Tuesday, 24 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 125 - 150

Public Relations Contracts Expenditure

Ceisteanna (125)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

125. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's expenditure on public relations in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34249/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has not incurred any expenditure on public relations in 2017 or to date in 2018.

My Department has from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background but this has been for the provision of other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management, particularly in relation to Irish Aid public outreach activities.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (126)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

126. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the detail of each non-Civil Service appointment that has been made in his Department; the pay grade of each appointment; and the relevant qualifications that each appointee has for their position. [34283/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

There are a number of categories of staff in my Department who work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and who are not established civil servants.

They are Special Advisors, civilian drivers, local staff overseas and temporary Clerical Officers.

I have appointed four Special Advisers in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ms. Caitríona Fitzpatrick is my Special Adviser and Political Director. She was previously a Special Adviser in my role as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

Mr. Matthew Lynch is my Special Adviser on Cabinet, Oireachtas and Leader’s Questions. He was previously in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation as Special Advisor to Ms. Frances Fitzgerald TD in her then role as Tánaiste.

Mr. Chris Donoghue is my Special Adviser and Communications Director. He was previously employed as Political Editor of the Communicorp group of radio stations and before that as a presenter on Newstalk.

The Special Adviser to the Minister of State for European Affairs is Mr. Paul Fox, who was previously employed as a Client Manager with PR 360 and before that as Adviser to Mr. Paudie Coffey TD at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

My Special Advisers are on the Principal Officer salary scale. The Special Adviser to the Minister of State for European Affairs is on the Assistant Principal Officer salary scale.

In addition, I have appointed four civilian drivers to the Department who work with the Ministers of State. Civilian drivers are paid €650.92 per week.

All of these appointments were made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil” which included “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Every appointment in my Department is subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.

Ireland’s diplomatic missions abroad employ staff locally who are familiar with local languages and local living conditions and possess the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to support the work of the mission. Pay grades vary according to role profiles and terms of employment vary in accordance with local labour law.

Each year my Department recruits Temporary Clerical Officers for the Passport Service to meet the seasonal demand in passport applications.

There has been a marked increase in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants since the Brexit vote. Therefore, Temporary Clerical Officers have also been recruited to assist with this extra demand in both the Passport Office and in Consular Division.

For 2018, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has sanctioned the recruitment of 228 Temporary Clerical Officers for my Department, to be employed for a maximum of 6,654 weeks. Temporary Clerical Officers are paid on the same scale as permanent Clerical Officers.

My Department abides by the Protection of Employees (Fixed-term Work) Act 2003 which, inter alia, makes provision for certain former fixed-term employees.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (127)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

127. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's expenditure on the purchase of newspapers and other media content, such as print, digital and other forms in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34300/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The effectively functioning of a Foreign Ministry requires continuous access to the most up to date international and national news.

In 2017 the Department’s Library and Information Service spent €191,219 on subscriptions to print and digital newspapers for headquarters and missions abroad. The corresponding figure to date in 2018 is €81,862.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (128)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

128. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of full-time equivalent press officers employed by his Department and him personally. [34317/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My department has a dedicated Communications Unit that employs nineteen civil servants covering, inter alia, press relations, website and digital, media management and public outreach.

There are also press officers posted in London, Brussels and Washington.

In addition there are currently two Special Advisors employed by my Department who, along with other duties, advise on media matters.

Mr. Chris Donoghue is my Special Advisor and Communications Director. Mr. Donoghue is employed at Principal Officer grade and is on the Principal Officer salary scale.

Mr. Paul Fox is Special advisor to the Minister of State for European Affairs. His role includes providing advice on media matters. Mr. Fox is employed at Assistant Principal Officer grade and is on the Assistant Principal Officer salary scale.

These appointments were made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil” which included “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Departmental Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (129)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

129. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contracts awarded by his Department to a company (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the value of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34361/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has not made any payments to the company concerned in the past three years.

Passport Applications

Ceisteanna (130)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

130. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a foreign birth registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34473/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department takes very seriously its obligations in relation to the processing of applications for citizenship by descent.

