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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 29 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 75-96

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (76, 94)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

76. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his efforts through the EU to ensure the South Sudan peace deal holds in view of the volatile nature of the region and in further view of the fact that previous peace deals have proven ineffective. [3894/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

94. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to continue to support humanitarian efforts in South Sudan; if Ireland will continue to support and fund conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3774/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 94 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.

European Council Meetings

Ceisteanna (77)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

77. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meetings at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels; and if he will report on the discussions that took place on disinformation. [4130/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 January, EU Ministers discussed various matters. Under the Current Affairs agenda item, there was discussion on developments in DRC, Venezuela, Syria, Yemen and Nicaragua.

Ministers discussed the EU-ASEAN relationship ahead of the EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting later that day. Member States focused on the importance of elevating EU-ASEAN relations to a Strategic Partnership and promoting the EU’s approach to connectivity in ASEAN countries.

Ministers also had an exchange of views on the EU's relations with the League of Arab States in preparation for the EU – League of Arab States Ministerial meeting planned for 4 February.

The main focus of discussion at the Council was disinformation.  Ministers welcomed the EU Action Plan against disinformation and many emphasised the importance of focussing on its implementation, especially given the proximity of next May’s European Parliament elections. Several Ministers highlighted the threat from Russia, but other actors were noted also. Some Ministers called for greater EU cooperation with other bodies, e.g. the G7, and the importance of civil society was emphasised. There was also strong support for the work of the three EEAS Strategic Communications Taskforces, which are working to identify, expose and counter disinformation. The EU will continue to work closely with online platforms, as well as to check the transparency of funding of political advertising, while at all times respecting freedom of expression.

On the margins of the Council, I had separate bilateral meetings with Mr. Michel Barnier and UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in relation to Brexit.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 55.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 58.

EU Migration Crisis

Ceisteanna (80)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

80. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the EU migration policy particularly in respect of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3974/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In June, the European Council reconfirmed that a functioning EU policy on migration requires a comprehensive approach which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, action to strengthen co-operation with countries of transit and origin and dealing with the management of migrants within the European Union, where a balance of solidarity and responsibility is needed.

Solving the migration crisis will ultimately require deeper political, economic and development relationships between the EU and neighbouring countries, including many in Africa, that will form a basis for dealing with a variety of challenges on the basis of shared responsibility.

The EU is very conscious that Libya is a major transit country for migrants and refugees. We are also aware, and deeply troubled, by the grave human rights abuses that these migrants and refugees frequently suffer there. The Taoiseach highlighted these concerns when Libya was last discussed at the European Council. 

At the Foreign Affairs Council in December, my EU counterparts and I adopted Council Conclusions on Libya, committing to continue our work with the Libyan authorities to improve conditions for migrants and refugees, by ensuring aid reaches those in need of protection, and with a view to overcoming the current system of detention. 

The EU has mobilised €286 million for migration-related projects in Libya since 2014. The majority of this funding comes from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, and is dedicated to providing protection, assistance and alternatives to migrants in Libya. This funding also provides support for migrants at disembarkation points, inside and outside detention centres, or in host communities. These projects are implemented on the ground by international partners, including the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, or by EU Member States.

Ireland is committed to tackling the root causes of migration and will provide a total of €15 million over the period 2016-20 to the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The Trust Fund helps to address the root causes of migration generally, as well as providing protection and assistance to migrants and refugees in Libya. The EU also provides training (including on human rights and gender issues) and other support to Libyan authorities, to enhance Libya’s border management capacities.

Libyan detention centres are a focus of credible allegations of abuse and, at the very least, lack appropriate oversight. Alternatives to detention centres need to be established, in particular for vulnerable migrants, and Ireland calls on the Libyan authorities to continue to work with the relevant international organisations to make this possible. 

Regrettably, political fragmentation and the fragile security situation in Libya limit the capacity of the international community to end abuses, since the internationally-recognised Libyan authorities, with whom the EU can work, may not have the capacity to affect this. There is a governance vacuum in many areas of the country, and access for international organisations seeking to monitor and alleviate conditions for migrants is restricted in many areas. Bringing real improvements to the lives of Libyans and migrants, and ensuring an end to human rights abuses, will require restoration of political stability, and a fully functioning and unified government. The EU will continue to work with the UN and others to support and reinforce Libya's sovereign institutions.

