Written Answers Nos. 83-102
83. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the launch of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019 on 22 February 2019; and the status of preparations for a possible hard Brexit, as reported in the media (details supplied) on 20 February 2019. [9375/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government published the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019 on 22 February 2019, in line with the schedule announced in January. It is made up of 15 Parts relating to matters within the remits of 9 Ministers.
Prior to its publication, Cabinet met on 3, 15, 22 and 29 January to discuss the provisions of the proposed Bill. The General Scheme of this Bill was published on Thursday, 24 January.
The Consequential Provisions Bill focuses on measures protecting our citizens and supporting the economy, enterprise and jobs, particularly in key economic sectors. It makes provision for continued access to healthcare, social security protection, student support and protection of consumers.
As part of this ongoing work, I briefed the Working Group of Committee Chairs on the General Scheme of the Bill on 13 February. I also briefed the Foreign Affairs Committee, which was attended by members of the European Affairs Committee, on 14 February. Ministers also briefed their relevant sectoral Committees.
In publishing the Bill, the Government provided detailed technical briefing at official level to opposition parties. The Second Stage debate in this House begins today. The Government will continue to work closely with all the opposition parties and Oireachtas members to seek their cooperation in ensuring that the necessary Brexit-related legislation will be concluded in a timely manner and in advance of 29 March 2019.
In addition to the legislative work underway, following the publication of Ireland's Contingency Action plan on 19 December and the European Commission's Plan on 18 December 2019, work has continued on a range of issues and sectors. This work has included developing mitigation measures including business supports and outreach campaigns which do not require primary legislation, as well as detailed engagement at EU-27 level on mitigation measures on an EU-wide basis.
Government has since the beginning of January considered memos outlining challenges and possible mitigation measures on key sectors affected by a no-deal Brexit. Discussions to date have covered a range of key matters including transport connectivity, continuity of supply of medicines, macroeconomic impacts, and implications for agri-food and fisheries.
Public engagements in preparation for a no-deal Brexit have intensified including, for example, a focused outreach to traders led by the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. An update to the Contingency Action Plan was published on 30 January 2019 at a meeting of the Brexit Stakeholder Forum, which also received an update on the intensified work underway.
84. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the rise of anti-Semitism in some European countries; and if the matter was discussed when he met other EU counterparts recently. [9376/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken at EU and international level to address the rise in anti-Semitic attacks worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9461/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the rise of anti-Semitism in certain European Union member states has been addressed or discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9462/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 101 and 102 together.
Ireland strongly condemns all manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including anti-Semitism. We attach great importance to combating all forms of persecution and discrimination based on race, religion or belief, and incitement to racism and religious hatred. Ireland is strongly committed to the promotion and protection of tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief. This commitment is reaffirmed in the Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World and more recently in the Programme for Partnership Government.
Through our multilateral engagement, Ireland consistently raises the issues of racism and intolerance and advocates for inclusive societies at the UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC) through the Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and at the European Union.
Ireland also participated in the "United Nations General Assembly Session on Anti-Semitism" in 2015, making a national statement which emphasised the importance of combating all forms of persecution based on race, religion and belief, and incitement to racism and religious hatred. More recently, in 2018, at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, I joined other representatives from other countries in saying "No2antisemitism".
During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013, Ireland played a key role in the development and adoption of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. These Guidelines provide a framework for the promotion of freedom of religion and belief in the EU’s external human rights policy. Additionally, in 2015 Ireland pressed for the inclusion of a reference to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019. This has ensured the EU’s continuing engagement on this issue.
Twenty-five EU Member States are among the 32 members of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which Ireland joined in 2011. IHRA unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance, and promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research worldwide and to uphold the commitments of the 2000 Stockholm Declaration. Member countries recognise that international political coordination is imperative to strengthen the moral commitment of societies and to combat growing Holocaust denial and antisemitism. I also attended and participated in the National Holocaust Memorial Day in Dublin on 27th January this year, during which I read aloud an excerpt from the Stockholm Declaration.
85. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the changes citizens of the UK living here post Brexit will face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8990/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK is leaving the EU and some things are going to change. However, British citizens in Ireland are not required to take any action to protect their status and rights associated with the Common Travel Area (CTA), a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland which means British citizens can move freely to live, work, and study in Ireland on the same basis as Irish citizens and vice versa. Associated reciprocal rights and privileges also include access to health care, social security and the right to vote in local and national parliamentary elections on the same basis as citizens of the other jurisdiction. After the UK leaves the EU, British citizens in Ireland will continue to enjoy these rights, in any scenario.
