Written Answers Nos. 35-56
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which gender balance remains an objective in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2094/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 31 December 2018, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 8,957 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 6.7%, or 601 personnel, were female broken down as follows:
- Army: 499 Female Personnel
- Air Corps: 34 Female Personnel
- Naval Service: 68 Female Personnel
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. This is underlined by a commitment in the Programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces.
Unlike some other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas.
In line with these policies and commitments, a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment and within the general recruitment framework. There are specific initiatives which focus on potential female recruits such as female-focused advertising, visits to female schools by Defence Forces personnel, creation of female specific recruitment videos and targeted social media advertising.
- The introduction of best practices in recruitment such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants and a balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards.
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in all policies and regulations.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper, further projects will be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that continue to support increased female participation in the Defence Forces.
36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacant promotional positions waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2095/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an on-going basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. In this regard, promotions are ongoing within the officer ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. It is my intention that targeted recruitment along with promotions will continue to be carried out.
The following table outlines the promotional posts vacant within the PDF, as at 31st December 2018, the latest date for which such figures are available.
PDF vacancies as at 31 December 2018
|
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Captain |
BSM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
|
1 |
10 |
9 |
96 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
0 |
170 |
197 |
Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks
Colonel/Captain
Lieutenant Colonel/Commander
Commandant/Lieutenant Commander
Captain/Lieutenant (NS)
Sergeant Major/Warrant Officer
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer
Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty Officer
Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant/Petty Officer
Corporal/Leading Seaman
37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains in contact with representational groups within the Defence Forces with a view to maintaining positive dialogue on issues of mutual concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2096/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for Defence, I have met with representatives from RACO and PDFORRA on a number of occasions, both formally and informally. I attended the PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference which took place last October and in November 2018 I attended the RACO Annual Delegate Conference.
There is ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative sides through various Council and Council Sub-committees on a range of items which are processed through the auspices of the Defence Forces Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme. Officials in the Department of Defence keep me briefed of developments.
38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing updating of military equipment including vehicles and communication systems continues throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2097/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
The mid-life upgrade programme for the Army’s fleet of eighty MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. Additionally, twenty-four 4 x 4 Armoured Utility Vehicles were acquired in 2017, and in 2018 delivery was taken of ten new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will provide essential force protection overseas.
There is also continuous investment in the non-armoured vehicle fleet. In 2018, 20 minibuses, 22 saloons, 61 logistics vehicles and 2 recovery vehicles were purchased for the Defence Forces, and funding is provided on an on-going basis for the required maintenance of vehicles in the military transport fleet, both at home and overseas.
The Government is currently investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with three larger and more capable fixed wing utility Pilatus PC 12 aircraft which are being equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance). It is expected that the three aircraft will be delivered by 2020. Planning is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft and a tender competition is currently underway in this regard.
The on-going Naval Service ship replacement programme is evidence of the Government's commitment to investment in the Naval Service. Three new Offshore Patrol Vessels were delivered between 2014 and 2017 with a fourth, to be named the LÉ George Bernard Shaw, delivered in late 2018. In addition, planning is underway for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel.
With regard to Defence Forces communications systems, there is continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment.
The examples given, while not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence has been increased to €106 million for 2019, an increase of €29 million. The National Development Plan provides for a total of €541 million for Defence over the period 2018-2022. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them, including vehicles and communication systems, which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if payments in respect of overseas security missions are paid up to date by the UN and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2098/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe United Nations reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owed Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only missions for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights. The timing of the receipt of reimbursements is dependent on the financial situation at the UN. Reimbursements are received in arrears.
The amount received from the United Nations in 2018 was €14m (€9.4m in respect of UNIFIL and €4.6m in respect of UNDOF). Outstanding reimbursements from the UN in relation to Quarter 4, 2018 are expected to be received in 2019.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately trained and available to deal with emergency situations that may arise either by way of natural disaster or terrorist threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2099/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps remains capable of responding to emergency missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2101/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 42 together.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for a natural disaster or terrorist incidents.
With regard to security threats, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies.
