Written Answers Nos. 37-65
37. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on attempts by members of the United Kingdom parliament to replace the withdrawal agreement with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18496/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the EU and the UK is a binding international agreement. The UK Government has made clear its intention to comply with its legal obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement, including through providing for its implementation in UK domestic legislation.
Implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, is a key priority for the EU, as well as for Ireland, and the negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship are premised on the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Over recent weeks, I have had contacts with EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, as well as with UK counterparts, covering matters arising from the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol. The Government remains in close contact our EU partners on this issue also.
Both the Joint Committee for the Withdrawal Agreement, and the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, have now met twice. The Committees have considered the important work of implementing the Agreement, including in relation to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The next meetings for both Committees are expected in the autumn. We look forward to further accelerated progress on implementation and to continued intensive technical engagement between the UK and the EU on the key issues.
38. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the response of Ireland to the recent UN Human Rights Council condemnation of the arbitrary actions of governments including the assassination of a person (details supplied). [18533/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn her latest report to the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Ms Agnes Callamard, addressed the issue of targeted killings through armed drones, particularly in light of the proliferation in the use of drones and their expanding capability over the last five years. Her report made a number of recommendations designed to regulate their use and enhance accountability.
The EU, in the interactive debate on the report, stated that accountability for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law must always be ensured, whoever the perpetrator is and called on all States to ensure accountability, where necessary through cooperation with or support of investigative bodies and mechanisms.
Ireland fully supports the important work of the UN Special Rapporteur and co-sponsored the Resolution adopted during the 44th Session of the Human Rights Council, which concluded last week, extending her mandate for a further three years.
39. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the delay in opening a European Union office in Belfast, County Antrim. [18530/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland upholds measures to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and to protect the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. To achieve this, Northern Ireland will remain in the UK customs territory, but will continue to apply the rules of the Union Customs Code and certain other relevant EU legislation.
Article 12 of the Protocol provides for EU representatives to be present for activities relating to the application and implementation of the Protocol. In this context, the question of an EU office in Belfast has been discussed at the Joint and Specialised Committees.
There are ongoing discussions between the EU and the UK on how this commitment under the Protocol can be made operational. We hope, and are confident, that agreement can be reached through the Specialised and Joint Committees on how the EU presence envisaged in the Protocol can operate in an appropriate way.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which overseas development aid continues to target those for whom it was intended; the degree to which bilateral or multilateral aid can compare favourably in terms of positive impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18535/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficial Development Assistance (ODA) is an integral element of Ireland’s foreign policy. A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development, provides a vision for Ireland’s development cooperation, including the clear commitment of the Government to direct ODA to reaching the furthest behind first.
Successive OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) peer reviews have commended Ireland’s development cooperation for its poverty focus and commitment to Least Developed Countries. The OECD DAC’s most recent review, published in May 2020, notes that Ireland 'walks the talk' in allocating ODA to least developed countries and fragile states, priority partners and sectors. The OECD finds that this clear focus enables Ireland to exercise leadership and make a visible difference. The ODI, a leading development think-tank, has also ranked Ireland as the most effective international donor in directing resources to those in extreme poverty.
Ireland works with a variety of partners in order to reach those in greatest need around the world. Our multilateral partnerships, including our work through the EU and United Nations give Ireland a significant global presence and footprint, including in fragile states and conflict-affected contexts. This enables Ireland to direct vital assistance to people living in challenging and insecure environments.
Our bilateral partnerships, which includes partnerships with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), focus on our thematic and geographic priorities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Ireland is one of the leading OECD DAC donors in providing support to and through CSOs, with the OECD peer review finding that these relationships are characterised by mutual trust, quality funding, and an open culture for substantive and regular dialogue.
Both bilateral and multilateral aid modalities play an important and complementary role in ensuring that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most and has the maximum impact.
41. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further Brexit legislation is likely to be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18500/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of preparations taking place for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18527/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the work being carried out to prepare for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18470/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 49 and 60 together.
No deal preparations were well advanced for the possibility of a no deal Brexit on 29 March, 31 October, 2019 and 31 January 2020. The additional time afforded by the transition period has allowed Departments to refine this work and re-calibrate it as necessary for the end of the transition period. The end of transition will involve both immediate challenges and long term, permanent changes.
