Written Answers Nos. 120-138
120. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the costs associated with the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready forums in tabular form including events due to take place over the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the advertisement agencies that have been secured by his Department to promote the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready forums and other Government Brexit-related promotional material across print media, broadcast media and online media; the costs associated with the use of such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the media budget allocated for promoting Government-related Brexit events and supports; the budget allocated for print media, broadcast media and online media, including publically funded and commercial media in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49094/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in June 2017, I have overseen and co-ordinated a sustained intensification of Brexit preparedness and contingency planning across Government.
As part of these efforts, the Government is organising “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” public information events around Ireland to inform and advise about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources that the Government has put in place.
These events bring together over a dozen Agencies and their parent Departments – the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport - under one roof to inform and advise both citizens and businesses about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources the Government has put in place.
Five Getting Ireland Brexit Ready workshop events have so far taken place in Cork on 5 October, Galway on 12 October, Monaghan on 19 October, Dublin on 25 October, and Limerick on 23 November. Having participated at each event, I am pleased to confirm that all workshops attracted a strong attendance with over 2000 businesses attending to date. The Workshops also attracted significant domestic and international (in particular UK) media coverage which afforded an opportunity to highlight Ireland’s overall approach and specific concerns in relation to Brexit.
The positive impact of the roadshows is reflected in an increase in interactions with the Brexit supports offered by State agencies. For example, Enterprise Ireland has recorded a 92% increase in Brexit Scorecard completions from September to October, as well as a 62% increase in interactions on its website. Similarly, Fáilte Ireland noted a 24% increase in views to their Brexit webpages subsequent to the October events, as well as an uptrend averaging 83% in the number of interactions on their Get Brexit Ready diagnostic tool.
In organising each workshop, every effort has been made to ensure that costs are kept to the necessary minimum, and that they reflect the best value for money. Costs that have arisen directly so far in connection with the workshop events and for which invoices / confirmed costings have been received are as follows:
|
Item |
Totals |
|
Venue Hire, Catering & Related |
€54,848.09 |
|
Event Staging / Audio-Visual Equipment (OPW) |
€35,420.93 |
|
Event Materials / Signage |
€5,304.33 |
|
Badging / Registration |
€1,702.77 |
|
Photography |
€2,091 |
|
Moderator |
€1409.47 |
|
Total |
€100,776.59 |
One further Getting Ireland Brexit Ready workshop event will take place in Letterkenny, Donegal on 30 November. I am confident that this will likewise be in high demand and that attendees will gain many useful insights and practical advice on steps which they and their businesses can take to help prepare for the impact of Brexit. Other Brexit preparedness-related public information activities and events continue to be organised by State Agencies and Departments across Ireland and relevant details on these can be found at the new dedicated Brexit events page on the dfa.ie/brexit website.
My Department engages in advertising and public awareness campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens.
A public information campaign to promote awareness of Government-wide supports and resources that are available to assist with Brexit preparedness is one such example of this.
As detailed above, my Department is coordinating a Government-wide ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready Campaign’ which I and Ministers Humphreys and Creed launched together on 20 September. This campaign has updated citizens, communities and businesses about Brexit preparedness and support measures that are available as well as public workshop events which are being held throughout October and November. A programme of awareness raising via web and social media platforms and radio and print media advertising also took place.
The Government Brexit Update email service and the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready public information campaign forms part of the Government’s overall strategy to keep the Irish public fully informed and up-to date on the implications and challenges of Brexit.
The Update is issuing on a regular basis via a commercial provider and provides information on latest developments in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, on the latest available research publications and on engagement at Government level. It also highlights the range of business supports that are available through the various Government Departments and State agencies.
Advertising costs that have arisen directly so far in connection with the ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ campaign and for which invoices / confirmed costings have been received are as follows:
|
Item |
Totals (to date) |
|
PhD Media/TBWA |
€28,948.10 |
|
GIBR 5 Part Podcast Series |
€1845 |
|
Government Brexit Update |
€1,280.08 |
|
Total |
€32,073.18 |
129. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his views on the EU-Mercosur trade deal have altered to take into account the new incoming far right Government in Brazil. [49158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had communications with the Brazilian Government regarding Brazil's regressive climate action policies including the appointment of climate-denying Ministers-elect, and the increase in the rate of deforestation in the country. [49304/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 132 together.
Mr. Jair Bolsonaro was elected as President of Brazil on 28 October 2018 and will be inaugurated on 1 January next year. Officials in my Department in Dublin, at our Embassy in Brasília, and at our Consulate-General in São Paulo, followed the election process closely and have continued to monitor political developments since, including announcements made by the President-elect, members of his transition team and of the incoming government.
It is important to note that the full plan for the new government will not be clear until after President-elect Bolsonaro assumes office on 1 January 2019. The President-elect is currently in the process of appointing ministers, but the overall shape of the incoming government is yet to be finalised. While we have taken note of statements made by the President-elect and Ministers-designate, this is a period of transition and it will be some time before official government policy becomes apparent.