In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.
The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. In addition, the Air Corps has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the type of assistance requested.
I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which various courses to upgrade training and expertise within the Defence Forces continues to be made available throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2100/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons set out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers that have retired from each branch of the Defence Forces in each of the past five years to date; his plans for their replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2102/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the figures to the Deputy when I receive them from the military authorities.
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the proposed overseas locations to which the Defence Forces are likely to be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2103/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 10 January 2019, Ireland is contributing 678 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest and most well known overseas deployment with 460 personnel. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria is the second largest mission with 138 personnel.
The Naval Service deployed 2 naval vessels to Operation Sophia, the EU Common Security and Defence Policy operation in the Mediterranean, during 2018. While there is currently no Irish ship deployed to the Operation, Defence Forces personnel continue to occupy three posts in the Operational Headquarters in Rome and two in the Force Headquarters at sea. Ireland's participation in Operation Sophia in 2019 is currently being considered and a decision will be taken on the matter following a full review of 2018 deployments.
Ireland has participated in the EU Training Mission in Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Ireland contributed 20 Defence Forces personnel to this mission in 2018 and the intention is that our contribution will remain at this level in 2019. In addition, consideration is being given to the deployment of a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel to the MINUSMA mission in Mali during 2019. These considerations are at a very early stage and will require further detailed analysis and planning in addition to Government approval, in advance of any proposed deployment.
Defence Forces personnel were also deployed during 2018 to the following missions:
UNTSO, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation mission in Israel and Syria - 12 personnel;
MINURSO, the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara - 3 personnel;
MONUSCO, the United Nations Stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 4 personnel;
EUFOR, the EU led operation in Bosnia and Herzgovina - 5 personnel; and
KFOR, the International Security Presence in Kosovo - 12 personnel.
The Defence Forces will continue to participate in these missions in 2019.
Defence Forces Personnel also serve as military advisors, representatives and staff officers with the OSCE in Vienna, the EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace in Belgium, and UN Headquarters in New York.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
45. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the pension entitlement of a member of the Defence Forces who has completed 31 years service and who has reached 66 years of age; if a person in such a scenario has an entitlement to a State pension (contributory) or a State pension (non-contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2110/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific occupational pension scheme terms of members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) depend on various factors, including the date a person first joins the public service.
The Deputy has referred to a member who has completed thirty one years' service and reached the age of 66. I take it therefore that the Deputy's query may be in relation to an enlisted member who joined prior to 2004, rather than to a commissioned officer. I propose to answer on this basis.
The military superannuation arrangements of enlisted personnel in the PDF fall into the following three distinct categories, the terms of which are quite different from each other:
- Joined the PDF before April 2004;
- Joined on or after 1 April 2004 and before 1 January 2013; and
- Joining from 1 January 2013.
For an enlisted member who joined the PDF prior to April 2004, the pension entitlement is based on the rank and pensionable service of the member at the date of discharge and would include any eligible pensionable allowances. A person’s date of enlistment in the PDF, as well as their technician category, if applicable, and other specified criteria, are factors in determining their potential compulsory retirement age or, where applicable, upper service limits. These, in turn, influence the overall length of a person’s military career in terms of the calculation of their retirement benefits.
The question of whether a person has an entitlement to a State pension (contributory) or a State pension (non-contributory) is a matter for the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and I cannot make a statement in this regard. However, I can advise that the age of eligibility for this pension varies depending on a person’s date of birth.
I can also advise that the terms of the Defence Forces Pensions Scheme provide for the military occupational pension to be reduced if and when an enlisted member reaches the age prescribed for a contributory old age pension, or becomes otherwise entitled to a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts.
It is not possible to be prescriptive about the potential retirement benefits for a member of the PDF without more specific information. If the Deputy's enquiries relate to a specific member of the PDF, and he provides me with the relevant details for that member, I will arrange for my Department to reply directly to the person concerned.
46. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent in each year for the past five years on accountancy and consultancy firms in relation to capital projects; the specific capital project in which the costs were incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2259/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe available. As soon as available, I will provide the Deputy with the requested information directly.
