Written Answers Nos. 107-127
107. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the percentage of persons employed in his Department that have a disability, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14446/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 31 December 2017, 4.6% of the staff of my Department (or 4.8% when expressed in whole time equivalent terms) voluntarily and confidentially disclosed a disability. This exceeds the minimum requirement of 3% for public sector organisations set down in the Disability Act, 2005.
108. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Army Rangers participated in the recent anti-terrorist exercise at Shannon; and if not, if the Army Ranger Wing is being maintained in order to provide support for European projects such as battle groups rather than anti-terrorist operations within Ireland. [14413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence, published in the Autumn of 2015, considered the security environment including the threat from international terrorism. It notes that the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for protecting the internal security of the State. The Defence Forces provide, on request, supports in aid to the civil power (ATCP) of an on-going and contingent nature.
The security environment is kept under constant review. An Garda Síochána can request a broad range of supports from the Defence Forces including the Army Ranger Wing and, in this context, the Army Ranger Wing is trained and equipped to undertake a range of specialist roles. Joint exercises are carried out in order to enhance support and ensure effective interoperability. Details with regard to the precise training of the Army Ranger Wing and their participation in exercises are not released into the public domain for security and operational reasons.
The exercise in Shannon was led by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the Department of Justice. The Defence Forces provided assistance, as requested by An Garda Síochána, in support of the exercise.
In compliance with Government policy, the Defence Forces continue to retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities, including Special Operations Forces, in order to meet the roles assigned and as a hedge to future uncertainty.
The Defence Forces Special Operation Force, the Army Ranger Wing, stands ready to meet all assigned roles whether in ATCP or on Government direction.
109. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the percentage of persons employed in his Department who have a disability, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14436/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatistics are compiled by my Department and submitted to the National Disability Authority retrospectively during the first quarter of each year in respect of the previous year. The return for 2017 is currently being finalised.
This is expected to confirm that at the end of 2017 there were 351 civil servants employed in the Department of Defence of which 20, or 5.7%, had declared a disability under the definition of a disability as set out in the Disability Act 2005.
In addition to civil servants, my Department also employs civilian employees who are based in various defence installations across the country. At 31 December, 2017, there were 469 civilian employees employed of which 20, or 4.26%, had declared a disability under the definition of a disability as set out in the Disability Act 2005.
110. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens whom consulates abroad have assisted following imprisonment in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides consular assistance to any Irish citizen imprisoned overseas who requests our help. Our Embassies and Consulates provide direct assistance in many cases, through consular visits and practical advice and assistance to individual detainees, and our consular assistance team at HQ provides ongoing support and assistance to the families of such prisoners. We also work through our partnership with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO), which receives funding from our Emigrant Support programme, to support Irish prisoners overseas and their loved ones.
Support and assistance in all such cases is provided on a non-judgemental basis, irrespective of the offence of which the citizen has been accused or convicted.
It is impossible to provide precise statistics for the number of Irish citizens detained or imprisoned overseas. In some cases the individuals involved do not seek any assistance or do not want the Irish authorities to be informed of their situations. In some other cases, regrettably, local authorities sometimes fail to notify the Irish authorities of the imprisonment of our citizens.
My Department’s records show that consular assistance was requested and provided in approximately 300 cases involving Irish citizens imprisoned overseas between 2013 and 2017.
In 2013 my Department opened 55 new cases in this category. In 2014, there were 52 new cases. 2015 saw 55 new cases. 2016 saw 45 new cases, and in 2017 53 new files in this category were opened. In addition, there are a number of cases which were ongoing since prior to 2013 and for which assistance continued to be provided.
Every case is different and is considered and approached on its own merits. Some cases may last only a relatively short time, and the assistance needed may be quite straightforward. Others, such as the high-profile case of a young Irish citizen who was detained in Egypt from August 2013 until October 2017, can be extremely difficult and complex, and can require the deployment of significant resources over a protracted period of time.
Beyond the cases where we are requested to provide direct assistance, through our partnership with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, and in some cases also through other emigrant support organisations, we provide substantial indirect supports to a large number of other Irish prisoners. We estimate that, at any time, there are around 1200 Irish men and women in detention overseas and, working with the ICPO, we try to reach out and offer support to as many of these as we possibly can.