Ireland is a committed supporter of global efforts to combat climate change, one of the most serious threats facing the world today, and Brazil has been an important partner on this issue. Brazil played a key role in the formation of the Paris Agreement of 2015, and I was pleased to see indications from President-elect Bolsonaro that he plans to keep Brazil in the agreement. Ireland will continue to engage with Brazil, and other partners in the Latin America and Caribbean region, on the issue of climate change and sustainable development, through our bilateral, EU level and EU-CELAC relationships.
Regarding the EU-Mercosur trade deal, as the Deputy will appreciate, the negotiation of trade agreements is an EU competency. Ireland remains supportive of the EU approach to the Mercosur trade negotiations, and is hopeful of reaching a conclusion on a balanced and ambitious deal.
The relationship between Brazil and Ireland is longstanding and warm. Brazil is an important partner of Ireland in a number of areas, including on multilateral issues, such as disarmament and non-proliferation, and is our second largest trading partner in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Brazilians are the sixth largest non-Irish group in our population, with nearly 16,000 Brazilians living in Ireland in 2016.
I look forward to building and strengthening our relationship with Brazil in the years to come.
130. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the aid being provided to assist with the famine appeal in Yemen; and the best option for a person who wishes to donate to the cause. [49178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain extremely concerned by the appalling humanitarian situation in Yemen, where over 22 million people require some form of assistance.
Ireland has provided almost €16.5 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Yemen since 2012. This includes over €4 million in 2018 principally channelled through the UN’s Yemen Humanitarian Fund - Ireland is one of the top ten donors to the Fund, which provides essential humanitarian services to millions of people in need.
In addition, Ireland is also a significant contributor to multilateral funds that allocate funding to the Yemen Crisis, notably the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland has been one of the strongest supporters of CERF since its inception in 2006. So far in 2018, the CERF has allocated $50 million to the humanitarian response in Yemen.
Ireland also contributes support to Yemen via the EU. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2015, the EU has allocated over €438 million to support humanitarian assistance.
Like so many humanitarian crises around the world, the tragedy unfolding in Yemen has its roots in conflict. Ireland, directly and through the EU and the UN, continues to call for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Yemen, and calls on all parties to facilitate safe and secure access for humanitarian actors.
Should the public wish to assist those in need in Yemen, there are very capable aid agencies with presence in Ireland who would welcome contributions.
131. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received representations from an organisation (details supplied) regarding legislation introduced by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and approved by the health commission that will restrict the freedom of Turkey's doctors to practise medicine; if this matter has been discussed at EU level; if action has been taken by the EU on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49228/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received the correspondence from the Irish Medical Organisation referred to.
The draft legislation in question is indeed a matter of concern, and we have noted the statements against the draft bill issued by the World Medical Association, the Standing Committee of European Doctors, and the Irish Medical Organisation. The principle that medical practitioners must be allowed to practice free of any political interference is one that must be respected in any democratic country, and particularly in an EU Candidate and key partner country such as Turkey.
As you are aware, the Irish Government, together with the European Union, continues to view the backsliding in Turkey with regard to freedom of media, human rights, rule of law and democracy as an ongoing cause for grave concern. This was reflected in the Conclusions on Enlargement adopted on 26 June last at the General Affairs Council, which found that Turkey has been moving away from the EU and that accession negotiations have, therefore, come to a standstill. Concerns were expressed, including by Ireland, about backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights and measures targeting journalists, academics, members of political parties, parliamentarians, human rights defenders, social media users, and others exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.
While it is to be welcomed that in July the Turkish Government chose not to renew the State of Emergency that had been in place in the country, we echo the EU’s statement that the retention of a number of the State of Emergency’s restrictive measures may dampen any potential benefits brought about by its removal. Together with our European partners, and particularly following this non-renewal, we will continue to monitor government actions that undermine freedom of expression, democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Turkey.
133. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the potential threat to a person (details supplied); his plans to offer assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Pakistan who is believed to have a risk to their life. [49464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 141 together.
Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. I am well aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.
I am aware of the particular case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction. Since the Supreme Court decision, I have continued to follow developments in the case. I strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are.
My Department has raised the case of Asia Bibi on a number of occasions both in Dublin with the Embassy of Pakistan and in Islamabad through our Ambassador in Ankara (who is also accredited to Pakistan). The European Union has also raised the case with the Pakistani authorities.
My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charles Flanagan T.D. raised concerns on the blasphemy laws with his Pakistani counterpart on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2016. He also raised the case with the Pakistani Chargé d’Affaires en pied in January 2016.
Now, as Minister for Justice and Equality, who has responsibility for asylum issues, he has followed developments in the case. Ms. Bibi has not indicated a wish to come to Ireland. Should such a wish be expressed, Minister Flanagan has indicated that he will look favourably on her case.
134. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49391/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that officials at the relevant Irish Embassy have been in direct contact with the individual’s mother and continue to provide consular assistance.
I note that members of An Garda Síochána have been in contact with their counterparts in the relevant policing authority in relation to this matter.
Officials in my Department’s headquarters continue to monitor the case and stand ready to provide all possible help and support. Should the individual’s family wish to discuss the situation further, they can contact my Department’s Consular Assistance Unit, by phone on 01 408 2527 or by e-mail at consularassistance@dfa.ie.
135. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to cease having dealings with an organisation (details supplied) in view of the substantial amounts of Saudi funding to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49393/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s policy for international development sets out our longstanding commitment to strengthening health systems, reducing maternal and infant mortality and overcoming the HIV epidemic in developing countries.
The organisation in question has been an important partner for Ireland’s official development assistance programme, Irish Aid, since 2003. That partnership is rooted in the close alignment between Irish Aid’s health goals and objectives and those of the organisation under reference. The organisation is well recognised for its technical expertise in designing, supporting and delivering health care in some of the poorest countries in the world. Their expertise coupled with my Department’s engagement with the governments in the focus countries has helped maximise our combined contribution in improving health outcomes, including HIV and AIDS prevention and care.
Under the current arrangements, Irish Aid works in partnership with the organisation in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The organisation receives support from many donors including from other governments, charitable foundations and the private sector. It invested an average of USD138 million per annum in 2016-2017. Ireland’s contribution to the organization in the same period averaged €600,000 per annum. Irish funding is provided through negotiated annual country level agreements and is closely monitored by Irish Embassy officials in those countries.
In addition to working in partnership at the country level, we also hold annual meetings at a global level to review the continued impact of the partnership in delivering vital health services. In a context of continued satisfactory performance, including the multiplication effect which the partnership has on other Irish Aid health interventions in the countries in question, the intention is to continue with the existing arrangements.
136. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will lobby his EU counterparts to undertake an analysis of the humanitarian impact of the sanctions imposed on Syria and the impact on the Syrian economy. [49394/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the objective of the continued use of sanctions against the Syrian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will lobby his EU counterparts to ensure that the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people are lifted. [49396/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.
The situation in Syria continues to be a matter of grave concern, and I take this opportunity to reiterate my condemnation of the violence against civilians that has been the hallmark of this conflict to date. The conflict was sparked, more than seven years ago, by brutal repression of dissent by the Assad regime. The conduct of the conflict, including the use of chemical weapons and medieval “starve or surrender” tactics, is estimated to have cost the lives of over 400,000 people. It has led to a situation in which 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, over 6 million people are displaced internally, and a further 5.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries and the wider region.
Sanctions are a tool which the international community may use to put political pressure on those who commit violence against their own people. Targeted EU sanctions are in place against people and entities that are complicit in the violent repression of the civilian population in Syria. The first person on this EU list is Bashar Al Assad, whose brutal pursuit of this conflict, neglecting all opportunities to seek a political solution, has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. There are numerous barriers to humanitarian access in Syria as a result of actions by the parties to the conflict, particularly the Assad regime.
Ireland has consistently supported EU sanctions targeting the Assad regime and its supporters, and will continue to do so as long as the situation on the ground justifies these measures.
The EU’s Basic Principles on the Use of Restrictive Measures state that “Sanctions should be targeted in a way that has maximum impact on those whose behaviour we want to influence. Targeting should reduce to the maximum extent possible any adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for persons not targeted ….” Accordingly, the EU’s Syria sanctions include specific exemptions for essential civilian needs and for humanitarian assistance. Ireland has been a consistent advocate for ensuring such exemptions are included.
In line with the EU strategy on Syria, the EU is maintaining its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters as long as the repression of civilians continues. To repeal these sanctions could be misconstrued as tacit acquiescence in the actions of the Assad regime and therefore serve to encourage a belief in impunity with regard to attacks on civilians, and disregard for the UN-led peace process.
The EU does however keep the impact of sanctions under constant review, and will consider options to mitigate any unintended consequences which can be documented as relating directly to the measures themselves, as distinct from the more general economic disruption caused by the conflict. The relevant working groups in Brussels propose options to address any unintended negative impacts where they are identified.
For example, in 2016 the EU amended the Syria sanctions regime to make it easier for NGOs operating in Syria to buy fuel. In 2017, EU Member States including Ireland consulted with NGOs to identify any further difficulties they were experiencing in carrying out humanitarian work in Syria that may have been linked to the sanctions. Based on the feedback of the NGOs, the European Commission published a Frequently Asked Questions document to clarify certain provisions of the sanctions identified as unclear by NGOs, as well as the humanitarian exemptions and derogations. In April of this year, EU Member States reviewed best practice guidelines on humanitarian exemptions, with a view to facilitating the work of NGOs responding to humanitarian crises, including the crisis in Syria. I welcome the ongoing work to implement the findings of previous reviews.