Both the Irish and British Governments have committed to the maintenance of the CTA and the associated rights and entitlements of Irish and British citizens in any circumstance. To that end, both Governments have committed to undertaking all the work necessary, including through legislative provision to ensure that the Common Travel Area rights and privileges are protected. Considerable progress has been achieved bilaterally with the UK over the past year involving several Departments in what has been a whole-of-Government exercise. Ireland’s shared aim with the UK throughout has been to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made in both countries so that the CTA can function effectively after the UK leaves the EU.
Protecting and maintaining the Common Travel Area and the associated rights and privileges is a key part of our contingency planning and preparations. On 22 February, the Government published the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019. This includes the legislation required immediately in a no-deal scenario. The Bill provides for continued access to healthcare, social security protection, student support, protection of consumers, and justice and security measures, in support of the Common Travel Area. The Government is working with the Oireachtas to ensure that the Omnibus Bill is in place by 29 March.
86. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 14 February 2019, the meaning of weapons intended for use in international crisis management and peace support operations; and if examples of exemptions granted in such circumstances over the past two decades will be provided by the international crisis management event and peace support operation in question. [8993/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has primary responsibility for the regulation of civil aircraft.
Civil aircraft are prohibited from carrying weapons or munitions of war through Irish airspace and airports unless an exemption has been obtained in advance from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. In considering requests made by commercial carriers, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport seeks the advice of other Departments, including my Department, on any foreign policy issues that may arise.
My Department's provision of advice is guided by and accords with Ireland's longstanding policy of military neutrality. As such, my Department generally recommends against granting exemptions to carry munitions of war except for flights carrying troops and their unloaded personal weapons or for those intended for use in international crisis management and peace support operations.
While it is not the practice to comment on individual applications, I can advise that instances of my Department not having provided a negative recommendation over the last two decades include an application in 2009 for carriage of munitions destined for the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Chad and similar applications in 2014, 2016 and 2017 for equipment in support of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Lebanon. However, the decision to authorise or refuse applications for exemptions is a matter for the Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
87. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if correspondence from a person (details supplied) has been reviewed; if so, the reason no reply has issued; when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9045/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 80 of 30 January 2019, 61 of 6 February 2019 and 84 of 20 February 2019, which relate to this matter. I understand that there was communication from my Department to the Deputy on this matter on 21 February.
The candidate's application has been referred to an Appeals Panel for review. The Panel is nearing completion of its deliberations, following which all appellants will be contacted.
My Department wrote to the individual in question on 18 February 2019 on the question of allowing a possible reasonable accommodation for disability at appeal stage. Consideration of this request, including the procurement of the necessary legal advices, delayed finalisation of the Appeals Panel's deliberations.
88. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken at EU and international level against countries in the Middle East in which there are flagrant abuses of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9095/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and protection of human rights internationally is a foreign policy priority for Ireland, as set out in The Global Island, Ireland's Foreign Policy document. Multilateral engagement, both in a national capacity and through the EU, is fundamental for adhering to this objective. Ireland works closely with our EU and UN partners in the multilateral fora to monitor compliance with international human rights standards.
Human Rights concerns are an integral part of Ireland’s and the EU’s relations with all of the states across the Middle East region. Discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), whether on the Middle East or other areas, frequently touch on human rights concerns. For example, recent FAC discussions on Syria in February 2019, Iran in December 2018 and Libya in October 2018 all touched on these issues. In February 2019, the FAC adopted Council Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN human rights fora, which reaffirmed the EU commitment to the UN Human Rights system and made specific mention of human rights concerns in countries throughout the Middle East.
Ireland frequently raises issues of human rights abuses, in a national capacity, through the human rights mechanisms of the UN including the Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York.
At the UN Human Rights Council’s most recent completed session in September 2018, Ireland raised many concerns under Item 4, as being human rights situations requiring the Council's attention. The situations about which we expressed Ireland's concern included reports of attacks in Yemen resulting in civilian casualties; the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and efforts to prevent outside observers from scrutinising Israel's conduct of the occupation; and restrictions on civil society space and the treatment of human rights defenders in Bahrain. During this HRC session, Ireland also made a national intervention during the Interactive Dialogues with the Commissions of Inquiry on Syria. Ireland will raise a number of human rights concerns in relation to the Middle East in the current session of the Human Rights Council, which opened this week.
The UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is another important mechanism for taking action to highlight human rights violations. Ireland used the UPR session on Yemen in January 2019 to highlight grave breaches of international humanitarian law and challenges to humanitarian access. Ireland made several recommendations to the Government of Yemen including: to engage with the work of the Group of Eminent and Regional Experts appointed by the Human Rights Council; to monitor and report on the situation of human rights in Yemen; and to take all steps necessary to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.
Human rights will continue to be a key element in Ireland's policy on the Middle East, as they are elsewhere in the world. We will continue to use the most effective and appropriate means to promote respect for human rights, whether this is public statements, bilateral contacts, or indeed working through the EU and UN to highlight the importance the international community attaches to this issue.
89. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the persecution of Christians in the Middle East has been raised at the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities. We strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where it occurs or who the victims are. We attach great importance to combating discrimination based on religion or belief, and incitement to religious hatred.
We strive to protect and promote human rights through our work at the EU, the UN, and other international fora. In addition, Ireland frequently raises and will continue to raise the issue of the persecution of minorities through its official bilateral contacts, stressing the responsibility of governments to protect all citizens and minorities, irrespective of their religion or belief.
At EU level, Ireland played a key role in the adoption by the EU of guidelines on freedom of religion or belief during our Presidency in 2013. These guidelines provide a framework for the promotion of this right in the EU's external human rights policy. My EU counterparts and I regularly discuss conflicts in the Middle East at the Foreign Affairs Council, and the need to protect the rights of minority groups is frequently underlined. For instance, the Council adopted conclusions on the Syrian conflict in April 2018, underlining the need for accountability, including for crimes committed against religious, ethnic and other groups and minorities. In addition, the January 2018 Council conclusions on Iraq reiterated the EU’s firm and active commitment to the preservation of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-confessional nature of Iraqi society, including the protection of its minority groups. Last week, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions on the EU priorities in UN Human Rights Fora which commit the Union to continue to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief and to condemn persecution of religious minorities across the world.
During the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in September 2017, Ireland strongly condemned all forms of persecution and violence committed on the basis of religion or belief and called on all States to prevent such acts, highlighting our concern, in particular, regarding the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East. Addressing the high-level segment of the 37th session of the HRC in February 2018, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, highlighted threats to freedom of religion and belief and minority religious communities worldwide, including those of Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í faiths.
Ireland also uses the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a mechanism of the HRC, to remind countries under review of their obligation to advance fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, under international human rights law.
Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. These communities are part of the historic fabric of their societies and countries, and in most cases they have lived peacefully alongside neighbours of different faiths for many centuries. The political turmoil which has overwhelmed many countries in that region in recent years has led to increased concerns about the safety of several religious minorities and other minority groups. ISIS, in particular, has brutally attacked and murdered many communities and groups of people for their religious beliefs. In response to this, Belgium hosted the third international Ministerial Conference on the Victims of Ethnic and Religious violence in the Middle East in May last, year, at which I spoke.
We believe that the interests of minority groups are best served by pursuing the general goal of pluralism, and we are wary of singling out specific groups in a way which may inadvertently put them at risk. The only sure means of securing the protection of Christian communities and other minorities across the Middle East is through the promotion of sustainable political solutions to the conflicts which have for so long destabilised the region, and have been the key factor in the promotion of radical and extremist ideologies.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief in the Middle East, and across our foreign policy.
90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to assist persons in Rukban, Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9097/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation inside Syria, with an estimated 13.1 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The situation in Rukban, where around 40,000 people are located in a makeshift settlement, remains particularly challenging due to the difficulties in securing access for humanitarian aid.
Ireland continues to call for full unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers to all parts of Syria. This Department continues to engage closely with the United Nations to support its attempts to secure access for humanitarian assistance to Rukban.
I welcome the 6 February convoy to Rukban jointly organised by the United Nations in Syria and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) convoy to Rukban. The UN and SARC delivered a one-month food ration to over 8,000 families, along with shelter materials and core relief items, including blankets, sleeping mats and water containers. 10,000 dignity kits were distributed to women and girls, while critical nutritional supplies were provided to young children. Essential medicine and equipment were provided, and thousands of children were provided with vaccines, educational materials and recreational materials.
While the delivery of this vital assistance is welcome, the Government shares the assessment of the UN that sustained access is needed and that a dignified long-term solution, enabling people at the site to decide voluntarily and safely how to return to normal life in a place of their choosing, is required.
