our contacts with the Israeli authorities. I made a public statement condemning the settlement process on 20 October last. I have also advised the House from time to time on actions taken by my officials in relation to specific communities under threat in the occupied territory. Most recently, I expressed Ireland’s concerns in relation to settlements again directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu at an informal EU breakfast meeting with him in Brussels on Monday.
51. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the EU trust fund is addressing the root causes of migration in view of the fact Ireland has doubled its contributions. [53159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa is to tackle the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration. The Trust Fund is assisting a band of countries across three regions in Africa that are among the most fragile and affected by migration, namely the Horn of Africa, the Sahel/Lake Chad region, and North Africa.
Almost €3.2 billion has been pledged by donors for the Trust Fund for the period 2016 to 2020, with 117 programmes across the three regions ongoing and total disbursements to date amounting to over €488 million. Ireland made an initial commitment of €3 million to the Trust Fund, earmarked for the Horn of Africa, and an additional €3 million was recently pledged in response to growing needs. Ireland’s total €6 million contribution covers the period 2016-20.
The Trust Fund is tackling the root causes of irregular migration and displacement in countries of origin, transit and destination through a range of interventions. First, employment opportunities are being created through economic programmes, especially for young people and women in local communities - with a focus on vocational training and the creation of small enterprises.
Secondly, basic services for local populations, such as in health and education, are being supported, in particular for the most vulnerable as well as refugees and displaced persons. Thirdly, better management of migration is being assisted so as to enable regions and countries to contain and prevent irregular migration, fight human trafficking, enable effective return and re-admission, and support international protection and asylum.
Finally, the Trust Fund is supporting improvements in overall governance, in particular by promoting conflict prevention, addressing human rights abuses, enforcing the rule of law, and countering radicalisation and extremism.
In all of these ways, the EU Trust Fund is delivering an integrated and co-ordinated approach in response to the diverse causes of irregular migration in Africa, and I am glad to note that the recent African Union – European Union Summit agreed to further cooperation in that regard.
53. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the UN’s record appeal for $22.5 billion to help victims of conflict and humanitarian crises around the world (details supplied); and the way in which his Department will respond to this record appeal. [53149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the UN’s appeal and the massive humanitarian need that exists in the world today. The pace at with which the need is increasing is very worrying and presents an enormous challenge for the global response.
Ireland’s Overseas Development Aid (ODA) budget has consistently supported responses to humanitarian crises. In 2016, €194 million, more than one quarter of our ODA, was directed to humanitarian responses.
This year, significant humanitarian funding continues to be provided in response to global need, and I would anticipate that by year-end around one quarter of Ireland’s ODA will again have been disbursed in direct response to crisis and conflict. Among the examples of our response this year are €25 million in humanitarian assistance to alleviate the effects on civilians of the conflict in Syria, €11 million for South Sudan, €6 million for Somalia, and €4 million for Yemen.
For 2018, the Government has allocated just over €707 million for ODA, the third consecutive annual increase, and humanitarian funding levels similar to those in 2017 have been provisionally allocated for 2018, including through our EU and UN contributions.
Ireland is also actively engaged in ensuring that the effectiveness of the international humanitarian system is improved, through implementing the commitments of the World Humanitarian Summit and the Grand Bargain, and supporting UN reform. The Grand Bargain is an agreement among 30 donors, including Ireland, to amongst other things deliver an extra US$1 billion in aid by 2020 through improved working practices. In 2018, we will continue to pursue this through, for example, our membership of the UN CERF (Central Emergency Response Fund) Advisory Board and the WFP Executive Board.
However, as well as supporting humanitarian response, we recognise that tackling the factors driving humanitarian need is the only way to ultimately end it. Through our multilateral and bilateral engagements, this Government remains committed to addressing the causes of humanitarian need, in particular through supporting conflict resolution and through our consistent investment in development, in particular but not exclusively in Ireland’s key partner countries.
55. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the backlog of passport applications to be processed; the number of persons with dual UK and Irish citizenship applying for an Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53039/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 1 January and December 7 this year, the Passport Service received 781,716 passport applications, which represents a 12.4% increase over the same period last year. There are currently 29,652 applications in progress. These are applications that are going through the normal checking process rather than a backlog.
While the volume of applications in progress remains high, the turnaround time for applications submitted through Passport Express for first-time applications, renewal applications and applications for renewal of lost, stolen or damaged passports remains at 15 working days . Applications received through Online Passport Application Service can be processed more quickly, with current turnaround times of approximately 5 working days.
The fact that target turnaround times for Passport Express renewal and first-time applications are being met despite the significant increases in volumes of applications in the year reflects the hard work and professionalism of Passport Service staff. Service improvements, such as the introduction of the Online Passport Application Service that launched this year, have also made a major contribution to the effective management of these exceptionally high volumes.
Tracking of applications is in general carried out against method of application. The Passport Service does not compile data on any other citizenships that an applicant may hold. In order to meet the requirements of the Passports Act 2008, each applicant must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship in their application. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by Irish law and in particular, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Irish citizens are not prohibited from holding foreign citizenship in addition to their Irish citizenship.
For the period January 1 to December 4 this year, the number of passport applications received from applicants living in Great Britain was 66,054, with 69,094 coming from applicants living in Northern Ireland. This compares with figures of 48,765 and 61,104 respectively for the same period in 2016. My Department continues to closely monitor the level of passport demand to ensure that all resources, including staffing, are effectively deployed.
57. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a review of the effectiveness and utility of economic sanctions placed on other states as a tool of coercive diplomacy is under way or planned by his Department. [53197/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRestrictive measures, also referred to as ‘sanctions’, are legally binding measures which may be taken against individuals, entities or countries. Such measures can cover a variety of elements including financial services (e.g. asset freezes), immigration (visa and travel bans) and trade (e.g. export restrictions).
The objective in adopting sanctions is to bring about a change in policy and/ or behaviour by the target of the measures. For example sanctions may be applied in response to repression, human rights abuses or violations of international law. As such, sanctions are an important foreign policy tool and a part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to the pursuit of foreign policy objectives including safeguarding security and preserving peace, conflict prevention, and the support of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law.
Sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council are binding on all United Nations Member States. They are subject to EU measures in order to ensure their consistent implementation throughout the EU. The EU may also adopt its own sanctions, known as autonomous EU measures, as a tool of its Common Foreign and Security Policy.
These sanctions are targeted to minimise the consequences for those not responsible for the actions that have triggered them, e.g. the local civilian population. For example, economic sanctions often take the form of asset freezes for targeted individuals rather than blanket economic restrictions on a country. A key principle of EU sanctions is that they must respect fundamental human rights and fundamental freedoms, with a particular emphasis on the right to due process. In addition, where appropriate, EU sanctions regimes include exemptions and derogations to ensure mitigation of any unintended humanitarian consequences.
Restrictive measures in force are kept under constant review to ensure that they continue to contribute towards achieving their stated objectives. Ireland engages fully in this process at EU level.
58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with civic groups in Northern Ireland regarding the Brexit negotiations; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53163/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the importance of engaging with civic groups in Northern Ireland in the context of the ongoing EU – UK exit negotiations. I maintain regular engagement on behalf of the Government with civic society across all communities and regions in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and other Government Ministers also visit Northern Ireland on a regular basis.
I have most recently had the opportunity to discuss the impact of Brexit with civil society groups during my visit to Belfast on 22 November. This and other visits provide the opportunity to discuss concerns regarding the impact of Brexit on lives and livelihoods across Northern Ireland and I will be continuing this engagement in the period ahead.
In addition, many civil society organisations in Northern Ireland continue to participate in the All-Island Civic Dialogue process. The All-Island Civic Dialogue was launched in November 2016 in order to have the widest possible conversation with civil society groups, trade unions, business groups, non-governmental organisations and political parties across the island of Ireland. Since then, three plenary dialogues and twenty sectoral dialogues have taken place in locations across the country to discuss the impact of Brexit on specific areas including agrifood, Transport, Energy, Tourism and Hospitality and Education. The most recent sectoral dialogue on energy took place in Dublin on October 26. These dialogue meetings have enjoyed strong participation from civil society groups, North and South.
