Catherine Murphy
Ceist:42. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he plans to open a new consulate general office in Osaka, Japan. [3193/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsular Services
Ceisteanna (42)
Freagraí scríofa
‘Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 sets out the Government’s ambitions for expanding and deepening our international presence, influence and impact. It includes the expansion of Ireland’s Mission network which will deepen our impact across priority regions, provide opportunities to grow our trade and inward investment, strengthen political relationships with our partners, promote our values, and support Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad.
The recently-launched "Global Ireland: Delivering in the Asia Pacific Region to 2025" places this strategy in a regional context and contains measures to significantly enhance Ireland's impact in Japan, including through the development of a new Ireland House in Tokyo.
Ireland enjoys excellent relations with Japan, fostered by our diplomats and State Agencies working together in Tokyo. While the possibility of new Missions is considered on an ongoing basis, Japan is not one of the countries currently earmarked for further expansion of our Mission network.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (43)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:43. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to his Finnish counterpart since the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. [3238/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, I have attended multilateral meetings at which Finland’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, was also present. However, I have not had the opportunity to have formal contact with him. I look forward to meeting him in the future, including at the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 6 March.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (44)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:44. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the three new Irish embassies will be opened in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3502/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2020, Ireland will open three new Embassies in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat. These openings reflect the expansion of Ireland's Diplomatic Network as part of 'Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025'.
These openings will contribute to the expansion and deepening of Ireland's international presence across priority regions, 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.
Planning is currently underway to facilitate the opening of the three Embassies in the second half of the year, subject to the approval of the relevant national authorities.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (45, 46, 49, 52, 53)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the Irish Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he and the European Union will take to protect the Irish fishing industry during the Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3878/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at the General Affairs Council in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 46, 49, 52 and 53 together.
Brexit was not on the agenda for discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 February.
The General Affairs Council on 25 February, adopted a Council Decision authorising the opening of the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK, together with a detailed set of negotiating directives. I also met with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, in Brussels in advance of the General Affairs Council.
The EU mandate sets out the EU’s clear position, based on the Political Declaration agreed between the EU and the UK on 17 October 2019, as well as the European Council guidelines and conclusions. This provides a generous and fair foundation on which a new EU-UK relationship can be built.
There has been extensive interdepartmental co-ordination across Government to ensure that Ireland’s priorities are reflected in the EU mandate. We have also worked closely with our EU partners to ensure that our collective approach to these negotiations reflects our priorities and interests. The mandate reflects the breadth and ambition on the part of the EU for a close and deep partnership with the UK. Of course, the level of ambition for the future partnership on the UK side will also influence what is possible to achieve.
We welcome the continuing focus in the EU mandate on protecting the Good Friday Agreement and on ensuring that issues arising from Ireland's unique geographic situation are addressed, as well as the Common Travel Area. Protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the Peace Process in all circumstances continue to be key priorities for Ireland and these priorities are shared by our EU partners.
The UK Government published its approach to the negotiations on 27 February, in advance of the start of negotiations between the EU and the UK on Monday, 2 March. Negotiation rounds will alternate between London and Brussels, and, on the EU side, will be conducted on behalf of the 27 Member States, by the Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom, under Michel Barnier, and the Commission.
It is welcome that the negotiations have opened in respect of a broad range of issues, as reflected in the mandate, with negotiations planned and underway on:
(i) Trade in Goods
(ii) Trade in Services and Investment and other issues
(iii) Transport (Aviation & Other)
(iv) Horizontal Arrangements and Governance
(v) Energy (Civil Nuclear Co-operation & Other)
(vi) Participation in Union Programmes
(vii) Level Playing Field for open and fair Competition
(viii) Law Enforcement and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters
(ix) Mobility and Social Security Co-ordination
(x) Thematic Co-operation
(xi) Fisheries
Given the UK position that the transition period will not be extended beyond the end of 2020, as Michel Barnier has indicated, it may not be possible to reach agreement on all issues currently being discussed as part of the negotiations in the available time. We will continue to work closely and assess progress with our EU partners as the talks progress.