Ireland has provided over €118 million in humanitarian assistance since the conflict in Syria began. At the upcoming Brussels III Conference in March we will continue providing much needed funding for humanitarian assistance and supporting the protection of civilians, freedom of movement and sustained access for humanitarian workers.
But the human suffering caused by the Syrian conflict, including Rukban, can only be brought to an end by reaching a sustainable political solution. Ireland fully supports UN efforts to lead political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254.
91. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with Mr. Michel Barnier in Brussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9103/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with Michel Barnier on 18 February, in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. We discussed the state of play with regard to the Article 50 process and reviewed political developments in London. We also discussed ongoing contacts between the EU and UK teams on foot of the meeting between Prime Minister May and President Juncker on 4 February when it was agreed that their teams will hold talks on whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK Parliament for the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement and respect the EU’s position.
Mr Barnier and I remain firmly of the view that the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal which fully protects the Good Friday Agreement is to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement as endorsed by the European Council and agreed with the British Government. The European Council has made clear that it stands by the Withdrawal Agreement and that it is not open for renegotiation. Mr. Barnier repeated to me the EU's openness to work further on the Political Declaration as we look to the future relationship and the question of the seeking of alternative arrangements to replace the backstop in the future.
Mr Barnier reaffirmed his commitment to the backstop provisions contained in the Agreement, which is the only agreement on the table that provides the essential legal guarantee to avoid a hard border in any circumstances and protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts.
I also provided Mr. Barnier with an update on Ireland's preparedness for Brexit, including for a no-deal outcome, drawing his attention in particular to the imminent publication of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019. I also thanked Mr Barnier for the Commission’s continued helpful and constructive engagement in this area, and their understanding of the particular challenges faced by Ireland. Mr. Barnier reaffirmed this support and commended Ireland for its comprehensive and intensive preparedness work.
I and my colleagues across Government and our officials will remain in close and frequent communication with the Commission and our EU partners in the coming weeks as we face into another crucial period for the Brexit process.
92. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the options available to a person (details supplied) to renew a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, all passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Acts 2008 (as amended). Before a passport can issue, the Passport Service must be satisfied as to the identity of the applicant and that he or she is an Irish citizen.
It appears from details provided by the Deputy that the person in question is not an Irish citizen and has never held an Irish passport. If this is the case, before the person can apply for an Irish passport they must first become an Irish citizen. If the person to whom the Deputy refers cannot claim Irish citizen through birth or descent, he may wish to consider applying for Irish citizenship through naturalisation. The naturalisation process comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality. Following receipt of a naturalisation certificate, an application can be made for an Irish passport.
A first-time passport applicant can submit their application using Passport Express, a service available at all post offices, or by appointment at the Passport Service public counter at the offices in either Dublin or Cork. The fee for a passport for all adults is €80 through Passport Express or, if applying at the public counter, it is €95.
93. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of conferences staff of his Department have attended in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the number of staff who attended each conference; the cost of same in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9170/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the nature of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a significant number of staff are expected to attend conferences relating to their roles and responsibilities. Staff must consult with and receive approval from line managers for attendance at conferences. Approval of payment of fees for conferences is in accordance with standard departmental limits for the authorisation of payments. Participation by staff in headquarters and across our network of missions overseas at conferences is not recorded centrally.
The Training and Development Unit of my Department supported attendance at a number of conferences in Ireland in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, details of which are supplied below. Conference attendance related to development aid is supported through Vote 27 (the number of staff attending is unavailable).
|
Vote 28 Conference Fees |
|||
|
Year |
Number of Conferences Attended |
Number of Staff Attending |
Costs |
|
2017 |
27 |
43 |
€12,193.09 |
|
2018 |
24 |
35 |
€12,988.70 |
|
2019 |
1 |
1 |
€100 |
|
Vote 27 Conference Fees |
||
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
€5248.95 |
€5361.71 |
€0 |
94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on advertising and-or sponsorship in respect of conferences external and internal, respectively, in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, by conference; the aggregate amount for each year; the amount available in the remainder of 2019 to fund same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged in advertising and/or sponsorship, in some cases co-sponsorship, for a number of conferences held in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to date. The detail is set out in the tables below.