At the last plenary meeting of the All-Island Civic Dialogue in September of this year, Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement was the principal focus of a session on citizens. This session highlighted that there is a need for politics and civil society to come together and discuss the cross-community impact of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The overwhelming message was that, in discussions around Northern Ireland and Brexit, protecting and developing the gains of the peace process must be the main priority. This is reflected in both the Government and EU position on Northern Ireland in protecting the hard won gains of the peace process and avoiding border infrastructure of any kind on this island.
In this regard, we are pleased with the agreement that was reached between PM May and President Juncker last Friday which represents significant progress for Ireland’s priorities in the EU-UK negotiations. This includes maintaining the Common Travel Area, protecting the Good Friday Agreement and North South cooperation, and protection of EU citizenship and other rights. I sincerely hope that the European Council will make the decision tomorrow to move to phase two of the negotiations. The Government will continue its work on Irish-specific issues in a distinct strand of phase two of the negotiations as part of the EU27.
I will continue engagement with civil society groups North and South as the negotiations progress.
62. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contacts he has made with African governments regarding An Taoiseach's cancelled visit to west Africa. [51724/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach was due to travel to West Africa between 25 November and 1 December, to visit Irish Defence Forces personnel based in Mali and to attend the African Union - European Union Summit in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from 25 November to 1 December. However, due to domestic political developments, it was necessary to cancel this visit.
Ireland was represented at the Summit by the Irish Ambassador to the African Union, accompanied by the Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire (based in Abuja), and the Africa Director of my Department.
Formal notifications indicating that the Taoiseach would not be in a position to travel were issued through relevant diplomatic channels to the authorities in Côte d'Ivoire, as hosts of the Summit, and, separately, to the authorities in Mali.
63. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to the need for new formal structures for dialogue to be established between the Irish and British Governments in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53145/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been clear in its view that we do not want the United Kingdom to leave the EU, but ultimately that is a decision for the people of the United Kingdom and we respect the democratic outcome of the referendum in June of last year.
However, Ireland maintains a strong and constructive bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom and we are committed to developing and enhancing this. We will also work to secure the closest possible positive relationship between the UK and the European Union.
There are already a number of channels for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the Irish and British governments, which will continue after the UK leaves the European Union. In this regard, the Good Friday Agreement provides for important institutional co-operation on an east-west basis through the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference (BIIGC) and the British Irish Council (BIC). In addition, the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) brings together elected representatives from the Oireachtas, Westminster, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Scottish and Welsh devolved assemblies.
These structures have shown their value and will continue to evolve in response to the changing circumstances. The British Irish Council continues to work on areas of shared importance, with the Taoiseach and Minister McHugh attending the most recent British Irish Council Summit meeting in Jersey in November. Three of the four British Irish Parliamentary Assembly Committees carried out inquiries into the consequences of the UK exit from the EU for various sectors across this island, meeting with practitioners and stakeholders to hear evidence and further the discourse around this issue of primary importance.
Other channels of contact and cooperation have developed over the years as the relationship between these islands has grown closer. For example, in 2012, a process was established 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 both London and Dublin.
Deputies will also be aware of ongoing contact between Government Ministers and their UK counterparts across a range of policy areas. I recently welcomed Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to Dublin where, in addition to Brexit, we had the opportunity to discuss a number of areas of mutual foreign policy interest.
I am therefore confident that existing structures will provide ample opportunity for positive dialogue between our two Governments.
64. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the ongoing incarceration of a person (details supplied) who had their licence revoked in March 2016 but has not received due process or opportunity to answer charges against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and my officials in the Belfast Secretariat monitor this and other cases as part of their ongoing work on prison issues generally in Northern Ireland.