The Political Declaration sets out a commitment to establish a new fisheries agreement on, inter alia, upholding access to waters and quota shares, within the context of the overall economic partnership. This issue was one which I discussed with Michel Barnier in Brussels last week and I welcome that he has been clear, that fisheries is part of the negotiations package, linked to FTA in goods and level playing field issues.
The work of the period ahead will be to achieve an ambitious and fair partnership that works for the benefit of all, and provides a new and strong foundation for the EU-UK relationship.
At the same time, it is important to see the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement. The link between implementation and Future Relationship negotiations is also reflected in the mandate.
The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement means that, regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will be in place.
The Protocol includes measures to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, maintain the Common Travel Area, the Single Electricity Market and protect continuing North South cooperation. It maintains commitments to ensure no diminution of rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. It confirms that people in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy their rights as EU citizens and reaffirms the EU and UK commitment to the PEACE PLUS programme.
Implementing what has already been agreed between the EU and UK is important in establishing the trust needed for a successful outcome to the Future Relationship negotiations.
During the transition period, running to 31 December 2020, the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland will be overseen by the UK and the EU through the Joint Committee and Specialised Committees established under the Withdrawal Agreement.
The first meeting of the Joint Committee is expected to take place in March, with further meetings in 2020. European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic will represent the EU at the Joint Committee and Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, will represent the UK.
While the Joint Committee and the Specialised Committees are EU-UK fora, Ireland is preparing to engage appropriately in taking this work forward. In accordance with Council Decision 2020/135 of 30 January 2020, a representative of Ireland may accompany the Commission representative in meetings of the Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland where those issues are specific to Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Brexit Preparations
Ceisteanna (47)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of contingency planning for all Brexit scenarios including a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and discussions on a future EU-UK relationship got underway on 2 March. It is important to recall that a range of key issues are resolved by the Withdrawal Agreement (i.e. citizen’s rights, financial settlement and the Northern Ireland Protocol), as well as by the Common Travel Area. The transition period is scheduled to end on 31 December 2020, and while there is provision to extend it by agreement, the British Government has indicated that it does not intend to seek such an extension. This will mean significant change for Government, citizens and businesses when the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. It is important that we all prepare for this change.
Following the end of transition period, the UK will no longer apply the rules of the Single Market and the Customs Union. Even if the EU and UK can achieve an ambitious and deep agreement in such a short timeframe, it will not be the status quo and will involve considerable disruption, change and adjustment. There are significant sectoral and regional variations to the overall economic impact of Brexit with agri-food, fisheries, manufacturing and tourism among the most exposed and vulnerable sectors.
The Contingency Action Plan Update published by Government in July 2019 provided comprehensive overview of No Deal Brexit preparations and mitigation measures. The planning undertaken and lessons learned from no deal preparations will be valuable as we plan for the post transition EU-UK relationship.
Key elements of Brexit preparedness have already been significantly progressed, but will need further work for any future relationship outcome. These include ongoing infrastructure works and resource upgrades at our ports and airports for additional checks and controls on East-West trade; business readiness and supports for the most impacted sectors; risks of supply chain disruption; security of supply of medicines; addressing concerns over potential disruption to the UK landbridge and a communications campaign. Government Departments continue Brexit preparedness and contingency work across all sectors, and given the uncertainties surrounding the possible outcomes of the forthcoming future relationship negotiations, this work will continue to be a priority for the period ahead. Brexit preparedness will be closely aligned with the ongoing negotiations to ensure we are in a position to address challenges as they arise.
No set of arrangements will be able to replicate the access and benefits of the UK being a member of the EU and within the Single Market and Customs Union. Ireland will continue to face these changes with the mutual solidarity and support of our EU partners and with all of the strength that EU membership brings.
Humanitarian Aid
Ceisteanna (48)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the change of status to the EU-Turkey migration deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3696/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Agreement reached between Turkey and the EU in March 2016 represented a landmark effort to respond to the migration crisis and the loss of many hundreds of lives in the Aegean Sea.