The Foreign Births Registration Unit of my Department is actively examining the application referred to in the Deputy’s question and, in this context, my officials are currently consulting with other Departments regarding certain aspects of it. A notification of the decision reached will be issued once the process is complete.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Ceisteanna (131)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of immigration reform in the United States of America with particular reference to the status of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34479/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government has consistently pursued two key objectives with regard to supporting Irish communities in the United States; increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US and relief for the plight of undocumented Irish citizens living in the US.

In that regard, the Taoiseach discussed the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office last March and also in his meetings on Capitol Hill during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day visit.

The Government’s Special Envoy to the United States Congress on the Undocumented, Deputy John Deasy, has also been very active on the issue and has, since his appointment, traveled to Washington, D.C., on nine separate occasions for meetings with key contacts.

In addition, our Embassy in Washington, D.C., continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the Administration and with contacts on Capitol Hill.

The Embassy, as well as our six Consulates across the United States, also work very closely with Irish immigration centres which support the needs of Irish citizens in the United States, including undocumented Irish citizens.

Through these many high-level contacts and discussions, the Government has been exploring a number of different options, including the possibility of a reciprocal agreement covering the undocumented Irish in the US, on the one hand, and US citizens looking to move to Ireland, on the other.

However, this remains a very challenging issue and I do not want to raise expectations unduly. Immigration reform has been a sensitive and indeed divisive issue within the US political system for decades, with pronounced disagreement, even within the same political parties, on the best way to deal with an issue which directly affects over 11 million people.

I can assure the House that the Government, Special Envoy Deputy Deasy, and our Embassy in Washington, D.C., will continue to prioritise this issue, mindful of its importance to the thousands of undocumented and to their families in Ireland, and that we will spare no effort in seeking a solution.

Questions No. 132 answered with Question No. 98.

Brexit Expenditure

Ceisteanna (133)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

133. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected expenditure needed for the Brexit section of his Department in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34535/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Brexit has understandably been prioritised across the entire range of work of my Department. In addition to approximately twenty officers working solely on Brexit in Dublin, in our Embassy in London and in our Permanent Representation in Brussels, a much larger number in Dublin and in our missions abroad spend a very considerable proportion of their time on Brexit-related issues.

During 2018, additional staff have been assigned to the key Divisions with responsibility for Brexit matters, namely the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas Division.

Overseas, additional posts have been created in our Embassies in London, Berlin, and Paris as well as in the Permanent Representation to the European Union. Brexit is of course a core priority of all our Missions within the European Union.

Other business units across the Department including Legal Division and Trade Division have also assumed Brexit-related functions.

There has been a marked increase also in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and in Britain and this has had, and will continue to have, an impact on the Passport Service and on Consular Division.

It is not therefore possible in the time available to offer an estimate of total Brexit-related staff costs across the Department.

Passport Applications Administration

Ceisteanna (134)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

134. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting period for new passport applications and passport renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34597/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other categories of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks. The average turnaround time for first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports is currently 23 working days.

Eligible adults wishing to renew their passport can also do so through the online passport application service. This is the most efficient and convenient way for an adult to renew a passport as it can be done online anywhere in the world, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and removes the requirement for forms, witnesses or printed photos. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 130,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.

I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents of the online passport application service.

Passport Applications Administration

Ceisteanna (135)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

135. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will institute a process in the passport office by which all new documentation received for a new passport application or a passport renewal is catalogued upon receipt and by which an applicant would be informed immediately of other documentation required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34598/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Upon receipt of a passport application, the Passport Service undertakes a series of processes to verify its veracity. Once the documentation submitted by the applicant has been logged and copies scanned to the centralised applications processing system, specially trained staff must examine and assess all documentation and application data received in respect of the application.

Rigorous entitlement and security checks must be conducted to maintain the integrity of the Irish passport. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate to confirm the exact nature of these checks or of administrative safeguard arrangements. The nature of this process dictates that it is only possible to inform applicants of any documentation that may be missing or incomplete after their application has been examined and assessed.

In the event that an application is found by staff to be incomplete, the applicant will be contacted promptly.

