Written Answers Nos. 394-413
394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which efforts continue to be made to bring about peaceful settlement in the Middle East with particular reference to the need for ongoing peace talks as a platform to deal with ongoing grievances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to bring about peaceful and equitable resolution in Gaza at EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 396 together.
I have given a high priority to the Middle East Peace Process since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2017, and I will continue to do so as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence. I have personally been very engaged in efforts to keep the Israeli-Palestinian conflict high on the international agenda, including the situation in the Gaza Strip, and I have made four working visits to Israel and Palestine, most recently in December 2019.
Ireland remains ready to support any peace initiative that respects the international parameters for a two-state solution and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and provides a basis to meet the aspirations of both peoples.
The Middle East Peace Process is regularly discussed in meetings of EU Foreign Ministers, and was addressed in a Ministerial videoconference meeting on 15 May. In advance of that meeting, I and senior officials in my Department discussed the issue with a large number of EU Member States to encourage a clear and united position, particularly on the matter of annexation. At the meeting there was broad agreement that the EU and its Member States should convey our concerns directly to the new Israeli Government. That outreach is ongoing. I welcome the very clear statements by EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell who has stated that annexation could not pass unchallenged and would inevitably have significant negative consequences for the EU-Israel relationship.
I myself have also raised these concerns with the current Israeli Government in recent days. My officials continue to convey our views to the Israeli authorities. I have also outlined my serious concerns about possible annexation in discussions with US representatives.
Ireland has long worked to keep attention on Gaza. In my most recent visit to Gaza in December 2019, I saw for myself the impact of the blockade. Ireland contributes humanitarian assistance to alleviate the worst of this suffering, including through our support for UNRWA, which is a key provider of public services, health and education in Gaza. I have initiated an Irish-funded solar power project in Gaza, which will help improve water quality in the area. More recently, my Department allocated additional funding to support the medical response to COVID 19 in the Gaza Strip.
However, the roots of the problem in Gaza are political and cannot be solved by funding alone. What is needed is the lifting of the blockade, so that normal life and normal economic activity can resume. Gaza faces other challenges, including oppressive rule by Hamas, but the blockade dominates peoples’ lives in Gaza to such an extent that it is difficult to address other issues. I have raised the issue of the blockade with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
I will continue to work to keep this issue high on the international agenda and to prioritise the Middle East Peace Process, amongst other issues, as we prepare to take up our seat on the UN Security Council in January 2021.
395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to ensure the continued stability in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland continues to be a friend and supporter of the Western Balkans, and we continue to advocate for the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans to the European Union, believing this to be the best path for the continued peace and prosperity of the region.
The EU agreed to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in March this year, and Member States are currently considering negotiating frameworks and updates for each country. Once these are agreed, ideally before the end of the year, formal negotiations can begin.
The enlargement process itself has been reformed, in order to enhance credibility through a stronger focus on fundamental reforms, facilitate greater political control of the process, and insert more dynamism through organising chapters into thematic clusters. Predictability will be increased by giving more clarity on the positive consequences of reforms, as well as negative consequences for backsliding or stagnation. This revised methodology will increase the stability benefits of participating in the accession process for current and future candidate countries.
Serbia and Montenegro continue to make progress on their accession path. Montenegro now has all chapters open, and Serbia has 18 out of 35 chapters open. Both must now make a concerted effort to improve on rule of law issues, while Serbia must improve its CFSP alignment and normalise relations with Kosovo.
On the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, the new EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajcak, has made significant efforts to bring all stakeholders back to the negotiating table and to ensure that the European interest in maintaining stability in the region is represented. Progress in these talks will be essential for both Serbia and Kosovo to move forwards on their European path. Ireland enjoys very positive relations with both countries and continues to provide personnel who serve with both the KFOR and EULEX missions in Kosovo.
Twenty-five years on from the Srebrenica genocide and the Dayton Accords, Bosnia and Herzegovina still has much work to do before it can apply for candidate status. Ireland shares the EU position that the prospect of EU membership is a powerful agent for the promotion of reform and stability in the country, and to that end we support the work of the EUSR’s Office in Sarajevo. Ireland also continues to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability through contributions to the EU peacekeeping force, EUFOR Althea.
The EU, with Ireland’s support, has also made a concerted effort to ensure that the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic do not destabilise the Western Balkans. In April, the Commission announced a financial package worth over three billion Euros to help address immediate health needs as well as assist with the social and economic recovery of the region.
397. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which staffing levels at each embassy throughout the EU and the rest of the world have been or will increase due to the potential demand and extra responsibilities arising in the aftermath of Brexit and to ensure that the diplomatic footprint of Ireland is maximised in order to compete at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraManaging the response to Brexit continues to be a priority for my Department. The approach has been to prioritise effective policy and operational measures across the Department to manage Brexit impacts, with additional staff assigned or recruited as required.