A key element of the EU-Turkey Deal was the establishment of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The aim of this Facility is to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey and to bring about long-term sustainable improvements in their health, education and self-reliance. A total of €6 billion, in two tranches of €3 billion, has been mobilised from the EU budget and Member State resources and had been fully committed to specific programmes by the end of 2019, as foreseen. Ireland’s contribution is €38.34 million. Payments under the first tranche are due to continue until 2021 and under the second tranche until 2025.
The issue of a possible further extension of the Facility is currently being considered. Given the scale of humanitarian needs in Turkey, Ireland is supportive of continuing EU efforts to assist in meeting these needs.
While recent events on the Greek-Turkish border have highlighted some of the real difficulties with the implementation of the terms of the Agreement, both the EU and Turkey have reiterated their commitment to its continued implementation. It is essential that the EU-Turkey Agreement is upheld and that Greece, and other States on the EU's external borders, are not left alone.
On the wider migration issue, Ireland has consistently called for all EU Member States to play their part in burden sharing and helping to relieve pressure on frontline Member States. It is essential that we find a consensus based on solidarity and responsibility.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 45.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (50)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the persecution of Christians in many countries throughout the world; if he put forward a specific proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur. We are committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. This commitment to promoting freedom of religion or belief is reaffirmed in Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World. We regularly advocate for effective action to counter the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in all relevant international fora, including within the European Union and United Nations.
The EU's policy in this area is led by the Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief, which were adopted during our Presidency in 2013. At the February Foreign Affairs Council, Council Conclusions were adopted on EU Priorities in UN Human Rights Fora in 2020 which reaffirm the EU's commitment to the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. The EU confirmed that it will condemn persecution, discrimination and violence against persons belonging to religious minorities and communities and the abuse of blasphemy laws, while defending the right for individuals to manifest their religion or belief, to change or leave a religion or belief.
At the United Nations, Ireland engaged actively in EU led initiatives on freedom of religion or belief at the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019 and the 74th session of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in November 2019 and co-sponsored resolutions in both instances.
At the 43rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, currently underway in Geneva, Ireland delivered a national statement reiterating our commitment to promoting freedom of religion or belief and our support for the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
Ireland regularly takes part in other international meetings on freedom of religion or belief and most recently attended the 7th Meeting of the Istanbul Process on combatting religious intolerance and the 11th Meeting of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, both of which took place in The Hague in November last year.
Good Friday Agreement
Ceisteanna (51, 61)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:51. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent polls (details supplied) which indicate growing support for Irish unity; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the result of the most recent poll conducted by a company in February 2020 indicates that the majority of persons in both jurisdictions support a Citizens' Assembly; if a Citizens' Assembly will be established to assess the impact of Irish unity and plan accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRuairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent polls (details supplied) which indicate growing support for Irish unity; if his attention has been further drawn to the result of the most recent poll conducted by companies in February 2020 which indicate that the vast majority of persons in both jurisdictions support a Citizens' Assembly; if he will establish a Citizens' Assembly to assess the impact of Irish unity and plan accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3906/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 61 together.
The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government.
The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South.
The approach of any Irish Government in relation to Irish unity is of course guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998.
Under the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish and British Governments “recognise the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland with regard to its status, whether they prefer to continue to support the Union with Britain or a sovereign united Ireland” and should such a choice be made in the future, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.
The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether nationalist, unionist or neither. The Good Friday Agreement - and the two sovereign Governments - explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of both of these constitutional positions, which are deeply held.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. The decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
I am aware of the opinion polls to which the Deputy refers but, on the balance of evidence at present, this Government does not believe it likely that a border poll in the near future would result in a decision on the part of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland in favour of constitutional change.
In these circumstances, it is the Government’s clear view that such a poll would only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.
The Taoiseach has stated that the Government will continue to listen to and engage with the views of everyone on this island, both on rights issues and on the constitutional future that they wish to see for Northern Ireland – whether nationalist, unionist or neither.
These are extremely important issues which naturally require very careful and serious consideration and the Government will continue to engage and reflect on them.