The online passport application service, which was launched in March 2017, makes it easier for applicants to ensure their application is complete before submission. For instance, the online platform can automatically alert applicants to certain problems that may be present in photographs submitted so as to allow the applicant to resubmit photographs that are in line with photograph guidelines. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that applicants can track the status of existing applications at any time through the Passport Service’s online tracker which can also be found on the Passport Service’s website www.dfa.ie/passport. If an application is found to be incomplete, an alert is created on the online tracker.

Detailed and regularly updated information on passport services, current average turnaround times and comprehensive guides to the various application processes can also be consulted on the Passport Service's website

Brexit Staff

Ceisteanna (136)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

136. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34665/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Managing the response to Brexit has impacted on the work of many staff at headquarters in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and a significant number of those overseas.

Since the reversion of EU co-ordination responsibilities to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in autumn 2016, additional staff have been assigned to the key Divisions with responsibility for Brexit matters, namely the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas (IUKA) Division.

Additional posts have been created at our Embassies in London, Berlin, and Paris and the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels.

In the period between now and March 2019 the European Union Division will be further strengthened, with a particular focus on Brexit preparedness. This will be effected through a transfer within the Department.

The Department will allocate additional staff resources as deemed necessary to further augment our Brexit-related capacity in Ireland and across our diplomatic mission network.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (137)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

137. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34683/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Staffing within the Department is subject to a payroll limit, as opposed to a staffing ceiling, and the Management Board decide on the allocation of human resources to deliver on the Department’s priorities within that payroll limit. Therefore it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a current number and grade of vacancies in the Department. There are no agencies under the remit of my Department.

The deployment of Departmental human resources remains under constant review, particularly in the context of the UK’s decision to exit the EU and the Global Ireland Initiative launched last month. Additional staff resources will be allocated as deemed necessary at headquarters and across our diplomatic mission network to ensure that our high-level goals are met.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (138)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34711/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The responsibility for transposing EU directives into Irish law rests with those Departments with responsibility for the policy areas concerned.

My Department has no EU directives awaiting transposition.

Passport Applications Administration

Ceisteanna (139)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

139. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting times for a first passport and a passport renewal; if extra resources will be provided to the passport office during this busy holiday period; and if new changes to streamline the passport application process will be implemented. [34885/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other types of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks. The average turnaround time for first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports is currently 23 working days.

Eligible adults wishing to renew their passport can also do so through the Online Passport Application service. This is the most efficient and convenient way for an adult to renew a passport as it can be done online anywhere in the world, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and removes the requirement for forms, witnesses or printed photos. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 130,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week.

The Passport Service is currently in its peak season for passport demand with the vast majority of applications being received between February and August each year. The Passport Service closely monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand. In order to respond to anticipated application increases and to seasonal demands, the Passport Service has recruited 214 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) so far this year. These TCOs are working together with permanent staff to process passport applications and to deal with the high number of enquiries being made through the Passport Service’s various customer service channels.

The number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service stood at 322 at the beginning of the year. This compares to 301 FTE staff assigned to the Passport Service at the same point last year. This year, since these figures were released, over 30 additional permanent staff have started with the Passport Service.

The Passport Service is doing everything possible to ensure that passports are processed as quickly as possible. In addition to the intake of TCOs and use of targeted overtime, experienced staff from across the Department have been re-deployed to processing applications and respond to customer queries.

The continuous implementation of service improvements has been central to my Department’s response to increasing application volumes. The Passport Reform Programme is delivering major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements. The online passport application service will continue to make a major contribution to the effective management of high application volumes by allowing existing resources to be more effectively deployed within the Passport Service. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (140)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

140. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions that are taking place with the British Government on the implementation of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34923/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Full and timely implementation of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement is a key priority for the Government, as reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

Since the Fresh Start Agreement was signed in November 2015, this Government and its predecessor have actively pursued the necessary work to fulfil the respective commitments.

Progress in implementing the provisions of both the Fresh Start and Stormont House Agreements are considered at periodic Review Meetings, which are co-convened by the two Governments with the participation of the Executive. The last review meeting was held in Belfast on 14 December 2016. Unfortunately, due to the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive since the beginning of last year, it has not been possible to convene a Review Meeting since then.