The staffing of key divisions at Headquarters with responsibility for Brexit matters, namely the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas (IUKA) Division, has been reinforced to cover the challenges arising from the UK exit process. Significant demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and in Britain continues and additional staffing is in place in Passport and Consular services to ensure an adequate customer-service response. Many business units of the Department at headquarters in Dublin continue to be involved in the response to the UK exit, including the Legal Division, the Trade Division and the Policy Planning Unit. Overseas, new posts were established in Embassies in London, Madrid, Berlin, Paris, Rome, The Hague and Warsaw as well as at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels.
The 'Global Ireland 2025' initiative will continue to support efforts to grow and diversify export markets, inward investment and tourism and underpin economic recovery. The strategy will ensure that Ireland is better positioned to build the alliances necessary to advance its interests and defend national positions in a post-Brexit EU, while also helping to secure our deep and positive relationship with the UK and its constituent parts into the future.
Since 2018, new Embassies were opened in Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Monrovia and Santiago de Chile, and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Mumbai, Cardiff, Los Angeles and Frankfurt. This brings to ninety the number of diplomatic Missions in the network. The expansion will continue and planning for new Embassies in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat is underway. The Programme for Government provides for the opening of a Consulate in the north of England and for further strengthening of the diplomatic and state agency network across the European Union and it's neighbourhood.
The new diplomatic and consular missions enhance Ireland's international visibility; promote our prosperity by developing high level business, community and political contacts; protect and advance Ireland's interests and values in Europe and beyond.
These measures to strengthen staffing in the existing Mission network remain under review. The Department will reassign or allocate additional staff resources as necessary to further augment our level of support across Government and the diplomatic network to respond to the challenges of Brexit.
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which positive steps continue to be taken to influence the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's priorities for the Future of Europe are closely aligned with the delivery of the EU Strategic Agenda as agreed last year at the June 2019 European Council.
These priorities include: protecting citizens and freedoms; developing a strong and vibrant economic base; completing the Single Market fit for the digital age; building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe; and promoting European interests on the global stage, including through developing a more effective political dialogue between the EU and Africa.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the progress on delivering that Agenda - and we recognise that the methods, means, and time-frames for achieving these priorities will require additional flexibility as we work to ensure that all Member States achieve a full recovery together.
We also recognise that Europe cannot recover from this crisis without the support and trust of our citizens. The proposed Conference on the Future of Europe will provide an opportunity to consider the challenges we face and our policy priorities in addressing them. The Conference provides a forum for us to build and strengthen that trust and ensure that new policies and strategies reflect the needs and concerns of our citizens.
399. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the commitment to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in his Department's Strategy and Work Plan 2020-2025; his plans to monitor and report annually on progress towards achieving the goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19119/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2021-2025, which is currently being prepared, and the relevant business plans, will continue to reflect the centrality of the SDGs and Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030.
Ireland played a unique and central role in the process to agree Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as co-chair, alongside Kenya of the final intergovernmental negotiations. The SDG vision of a safer, more peaceful, equal and sustainable world is reflected in Ireland’s foreign policy and underpin Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World.
There is a whole-of-Government approach to SDG implementation to the implementation of the SDGs at home, and to contribute to their achievement internationally, so that no one is left behind.
Overall political oversight for Ireland's SDG implementation is provided through the Cabinet, with each Minister having specific responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their Ministerial functions. An interdepartmental working group coordinates action across Government on the SDGs and officials from my Department participate in this as well as the national SDG stakeholder forum. My Department is of course also actively engaged in international forums in SDG implementation particularly through the United Nations system.
As part of the follow-up and review arrangements, countries deliver national SDG progress reports (or Voluntary National Reviews) to the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF), the main body charged with assessing progress towards the SDGs globally. Ireland presented its first Voluntary National Review to the HLPF in July 2018: the next Voluntary National Review is due in 2022. In reporting at both HLPF and national levels, Ireland uses the official EU SDG indicator set to assess its SDG progress, while also presenting the national policy measures and frameworks through which Ireland is implementing these SDGs. At this year’s virtual HLPF, my colleague Minister Ryan reiterated the Government’s commitment to meeting the ambitious targets set in Agenda 2030.
400. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the concerning activities relating to the murder of an investigate journalist (details supplied) in Malta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19129/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the recent developments related to the case of the October 2017 murder of investigative journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia.
While it is not our practice to comment on ongoing criminal investigations in other EU Member States, Ireland and our EU partners have condemned in absolute terms the murder of Ms Caruana Galizia, which represents an attack on freedom of expression; a fundamental right in any democracy. It is essential for a healthy democracy that journalists feel safe to pursue their work, free from the threat of intimidation, harassment and violence.
Together with EU partners, we have called for a thorough and independent investigation into the murder of Ms Caruana Galizia. In a case such as this, it is vitally important that there is trust in the integrity of the investigation and the primacy of the rule of law.