So far in 2018 my Department has provided consular assistance in 11 new cases involving Irish citizens who have been imprisoned overseas.
111. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will expel Russian diplomats following the nerve agent attack in the United Kingdom; the information the Government has received relating to the incident; and if the Government expects a response in kind from the Russian Government to action taken. [14461/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from extensive briefings by the United Kingdom at senior official level and to EU Foreign Ministers, UK Prime Minister Theresa May addressed the European Council last Thursday. She made a compelling case in support of her government’s assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, with a military-grade nerve agent, and that there is no plausible alternative explanation.Having listened to the Prime Minister, and to the views of other Member States in a position to support her account, EU leaders unanimously agreed with the United Kingdom Government’s assessment. They affirmed that all EU Member States stand in unqualified solidarity with the United Kingdom in the face of this grave challenge to our shared security.
The use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic chemicals as weapons, by anyone, anywhere, is particularly shocking and abhorrent. The attack in Salisbury was not just an attack against the United Kingdom, but an affront to the international rules-based system on which we all depend for our security and wellbeing.
In light of the European Council Conclusions, and following an assessment conducted by the security services and relevant Departments, I briefed the Government yesterday on my intended course of action. At my request the Secretary General of my Department subsequently met the Russian Ambassador and informed him that the accreditation of a member of his staff with diplomatic status is to be terminated, in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The individual in question is required to leave the jurisdiction.
I want to make clear that there would be absolutely no justification for the expulsion of Irish diplomats from Russia. Our staff do not engage in activities which are incompatible with their diplomatic status. Nor has Ireland acted improperly.
112. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland's neutrality will be impacted in view of increasing co-operation between the EU and NATO. [10377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU’s engagement with NATO is governed by the Lisbon Treaty, including the legally-binding Irish Protocol which expressly states that “The Treaty of Lisbon does not affect or prejudice Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality”.
EU-NATO cooperation, focused on promoting security and maintaining peace and stability, is developed with full respect for the decision-making autonomy and procedures of both organisations as well as respect for the security and defence policies of EU Members which are not in NATO. Irish participation in any joint initiative would be considered in accordance with national requirements. This is compatible with Ireland’s military neutrality.
The United Nations is increasingly looking to regional organisations and partners to lead international peace support missions. Development of cooperation between the EU and NATO envisages practical measures to ensure that the mandates of such peace support missions are properly implemented.
Given the focus on the promotion of peace and security, and on avoiding duplication of structures, systems and standards, Ireland is supportive of ongoing EU-NATO cooperation and coordination. This will also enhance Ireland’s efforts in promoting peace and stability for our citizens.
113. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have sought legal advice on the implications of direct rule on the Good Friday Agreement since the talks on Northern Ireland broke down. [8713/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive. The devolved, power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland.
Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.
I will be speaking with the Secretary of State again this week and we will meet in early April. I remain in contact also with the political parties in Northern Ireland, in working to ensure that every avenue is pursued and all possibilities are considered in seeking to secure a return to devolved power-sharing government, as provided for under the Agreement.
Both Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. In the event that the devolved institutions cannot function, it is the responsibility of the British and Irish Governments to ensure that the North/South and East-West institutions of the Agreement can continue to operate effectively and in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Agreement. The Agreement is clear that there is no derogation from the sovereignty of either Government.
The Government has consistently affirmed our unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and determination, as a co-guarantor of the Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions. We are continuing to engage with the British Government to give full effect to that commitment.
The advice of my Department’s Legal Division is sought as required on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
114. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to speak at the next EU leaders' meeting on the need for increased intervention due to the increased violence and deaths in Syria (details supplied). [9653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Syria at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 March, following discussions at our informal meeting on 15 February and at the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 February. At the Foreign Affairs Council in February, Ireland added its voice to calls for the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire demanded by the UN Security Council in resolution 2401 adopted on 24 February. Last week, Foreign Affairs Ministers heard from Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Syria, who gave us an analysis of the situation on the ground. He informed us of the limited implementation of UNSCR 2401, with the bombardment continuing in defiance of this resolution. Mr de Mistura also updated us on his efforts to bring about a negotiated political solution to the conflict. Ireland and the EU fully support his work in this regard.
