Written Answers Nos. 104-121
104. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of public consultations held by his Department or by a State agency under the remit of his Department; the number of replies received per consultation; and the cost of each consultation in each of the years from 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [26458/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to public consultations held by my Department in the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018 is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Name |
Number of Submissions |
Cost |
|
2013 |
Consultation in relation to the Irish Language Scheme |
3 |
€2,951.99 |
|
2015 |
Green Paper consultation on the White Paper on Defence |
12 |
€11,199 |
|
2017 |
Consultation in relation to the Irish Language Scheme |
nil |
€2,267.15 |
105. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the defence (amendment) Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heads of the Defence (Amendment) Bill are currently being prepared within the Department. I hope to be in a position to bring proposals in this regard to Government later this year.
106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he met the families of the victims of the Ballymurphy massacre when he was in Belfast recently. [26218/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with the families of some of the victims of the Ballymurphy massacre in Belfast on 22 November 2017 to hear their views and experiences and to express the Government’s support.
The Government has supported their campaign, including in 2015 in bringing forward the All-Party Dáil Motion, and the Government will continue to stand in solidarity with the families.
It is very welcome that a fresh inquest will go ahead in September, after the long and continuing campaign by the Ballymurphy families for their right to establish the truth of what happened to their loved ones.
The Coroner has asked for any relevant information to be brought forward and it is a basic right for the families that this should fully occur, to allow for the truth to be finally established by the new inquest without delay.
My Department is monitoring developments with the case and I have directed my officials to remain in regular contact with the families.
I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Ballymurphy families in getting to this point and I hope that the inquest will provide the families with the answers that they are still seeking after almost forty seven years.
There are many other victims’ families that are also still seeking truth and justice, often decades after their loss. In February 2016, the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland put forward proposals to process outstanding legacy inquests relating to the Troubles. The Government has been strongly supportive of the LCJ’s proposals as a way of ensuring that those families who are still waiting for legacy inquests are not left to wait any longer.
I have consistently emphasised in discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties the need to ensure that legacy inquests are properly resourced and I continue to raise this issue with the Secretary of State on an ongoing basis. I have urged all with those with responsibilities in relation to legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible to implement the helpful proposals of the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland. The Government is continuing to seek urgent progress on this matter.
The Government will also continue to engage with the British Government and the political parties to seek an urgent way forward on the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework in a manner that will meet the legitimate needs and expectations of all victims and survivors, and contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.
107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the deadline for the withdrawal agreement being in October 2018, in view of his comments on 9 June 2018. [26309/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Brexit negotiations; the status of the backstop and the Border issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26307/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on east-west relations due to Brexit and the agreement on the backstop. [26561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 108 and 131 together.
We have now entered a crucial phase of the negotiations.
The overall objective is that the full legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement, as well as a detailed political declaration on the framework for the future relationship, be concluded by the October meeting of the European Council.
With a view to achieving this overall goal, negotiations are ongoing between the EU and the UK to close the remaining gaps in the draft Withdrawal Agreement, including detailed discussions on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
We have made very clear our wish to see real and substantial progress on agreeing the Protocol ahead of the June European Council. The fact of the UK’s presentation on 7 June of a paper on a temporary customs arrangement, which it sees as relevant to aspects of the island of Ireland backstop, was a welcome, though incomplete, step forward in this regard.
After its publication, Michel Barnier, while also welcoming this step, raised questions and concerns about the proposal. The absence of proposals on regulatory alignment is clearly a major gap – though the UK has acknowledged that this aspect needs to be addressed – as is the suggestion that the arrangement should be time-limited, though it is welcome that the date of end-2021 is aspirational. The Commission, in its further analysis of the paper, has identified numerous issues related to the proposal’s legal and technical viability, and to its compatibility with the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union. It is the Commission which is the Union’s negotiator with the British Government on these issues.
The Government’s focus remains on the outcome we need to see, of which a key element is ensuring the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. It is welcome that the UK’s commitment to this is reaffirmed in its proposal, and that the commitments and guarantees provided by the UK in the joint progress report of December 2017 and repeated by Prime Minister May in her letter to President Tusk in March have been reiterated.