47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a requirement (details supplied) will also be extended to passport book holders if the regulation is adopted (details supplied); and his views on the fingerprinting of passport card and passport book holders. [2042/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Proposed Regulation on strengthening the security of ID cards and of residence documents was submitted by the Commission on 17 April 2018. Irish officials at the Permanent Representation in Brussels, as well as representatives of the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs, engaged extensively in discussions on the proposed Regulation to ensure that the institutions and EU Member States were fully informed about Ireland’s national law with regard to the areas covered by the proposed Regulation.
Ireland does not issue identity cards to its citizens and has no provision to do so under national law therefore the proposed Regulation does not apply to Ireland. There is no obligation on Ireland to introduce identity cards or residence documents arising out of this draft Regulation. This is clear from recital 6 of the proposed Regulation which states:
“This Regulation does not require Member States to introduce identity cards or residence documents where they are not provided for under national law, nor does it affect the competence of the Member States to issue other residence documents under national law outside the scope of Union law, for example residence cards delivered to all residents on the territory whatever their nationality.”
The proposed Regulation does not apply to the Irish Passport Card which is not an identity card but is an Irish passport in card format. It is fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Document 9303, part 5 (Seventh Edition) which regulates the requirements for passports, in traditional book format as well as in card format.
In order to ensure clarity on this point, a recital was added to the text of the proposed Regulation. The new recital has been included in the latest version of the document, 14360/18 dated 16 November 2018, which was agreed by Member States with a view to granting the Presidency a mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament. It reads as follows: "(6c) Travel documents compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO) Document 9303, part 5 (Seventh Edition) which do not serve identification purposes in the issuing Member State, should not be considered as falling within the scope of this Regulation."
My Department has no plans to introduce any requirement for the fingerprinting of holders of passport books or passport cards.
48. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent protests in Sudan (details supplied); if the violence and repression carried out by the Sudanese forces against civilians will be condemned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2087/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the perceived disproportionate and deadly response to the peaceful protests by tens of thousands of Sudanese by the Sudanese Government will be unreservedly condemned. [2140/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the relationship with the Al-Bashir regime will be reconsidered in view of its diplomatic ties in Dublin; and if the Ambassador of Sudan (details supplied) will be declared a persona non grata. [2141/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the European Union to take a stronger stance on the ongoing oppression in Sudan. [2142/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the other actions that could stop the regime in Sudan from using violence against unarmed civilians. [2143/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 to 52, inclusive, together.
I am deeply concerned about the violence which has accompanied recent protests in Sudan, including credible reports of the use of live fire by the Government of Sudan and of multiple deaths.
Demonstrations, triggered by spiralling costs of living, began in the city of Atbara in the north east of the country on 19 December last year, spreading to over twenty towns and cities. While initially the protests were against the worsening economic situation, they quickly developed into calls for President Omar al-Bashir’s resignation.
President Omar al-Bashir reacted by closing schools and declaring a state of emergency in some regions. Sudanese police have used tear gas and live ammunition in an attempt to disperse crowds. It is reported that almost 1,000 people have been arrested across the country since protests began. The Sudanese Government has said that 24 people have been killed during demonstrations, while Sudanese activists and medical workers say that the number killed is at least 40. The use of live fire and arbitrary detention cannot be justified.
Ireland fully supports the EU's 24 December 2018 call on the Government of Sudan to exercise restraint, respect the right to peaceful protest and ensure that all law enforcement and security bodies act under its direct control and in accordance with Sudan's constitutional and international commitments. Ireland also stands fully behind the EU statement of 11 January 2019 which calls on the Government of Sudan to release all journalists, members of the opposition, human rights defenders and other protesters arbitrarily detained, and to guarantee the independence of the Investigation Committee tasked with the investigation of abuses. The Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, continues to monitor the situation closely in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union in Khartoum.