Over the last year, in response to the range of concerns arising from Brexit, this Government has focused on securing ratification and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement to allow for an ordered Brexit, including a smooth transition period; preparing for the next phase of Brexit negotiations dealing with the future EU-UK relationship; securing the return to effective operation of the power-sharing Executive and Assembly and the North South Ministerial Council; and, ensuring the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the achievements of the Peace Process, as the UK leaves the EU.
Following the result of the Brexit referendum, an All Island Civic Dialogue was established and has met on a number of occasions. We are committed to maintaining the all-island civic dialogue that has worked in the context of Brexit to date but also potentially as a useful structure to discuss future challenges to relationships on the island of Ireland. It should also be noted that the Government has recently established a Citizen’s Assembly to bring forward proposals to advance gender equality, the first meeting of which was held in January. Following this, it is planned that a new Assembly will consider the best method of local government for Dublin.
Questions Nos. 52 and 53 answered with Question No. 45.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (54)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:54. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to assist Irish citizens quarantined in areas in which there is an outbreak of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3882/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has been providing ongoing consular advice and assistance to our citizens overseas who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Our consular efforts were initially focused on Irish citizens in Hubei Province in China but, with the continuing spread of the virus, these have evolved to include a wide range of countries around the world.
We are working closely with domestic, EU and international partners to ensure that we provide the most effective and appropriate support to our citizens where required.
It would not of course be appropriate to discuss the details of any particular consular case. My Department's priority, as always, is to protect the safety and welfare of our citizens overseas. To this end, we are liaising very closely with the public health authorities in Ireland, and taking into account the information and advice provided by the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
In those countries where Irish citizens have been or might be quarantined overseas or affected in other ways, our practice is to engage with the relevant local authorities through our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, to provide the most useful consular advice and assistance. We will continue to do this in close coordination with the Department of Health, the HSE and other relevant domestic partners.
We will also continue to liaise closely with EU and international partners and to coordinate our efforts where possible and if helpful.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (55)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:55. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a report by an organisation (details supplied) on the Cerrejón mine in Colombia titled Undermining Human Rights, Ireland, the ESB and Cerrejón Coal; his views on its findings; and if, considering the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, he has discussed the findings of the report with the ESB. [3883/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the report mentioned by the Deputy. While I have not discussed the details of this specific report with ESB, I wrote to them in September 2019 requesting further information regarding their sourcing of coal from Cerrejón.
I received a response in October 2019 in which the ESB outlined a recent assessment of the mine carried out by Bettercoal. Bettercoal is an organisation established by major coal buyers to ensure coal is being sourced via responsible supply chains, which the ESB joined in 2014. This assessment indicates that the Cerrejón mine's operating principles are essentially in line with the Bettercoal best practice code. Bettercoal has made a number of recommendations to Cerrejón for improvement and increased compliance, on which I understand that the mine has been actively engaging.
My Department has been monitoring issues surrounding the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, including its reported negative impact on the environment and local communities, on an ongoing basis. Our new Embassy in Bogotá has been actively engaging on this issue and our Ambassador to Colombia led an Embassy visit to La Guajira, where the mine is located, in Septembner 2019. I have reported to the Dáil previously on this visit.
In respect of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, the need for effective human rights due diligence mechanisms is one of the issues under consideration by the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group.
The Group is looking at a variety of options, including mandatory human rights due diligence mechanisms, in line with similar provisions in other countries. I will await the outcome of the Implementation Group's deliberations on this issue before moving forward with specific policy proposals.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (56)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:56. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) visited Ireland recently; if important ongoing legal proceedings against some of those involved in their murder is being monitored; and if he has raised the issue with his Honduran counterpart. [3884/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials at my Department met with Berta Zúñiga Cáceres during her recent visit to Ireland. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenging situation for human rights and environmental defenders in Honduras. Officials also expressed condolences on behalf of my Department to Ms Zúñiga Cáceres on the tragic death of her mother, Berta Cáceres, who was murdered in 2016.
I condemn unreservedly violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights, as well as a culture of impunity where it exists. My Department has been following developments regarding the case brought against a number of individuals who have now been convicted of the murder of Ms Cáceres. I would urge the Honduran Government to continue its efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
I was disappointed therefore by the decision of the Government to not renew the mandate of the OAS-sponsored Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH). Ireland fully supports the EU statement issued on 22 January, which stated that the Honduran Government must continue to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, including through legislative reform and the reorganisation of the penal justice system.