Over 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 Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.

In light of this, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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, including so that outstanding elements of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements can be fully implemented.

A key element of the Fresh Start Agreement relates to the ending of the legacy of paramilitarism. On 13 September 2016, the Irish and UK Governments signed an international agreement to establish the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) and it was subsequently given effect to by legislation in both jurisdictions allowing for the appointment of the Commission. The IRC will report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland. These reports will inform future Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government commitments through to 2021.

The IRC has been active in pursuing its remit and has had a wide engagement with a range of relevant stakeholders, both North and South. I understand that the Commission anticipates submitting its first report to the Governments after the summer.

The Fresh Start Agreement also provided for the establishment of the Joint Agency Task Force on cross-border crime. That Task Force was launched in Dublin in December 2015, and is bringing forward the operational actions in six priority areas that have been agreed as the focus of operations: Rural Crime; Immigration-related Crime; Excise Fraud; Drugs; Financial Crime and Human Trafficking. These priorities are, of course, kept under review. There has been very considerable operational activity, with a variety of different operations undertaken across all of the priority areas since the establishment of the Task Force. The Joint Agency Task Force is just one positive example of the extensive North-South co-operation that is undertaken between the police and other law enforcement agencies aimed at tackling crime and enhancing the safety of all communities on this island.

In relation to the elements of the Stormont House Agreement to address the legacy of the Past, Secretary of State Bradley and I are agreed on the imperative of now moving ahead with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework.

On 11 May, I welcomed the launch of a public consultation by the British Government on their draft legislation to establish the legacy bodies provided for in the Stormont House Agreement. This is an important step in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. The full implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement will help to provide families with a means of accessing whatever truth and justice is possible in their case and will be an important step towards achieving a truly reconciled society in Northern Ireland.

While this consultation is about UK legislation to establish the institutions, legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies and to facilitate enhanced cooperation by Irish authorities with legacy inquests in Northern Ireland. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The ongoing work by both Governments to progress the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework will be one of the issues discussed at the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London, tomorrow, 25 July. The work of the Joint Agency Task Force and the Independent Reporting Commission will also be discussed at the Conference.

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to engage with the British Government to progress the full and effective implementation of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements, including the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework.

Middle East Issues

Ceisteanna (141, 144)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

141. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the new Bill passed by the Israeli Knesset defining the country as the nation state of the Jewish people (details supplied). [35074/18]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

144. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and his departmental officials are concerned about the recent announcement regarding the official language of Israel excluding Arabic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35091/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 144 together.

I have been following with concern reports about the passing of the Nation State Bill in Israel. It remains to be seen how much direct impact the Bill will have in practice, but as a symbolic action, it risks alienating Israeli citizens who are not Jewish, in particular the 20% of Israeli citizens who identify as Arab or Palestinian. It sends worrying signals about their status and their right to equality in the country they call home. Some of these Israelis have already expressed fears that the new law, which has the status of a Basic Law, may be a starting point for discrimination against minorities within Israel.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence stated that Israel will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex. For those Israelis whose first language is Arabic, the official status which that language has hitherto had is symbolically important of their status as equal citizens, as well as being important from a practical perspective. This new law sets out to privilege Jewish communities, and I know that many Israelis, both Arab and Jewish, have reacted with dismay to this.

A key point is that this new law states that "... the right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people". Nobody is denying the strong connection between the Jewish people and Israel. But Israel is also a home to many who are not Jewish, and this law sends a worrying signal about their rights as Israeli citizens, and the part they have to play in Israel’s democracy.

I am also particularly concerned about the references to Jewish settlement. There have been different interpretations of whether this refers to Israel only, or also to the West Bank, but the ambiguity is very unhelpful in a volatile situation. The Government is wholly opposed to the construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. This language is also extremely worrying in the context of a number of pieces of legislation being proposed, and already passed, by the Knesset, which blur the lines between Israel and the West Bank.