In any scenario from 1 January 2021, the UK will be outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring significant changes to Ireland’s supply chains and trade flows – creating new checks on trade in both directions and increasing costs and administrative burdens on business.
Given the limited progress in EU-UK Future Partnership negotiations, on 29 May the Government approved the intensification of readiness and contingency planning across all Departments on the basis of two scenarios: (i) a limited FTA and accompanying fisheries agreement, or, (ii) a hard Brexit (no trade agreement). While Ireland still supports the closest possible relationship between the EU and UK, prudence dictates that we approach our contingency planning on this basis.
In response to requests from nine Departments, the Government on 29 May 2020 approved the preparation of a scheme for a new Brexit Omnibus Bill. I expect to bring this scheme to Government for approval and publication in the coming weeks with a view to bringing it to the Oireachtas in the autumn.
A key difference between the 2019 Act and 2020 Brexit Bill is that the 2019 Act sought to provide contingency measures to address issues arising in a no deal cliff-edge scenario while the 2020 version will deal with permanent change that will take place at the end of the transition period.
The aim of the Bill is to provide a legislative underpinning to the wide ranging and complex issues that arise post transition. It will seek to protect citizens and consumers, facilitate the sound functioning of key sectors and ensure our businesses are not disadvantaged. It will also support aspects of the Common Travel Area and North/South cooperation.
In parallel with this legislation, the Government continues to intensify all its readiness preparations. We have made substantial investments in infrastructure and systems at our ports and airports to prepare for the introduction of checks on controls on EU-UK trade.
In partnership with other Landbridge countries and the Commission, we recently addressed a number of SPS related challenges that had arisen. While the Landbridge will remain a route to market, it is important to note that the way the Landbridge is used will change at the end of the transition period. We will work with traders and hauliers to inform them of the steps they need to take.
In 2019, over 63,000 businesses registered for an EORI number, covering 95.8 % of the volume of exports to the UK in 2019 and 92.7% of imports. Two weeks ago, the Revenue Commissioners wrote to over 60,000 businesses that traded with the UK since 2019 which had not yet registered for EORI. Government outreach also promotes awareness of the need for business to address a range of new administrative, customs, regulatory and SPS issues arising from the UK becoming a third country.
The Government established a €20 million Brexit fund to help SMEs involved in exporting and importing with the UK and further afield to put in place the staff, software and IT systems to be ready for new customs arrangements from 1 January 2021. Further supports are available to businesses as part of the recovery agenda announced in the July Stimulus to help businesses reopen, create jobs and prepare for the economy of the future.
The €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve which forms part of the new MFF is very welcome and will help cushion the impact on those Member States and sectors most affected. The special allocation of €120 million for a new PEACE PLUS programme is also welcome. This will continue the work of the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes in a post-Brexit context
We will continue to work closely with the European Commission on readiness work at a European level. The Commission is currently updating 102 ‘Readiness Notices’, which provide advice for businesses and citizens on a wide range of issues affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU acquis. These include, inter alia, Air Transport, Food Law and VAT. Where applicable, the updated notices provide guidance to businesses and citizens on the operation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. The question of contingency measures at EU level for a hard Brexit will also be discussed at the appropriate time.
I will publish an update of the Government’s Brexit Readiness and Contingency Action Plan in September. This will outline the work taking place across Government and the steps business and citizens should take to prepare for the end of the transition period. We will also roll out a new focused communications programmes for the final phase.
Whatever the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations, it will not be the status quo and the way we trade with the UK will change. With less than six months to the end to the transition period, Government will continue to develop and refine our readiness efforts. It is vital that business and citizens do the same.
Regardless of the outcome of the future negotiations partnerships, the Withdrawal Agreement including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will remain in place. We will also face into this new phase of our relationship with the UK as a Member of the EU27 and the strength and solidarity that brings.
42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for creating a green list for travelling during Covid-19 in view of the fact the clear advice from the NPHET is to discourage all foreign travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 July, the Government agreed a list of fifteen locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to 'take normal precautions,' which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fifteen locations whose security status was changed to 'normal precautions'/ ("green") are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.
The criteria for inclusion on the list are based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. As I said earlier, the European territories in question had, over the previous 14 days, a similar or lower caseload of COVID-19 per 100,000 people than Ireland as reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials including public health experts. Any updates or changes to travel advice will be made in line with Government decisions.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.
43. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the green list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18465/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 July, the Government agreed a list of fifteen locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to 'take normal precautions,' which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fifteen locations are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.
Persons arriving into Ireland from those locations will not have to restrict their movements on arrival. However, they will still be obliged to complete a mandatory Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to submit it to the relevant authority at their port of entry.
Inclusion on the list is based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials including public health experts. Any updates or changes will be made in line with Government decisions.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.
44. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens abroad that require repatriation assistance; the number of citizens that have been helped already; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18546/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that, with unprecedented numbers of people stranded across the world as a result of COVID19, my Department developed a comprehensive approach to repatriation of citizens who wished to return home, taking account of the best interests of our citizens, including from a public health perspective. Priority has been given to helping citizens who are normally resident in Ireland to return home safely on commercial flights wherever possible and, where not possible, on flights chartered by EU and other partners. In exceptional cases, where these options were no longer available, the Department has chartered flights directly to bring citizens home, notably from Peru, India and Nigeria. These flights, which were arranged in close cooperation with EU partners and facilitated travel of citizens from other EU Member States, were supported through the EU “Union Civil Protection Mechanism” - the first time Ireland has arranged flights using this method.
I can confirm that, to date, my Department has advised or assisted over 8,000 people to return safely to Ireland as part of this consular response.
There are strong indications from our Missions abroad that, to a very large extent, the vast majority of citizens who wished to travel home in the context of the crisis have, with a number of exceptions, already returned, many with the assistance of Embassies.
The global situation continues to evolve quickly and there are therefore challenges in quantifying those who may still wish to return home. For example, while many Governments are now easing travel restrictions, others are maintaining or indeed re-imposing restrictions on travel. Furthermore there continues to be great unpredictability in relation to flight routes across the world - some flight routes are opening up again while restrictions and route cancellations are also happening on a daily basis worldwide. Our Embassies report that many callers are making contact in hope of verifying the existence of commercial options. Local economic and employment prospects also remain uncertain and this is of course an important factor for many of our citizens abroad.
In that context our Embassies are maintaining regular contact with our citizens in need of assistance abroad and there remain over 800 Irish citizens globally who have expressed an interest in my Department’s assistance with returning to Ireland. However numbers may fluctuate in what is still an evolving situation.
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the assessment of the House of Commons Northern Ireland select committee that a lack of clarity from the United Kingdom Government has made it difficult to examine the way in which the Northern Ireland Protocol in the United Kingdom’s EU Withdrawal agreement will impact Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report referenced by the Deputy, which emphasises in particular the urgent need for clarity for stakeholders in Northern Ireland with regard to implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
We are fully cognisant of the need for all stakeholders in Northern Ireland, and particularly businesses, to have clarity and detail as soon as possible regarding all aspects of implementation of the Protocol, and the changes which Brexit will inevitably bring. Timely and effective communication will be an important part of this. These points also been made clear by Northern Irish business representatives and other stakeholders, North and South, in my own engagements with them.
It is of crucial importance that the UK advance detailed implementation of all aspects of the Protocol without delay. We have made this point consistently clear in our engagements with the UK Government, for example in my meeting with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove on 15 July. It was also made clear at the most recent meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on 16 July, which Ireland attended as part of the EU delegation.
The Government acknowledges and welcomes recent positive developments in this regard, including the UK’s application for SPS-related border control posts in Northern Ireland, as well as other recent technical engagements which have taken place between the EU and UK on implementation of the Protocol. However, it is clear that further progress is required and we continue to urge the UK Government to take this operational and technical work forward as a matter of urgency, to give all stakeholders in Northern Ireland the clarity they need.
The Protocol allows for a set of arrangements to address the challenges of Brexit on the island of Ireland. The Protocol is designed to protect the peace and prosperity delivered through the Good Friday Agreement in all circumstances, while also protecting the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. We remain firmly of the view that the Protocol, once fully implemented, will work well for Northern Ireland and for Ireland.
46. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the exact sum allocated to the €5 billion Brexit reserve fund agreed at the European Council meeting recently; the criteria for allocating this fund; the timescale involved in the allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18555/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Council agreed to establish a special Brexit Adjustment Reserve of €5 billion to counter the adverse consequences in those Member States and sectors that are worst affected. The Brexit Adjustment Reserve will be a Special Instrument outside the ceilings of the new MFF.