Michel Barnier and his team also provide regular updates to the EU27 Member States on the discussions on the future EU-UK relationship, which are progressing, albeit slowly. The EU is approaching these discussions in accordance with the March European Council Guidelines, which reaffirmed the EU’s determination to have as close as possible a partnership with the UK in the future. These Guidelines also emphasised that any future agreement must have the correct balance of rights and obligations and that the integrity of the Single Market must be preserved. Clearly, it is in Ireland’s strong interest to have the closest possible EU-UK relationship, within the parameters set by the UK’s own red lines, which we hope may be modified.
My Government colleagues and I also engage frequently with our UK counterparts on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. In addition to further strengthening our bilateral ties, such engagement also provides an opportunity to build the UK’s understanding of the EU’s position on the Irish-specific issues and underline the importance of finalizing the Protocol as an integral and indispensable part of the Withdrawal Agreement
I have spoken with the Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington, on a number of occasions in recent weeks. During these exchanges, I have stressed that, while our preference is still for an overall EU-UK relationship which would resolve all issues, it remains essential that a backstop is agreed which provides certainty that in any circumstances, and no matter what the outcome of the negotiations on the EU-UK future relationship, a hard border will be avoided. I have underlined that we must have certainty in all scenarios on the commitments made on Ireland and Northern Ireland and that this certainty requires agreement on the Protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement. The sooner this can be agreed, the sooner substantial negotiations on the future relationship, which will determine the arrangements for east/west trade and many other important issues, can begin.
109. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to Mr. Michel Barnier since he met Mr. David Davis in Brussels on 11 June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26308/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI most recently met Michel Barnier on 14 May in the margins of the General Affairs Council (Article 50) in Brussels and on 30 April during his visit to the All-Island Civic Dialogue in Dundalk.
I will meet Mr. Barnier again this week when he accompanies Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, on his visit to Dublin. This will be an important opportunity to take stock of progress in the Brexit negotiations ahead of the European Council (Article 50) meeting next week.
Our Permanent Representation in Brussels is in daily contact with the Article 50 Task Force and keeps me and my officials fully briefed on all developments.
110. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to increase the number of diplomatic and other staff working from his Department in Dublin to meet workloads created by doubling the global footprint by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26310/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork has begun on the initial phase of the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network following the launch of “Global Ireland” by the Taoiseach on 11 June. The locations for new missions agreed by Government were identified on the basis of maximising impact in promoting Ireland’s economic and political interests; expanding our influence in terms of values and in delivering clear benefits for the State.
In addition to the opening of new diplomatic and consular missions, the Department is taking steps to deepen the existing network, including to address the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The decisions already made to augment staff in missions in Europe as a more direct response to Brexit also contribute to the objectives of the “Global Ireland” initiative.
A project team in headquarters is undertaking extensive planning to ensure that the Department’s human and financial resources are used efficiently to deliver on the expansion and deepening of the network in a timely and cost-effective way.
The Government has approved Heads of Mission appointments for the first phase comprising six new missions to be opened in 2018 and early 2019. These are for Embassies and Consulates in Bogotá, Santiago, Amman, Wellington, Mumbai, and Vancouver. These missions will be further supported by posted officer(s) from Headquarters, as well as by locally recruited staff. Additional staff will also be assigned shortly to a number of existing missions overseas including Consulates in the United States, Europe, the Middle East/Gulf region and Asia.
Preparations for augmenting the key units in headquarters needed to support the expansion are underway and five additional staff were assigned recently to Corporate Services Division. This is to reinforce specialist knowledge, including in architectural and project management areas as well as bolster human resources skills to facilitate expanded recruitment and a strong focus on staff development. A scoping of broader staffing needs across operational and policy areas is underway to identify additional new positions relating to the “Global Ireland” expansion. These positions will be at headquarters and abroad and those in missions overseas will comprise locally recruited and posted staff.