Passport Applications Data

Ceisteanna (81)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

81. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the take-up level of online passport applications for children since it was introduced; if it can be used by all children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3971/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since the expansion of the passport online renewal service for children in November 2018, almost 8,000 of the approximately 18,600 applications to renew children's passports have been made online. As awareness of the service increases, we expect to see an even greater move toward the online channel.

The online service brings significant benefits for citizens with faster turnaround times of ten working days for all online applications, excluding postage.  In addition, the cost of renewing a passport online is significantly cheaper than alternative methods, with fees for all online applications being reduced by €5 across all application types.  The expanded service is now available to all adults and children who wish to renew their passport.

As the online service is the most convenient and most efficient method of renewing a passport, I would urge all applicants who are eligible to do so to consider using this application channel.

Human Rights Cases

Ceisteanna (82)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

82. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his concerns have been highlighted to his Guatemalan counterpart regarding the continued attacks on human rights defenders in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3895/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the difficult situation which currently pertains for human rights defenders in Guatemala, and condemn unreservedly any act of intimidation or violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights.

Guatemala has made some strides in its political and social development over the past two decades since the gradual cessation of armed conflict from 1996 onwards. While overcoming the legacy of human rights crimes committed during the country’s civil war remains a challenge, it is essential to Guatemala’s future development. I urge the Government of Guatemala to address historical impunity at all levels and to fully investigate all incidents of violence, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.  

To this end, the recent announcement of the Government of Guatemala that it would unilaterally terminate the 2006 Agreement with the UN establishing the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, CICIG, is deeply regrettable. Ireland fully supports the declaration made by the EU High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini earlier this month, which states that this announcement runs against Guatemala's legal obligations to the UN and against several rulings of the Constitutional Court, and calls on the Government to respect the country's constitutional order, in particular the independence of the Constitutional Court.  

Since its establishment, the CICIG has been working effectively to combat corruption and impunity and to strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala.  I urge the Government to allow CICIG to continue its important work until the end of the current mandate in September 2019, respecting the integrity of CICIG national and international personnel and affording them all necessary protection.  

The situation in Guatemala is discussed regularly at EU level, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also meet regularly with human rights defenders and civil society organisations active in Guatemala.  

Ireland took the opportunity of the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council on 8 November 2017 to express its concern in relation to attacks against human rights defenders in Guatemala. Ireland also noted that there have been worrying instances of harassment, intimidation and criminalisation of human rights defenders in the country. 

Ireland’s statement recommended that Guatemala take all necessary steps to protect human rights defenders through the removal of legal and policy measures which inhibit the ability of human rights defenders to carry out their vital work in safety, without fear of interference, obstruction or harassment of any kind, including by finalising the Public Policy for the Protection of HRDs with strong participation by civil society and an adequate budgetary allocation.

While Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Guatemala City, we will continue to follow the situation in Guatemala closely, and to raise our concerns regarding threats against human rights defenders in discussions on Guatemala at EU and international level, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and working with partners on the ground.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Ceisteanna (83)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the ongoing outstanding requests with the UK Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3977/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. 

These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.

The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.  I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department. 

I met with Justice for the Forgotten in April last year to hear their views and update them on the Government’s continuing engagement on legacy issues, including with the British Government on the Dáil motions. In addition, officials from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality met with Justice for the Forgotten in July to hear their views on the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.  

My Department also facilitated an engagement in Dublin on 29 August last for the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Judith Thompson, to hear the views of victims and survivors in this jurisdiction, including the families affected by the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other attacks. 

In relation to the Dáil motions, I have consistently underlined to the British Government that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin and Monaghan atrocities.  I have also underlined that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.   

The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, and pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 62.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (85)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

85. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the African Union. [4131/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I attended the 22nd EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, FMM, in Brussels on 21 January, which was an opportunity to build relations with ten countries from South East Asia and to offer support to our shared priority of elevating the relationship between our two regional blocs. While at the FMM, I participated in both the retreat and plenary sessions, where countries emphasised their shared support for the rules-based international order and the defence of multilateralism. Ireland’s national statement called for our two regional groups to work collectively to ensure a sustainable, equitable and peaceful future for our global community of neighbours.