Ms Zúñiga Cáceres was joined in her meeting by representatives from Trócaire, which has just launched a report ‘Women Taking the Lead: Defending Human Rights and the Environment’. My Department provides funding to Trócaire in support of its work in Honduras, and other countries in the region.
Trócaire works in partnership with local NGOs in the country and has developed a range of programmes focused on respect for human rights and protection of human rights defenders, resource rights, eradication of violence against women, and disaster risk reduction. Between 2017 and 2018, Trócaire spent over €5.2 million in Honduras, of which over 40% was funded by this Department.
This forms part of the over €7.8m that Ireland provided in funding to civil society organisations working in the country from 2012 to 2018. One of the central priorities supported by this funding has been to ensure that the rights of vulnerable people, victims and survivors of human rights abuses are respected, protected and restored or repaired in a dignified manner.
During Honduras’ most recent UN Universal Periodic Review, Ireland intervened to express its concern at the climate of violence and insecurity in which human rights defenders operate in Honduras, and to recommend that adequate financial and human resources be allocated to ensure the implementation of legislation to protect human rights defenders and journalists.
Following the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ireland has moved our accreditation to Honduras to our Embassy in Mexico, which will enhance our ability to engage on issues on the ground.
We also regularly discuss the situation in Honduras with our EU partners and engage with the EU delegation in Tegucigalpa. The European Union followed the investigation and observed the trial of those accused of Ms Caceres' murder since its beginning.
Officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin, and at our Embassy in Mexico, will continue to monitor events in Honduras closely and to engage with our EU, civil society and international partners on these important issues.
Israeli Settlements
Ceisteanna (57)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:57. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increase in illegal Israeli colonial settlements in Palestine; and the actions he will take in the face of continued Israeli violations of international law. [3885/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's position on settlement expansion, related infrastructure development, demolition of Palestinian homes and other buildings, and forced removal of Palestinians from their homes, is extremely clear. For example, I made a statement in November 2019 reaffirming our long held position, as follows:
“Ireland’s position on Israeli settlements remains clear and unchanged. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention. This is also the EU position.
The views of the international community on settlements have been comprehensively expressed on multiple occasions, including in UN Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016.
Not only are settlements illegal, but they actively undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two-state solution which is in the best interest of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.”
I have also commented publically on the recent increase in settlement announcements in and near East Jerusalem, to which the Deputy refers. My statement released on 21 February following the announcements in Har Homa and Givat Hamatos was as follows:
“I condemn the latest announcement on further settlement construction and expansion in parts of East Jerusalem. All settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is very clearly illegal under international law.
The construction of settlements in the Har Homa and Givat Hamatos areas in East Jerusalem would be a significant step, undermining the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State. I urge the Israeli Government to desist from any further steps in relation to these specific settlement plans, and to halt all settlement construction.”
Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv conveyed Ireland’s position directly to the Israeli authorities on 27 February, along with a number of other EU colleagues. I also welcomed the statement by EU HRVP Borrell on 28 February condemning the recent announcements, including those in Area E1. The Israel/Palestine conflict is also due to be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council later this month.
Ireland’s longstanding support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an integral aspect of our foreign policy, which I will continue to prioritise.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (58)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:58. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to footage of the Israeli military killing a Palestinian civilian near the military fence in Gaza (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3886/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the incident to which the Deputy refers. The circumstances in which this person was killed are unclear, and therefore I will not comment on the events leading to their death.
However, the apparent manner in which the Israeli Defence Forces removed the body of the deceased, as shown in a video and in images widely circulated on social and traditional media, is deeply disturbing. International humanitarian law, as set out in the Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols and elsewhere, includes provisions designed to prevent maltreatment of dead bodies in times of conflict, and to ensure that the deceased are treated decently. I am also concerned by reports of the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians, who attempted to recover the body.
Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law are clear and I call on the Israeli authorities to respect these obligations with due regard for the protection of basic human dignity. It is recalled in this regard that Israel has a duty to investigate possible violations by its armed forces and prosecute if necessary.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (59)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:59. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reconsider the decision to declare that Mr. Juan Guaidó is the President of Venezuela. [3887/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am deeply concerned by the ongoing political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which is having an ever-worsening impact on the population and on neighbouring countries, as over 4.5 million people have left the country since 2015.
I continue to believe that only a peaceful, democratic solution to this crisis will offer the people of Venezuela a return to stability and prosperity. Ireland, together with our EU partners, stand firmly with the Venezuelan people and their legitimate democratic aspirations.
It is important to recall that the Presidential elections which saw Nicolás Maduro re-elected in May 2018 lacked legitimacy. On 6 February 2019, Ireland joined the majority of other EU MS in acknowledging and supporting Mr. Guaidó, President of the democratically elected National Assembly, as President ad interim of Venezuela, in order for him to call for free, fair and democratic presidential elections.
Continued attempts to block the functioning of the National Assembly, the democratic and legitimate body of Venezuela, and the ongoing harassment of its members, have led to a deterioration of the political situation and have impeded efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the crisis in the country.
The actions that took place on 5 January surrounding the planned re-election of the President of the National Assembly were deeply troubling. Ireland fully supports the EU statement issued on that date that condemned the serious irregularities that occurred. This statement also reaffirmed support for Mr Guaidó in his role as President of the National Assembly.
It is essential that the National Assembly is able to carry out the mandate it has received from the Venezuelan people. Respecting democratic institutions and principles and upholding the rule of law are essential conditions to finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis in Venezuela for the benefit of its people.
We will continue to support the reinstatement of democracy and the rule of law, through free and fair elections. The situation was most recently discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on 17 February. Ireland supports EU efforts, including through the International Contact Group (ICG) and Special Adviser Enrique Iglesias, to engage with all relevant actors and stakeholders in an effort to secure and support a Venezuelan-owned solution.
I, along with EU partners, have also regularly voiced support for the Oslo Talks process, facilitated by Norway. While these talks have now been suspended, Ireland encourages both sides to engage in good faith in an inclusive, serious and results-oriented process.
I will continue to monitor the situation in the country closely and engage with my EU colleagues on this important issue.
Election Monitoring Missions
Ceisteanna (60)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:60. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a report by researchers (details supplied) which states that statistical evidence does not support the claim of fraud in the October 2019 election in Bolivia; his views on whether the Organisation of American States should retract its statements regarding the election which have contributed to the political conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3888/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the elections that took place in Bolivia on 20 October 2019 were followed by violence and reports of excessive force by the authorities. On 10 November 2019, the Organisation of American States (OAS) released a preliminary report indicating that it had found clear irregularities, and that it could not verify the result of the October elections.
A further report from the OAS published on 4 December 2019 concluded that there was intentional manipulation and serious irregularities, which had made it impossible to validate the results originally issued by the Bolivian electoral authorities.
I am aware of the report by researchers at the Election Data and Science Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released in the last few days, the findings of which are strongly challenged by the OAS.
Ireland supports EU statements issued in November 2019 which called for a new Electoral Court to be appointed that could offer guarantees of transparent elections, and a return to constitutional normality so that the rule of law, democratic principles and civil right rights are respected, as well as calling for an institutional solution that allowed for a caretaking interim leadership to prepare for new elections.
The Deputy will be aware that new legislative and Presidential elections are now scheduled to take place in Bolivia on 3 May 2020. An exploratory EU mission was deployed to Bolivia from 6-22 January 2020 to assess the usefulness of deploying a full EU election observation mission (EOM) to Bolivia for the May elections.
On 20 February 2020, the EU confirmed that, following an invitation by the Bolivian authorities, it would deploy an EOM to the country to observe the first round of Presidential and legislative elections on 3 May next. The EOM will also observe a possible second round of Presidential elections on 14 June. Ireland is fully supportive of this approach.
My Department will continue to work with our EU counterparts to support Bolivia in its path towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections. We will continue to monitor developments through our Embassy in Buenos Aires, which is accredited to Bolivia.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 51.