The Department is currently undertaking a workforce planning exercise which will inform plans for recruitment of new officers both in Ireland and abroad as well as plans for the training, development and up-skilling of officers currently assigned to the Department to meet the objectives of the Global Ireland initiative in 2019 and beyond.
111. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his visit to Germany; the meetings he attended; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI visited Germany on 12 and 13 June.
My visit began in Munich where I had talks with Niels Annen, Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry. Our discussions included Brexit, developments in the EU generally and our respective bilateral relationship with Africa.
In Munich I also met with the Bavarian Minister for Digital, Media and Europe Georg Eisenreich. Brexit, the opening of the Consulate in Frankfurt and Ireland’s relations with Bavaria were the main items discussed.
In Berlin I participated in a high-level Round Table discussion at the European Council on Foreign Relations. In my remarks I addressed a number of key global issues including the Middle East Peace Process and EU-Africa relations. The Q&A following my address was dominated by Brexit with participants eager to hear Ireland’s assessment of developments. The Future of Europe including the ongoing Migration crisis were among the other issues discussed.
I was honoured to be welcomed to the Bundestag by its President Wolfgang Schauble, who served as German Federal Finance Minister for many years. I briefed him on Ireland’s economy, the fastest growing in the Eurozone. As in most other meetings, Brexit was a major topic of discussion and I thanked President Schauble for Germany’s ongoing support for Ireland in the negotiations.
In the Bundestag I met with the European Affairs Committee. In my remarks I focused on Brexit and the questions from Members also focused on that issue including the likely impact on our economy. Other matters discussed were EU enlargement, the Multiannual Financial Framework and taxation.
While in the Bundestag I also met the German-Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group. The expansion of Ireland’s global footprint, Corporation Tax as well as Brexit were the items covered in what was a brief session.
I had a very positive meeting with Lucia Puttrich, Minister for European and Federal Affairs of the State of Hesse. Since Frankfurt is in Hesse, our exchanges focused on the opening of an Irish Consulate there next year. Brexit was also discussed.
My final official meeting was with the leader of the FDP (Liberal) Party, Christian Lindner who was particularly interested in the border in the context of Brexit and the possible effects on our economy.
During the visit I also conducted a number of press interviews and media briefings.
I met members of the Irish community in Berlin at a reception at the Embassy of Ireland where I launched “Ireland in Germany: A Wider and Deeper Footprint”, the report on the outcome of the comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Germany which I commissioned in December 2017.
I was honoured to give an address at the Humboldt University in Berlin on the theme of “Ireland, Germany and Europe: Shaping the post-Brexit EU”. The speech was part of the prestigious “Humboldt Speeches on Europe” series.
Germany is an indispensable partner for Ireland and that informed my decision last year to commission a review of our bilateral relationship. The review was published in April and we have begun to implement its recommendations, the first of which is to open of a career Consulate in Frankfurt. This was warmly welcomed by my German interlocutors.
During my visit to Germany, I was struck by the interest in and goodwill displayed towards Ireland by all interlocutors. The focus now is on implementing the recommendations of the review of bilateral relations, strengthening and deepening our relations with Germany.
112. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his visit to Israel, Ramallah and Jordan; the meetings he attended; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Israel; if he outlined the steps being taken at the UN and the International Criminal Court, by himself and the other 27 EU foreign ministers, on possible serious sanctions on Israel relating to the appalling deaths at the borders of the Gaza enclave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a person (details supplied); if he received a briefing on this issue during his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26682/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26924/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he specifically raised the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements with Israeli authorities during his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26925/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he specifically raised the movement of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his recent visit to the Middle East and Ireland's opposition to the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26926/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 121, 123 and 125 to 127, inclusive, together.
This was my third visit as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to Israel and Palestine, and my first to Jordan and Cyprus.
I visited Jordan on 5 June, for a visit focused on bilateral relations with Jordan, and the decision to open an Irish Embassy in Amman next year. I met Foreign Minister Safadi, and discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, including the Middle East Peace Process and the Syria crisis. I also visited a refugee camp where I met with Syrian refugees, and with representatives of the Jordanian authorities and the UN agencies which are providing them with assistance.