The European Commission has been tasked with presenting a proposal for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve by November at the latest. The exact criteria for disbursements under the Reserve will now be worked out. Ireland is already engaging closely with the Commission on ensuring that the criteria for allocating funds ensure that they are targeted at those Member States disproportionately most affected by Brexit.
I welcome the European Council’s decision to establish the special Brexit Adjustment Reserve, which will be an important instrument for Ireland to access as the Member State likely to be most impacted economically by the UK’s departure from the European Union. One of Ireland’s top priorities during the negotiations was to ensure that the MFF and Next Generation EU package included such an instrument. This successful outcome represents a continuation of the EU’s solidarity on Brexit and recognition of the particular and unique challenges we face.
47. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the discussions and or meetings he had with the airline industry with regard to the development of a green list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 July, the Government agreed a list of fifteen locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to 'take normal precautions,' which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fifteen locations are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.
I have had no meetings with representatives of the industry with regard to the development of the list.
The criteria for inclusion on the list are based on the current epidemiological situation in each location and related public health information. The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials including public health experts. Any travel advice updates or changes will be made in line with Government decisions.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.
48. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the paper published by the United Kingdom Government on 20 May 2020 entitled the UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18494/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 May, the UK Government published a Command Paper setting out its approach to implementing the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The European Commission has already set out clearly and in detail the requirements for implementation of the Protocol, in its Technical Note published on 30 April.
The UK Command Paper is an outline of the approach the UK Government is taking in respect of Protocol implementation.
There are positive elements in the paper including, for example, a clear recognition of the need for checks on agri-foods entering Northern Ireland, and for expanded infrastructure at associated Border Control Posts. However, on other important issues, such as the approach on customs and tariffs, on regulatory aspects and VAT, the paper’s contents are more vague.
The UK paper does not go as far as it could have in providing clear, full responses and operational detail in all areas – but I welcome it as a start. I also welcome the accelerated technical engagement underway between the EU and the UK since then on operationalising the Protocol by the end of transition.
The second meeting of the Joint Committee on implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement took place on 12 June and the second meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on 16 July. We look forward to further accelerated progress on implementation and to continued intensive technical engagement between the UK and the EU on the key issues.
In my recent engagements with the UK Government I have underlined the urgent need for clarity and detail to allow all stakeholders in Northern Ireland, and particularly business, the time they need to prepare for the changes which Brexit inevitably brings.
50. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of new embassies and consulates that have opened over the past 12 months; if Covid-19 has delayed the opening of planned embassies and consulates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18469/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the launch in 2018 of Global Ireland - Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025, my Department has been working closely with a range of other Government partners to ensure the effective delivery of the ambition to double the scope and impact of our global footprint. This commitment has been further cemented in the new Programme for Government.
Since August 2018, new Embassies have opened in Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, and Santiago de Chile, and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Mumbai, Cardiff, Los Angeles and Frankfurt. The Irish Aid office in Monrovia has also been upgraded to an Embassy. Of these, the new Consulates General in Frankfurt and LA officially opened in the last 12 months.
The timelines for opening the new Embassies planned for Kyiv, Manila and Rabat have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis but planning is underway to facilitate the openings as soon as possible. In addition, the timeline for finalising the programme of works for the permanent offices in regard to a number of new missions, operating in temporary office accommodation, has been impacted by delays related to COVID-19 however provisions have been put in place to minimise disruption.
The new Embassies and Consulates are contributing to the expansion and deepening of Ireland's international presence across priority regions, providing opportunities to grow our trade and inward investment, strengthening our political relationships with our partners, promoting our values, and supporting Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad.
The Covid 19 crisis has highlighted the significant value added by the new Missions as they continue to play an instrumental role supporting Irish citizens abroad impacted by the crisis. The diplomatic network will also play an important role supporting the new Government as we work to shape the global recovery post-Covid.
The network of resident Irish diplomatic Missions overseas will continue to be kept under review, including in the context of the commitment, set out in the Programme for Government, to Global Ireland 2025, and its aim to double the scope and impact of our global footprint.