They key outcome of the FMM, as noted in the Joint Statement which issued afterwards, was an agreement in principle to elevate EU-ASEAN relations to that of a strategic partnership, subject to details and timing being worked out.

Subsequent to the FMM, I attended the opening dinner of the EU-AU Ministerial and my Government colleague, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., attended the plenary session the following day. The Ministerial addressed the progress made since the EU-AU Summit in Abidjan in 2017, in cooperation on peace and security, trade relations and support for the multilateral system. Participants discussed the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Peace, Security and Governance and the EU proposal for an Alliance for Sustainable Jobs and Investment.  They renewed their commitment to hold regular Ministerial meetings in the lead up to the next EU-AU Summit in 2020, and issued a Joint Communiqué reaffirming their commitment to work together to strengthen the relationship between our two continents.

Ireland’s intervention highlighted the need for cooperation through all phases of the conflict cycle and, in particular, the need to concentrate on mediation and conflict prevention.  It drew on our experience of peacebuilding and offered our support to those who wished to learn from our experience.

Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 63.

EU Issues

Ceisteanna (87)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

87. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of developments in Hungary and Poland and the efforts of the EU to ensure that democracy and the rule of law are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3976/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Parliament voted on 12 September 2018 on the Sargentini report which proposed the launching of Article 7 proceedings against Hungary.  The General Affairs Council considered the issue at its meeting on 12 November, and again on 11 December.  

Our concerns about issues relating to the rule of law in Hungary are well-known.  The Taoiseach raised these when he met with Prime Minister Orban on 4 January 2018 in Budapest. 

I also spoke with Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó on 14 December last and our discussion included rule of law issues.

We have concerns over the civic space available for NGOs to continue to operate in Hungary. These concerns have been exacerbated by the passage of legislation aimed at individuals and organisations providing lawful assistance to migrants and asylum seekers.

We also regret that the necessary steps were not taken to ensure the operation of Central European University in Budapest in the long term. As the Taoiseach said in this House recently, the loss of the CEU will be a loss to Budapest and Hungary.

In relation to Poland, the European Commission activated its rule of law mechanism in January 2016 and formally triggered the Article 7 procedure on 20 December 2017. There have been a number of Hearings at General Affairs Councils since then involving the Commission, Poland and other Member States, in which Ireland has actively participated highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law.

We welcome the legislative steps taken by the Polish Government to address the concerns on rule of law issues raised by the European Commission and also by Member States at the General Affairs Council. We would encourage Poland to continue to engage and address the concerns that have been raised.

I met with Foreign Minister Czaputowicz on 21 December last and reiterated Ireland’s support for the process, and urged continuing engagement with the Commission to make further progress.

Rule of law matters are of serious concern to Ireland. We have always said that fundamental values and the rule of law are a shared EU interest and call for a common approach.

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (88)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the timeline for the hiring of the planned extra staff at the passport office in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The staffing levels of many units in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its missions overseas have been augmented in response to Brexit.  My Department has strengthened the capacity of the Passport Service by recruiting additional permanent staff to respond to the general increase in passport applications.  Those staff are located in the Passport Service offices in Balbriggan, Cork and in Dublin city centre.  In addition, the normal seasonal intake of Temporary Clerical Officers has already commenced.

In Cork specifically, half of the intake of additional Clerical Officers have already commenced employment and the remaining cohort of new officers will join the office in February.  All of the Temporary Clerical Officers assigned to the Passport Service office in Cork for 2019 have already started their contracts.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (89)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

89. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extra preparations he plans to make to facilitate persons and materials travelling through Cork Airport and the Port of Cork in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4133/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

With regard to the facilitation of the travel of persons, under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens may move freely and reside in either jurisdiction.  Both the Government of Ireland and the UK Government have committed to maintaining the CTA in all scenarios.   

 With regard to the movement of goods, increased connectivity and capacity options direct to the EU are a key part of our preparations and contingency planning for Brexit. In this context, the establishment of a new direct route from Cork to Santander in Spain, creating capacity for 35,000 additional freight units annually, is a very positive development.

Based on an assessment of the scale of trade in goods that are moving between Ireland and ports/airports in the UK, infrastructural measures are being progressed in Rosslare Port, in Dublin Port and in Dublin Airport to facilitate the carrying out of the necessary checks and controls that may be required.   