In addition to the current unrest, Sudan continues to suffer from a range of humanitarian crises, driven by protracted conflicts, inequality and climate change. These feed into the popular disaffection leading to protests. This humanitarian situation has been further exacerbated by the economic crisis in 2018, leading to severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. More than 1.8 million people are internally displaced and Sudan hosts a further 1.2 million refugees that have fled conflict in neighbouring countries, the majority of whom rely on humanitarian aid for their survival. As a result, an estimated 5.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan this year, including 2.6 million children. Ireland is responding to these crises, with almost €26 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Sudan through our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners since 2012.
53. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to help in treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims. [2144/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a long-standing contributor to the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and has contributed an average of €85,000 each year since 2010. The Trust Fund provides direct assistance to victims of torture and their family members in 79 countries worldwide. This assistance can take the form of humanitarian, medical, psychological, legal, social and financial aid. Grants are awarded to NGOs, rehabilitation centres, victim associations and family members, hospitals, legal clinics, public interest law firms and individual lawyers.
More generally, Ireland is committed to the prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and has ratified relevant international agreements including the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
54. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to ensure Ireland increases its diplomatic efforts through the EU to ensure the peace deal in South Sudan holds. [2172/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to continue to support the humanitarian efforts in South Sudan that are addressing the root causes of the conflict. [2173/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to continue to fund and support the conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts at community level by an organisation (details supplied) in partnership with INGOs. [2174/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 to 56, inclusive, together.
I am deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, primarily the consequence of a conflict which began in 2013, but compounded by many years of instability and strife. Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law serve to perpetuate the crisis, with a negative impact on its scale and with devastating consequences for the people of South Sudan. It is estimated that almost 400,000 people have died, and over 7 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
Drought has exacerbated the effects of conflict, leading to severe food insecurity. There has been massive population displacement throughout the country. Conflict, food insecurity and drought have affected women and girls particularly.
On 12 September 2018, the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, signed a peace agreement with a number of the opposition forces. While this peace agreement has the potential to mark a new departure, it is critical that South Sudan’s leaders maintain their commitment to its effective implementation. Achieving lasting peace will require sustained effort and commitment as well as a genuinely inclusive approach to building the future South Sudan.
Ireland strongly supports efforts to build peace in South Sudan. Since the Tánaiste’s visit to Addis Ababa in 2017, when he met representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union, Ireland has provided funding to IGAD to support negotiation of the peace agreement. Ireland will continue to support IGAD’s work on monitoring the implementation of the agreement in 2019.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa, which is accredited to South Sudan, monitors the situation and engages with local, regional and international parties on an ongoing basis. The Irish Ambassador in Addis Ababa visits Juba frequently where she meets with key government, UN, NGO, Red Cross and diplomatic partners, including the EU Delegation. Her most recent visit took place in November last year.
We are committed to supporting efforts towards peace in South Sudan and have contributed to projects aimed at peacebuilding. In 2018, this has included supporting partners’ meditation efforts and empowering civil society, in particular women’s groups, to facilitate their engagement in peace processes.
As well as our direct bilateral support, we are actively involved in the efforts of the EU to support peace in South Sudan. Two officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been seconded to the EU Delegation in South Sudan, including one as Head of Mission. The EU Delegation is strongly supportive of the peace process, in particular by providing support to the implementing and monitoring bodies of the peace agreement. The Tánaiste discussed these efforts with the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Alexander Rondos, when he visited Dublin on 7 November 2018.
While a sustained resolution to the conflict is the ultimate goal, we have a duty now to deal with immediate humanitarian needs. Since 2012, Ireland has provided €61 million in direct humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. Over €10 million in Irish funding was provided in 2018, including to Irish NGOs to assist them in reaching the most vulnerable. Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam, Trócaire and World Vision, with support from Irish Aid, are working in partnership with local organisations and NGO networks to provide lifesaving supplies to meet the basic needs of those suffering from the conflict.
As well as this direct bilateral aid, Ireland has also contributed to humanitarian support in South Sudan through the multilateral system. Ireland is a significant contributor to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which has allocated $178 million to alleviate the crisis in South Sudan since 2011, as well as to the EU, which provided more than €90 million in 2018.
With humanitarian needs likely to remain acute throughout 2019, Irish funding will continue to support both those in need inside South Sudan as well as South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.