Our Ambassador in Malta has attended the public inquiry into Ms Caruana Galizia’s murder, which started in December 2019. The Ambassador has also met with family members of Ms Caruana Galizia. Together with the representatives of several other EU Member States, Ireland will continue to actively monitor the situation.
401. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the commitment to forge alliances with other EU Member States with which Ireland shares common goals and interests as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government makes a commitment to forge alliances with other Member States with which we share common goals and interests. This is a vital objective that is necessary in order to ensure we can advance our overall national interests within the EU and internationally.
Since the Brexit vote, Ireland has engaged in an unprecedented campaign of outreach and visits across the EU to help advance our interests and build alliances for the future. Strong and unified Member State solidarity with Ireland over Brexit was achieved in part thanks to greater investment in these relationships.
Ireland's natural allies vary by issue and we need to be able to be versatile and adaptable in building coalitions to amplify our positions. To be effective in doing so, we need to be properly engaged with all Member States.
Ireland’s Embassy network across Europe continues to be strengthened. We maintain diplomatic missions in all Member States - and have increased the size of our diplomatic teams in our Embassies in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Baltics, among others.
Following Strategic Reviews of our relationships with France and Germany, we are implementing an ambitious range of actions to strengthen and deepen our ties with two countries central to the European project. We will continue that work, while seeking out further opportunities for collaboration with other member states.
Enhancing our diplomatic footprint and intensifying capital-to-capital engagement enables greater and better communication of Irish positions and priorities, and generates a better understanding in Ireland of the views from our fellow Member States.
I will continue working with colleagues and officials to strengthen our engagements and alliances across Europe - to ensure that Ireland's voice continues to help shape the European agenda in our interests.
402. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of supports provided to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19139/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraYemen is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The spread of COVID-19 in the country could be catastrophic.
Ireland has provided more than €5 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen in 2020, bringing the total since 2015 to €27 million. Our 2020 contribution was provided to the UN's Country Based Pooled fund for Yemen - a collective fund which combines donors contributions, assesses where needs are greatest, and directs funding to NGOs and UN agencies who are best placed to deliver lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable.
As well as this direct funding to Yemen, Ireland also provides further funding at the global level including core funding to UNHCR, the ICRC, and the World Food Programme.
Ireland is a strong supporter of UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and is one of the top ten contributors to the CERF since its establishment in 2006. From 2019-2020 an Irish official from the Department Chaired the Advisory Group of the CERF, and encouraged use of the Fund to address the most severe humanitarian crises, including Yemen. The CERF allocated $32 million in funding to Yemen in 2019.
As a Member State of the EU Ireland also contributes to the EU response - the EU has allocated €484 million in humanitarian aid since 2015.
The roots of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen lies in conflict. Ireland and the EU fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict. Ireland continues to call on all parties to the conflict to engage seriously with the Special Envoy's efforts and to ensure full, secure and unimpeded access for humanitarian and health workers and supplies to all parts of Yemen, to allow lifesaving assistance to reach those in greatest need.
403. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a comprehensive overview will be provided of the proposed Ireland house strategy for diplomatic missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Ireland House’ concept brings Embassies or Consulates and State Agencies under one roof in critical overseas markets to ensure a joined-up Team Ireland approach to promoting Ireland abroad. My Department is working together with other Government Departments and State Agencies to support the development of the Ireland House model, as committed to in the Programme for Government.
Working in a collaborative way under one roof provides an effective platform from which to promote Ireland as a great place to invest, trade with, study and visit. The model enhances Ireland’s profile in key markets from a political, economic and cultural perspective and is a key asset in strengthening our bilateral relationships and enabling Ireland’s engagement and influence in the world.
At present there are Ireland Houses operating in 20 locations worldwide. We are currently in the process of finalising an Ireland House in Mumbai as part of the expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network under the Global Ireland Strategy. Work is underway on the development of a new landmark Ireland House in Tokyo, which will provide a high quality centre for Ireland’s engagement in Japan, a key trade and investment partner for Ireland. We are also advancing further opportunities, including in Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
404. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details on the role and activity of Ireland as an observer of L’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19141/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland was granted Observer Status at the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF) in 2018. The IOF was created in 1970 and has 88 Member States (54 Members, 7 Associate Members and 27 )bservers). The Organisation’s Charter (to which all Members and Observers must sign up) underlines the IOF’s commitment to, inter alia, the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, democracy and minority rights.
Ireland attaches great importance to its Observer Status of the Francophonie and to strengthening its relations with the Francophonie community. Since being granted Observer Status, Ireland has appointed a diplomat, in the Irish Embassy in Paris, to deepen our engagement with the IOF and to develop our relations with States in Francophone West Africa. Ireland's Ambassador to France, is also Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the Francophonie.