As I said, it remains to be seen what this will mean in practice. My Department has signalled our concerns to the Israeli Embassy here, and continue to monitor the situation closely.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (142)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

142. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the assassinations of political and community activists in Colombia, which have massively increased in recent months (details supplied). [35075/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the climate of violence and intimidation which exists for political and community activists and leaders in Colombia, as well as of the worrying figures to which the Deputy refers regarding assassinations. This continues to be a matter of real concern for the Government.

I wish, first of all, to extend to all of those affected by acts of violence in Colombia during 2018 my sincere sympathies and condolences. I reiterate that such violence is entirely unacceptable. I am glad to have this opportunity to once again urge the Government of Colombia to ensure that all such violent incidents are thoroughly investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice. engage regularly with human rights defenders and civil society leaders active across the country.

The Department provides funding directly to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia (OHCHR) to support its important work in promoting and protecting human rights including in some of Colombia’s most isolated and challenging regions, as well as to the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, which provides protection measures to community leaders and activists operating in Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America.

I firmly believe that Colombia’s peace accord provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society for decades can successfully be addressed. Historic strides have been made to date in its implementation. However, it is important to acknowledge that significant challenges still remain in implementation, including in the areas of de-mining, attention to victims, transitional justice, and rural development, some of which of course will have an impact on the situation of political and community activists.

As we know from our own experience, peace is the work of decades. Ireland is committed to supporting the full implementation of the agreement to ensure the eradication of violence in vulnerable communities and a more peaceful future for all Colombians. Having a permanent diplomatic presence on the ground in Colombia when our Embassy is opened there in early 2019, working with the Colombian authorities and alongside our EU partners, will greatly enhance our ability to meet that commitment.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (143)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

143. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the Cerrejón mine in the north east of Colombia (details supplied). [35076/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the specific mine to which the Deputy refers, and of the difficult situation which currently obtains for environmental and indigenous rights defenders in Colombia. Environmental degradation, and the rights of indigenous communities to be consulted in regard to projects which affect them, such as the Cerrejón mine, are recurring challenges.

I understand that there have been complaints from some non-governmental organisations regarding private sector activities in the Cerrejón mine and I am aware of the negative publicity that has surrounded the mine for some time now.

I remain concerned at reports of mining activities having a negative impact on local populations or on the environment, as well as of reported abuse of workers.

Ireland does not yet have an embassy in Colombia but the EU Delegation in Bogotá has been very active on Member States’ behalf in this area. The EU Delegation has been monitoring the situation closely and the EU Head of Delegation has visited the Cerrejón Mine in order to hear stakeholders' views on the allegations and to assess the situation on the ground. Several follow-up meetings have taken place and the EU has been maintaining contact with representatives of sectoral trade unions and other civil society and environmental organisations.

In addition to the continuous monitoring of Colombia's mining sector, the EU has been carrying out a number of activities in the framework of the implementation of the Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia. The EU has been actively promoting a dialogue between Colombia's civil society organizations, including in the environmental and labour sectors, and the Colombian Government, and several meetings were organised in which the EU Delegation to Colombia facilitated contacts between these parties. As I have explained previously in response to Parliamentary Questions on the matter, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has an ongoing commitment to support peace and human rights in Colombia as well as its transition to a post-conflict society. My Department continues to engage with the Colombian authorities at Government level and with human rights defenders and civil society leaders in Colombia, including those working in communities most impacted by conflict.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides funding directly to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia to support its work in promoting and protecting human rights, including in some of Colombia’s most isolated and challenging regions, as well as to the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, which provides protection measures to community leaders and activists operating in Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America.

Officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia, frequently visit the country and maintain regular contact with partners there, including to receive updates on the issues affecting local communities.

We will continue to monitor developments in the country and the particular issue raised by the Deputy as closely as possible. This will be facilitated by the planned opening next year of an Embassy in Columbia.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 141.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (145, 146)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

145. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met Ms Arlene Foster recently regarding the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/18]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

146. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of reconvening the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

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. 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. The Government will continue to work tirelessly in partnership with the British Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to support and facilitate all of the Northern Ireland parties in their efforts to securing the operation of the devolved institutions.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have each conducted contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how the two Governments can support the political process.