In Israel and Palestine on 6 and 7 June, I met on the Israeli side with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli Opposition Leader Itzhak Herzog. In Palestine I met with Foreign Minister Malki and Chief Negotiator Erekat, and with Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, head of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction. I also met with the United States Ambassador to Israel, to discuss US efforts to develop a peace plan.
My discussions were focused on the broader prospects to restart the political process, centred on current US efforts. I also followed up on the discussions I began on my previous visits, relating to practical assistance for Gaza, and ways of changing the dynamic there, something which is especially important following the shocking recent events there, on which my views are clear. Ireland co-sponsored and spoke in favour of the recent UN Human Rights Council resolution setting up a Commission of Inquiry into Israel’s handling of the protests which is now being put in place. My view that the move of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem was unhelpful, and has made the search for peace more difficult, was clear as a backdrop to my discussions. There was also some discussion of regional issues.
I did not raise the individual case referenced by Deputy Collins on this occasion, although the Government has previously expressed its strong criticisms of the extensive use of administrative detention by the Israeli authorities. Prime Minister Netanyahu is already well aware of my views on settlements from previous conversations.
In Cyprus on 8 June I met Foreign Minister Christodoulides and discussed Ireland-Cyprus relations and EU issues, including Brexit. Cyprus’ unique position in the EU also allowed for a useful discussion of the issues I had explored in Jordan, Israel and Palestine. I also met with the UN Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Elizabeth Spehar.
113. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to or met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mrs. Karen Bradley, recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26343/18]
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 are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and 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.
The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May and emphasised the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and our continuing determination to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.
I am in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, as we seek a way beyond the current impasse. We met most recently on 11 June in Cork and we are also regularly in touch by phone.
The Secretary of State and I have each conducted a round of contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how the two Governments can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement.
All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and issues to be addressed in seeking a way forward.
In light of this, the Secretary of State and I are considering how best the two Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can chart a way forward that will give the best prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.
I will continue to engage intensively, working with Secretary of State Bradley and the leaders of all of the political parties, until that is achieved.
The Good Friday Agreement is 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.
114. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the associated rights and privileges of the common travel area that will be included in the commitment in Article 2(2) of the draft protocol on Ireland-Northern Ireland of the draft UK-EU withdrawal agreement. [26366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe maintenance of the Common Travel Area (CTA) is one of the Government’s priorities in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The CTA is a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland which means Irish citizens can move freely to live, work, study, and access social benefits in the UK on the same basis as UK citizens and vice versa. The CTA is an arrangement that is valued on both islands and the continuation of this arrangement is a stated objective of both the Irish and UK Governments.
The Common Travel Area provides for associated rights and entitlements in both jurisdictions to enable Irish and UK citizens to move freely between them and reside in them. These rights and entitlements include access to employment, healthcare, education, and social benefits, as well as the right to vote in certain elections.
Article 2 in the Draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is a translation into legal terms of the acknowledgment between the EU and UK negotiators made in their joint report of December 2017 that the UK and Ireland may “continue to make arrangements between themselves relating to the movement of persons between their territories”. This has been marked as green, indicating it has been agreed at negotiator level. This is a welcome provision in seeking to maintain the Common Travel Area, insofar as it relates to the EU-UK negotiations.
The primary focus of the work to maintain the Common Travel Area is bilateral and therefore does not relate to matters of negotiation between the EU and the UK. Work is ongoing, both with the UK and domestically, to ensure that the necessary provisions are made in both jurisdictions so that the CTA continues to function effectively after the UK leaves the EU.
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount paid per project to a company (details supplied) since 1 January 2016, by year, amount and project name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26391/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommercial advertising is undertaken by my Department in relation to important information with a significant public interest dimension which requires communication to national, regional or local audiences. Typical examples include notices about existing and new services to citizens, employment opportunities and certain public policy initiatives or announcements. Any such advertising occurs in accordance with relevant public procurement procedures and with value for taxpayers’ money forming a key consideration at all stages.