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the outcome of the Brexit negotiations continue to fall within the expectations of Ireland in terms of being able to manage the aftermath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18534/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom with regard to the future relationship between both; his assessment of the main obstacles to a successful outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18499/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 56 together.
Six rounds of formal negotiations have taken place between the EU and the UK on the future relationship. A further round is scheduled for 17 August. Intensified talks have also been taking place between the Chief Negotiators, and their teams, in between the formal negotiation rounds. We hope that this intensified schedule of talks can help to bridge the gaps on the key issues, such as fisheries, the Level Playing Field, law enforcement and judicial cooperation, and governance.
Addressing these issues is key to progress, as set out in the Political Declaration, which was agreed between the EU and the UK in October 2019. We believe this remains the best way forward.
Progress in the negotiations so far has been disappointing. Michel Barnier and David Frost, following last week’s round of negotiations, have pointed to some progress in areas such as social security cooperation, and justice and home affairs. However, significant divergences remain in key areas, such as level-playing field issues and fisheries, where Mr Barnier has stated there was no progress in the latest round.
The EU will continue working with patience, respect and determination, to seek to reach an agreement ahead of the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.
In the period ahead, Ireland will continue to work as part of the EU27 to ensure that our collective approach to these negotiations reflects our values and interests.
Ireland seeks the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK, but no set of arrangements will be able to replicate the access and benefits of the UK being a member of the EU. All scenarios will bring substantial challenges for supply chains and trade flows, and it is important that we are prepared for this.
The Government will continue to advance its extensive work to ensure that Irish citizens and businesses are prepared. We will face these changes with the mutual solidarity and support of our EU partners and with all of the strength that EU membership brings.
52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his discussions and deliberations with the NPHET with regard to the development of the green list; the reason for going against this advice; if he requested the expert advice that the NPHET had received from the expert advisory group in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18565/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 July, the Government agreed a list of fifteen locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to 'take normal precautions,' which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fifteen locations are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.
It is important to note that inclusion on the list was based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. A core criterion was that the locations in question had, over the previous 14 days, a similar or lower caseload of COVID-19 per 100,000 people than Ireland as reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials including public health experts.
The Government will continue to draw upon the expertise and guidance of the National Public Health Emergency Team and the Expert Advisory Group as we chart our way through the pandemic response. However, it is important to underline that the role of these bodies is to advise, and the role of the Government is to make decisions taking the full view of Ireland’s interests into account. That is what we have done in this instance, and what we will continue to do.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.
54. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he plans to take in response to the treatment of the Uighur people in China. [18532/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and our EU partners, share a deep concern about the credible reports of the treatment of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, including reports of restrictions on freedom of religion and belief, arbitrary detention, widespread surveillance, and recent allegations of forced sterilisation in the region.
Ireland has been clear about expressing our concerns at this situation, along with other partners in the international community. Ireland was one of 27 States to join a Joint Statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 30 June 2020 which reiterates our concerns, and urges China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It also called on the High Commissioner to provide regular information about the situation in the region, in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms that are guaranteed under international law.
Ireland has previously joined a Joint Statement at the UN Third Committee in October 2019, and a Joint Letter at the UN Human Rights Council in July 2019, which outlined our concerns in the region. The Joint Statement called for the Chinese Government to urgently implement eight recommendations made by the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination related to Xinjiang, including by refraining from the arbitrary detention of Uighurs and members of other Muslim communities. The Joint Letter called on the Chinese Government to uphold its international obligations, and to respect human rights in Xinjiang.
The treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang was also raised at EU level during the EU-China Summit on 22 June 2020, and during an EU statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 1 July 2020.
The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland will continue to monitor and assess the situation and, along with our EU partners, engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora as appropriate.
55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify his comments that Ireland could face fines from the EU in relation to banning goods from illegal settlements in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18467/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a very clear position on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the Golan Heights. They are illegal under international law, notably being contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention, and actively undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements, and this Government will continue to do so.
As I have said many times, the regulation of international trade, including in relation to settlement goods, is a matter of exclusive EU competence. To introduce a ban on the importation of settlement goods would ask the Government to do something which is not legally in its power.
The European Commission confirmed to the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence in June of last year that "...the EU has exclusive competence on the common commercial policy, and that as a customs union, the EU applies common arrangements for imports of goods from third countries uniformly across the Union. In principle, only the EU can decide to prohibit the importation of goods and services and not the Member States individually."