Some €21 billion of Ireland’s exports and imports, including many time-sensitive or perishable goods, are transported by truck on Roll-on/Roll-Off, “RoRo”. shipping services to and through the UK.  Dublin and Rosslare ports handle almost all of this traffic. 

There are no sanitary and Phytosanitary checks carried out in the Port of Cork. Cork Port is however approved to handle bulk shipments of wood and plant based derivatives at the current container terminal in Tivoli and has been engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in respect of its existing third-country trade (bulk wood products).  

We continue to review our infrastructural needs on an ongoing basis and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport's assessment is that there is capacity in other ports, including Cork, should there be a shift from RoRo to alternative services.

Continued investment in Ireland's connectivity through our ports and airports, including Cork Airport and Cork Port, is central to Project Ireland 2040. To this end, the €90 million Port of Cork redevelopment project will bring about improvements to the port infrastructure and connectivity, and will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels, further developing it as an international gateway for trade.

Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 48.

Human Rights Cases

Ceisteanna (91)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

91. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports of violent state backed attacks on LGBT persons in Chechnya (details supplied); and if he has raised this matter with his Russian counterpart. [3962/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government closely follows developments in relation to the treatment of members of the LGBTI community in Russia and, in particular, is well-aware of the widespread reports of the persecution of gay men in Chechnya. When the reports came to notice, senior officials of my Department met the Russian Ambassador to convey the grave concerns of the Government, and of the Irish public, at these reports. During the meeting, officials urged the Russian authorities to fully investigate these allegations, to ensure that any such persecution is ended immediately, to provide all affected persons with the assistance they require, and to ensure the safety of activists and journalists investigating the reports of abuse in Chechnya. Ireland continues to raises its concerns over the treatment of the LGBTI+ community in Russia, and especially in Chechnya, through international fora such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

In November, Ireland, along with 15 other participating States of the OSCE, invoked the Moscow Mechanism to establish a mission of experts to address the concerns surrounding allegations of impunity for reported human rights violations and abuses in Chechnya. The report, published in December, concluded that the evidence confirms the allegations of very serious human rights violations and abuses in the Chechen Republic. The invoking participating States, including Ireland, welcomed the report and its comprehensive list of specific recommendations that could be used by both Russia, including the Chechen Republic, and other participating States moving forward. We further urged Russia to heed the recommendations and work with relevant international institutions – including with the OSCE - to constructively address the issues raised.

Additionally, Ireland regularly makes recommendations on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity through the Universal Periodic Review, UPR, mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council. In May 2018, as part of the UPR of the Russian Federation, Ireland recommended that Russia adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of sexual orientation, including measures to allow LGBTI+ persons to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, without fear of harassment.

The promotion and protection of human rights is a key priority of Ireland’s foreign policy, as outlined in, “The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World". Ireland is committed to promoting the rights of LGBTI+ individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systematic discrimination in many countries across the world.

Human Rights Committees

Ceisteanna (92)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

92. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the inaugural meeting of the business and human rights implementation group which took place on 16 January 2019; the plan of work for the group in 2019; and if the group will be working with semi-State companies here to ensure effective human rights due diligence is taking place. [3964/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The establishment of the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group is a key commitment of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights.  I am very grateful to have secured the agreement of Ms Breege O’Donoghue, formerly Primark’s Group Director of New Markets and Business Development, to chair the Group, which brings together representatives of 23 organisations, from Government Departments and State agencies, the business sector and civil society, to monitor the delivery of the actions identified in the Plan, including those related to due diligence.   

I was pleased to be able to participate in the first meeting of the Group on 16 January.  In my opening remarks, I reiterated my conviction that the implementation of the National Plan must be a collective endeavour and the role of the Group will therefore be critical to its success. I was particularly keen to hear the views from the business and civil society representatives, and overall I was impressed by the positive and constructive ideas put forward.