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table. As indicated, the Department’s engagement with the company to which the Deputy refers arose in the context of the relocation of the Passport Office to Mount Street in Dublin, the launch and ongoing promotion of the TravelWise travel advice app and a specific job vacancy within my Department’s Legal Division.
|
Date |
Amount |
Format |
Project |
|
12/05/2016 |
€12,039.67 |
Newspaper ads |
Announcement of relocation of the Passport Office to Mount Street in Dublin |
|
20/10/2016 |
€27,606.10 |
Public advertising campaign (online/outdoor) |
Launch of the new TravelWise travel advice app |
|
20/07/2017 |
€8,575.76 |
Newspaper ads |
Announcement of Open Competition for the position of Assistant Legal Adviser in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
|
07/09/2017 |
€389.30 |
Digital |
Creative assets for online ads in support of the TravelWise app |
116. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public consultations held by his Department or by a State agency under the remit of his Department; the number of replies received per consultation; and the cost of each consultation in each of the years from 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [26462/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with “Reaching Out - Guidelines on Consultation for Public Sector Bodies”, and its 2016 successor, “Consultation Principles and Guidance”, my Department undertakes consultation, where appropriate, with citizens in a meaningful and timely manner. The ultimate objective is to ensure better outcomes and understanding by all of a particular policy or legislative proposal.
In the table I have provided information on public consultations engaged in by my Department from 2015 to date. It was not possible in the time available to provide the required detail from 2011.
On 24 June 2014, the Government decided to develop a National Plan for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The coordinating role for developing the Plan was assigned to my Department which adopted an inclusive and open approach to developing the Plan, working closely with Government Departments, State Agencies, business enterprises and civil society. My Department’s annual Civil Society Forum in that year was dedicated to the theme of “Business and Human Rights - Implementing the UN Guiding Principles”. This event was attended by approximately 250 civil society actors.
In February 2015, my Department initiated a public consultation which received over 30 submissions and hosted a workshop with business and civil society representatives to discuss priorities for the Plan. In January 2016, a consultation event was held in Iveagh House on the Working Outline of Ireland’s National Plan on Business and Human Rights. Following an invitation for submissions based on the Working Outline, responses were received from civil society and the business community. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights was launched in November 2017.
In 2015 in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 my Department drafted a language scheme. The scheme was drafted to comply with our obligations under the Act and to ensure better availability and a higher standard of public services through Irish. The Department invited submissions in relation to the preparation of the scheme from any interested parties.
To date in 2018 my Department has organised a series of Citizens’ Dialogues, engagement with key stakeholders and other events across the country focused on the Future of Europe. The public was invited to contribute to the wider European debate by attending one of these events or making a submission online.
Regional events were held in counties Galway, Kildare, Cork, Donegal, Meath as well as an NGO forum in Dublin. This culminated in the National Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin on Europe Day, 9th May last. This event was attended by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D. and myself, along with 250 members of the public and civil society representatives.
There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.
The table provides the detail you have requested on each of the public consultations outlined above:
|
Subject matter of public consultations |
Cost-€ |
Number of replies received per consultation |
|
February 2015 - Chambers Ireland and DFAT Workshop on Business and Human Rights |
0 |
31 |
|
June 2015 - Language scheme in compliance with the Official Languages Act 2003 |
1,628 |
1 |
|
January 2016 - Business and Human Rights Consultation event (Submissions invited on Working Outline of the Plan) |
664 |
19 |
|
January –May 2018 seven Future of Europe Consultation events |
99,100 |
1,345 attendees, respondents and those who participated through “live-streaming” of events |
117. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the deteriorating human rights situation in Guatemala (details supplied); and if he will raise the issue with his Guatemalan counterpart. [26506/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the difficult situation which currently pertains for human rights defenders in Guatemala and elsewhere in Latin America. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remains committed to supporting the advancement of human rights in the region, and I condemn unreservedly any act of intimidation or violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights.