During this engagement, all parties re-affirmed their commitment to the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and on 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 can advance the prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference established under the Good Friday Agreement will take place tomorrow, 25 July. Minister Flanagan and I will represent the Government.

Questions Nos. 147 and 148 answered with Question No. 83.

Common Travel Area

Ceisteanna (149)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

149. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the common travel area and all its associated rights will be fully preserved in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [35103/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Common Travel Area is a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland which means Irish citizens can move freely to live, work, and study in the UK on the same basis as UK citizens and vice versa. It 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 which enable Irish and UK citizens to move freely between and reside in both jurisdictions. These rights and entitlements include access to employment, healthcare, education, and social benefits, as well as the right to vote in certain elections.

The Common Travel Area predates membership of the EU by both Ireland and the UK and is not dependent on it. The CTA is recognised in EU law by Protocol No. 20 to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and this is not changed by the UK’s departure from the EU. In this regard, we welcome Article 2 in the Draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland which is dedicated to the CTA and states 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 and is a welcome acknowledgement for the continuation of the CTA, insofar as it relates to the EU-UK negotiations.

However, the maintenance of the CTA remains a bilateral matter between the UK and Ireland. Work is focussed on ensuring that, at a more detailed level, there is a common understanding of the scope of the Common Travel Area and that any requisite steps put in address technical changes or potential legal or operational gaps that may arise due to the UK’s departure from the EU. Work is ongoing both with the UK and domestically to ensure that all necessary provisions are made in both jurisdictions so that the CTA continues to function effectively and to safeguard the entitlement of Irish citizens to access associated rights in the UK, and that of British citizens to do so in Ireland.

There is therefore no reason to expect that a no deal Brexit would affect the operation of the CTA.

Brexit Negotiations

Ceisteanna (150)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

150. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Northern Ireland's specific needs are represented in the EU post Brexit in view of the fact that citizens of Northern Ireland have an entitlement to European citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35104/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government is acutely conscious of the potential impact on Northern Ireland of the UK decision to leave the European Union.

The Government is determined to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and the gains and benefits of the Peace Process, are protected for people on the island of Ireland, North and South.

In this regard, the Government appreciates the solidarity and support which has been shown by all of our EU partners in respect of Ireland’s unique issues and concerns.

On 8 December last, a Joint Report between the EU and UK negotiators was agreed, and this included important commitments in respect of the avoidance of a hard border on the island and protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, including in respect of North/South cooperation and the provisions on citizenship and fundamental rights.

In paragraph 52 of the Joint Report, the European Commission and the UK acknowledged that the Good Friday Agreement recognises the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to choose to be Irish or British or both and be accepted as such. The Joint Report also confirms that the people of Northern Ireland who are Irish citizens will continue to enjoy rights as EU citizens, including where they reside in Northern Ireland. Both parties agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement should respect and be without prejudice to the rights, opportunities and identity that come with European Union citizenship for such people, and that the next phase of negotiations would examine arrangements required to give effect to the ongoing exercise of, and access to, their EU rights, opportunities and benefits.

This position is given effect in the draft Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland that is part of the draft Withdrawal Agreement.

Discussions on the rights of individuals also remain ongoing as part of the Phase 2 negotiations on issues related to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Further engagement is needed on which EU rights, opportunities or benefits can be exercised by the people of Northern Ireland who are Irish and therefore EU citizens, when they are resident in Northern Ireland, which will be outside the territory of the European Union after the UK departure.

As the UK leaves the European Union, there is an onus on its Government to ensure that it provides as necessary for the recognition in the Joint Report that the people of Northern Ireland who choose to identify as Irish, and therefore as citizens of the EU, can continue to enjoy the rights, opportunities and benefits of EU citizenship, including where they reside in Northern Ireland.

At the same time, there is an obligation on the UK Government under the Good Friday Agreement to uphold the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose.

The means by which these obligations can be upheld by the UK requires further discussion between the EU and the UK. As in all other areas of the EU-UK negotiations, the operation of EU law will need to be respected.

The Government will continue to engage intensively to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and to secure the gains of the Peace Process.