The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-brokered talks in Geneva and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region, in support of the efforts of the Special Envoy.
The EU will also host a donor conference for Syria in Brussels in April, building on the EU-hosted conference in 2017 at which pledges totaling €5.6 billion were made. The EU and its Member States have mobilised more than €10.4 billion for humanitarian and resilience assistance in response to the crisis, making the EU the largest single donor to the effort.
The conference will focus on humanitarian support and bolstering the UN-led political peace process in Geneva. The Foreign Affairs Council in April will likely adopt Council Conclusions on Syria setting out the EU position ahead of the donor conference, and Ireland will participate in the discussions on these.
Since 2012, Ireland has contributed over €95 million to the humanitarian effort in response to the conflict in Syria, including €25.5 million in 2017 alone. Through our annual contributions to the EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. Ireland will announce its pledge of humanitarian support for 2018 at the EU-hosted donor conference in April.
115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent trip to the United States of America and the meetings he had there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to the United States between 20-23 February last, visiting New York and Washington DC, where I engaged in an extensive programme of events which involved UN, Irish community and bilateral elements. My programme at the United Nations was focused around Ireland’s candidacy for election to the UN Security Council in 2020. It included meetings with representatives of the UN Secretariat, the International Peace Institute, UN Member States and the network of Irish staff members of the United Nations. The meetings provided a good opportunity to discuss a range of issues, including developments relating to the UN Secretary-General’s reform proposals and Irish priority policy areas, including peacebuilding, as well as to hear from representatives of other Member States on the wide number of policy issues of direct concern to them.
I also had the opportunity to speak at Columbia University on Ireland’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit, and at Cooperation Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement 20th anniversary event in New York.
On the Washington D.C. leg of my programme, my key meeting was with then-US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. Amongst the topics which we discussed in the course of a wide-ranging discussion were the plight of undocumented Irish citizens living in the United States, the appointment of a new US ambassador to Ireland, the situation in the Middle-East, the situation in Northern Ireland, including the possible appointment of a US Special Envoy and developments on Brexit.
In Washington DC, I also met with White House Senior Adviser, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, Special Representative for International Negotiations, with White House foreign policy adviser Fiona Hill and with Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen.
116. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider calling in the Russian ambassador to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and eastern Ghouta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11337/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is quite clear that Russia’s support for the Assad regime has prolonged the suffering of the Syrian people. Russia has also repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, which has seriously undermined the protection of Syrian civilians. Ireland’s has communicated its concerns directly to the Russian authorities on numerous occasions. In October 2017, I relayed Ireland’s strong views directly to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov. I also called on Russia to ensure civilians are protected, and to exert its influence on other parties to the conflict to do the same These messages have also been relayed to the Russian Ambassador on numerous occasions at Ministerial and official level. My Department officials and I will continue to raise our concerns about the ongoing crisis in Syria with the Russian authorities in our interactions with them.
117. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the UK Government has a different view than the EU and the Government as to the issues which have been agreed in regard to the EU-UK December 2017 agreement on phase 1 of Brexit; and if so, the areas of difference. [5420/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is an integral part of the draft Withdrawal Agreement currently being negotiated between the EU and the UK. It is drafted to give legal effect to the commitments and guarantees provided in the EU-UK Joint Progress report of last December on avoiding a hard border and protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, including North South cooperation and rights. The draft protocol also reflects the agreement reached on the maintaining the Common Travel Area. Progress has been made on the draft Protocol during the most recent round of negotiations, which concluded on 19 March. This is recorded in an annotated version of the draft Withdrawal Agreement published by the EU Taskforce on 19 March, which reflects agreement on some articles of the draft text, including the Common Travel Area and Other Areas of North South cooperation. During the negotiations, the UK also accepted that a legally operative version of the ‘backstop’ for the border will be included in the Withdrawal Agreement, in line with paragraph 49 of the Joint Progress Report agreed last December, and that all the issues identified in the draft Protocol will be addressed to deliver a legally sound solution for the border. Prime Minister May confirmed these agreements in her letter to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, on 19 March, in addition to reiterating the UK's commitment to agreements reached last December on protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including the overarching guarantee on avoiding a hard border.