Guatemala has made some strides in its political and social development over the past two decades since the gradual cessation of armed conflict from 1996 onwards. While overcoming the legacy of human rights crimes committed during the country’s civil war remains a challenge, it is essential to Guatemala’s future development and I urge the Government of Guatemala to address historical impunity at all levels.
Most recently, Ireland used the occasion of the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 8 November 2017 to express its concern in relation to attacks against human rights defenders in Guatemala. Ireland also noted that there have been worrying instances of harassment, intimidation and criminalisation of human rights defenders in the country.
Ireland’s statement recommended that Guatemala take all necessary steps to protect human rights defenders through the removal of legal and policy measures which inhibit the ability of human rights defenders to carry out their vital work in safety, without fear of interference, obstruction or harassment of any kind, including by finalising the Public Policy for the Protection of HRDs with strong participation by civil society and an adequate budgetary allocation.
Ireland’s statement on Guatemala at the Human Rights Council is available for review on the Department’s website: https://www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/ourrolesandpolicies/int-priorities/humanrights/upr/Guatemala-8-November-2017.pdf
Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade also meet regularly with human rights defenders and civil society organisations active in Latin America, including in Guatemala and including those working on land rights, an increasingly important issue in the region.
While Ireland does not have a resident embassy in Guatemala City, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and working with partners on the ground, we will continue to follow the situation in Guatemala closely, and to raise our concerns regarding threats against human rights defenders in discussions on Guatemala at EU and international level.
118. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of the Government on the recent refusal of the Italian Government to accept refugees (details supplied); the contact he has had with Italian or European authorities regarding the incident; if he will condemn the treatment of the refugees, who included many unaccompanied minors, pregnant women and injured persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26540/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRather than unilateral actions by any Member State, the migration crisis requires solutions at European level and, though recent discussions, particularly on the reform of the Dublin Regulation, have been very difficult, efforts to reach agreement on a revised common approach to refugees and asylum seekers must continue. This will be an important subject at the European Council next week.
In such a common approach, it is essential to find additional ways to demonstrate practical solidarity with front-line states, such as Italy. I acknowledge the generous response by the new Spanish Government. It is also imperative to respect the dignity and human rights of those who arrive on our shores.
The Irish Naval Service has saved the lives of many migrants, first as part of Operation Pontus and more recently as part of EUNAVFOR MED, also known as Operation Sophia.
I strongly believe that solving the migration crisis will ultimately require deeper political, economic and development relationships between the EU and neighbouring countries, including many in Africa, that is fit for purpose and capable of dealing with a variety of challenges on the basis of shared responsibility.
119. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland abstained in the vote on the proposal by Mauritius to refer the issue of its sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and the question of whether the decolonisation of Mauritius had been carried out in a lawful manner to the International Court of Justice at the Hague, in view of the Chagos Archipelago’s subsequent separation. [26620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will support the case of Mauritius for its sovereignty over the Chagos Islands at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. [26621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The UN General Assembly voted on 22 June 2017 on a Resolution put forward by Mauritius to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965, prior to Mauritian independence from the UK. The vote on the resolution was 95 in favour, 15 against, with 65 abstentions.
Ireland gave considerable attention to the Resolution put before the UN General Assembly on this matter. We weighed the various points of view and listened carefully to the arguments put forward.
After very careful review we felt that the most appropriate step to take was abstention, given the arguments from one side that this is an improper attempt to bring a bilateral dispute before the ICJ and from the other that there are matters of general relevance to the international community relating to de-colonisation.
An abstention is consistent with the position Ireland has taken on previous ICJ referral resolutions, including in 2003 on the separation wall between Israel and the Palestinian Territory and in 2010 on Kosovo’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
The ICJ Statute and the Court’s Rules of Procedure provide that the ICJ may communicate with States which it believes are likely to be able to furnish information on the question and invite them to submit written or oral statements. The deadline for written statements has now expired and the Court has not yet indicated whether oral proceedings will take place in this case.
It is now for the ICJ to decide whether it has jurisdiction to deal with the matter; and, if so, whether it is appropriate to exercise that jurisdiction; and, if it is appropriate to do so, to deal with the merits of the arguments put before it.