|
Year |
Conference |
Aggregate Amount |
Notes |
|
2017 |
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum |
€4,000 |
Promotion and marketing costs. The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum is an annual trade promotion and networking forum which takes place in tandem with the Asia Gaelic Games. |
|
Year |
Conference |
Aggregate Amount |
Notes |
|
2018 |
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum |
€4,000 |
Promotion and marketing costs. The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum is an annual trade promotion and networking forum which takes place in tandem with the Asia Gaelic Games. |
|
2018 |
Royal Irish Academy Annual Conference of the Standing Committee on International Affairs |
€1,000 |
Sponsorship of the conference. |
|
2018 |
Five public consultations on new Irish Aid policy |
€7,806.91 |
Advertising in Regional Newspapers/Connacht Tribune €7,007.41 and graphic design for Newspaper adverts €799.50. |
|
2018 |
“Africa and the International Criminal Court: Challenges and Prospects” |
€2,417 |
The Department together with the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway co-sponsored a public lecture delivered by Judge Bossa of The International Criminal Court entitled “Africa and the International Criminal Court: Challenges and Prospects”. The Department hosted an event on the occasion of the lecture. |
|
2018 |
17th session of the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, The Hague, 5-12 December 2018 |
€1,208 |
Embassy of Ireland, The Hague co-sponsored an event with the International Criminal Court Trust Fund for Victims in the margins of the 17th session of the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, The Hague, 5-12 December 2018. |
|
Year |
Conference |
Aggregate Amount |
Notes |
|
2019 |
Country Partner – Global Business Summit, Mumbai |
€22,500 |
The annual Global Business Summit organised by the Economic Times is India’s premier business summit. In 2019, Ireland is the summit’s Country Partner. It is a strategic business opportunity for Ireland to raise our visibility in a region where we are working to raise our profile further. The central element is a dedicated panel discussion with an audience of approx. 75 business leaders. |
95. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in his Department who attended a summit (details supplied) in Dublin in 2017 and 2018, respectively; the cost to his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department; if his Department or an agency under the remit of his Department undertook advertising or sponsorship in respect of the summit; the cost of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9204/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017 one staff member from my Department attended the summit referenced at a cost of €465. No staff members attended in 2018 and my Department did not advertise or provide sponsorship to the summit in either 2017 or 2018.
96. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the Irish Consulate General offices in Los Angeles, Cardiff and Frankfurt will be opened. [9344/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe opening of the Irish Consulate General offices in Los Angeles, Cardfif and Frankfurt are included in the second phase of the Mission Network expansion taking place as part of 'Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025'. This will involve the expansion and deepening of Ireland's international presence across priority regions, to provide opportunities to grow our trade and inward investment, strengthen our political relationships with our partners, promote our values, and support Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad.
Cardiff is currently on schedule for opening in Q2 2019 with the missions in Los Angeles and Frankfurt targeted for opening in Q4 2019.
97. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of the fifth plenary session of the all-island civic dialogue held on 15 February 2019 by each expenditure item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9369/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fifth plenary session of the All-Island Civic Dialogue took place on Friday 15 February 2019 in Dublin Castle. Over 400 representatives across industry and civic society attended the plenary session and were provided with updates on the Government’s ongoing preparations for Brexit, with an emphasis on the all-island aspects.
Panel discussions during the day focused on how citizens will be affected by Brexit across the island, as well as how businesses are preparing for Brexit, with an emphasis on the preparations for a no-deal scenario.
This meeting of the Civic Dialogue followed four previous successful plenary sessions held since November 2016. This was combined with over 20 sectoral dialogues on specific areas including Agrifood, Transport, Energy, Tourism and Hospitality, and Education. These allowed stakeholders to provide expertise that shaped the Government strategy on Brexit.
The table below details provisional costs for the fifth plenary session. The exact final figure will be available once all final invoices are received.
|
Item |
€ |
|
Branding |
484.62 |
|
Graphic Design |
1801.95 |
|
Cloakroom |
295.2 |
|
Technical Services |
10098.3 |
|
Printing |
781.05 |
|
Catering |
7908.9 |
|
Hotel |
430.5 |
|
Photographer |
984 |
|
Total |
22784.52 |
98. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of passport waiting times; the length of time online applications are taking to process; the length of time postal express applications are taking to complete; the number of applications the Passport Office has dealt with to date in 2019; if the number has increased from the same period in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9383/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service offers a range of convenient channels for the submission of passport applications by Irish citizens at home or abroad. These include a postal application system, known as Passport Express, an online passport renewal service, and a counter service for applicants who have immediate travel plans.