I welcome that the European Council, in its guidelines adopted on 23 March, made clear that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” and has stressed that work remains to be done in order to achieve overall agreement, notably on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. To this end, an intensive schedule of negotiations has been agreed between the EU and the UK over the coming weeks with a view to continuing efforts to narrow the remaining gaps on the draft Protocol. The European Council, with the support of the Council, will continue to follow the negotiations closely, in all their aspects, and will return in particular to the remaining withdrawal issues, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland at its June meeting. I therefore expect significant progress to made an agreeing the Protocol ahead of this meeting of the European Council.
118. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the attempts made by the State to secure additional funding from European institutions to mitigate the impact of Brexit. [5422/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaking the case for supporting measures at EU level that recognise where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy is a key pillar of the Government’s response to Brexit. This was a particular focus of my recent meeting with EU Commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, on 6 March. Commissioner Oettinger also met with the Taoiseach, Minister Donohoe and Minister of State D’Arcy during his visit, which was focused on the forthcoming negotiations on the EU’s post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will be a key challenge and priority for the Government.
The Government’s efforts have already yielded results and it is clear that there is a firm understanding at EU level of the unique and disproportionate impact that Brexit will have on Ireland. This has already been reflected in a number of concrete measures and commitments to date, such as the European Investment Bank’s support for the Government’s Brexit Loan Scheme.
My colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, is also working actively, with the support of other relevant Departments, with the European Commission to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. This ongoing consultation process also provides scope to examine issues that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules.
The Government is also working intensively to safeguard the significant financial support there has been for the border region of Ireland and for Northern Ireland, with almost €2.4 billion of EU funding having been provided for successive PEACE and INTERREG programmes. The current programmes have a combined value of €550 million over the period 2014-2020, of which 85% is funded through the European Regional Development Fund. I was delighted, therefore, that December’s agreed progress report between the EU and the UK includes a specific paragraph which reflects the Irish Government’s ambition to complete the current programmes and to examine favourably the possibilities for future programmes. In its communication to the European Council that accompanied the progress report, the Commission commits itself to proposing the continuation of the programmes in its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, which is expected in May.
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is recognised throughout the European Union that the British Government's stance on Brexit appears to be based on the UK's view that Brexit means retention of unrestricted access to the EU markets without the responsibility of commitment to the EU principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14026/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 22-23 March, the European Council adopted Guidelines on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship. These Guidelines restate the Union's determination to have as close as possible a partnership with the UK in the future. However, they also expressly state that the EU’s position has to take into account the repeatedly stated positions of the UK, which limit the depth of such a future partnership. The Guidelines reiterate in particular that any agreement with the UK will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations, and ensure a level playing field while also protecting the integrity of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. They point out that a non-member of the Union, which does not live up to the same obligations as a member, cannot have the same rights and enjoy the same benefits as a member.
I welcome that, notwithstanding these important considerations, the EU has signalled its readiness to initiate work towards a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA) insofar as there are sufficient guarantees for a level playing field. I also strongly welcome the EU’s commitment to revisit its position should the UK’s approach evolve.
120. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the Magnitsky Act; if there has been discussion on this at EU level; if it has been raised at the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14321/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky in 2009 remain deeply disturbing. From the outset, the EU called on the Russian authorities to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation, and has criticised their failure to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Magnitsky’s death. A number of countries, including some EU Member States, have put in place national “Magnitsky Acts” freezing the assets of, and withholding visas from, certain Russian officials believed to have acted in violation of human rights. The question of the nature and scope of EU sanctions is always complex and difficult. The adoption of sanctions requires a unanimous decision of the Council. As the Deputy will be aware, EU economic sanctions have been in place against Russia since 2014 in response to its illegal annexation of Crimea and its further actions to destabilise Ukraine.
To date Ireland has raised its concerns regarding human rights in Russia directly with the Russian authorities and through the EU, the Council of Europe and at the UN Human Rights Council. In 2016, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed five principles to guide EU relations with Russia. Key amongst these is strengthened support for civil society in Russia, a position which Ireland fully endorses.
The question of further EU measures against Russia is likely to be considered over the coming period.
121. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined and assistance provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was sorry to learn of the difficulties which this person has experienced in endeavoring to travel to the United States. As the House will appreciate, US immigration procedures are a matter for the US authorities. As visa applications are subject to the relevant data protection legislation, it is the US Embassy’s policy not to discuss individual cases with a third party. As such, I am not in a position to make representations to the US Embassy on specific cases.
122. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the USA which were in receipt of State funding or support; the amount that was spent; and his views on whether it was distasteful in view of the USA's involvement in the ongoing atrocities in Syria. [14397/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith the busy St. Patrick’s Day just over, a full breakdown of the figures requested is not yet available. I undertake to provide the Deputy with the full breakdown as soon as the figures do become available. I can assure the Deputy that the reinforcement of our close historical and personal ties with the United States through the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in no way undermines or compromises our foreign policy priorities in other areas. In fact, the St. Patrick’s Day period gives the government an opportunity each year to engage at the highest levels with the US Administration on issues of importance to Ireland.
123. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the percentage of persons employed in his Department who have a disability, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms and in head count terms; and the way in which the number of persons with disabilities employed compares with national targets. [14440/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 31 December 2016, 3.64% of staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had a declared disability in accordance with the definition in the Disability Act 2005. The 2016 figure is the most recently available and was submitted to the National Disability Authority (NDA) for inclusion in their Annual Report 2017. Figures for 2017 are expected to be available in the second quarter of this year.
Under the Disability Act 2005, public service bodies have a duty to meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities.
124. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increase in death sentences and the execution of prisoners in Egypt; his views on this development and continued capital punishment in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland appreciates the magnitude of the challenges facing Egypt and we are committed to supporting Egypt in dealing with these. This weekend’s bomb attack in Alexandria highlights in particular the security challenges, and I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of the victims. However, a strong and stable democracy cannot flourish without full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Ireland and the EU oppose in principle the death penalty. We oppose and condemn its use in all circumstances. We further believe that the use of the death penalty is not only morally reprehensible, but counter-productive, both as a crime deterrent and as a punishment.
The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use.
The EU and Egypt adopted partnership priorities for 2017-2020 at the EU-Egypt Association Council, which took place in July 2017. The priorities make it clear that Human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as set out in international human rights law, the Treaty on European Union and the Egyptian Constitution – are a common value and constitute the cornerstone of a modern democratic state. They commit Egypt and the EU to promoting democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights as constitutional rights of all citizens, in line with their international obligations.
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which permanent discussions may take place between all parties involved in the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement and subsequent discussions with a view to achieving progress on the restoration of the power-sharing Assembly and its various subsidiary bodies thereby preventing the development of a vacuum which from past experience has shown to be a destabilising factor in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive. The devolved, power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.
I am in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in order to determine how both Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can address the current impasse and secure the re-establishment of the Executive and Assembly. I will be speaking with the Secretary of State again this week and we will meet in early April.
I remain in contact also with the political parties in Northern Ireland, in working to ensure that every avenue is pursued and all possibilities are considered in seeking to secure a return to devolved power-sharing government, as provided for under the Agreement.
The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May and emphasised the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and our determination to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish and British Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement remains the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships - within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which all EU countries committed to the principles of the EU remain committed to the acquis communautaire in full; if appropriate consideration has been given to deviations therefrom and commitments to ensure adequate collegiality within the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he remains satisfied that all remaining 27 EU member states remain committed in full to the EU principles; if issues have been identified as having a disruptive potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14487/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
In an address I gave earlier this year on the future of Europe I spoke about the many changes taking place in Europe. But the Deputy will be pleased to know that I was clear that there was one thing we did not wish to see changing in Europe and that is the European Union’s commitment to its values. I am pleased to reiterate that now.
The Union’s values are expressed clearly in article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which says:
“The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between men and women prevail.”
It is on the basis of these values that Member States engage with each other and on which the European Union engages with the rest of the world. These are the values we bring to our common policies, to our trade negotiations, to our work on peace-keeping and conflict resolution, and to our international development programmes.
Member States subscribe to these values when they accede to the Union. They are not optional. No applicant State can avoid them and all Member States are obliged to respect them.
They are an indispensable part of the acquis communautaire and the Treaties set out clear procedures in the event that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of these values.