Should Ireland move to introduce a ban on settlement goods, and be found to have breached EU law, as we would expect, the State would then be exposed to potential fines, as well as legal costs. There has been regular and ongoing engagement between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the issue of banning settlement goods, including the matter of potential fines. It is self-evident that breaches of EU law can lead to infringement proceedings, which in turn can potentially result in fines being imposed by the EU Court of Justice.
57. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications that have been processed since the Passport Office closed for Covid-19 in March 2020; the turnaround times for passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service commenced a phased return to full operations on 8 June 2020.
Between 8 June and 22 July 2020, the Passport Service issued approximately 113,000 passport books and cards.
The Passport Service is currently meeting the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications. This is 10 working days for simple applications and 20 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received.
Passport Express, the paper based application, will accept applications through An Post from 4 August 2020. Northern Ireland Passport Express will resume at the same time. The anticipated turnaround times for paper based applications will be 6-8 weeks.
58. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the strategic review with the UK mentioned in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18528/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the strategy to maintain and expand the special relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom in the post-Brexit relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 64 together.
Though the United Kingdom has now left the EU, the relationship between Ireland and the UK will remain a vital one between close neighbours, trading partners, and co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. Our bilateral trade with Britain, worth over 1 billion Euro per week, as well as our significant people-to-people links, ensure that close co-operation remains firmly in the interest of our respective citizens after the Transition Period ends at the end of 2020.
The Taoiseach discussed the importance of that mutual co-operation in his recent call with Prime Minister Johnson. I have similarly set out our intention and ambition to work with the UK across all areas of mutual interest to my counterpart, Foreign Secretary Raab, in recent weeks. Many other Ministers have had positive contacts with their counterparts in London, and those in the devolved administrations, since the Government took office. I believe that these positive early contacts demonstrate a shared commitment to work together in a pragmatic spirit over the coming years.
Ireland regrets the UK’s decision to leave the EU, although we respect it; and though we will no longer meet in Brussels, we have committed in the Programme for Government to finding new ways to engage with our UK counterparts at political as well as official levels.
This may include developing structures for regular meetings at Heads of Government, Ministerial, as well as senior official levels. An important part of these efforts will be enhancing the role of the valuable institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement that already facilitate structured east-west co-operation: the British-Irish Council and British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
Working through these institutions, as well as regular bilateral engagements between the Irish and British Governments across all sectors, will help to ensure that our interests are protected and advanced. The continued effective operation of the Common Travel Area, and the safeguarding of reciprocal rights in social protection, education, and healthcare, is vital of course in underpinning this close and distinct relationship.
East-west relations are of course broader than those between Dublin and London alone. My Government colleagues and I will also seek to strengthen our relationships with the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales over the next five years. Promising work is already ongoing in this area, led by Ireland's Consulates General in Edinburgh and Cardiff, and with regular contact at Ministerial level.
I recognise additionally, that there is a need to increase our engagement at a regional level. To that end, the Government has committed to opening a new Consulate in the north of England. It is envisaged that the new Consulate will cover the entire north of England, including major population centres such as Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield. This would broadly match the area known as the 'Northern Powerhouse,' an area with a population of about 15 million people and close historical and current links with Ireland and our diaspora.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of British-Irish relations in 2020/21. As the future shape of the relationship between the UK and the EU is being settled in the coming months, I believe it is timely and appropriate to thoroughly evaluate how Ireland can work most effectively with our nearest neighbour into the future. This strategic review will seek to establish how we can best adapt to this new context in which the UK is outside of the EU while we remain at its heart, and will set a high level of ambition for every aspect of the bilateral relationship for the coming years.
59. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the result of the recent presidential election in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18487/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the result of the recent Presidential election in Poland and I congratulate the incumbent, President Duda, on his re-election.
Ireland enjoys very good bilateral relations with Poland, and we will seek to continue to develop this relationship.
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I visited Poland on a number of occasions and had the opportunity to engage with my counterpart in the Polish Government. I hope to continue this engagement with the Minister and his successor, who is expected to be appointed in the autumn. I look forward to meeting my counterpart in-person at the next Foreign Affairs Council in September.