The person concerned was detained in March 2016 when the release licence granted to him under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement was revoked by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. The case has been raised with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) by my officials. It also has also been the subject of representations to the NIO by various public representatives in Northern Ireland.
As part of the revocation process, the independent Northern Ireland Parole Commissioners carry out a full review of the case. The Parole Commissioners are charged with taking into account the obligations on the State of the European Convention on Human Rights in making their recommendation. This includes assessing the risk to the public should the person remain at liberty. Those whose licence is revoked under this process are provided with a copy of the independent Parole Commissioners recommendation, which sets out the reasons the licence was revoked.
I understand that a Parole Commissioners hearing was held in June and made a decision to uphold the revocation of this person’s license.
A senior official from the Secretariat visited the individual in question in Maghaberry prison in July, at his request and we are aware of his concerns. My officials will continue to actively monitor the case.
65. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if analysis has been conducted regarding the designation of Northern Ireland as a special economic zone, including maintaining ongoing connectivity with the European Union. [50016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s focus in relation to Northern Ireland in the context of the EU-UK exit negotiations is the substantive outcome on each of the key issues, rather than on the label ascribed to the overall package. Our priority has always been to ensure that the gains of the peace process and the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, are not harmed by the UK’s exit from the European Union. This objective is shared by our EU partners, the UK Government and the parties in Northern Ireland.
We welcome the joint report of the negotiators of the EU and the UK and, in that regard, we have secured an important commitment from the UK and EU. Crucially, the UK has reiterated that there will be no physical border infrastructure or related checks on the island of Ireland and sets out in detail how this can be achieved. We have a stated commitment from the UK to maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and Customs Union which, now or in the future, support North-South co-operation, the all-island economy and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government has always said that we would see the UK as a whole staying in the single market and the Customs Union as the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland and for East-West trade. The joint report spells out the UK’s intention to avoid any hard border through a comprehensive future EU-UK relationship.
I am satisfied, therefore that in all eventualities, a hard border will be avoided and North South cooperation protected. This is something that every political party on our island supports. There is a great deal of work still to be done on the Irish-specific issues in order to ensure that all of the commitments set out in the joint report are implemented. I am therefore pleased that work on Irish issues will continue to be taken forward in a distinct strand of the EU-UK negotiations in phase two. This will ensure that they will not be overlooked in the next phase.
It is for these reasons that I hope that the European Council meeting this week in Brussels will agree that sufficient progress has been made in phase one of the negotiations, and that discussions can now commence on a future EU-UK relationship and any transitional arrangements.
66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and 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. [53130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 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.
67. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the difference between regulatory divergence and mainlining full alignment as described in the final draft of the EU-UK deal. [52887/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agreement reached last Friday between the EU task force and the UK Government contains a commitment from the UK to protect North South co-operation, as well as its guarantee of avoiding a hard border.
In the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue as part of a wider EU-UK future relationship agreement, which has always been the Irish Government’s preference, or through specific solutions, paragraph 49 of the report states that, “in the absence of agreed solutions, the United Kingdom will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and the Customs Union which, now or in the future, support North-South cooperation, the all-island economy and the protection of the 1998 agreement.”
It has also been agreed that any agreements put in place will be accompanied by effective mechanisms to ensure implementation and oversight. This is an important fail safe, recognising that to avoid a hard border, no matter how it is achieved, Northern Ireland or the UK as a whole will need to remain fully aligned with necessary rules of the Customs Union and the Single Market.
“Alignment” is a term used in EU law in the context of adherence to the acquis communautaire. A hard border is not necessary today because Northern Ireland and Ireland are fully aligned with the acquis communautaire or EU rules. To “maintain full alignment” therefore requires the UK to continue to adhere to all elements of EU Internal Market and Customs Union law which supports the fundamentally important goals set out above. This will have to continue to be the case unless and until such time as there is an alternative solution in place that can continue to meet our shared goal of avoiding a hard border. I am satisfied by this firm commitment from the UK.
In the next phase, the EU will work with the UK to ensure that, under all eventualities, a hard border is avoided. The Government will continue to support the EU Task force in this work.