To guide the work of the Group, my Department commissioned a baseline assessment on the current legislative and regulatory framework for business and human rights in Ireland from independent consultants, in line with another key commitment in the National Plan.  The Group received a short presentation on the draft study and it is expected that a more detailed consideration of its contents, including recommendations for action, will take place at the next meeting of the Group in early April.  The document is currently being finalised and will shortly be uploaded to the website of my Department.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (93)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

93. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the interactions his officials have had with representatives in Stormont regarding the Irish language Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1580/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Respect for linguistic diversity and the Irish language are important elements of the Good Friday Agreement.  A number of elements of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements have not yet been fully implemented, including an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland.  The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent Agreements must be implemented in full.

An Irish Language Act in Northern Ireland to be enacted by the British Government was provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement in 2006.  Regrettably to date, there has been no agreement within the Executive to take forward what is now a devolved matter.

Successive Irish Governments have advocated in favour of an Irish Language Act and continue to do so.

In the Stormont House negotiations in late 2014, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Irish Government representatives sought that the commitment to an Irish Language Act would be honoured and implemented.  Regrettably, it was not possible at the time to reach agreement for such an explicit undertaking.

Nevertheless, in the final text of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the two Governments, recalling commitments from previous Agreements, endorsed the need for respect for and recognition of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.

More recently, in the successive discussions at Stormont that took place between March 2017 and February 2018 to support the formation of a new Executive and the implementation of outstanding commitments from previous Agreements, the Government made consistently clear to the British Government and to all of the political parties our strong support for an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland, as envisaged under the St. Andrews Agreement.

The Tánaiste continues to engage with the British Government and the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland to seek a way forward from the current impasse with a new political process that can secure the effective operation of the devolved institutions and the implementation of outstanding commitments from the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent Agreements.

The Government will also continue to support the Irish language on an all-island basis, including through financial support for the work of Foras na Gaeilge.

Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 76.

Brexit Negotiations

Ceisteanna (95)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

95. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the comments made by Commissioner Schinas on borders at the European Commission press conference on 22 January 2019; and if he has spoken to the Commissioner since. [4073/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following his speculative remarks at the press briefing on 22 January, Commission spokesperson Margaritis Schinas clarified the Commission's position at a press briefing on 23 January, stating that the EU is determined to do all it can, deal or no deal, to avoid the need for a border and to protect peace in Northern Ireland. He added that the EU is fully behind Ireland and has expressed, on numerous occasions, full solidarity with Ireland and that this has not changed. He made clear that the EU will continue to remind the UK of its responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement, deal or no deal. At the same time, he acknowledged that Ireland and the EU have responsibilities as regards the protection of the Single Market and Customs Union.

I welcome this important clarification from the Commission, which demonstrates that Ireland and the EU continue to be at one. It remains the case that ratifying the Withdrawal Agreement agreed between the EU and the UK Government is the best, and realistically the only, way to ensure an orderly Brexit that provides certainty with regard to the full protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, including the avoidance of a hard border. 

The Government has consistently stated unequivocally that we will not accept a hard border on this island. The UK also accepts that avoiding a hard border is essential. 

If the UK Government cannot secure the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, while our objectives and commitments would not change, achieving and honouring them would become more difficult. So the EU and Ireland on one side, and the UK on the other, will have to work intensively together to ensure that we deliver on our shared goal of avoiding the return of a hard border, deal or no deal. We are committed to doing all in our power to ensure that goal is met.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (96)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

96. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of preparedness for a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Work across Government has identified key issues arising in each Brexit scenario, including in a no deal scenario. 

At its meeting of 11 December the Government agreed, that while work on Brexit preparedness for the central case scenario should continue, in light of ongoing political uncertainties and the Brexit deadline of 29 March, greater immediate priority must now be given to preparations for a no deal Brexit.

Following this, the Government published its Brexit Contingency Action Plan on 19 December which sets out detailed sectoral analyses and approaches to mitigating the impacts of a no deal Brexit. Ireland's Action Plan is consistent with and complementary to the approach being taken at EU27 level to prepare for the UK's withdrawal.

On 15 January, further discussion at Cabinet took this work forward in the important areas of transport connectivity and medicines, with Memos brought to Government by Minister Ross and Minister Harris respectively.

While ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's preferred outcome, last week the Government published the general scheme of proposed primary legislative measures required in the event of a no deal Brexit.  

The draft Omnibus Bill focuses on measures protecting our citizens and supporting the economy, enterprise and jobs, particularly in key economic sectors.  

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