Missions across our network have also been active in participating in local Francophonie groupings. At the UN in New York, Ireland has been appointed to the Bureau of Francophone Ambassadors and Ireland is an active participant in the local group of Francophone Ambassadors.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is also involved in the organisation of the annual Francophonie Festival in Ireland, which was launched in Iveagh House in February of this year.
405. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a progress report on the 2020 diaspora policy will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19142/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government will publish its new Diaspora policy in 2020.
Considerable preparatory work has already been undertaken, including extensive public consultations last year in Ireland and with Diaspora communities around the world.
This work is nearly finalised and the new policy will be published later this year.
406. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the planned referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19143/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State.
We will shortly restore the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill to the Dáil Order Paper.
The date for the holding of the referendum will be decided once the legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas.
407. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to Ireland joining the Arctic Council as an observer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19144/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, the Arctic has become a region of increasing geopolitical importance. The growing environmental and strategic importance of the Arctic has very significant impact, with melting ice having far-reaching implications for climate change and maritime access across the region.
It is clear there is a rationale for enhancing Ireland’s engagement on the Arctic across the range of established fora, including the potential to submit an application for observer status with the Arctic Council. Any application would have to be underpinned by a very strong case detailing how Ireland could contribute to the Council’s work. Additionally, any application and possible eventual participation as an observer at the Council would require a cross-Government commitment to ensure that Ireland could play an active and effective role. Following consultations with relevant Departments, a proposal is expected to be submitted for consideration by the Government in the autumn.
408. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to give official recognition to the State of Palestine. [19173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-state solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
In recognition of the lack of progress towards a two-state solution, I have been clear that I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is an issue where there could be benefits to moving in step with EU partners, and it is a matter that I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
However, recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would also undoubtedly affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether this loss of influence would be matched by delivering a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process. I am continuing to monitor the situation closely.
409. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 13 June 2018, if a decision has been reached in relation to the matter (details supplied). [18524/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has awarded a posthumous medal in this case; however, there remains a question over who should be given the medal. The normal procedure in such cases is that the medal is given to the next of kin of the deceased person. Given the significance of the Medal in question, it is important that satisfactory evidence of a relationship to the deceased person be established and that there is no doubt that the medal is being given to the next of kin (or in certain circumstances to another family member with the consent of the family) of the deceased person.
My Department has been in correspondence for some time with a family who wish to obtain the medal awarded, and has outlined what is required in terms of proof of a relationship to the deceased person. While the family has submitted certain documentation it has not yet provided satisfactory evidence of their relationship.
It is not possible for the medal to be held in trust by a nominated person or organisation as this would require the consent of the next of kin and the name of that person and their relationship to the deceased person has yet to be established.
If the family in question are able to furnish satisfactory documentary evidence, for example by way of birth certificates, marriage certificates etc. that conclusively demonstrates a relationship to the deceased person my Department can consider the matter further. As an alternative, in an attempt to progress this long standing matter to a conclusion, my Department would be prepared to consider accepting certification from a professional genealogist to the effect that the applicants in this case have a relationship to the deceased person and the nature of that relationship.
410. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Naval Service that spent more than 90 days at sea in each of years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18636/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised me that the data requested by the Deputy is not readily accessible as they do not capture such data in this manner.
I can confirm that the number of personnel who have claimed Patrol Duty Allowance for more than 90 days per year, in each of the years in question is as follows: -
|
91 days or more |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 (to date*) |
|
Officers |
31 |
30 |
0 |
|
Enlisted Personnel |
158 |
170 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
189 |
200 |
0 |
*As at 24/07/2020
The Deputy may also wish to note that 233 Naval Service personnel claimed the new tax credit for sea going, which was introduced in the Finance Bill 2019 on a one-off, exceptional basis. Naval Service personnel, who spent more than 80 days at sea in 2019 were in a position to benefit from this tax credit.
411. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing the subsistence allowance for Defence Forces personnel by 15% in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18637/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubsistence Allowance is paid to Defence Forces personnel to compensate for expenses incurred in respect of necessary work absences from their normal work stations. All applicable rules and rates are determined centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The estimate provided in the Defence Vote for the payment of subsistence allowances to Defence Forces personnel in 2020 is €5.6m. A 15% increase to this provision would amount to an additional €0.84m.
412. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in receipt of a Defence Forces pension. [18688/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 30 June 2020 there were 12,720 pensioners (including spouses and dependants) in receipt of pensions from my Department. Of this number, 701 pensioners were in receipt of both a service pension and a disablement pension.
413. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the percentage breakdown between male and female by rank in the Defence Forces. [18689/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe attached table shows the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) as at 30th June 2020, the latest date for which such data is available, along with the percentage breakdown of male and female personnel by rank.
[<a href="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2020-07-28_pq413-28-07-20_en.xlsx ">Male Female percentage breakdown</a>