The Passport Service recently expanded the Online Passport Renewal Service to include renewal of children's passports. The online service brings significant benefits for citizens with faster turnaround times of 10 working days for all online applications, excluding postage. In addition, the cost of renewing a passport online is cheaper than alternative methods, with fees for all online applications being reduced by €5 across all application types.
The current processing times for postal applications submitted through Passport Express depend on the category of application. Renewal applications are currently being processed within the target turnaround time of 15 working days plus postage time. First-time applications and applications from citizens who are applying to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport are being processed in 16 working days plus postage time, 4 days ahead of the target turnaround time of 20 working days.
In January 2019, the passport service received 97,389 passport applications. This compares to 76,565 received in January 2018.
The Passport Service monitors the volume of applications on an ongoing basis to ensure that resources are available to meet demand. Measures taken to address anticipated application increases and seasonal demand include increased staff allocation and a number of technology and customer service initiatives.
99. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the bank account of an organisation (details supplied) has been closed, consequently making it difficult for the organisation to undertake its work; the action he has taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9399/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA commercial bank is not, as a general matter, obliged to provide services to any specific customer. However, it would be disappointing if any civil society organisation engaging in lawful activities in this country was unable to function due to issues in accessing banking services. The operation of a healthy civil society is an essential element of a democracy.
In the present case, I have not been made aware of any difficulties or issues experienced by this organisation in relation to banking services in Ireland. It would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment.
100. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the accommodations and-or special dispensations afforded to applicants with disabilities with respect to the rapid response corps and electoral observation mission rosters; if the relevant equality monitoring has been carried out in respect of these rosters; the number of such accommodations and-or special dispensations granted with respect to both rosters in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9418/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is a facility for persons with a disability to act as election observers; if the competition run by his Department to select observers encompasses persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9615/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 105 together.
I refer the Deputies to the responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 153 of 5 February 2019, 58 of 7 February 2019, 124 of 12 February 2019 and 129 of 19 February 2019.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade facilitates participation in a range of volunteering opportunities overseas. Typically these opportunities involve placement with, or by, third party organisations and are facilitated by the Department through a range of rosters, registers, initiatives and programmes. Depending on the role and local context, volunteers may need to be able to operate in challenging circumstances. It should be noted that volunteer roster members are neither members of the Department’s staff, nor persons to whom the Department provides a service.
Where prospective volunteers with a disability request a reasonable accommodation arrangement, including to facilitate their mustering as a volunteer, my Department will liaise with the individual and the third party organisation concerned with a view to determining whether a reasonable accommodation can be made having regard to the specific circumstance of the individual and the nature of the volunteering role envisaged.
In the event that a member of the election observation roster with a disability asks that arrangements be made to faciltate participation in a particular mission, the Department would contact the EU or OSCE, as appropriate, to discuss the request. The decision to make that facilitation would be for the body concerned. My Department would request that the relevant body take consideration of the individual's skills and specific needs, and also the whether the arrangements sought could reasonably be provided, taking into account the security, infrastructure and logistical environment. This would need to be done on a mission-by-mission basis. While Ireland nominates observers, the final selection decision rests with the relevant third party organisation.
More broadly, Ireland's policy on overseas volunteering is set out in the Volunteering Initiative, which promotes skills-based, sustainable volunteering overseas, working in partnership with third parties. The forthcoming launch of a new White Paper on International Development provides an opportunity to review our approach to overseas volunteering to ensure that it keeps pace with the evolving discourse on volunteering for development, and also with the development of best practice on promoting equality and diversity at home and abroad. The Department will consult with relevant stakeholders to take this work forward.
The Department is not aware that any member of the Rapid Response Corps roster or any member of the previous election observation roster, who was nominated to participate in an overseas mission in 2017 or 2018, requested an accommodation or dispensation regarding a disability. To date in 2019 no such requests have been received from those shortlisted to either roster. In the event that a request is received the Department will consult with the EU, OSCE or UN as appropriate, to determine the reasonable accommodations which can be made in the mission concerned, having due regard to the individual's needs and also the security, logistical and other conditions of the mission.
Regarding the recent election roster selection process, as has been outlined in the responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 59 of 23 January and 61 and 65 of 6 February 2019, no applicant in that process raised the issue of disability at the time of applying. Had any applicant done so, the issue would have been given our full consideration. In such an event, and notwithstanding that this is a volunteer roster, the Department's approach would have been informed by the reasonable accommodation procedures followed by the Public Appointments Service.