Poland is a fellow Member State of the European Union, and as Member States we will face many challenges as we seek to recover from the wide-ranging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Working together in solidarity across the EU, we can ensure that we achieve a successful recovery while safeguarding our common values, including respect for the rule of law, equality and democracy.
61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times he has visited Northern Ireland to date in 2020; the purpose of each visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17314/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Government’s commitment to supporting the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and the importance of maintaining strong relationships, I have made 12 visits to Northern Ireland this year. Where this was not possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have remained in regular contact with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, other members of the Executive, and political leaders.
Most recently, I travelled to Belfast last Tuesday where I met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, as well as leaders of the political parties. We had constructive discussions on a range of issues including the all-island response to Covid-19, implementation of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement and issues relating to Brexit. I also met with representatives from the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group.
I travelled to Armagh on 14 March for a meeting between Government Ministers and members of the NI Executive on public health challenges posed by Covid-19, North and South.
In February, I met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis in Belfast, shortly after his appointment. I have been in regular contact with Secretary of State Lewis in the intervening period, both bilaterally and in coordination calls on the response to Covid-19.
I attended the funeral of Seamus Mallon in late January to pay my respects to one of the architects of Northern Ireland’s peace process.
I also spent a number of days in Northern Ireland in early January as part of efforts to restore the power sharing institutions. As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, spared no effort in supporting and facilitating the talks, which culminated in the New Decade New Approach agreement. On 9 January, then Secretary of State Julian Smith and I published the text of an agreement to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland. This agreement was accepted by the five main political parties and I returned to Northern Ireland alongside the then Taoiseach on 13 January to meet with the British Prime Minister, Secretary of State and First and Deputy First Ministers to reaffirm our commitments to the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
62. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he plans to take to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18553/20]
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 threatens a catastrophic situation in a country where the health system has been shattered by years of conflict.
Ireland is deeply concerned by this level of humanitarian suffering, and has provided over €27 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen since 2015, including €5 million in 2020.
Ireland also contributes substantial funding at the global level, including Ireland's support to the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund, a global fund to address the most severe crises. Ireland is one of the top ten contributors to the CERF, which in 2019 allocated $32 million to Yemen.
Ireland also contributes to the EU response and since 2015 the EU has allocated €484 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Decisions on arms exports are a national competence, rather than an EU competence. All EU arms exports are subject to the Common Position on arms export control, which set out eight criteria that must be met before issuing export licenses, including respect for International Humanitarian Law in the receiving country.
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. The UN Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire in March, later affirmed by the Security Council in Resolution 2532, gives a renewed impetus to this work.
I welcome efforts made towards a Joint Declaration between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis which would commit the parties to a nationwide ceasefire, bring forward a number of economic and humanitarian measures, and resume a political process. However, despite the Special Envoy’s efforts, agreement has still not been reached.
I call on all parties to the conflict to engage seriously with these efforts to end the conflict, and ease the suffering of the people of Yemen. I also call on all parties 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.
63. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to expedite the recognition of the state of Palestine before it is too late in view of the threat of annexation by Israel. [18120/20]
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.
On the issue of annexation, I have been forthright in my public statements and Ireland has made every effort over the past year to discourage this step. The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community more generally, and would be deeply damaging to the two-state solution. The Programme for Government states that the Government would “regard any such moves as a breach of international law and would consider an appropriate response to them at both national and international level.”
65. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with members of the executive in Northern Ireland in relation to the conditions under which segregated prisoners are held in HMP Magheraberry and other related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17313/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for Maghaberry prison rests with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, which is overseen by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice.
As is the case with prisons in this jurisdiction, the overriding concern in recent times has been the health and safety within the prisons due to Covid 19. Maghaberry Prison has so far been successful in preventing any cases of Covid 19 in the prison. Improvements in educational provision and other practices and procedures have had to be adapted or suspended due to the health and safety arrangements on Covid 19 prevention; it is expected that these will be restored as soon as is practicable.
The Independent Reporting Commission, established by treaty between the Irish and British Governments, reports on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme. Among the actions under the programme is a commitment from the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to revisit the framework related to the separated regime and arrange for an independent review of the operation of the regime. The IRC noted in its last report that the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland plans an independent review of the separated regime but that this work would require Ministerial consideration and approval.
My officials at the Belfast Secretariat will continue to engage with a range of parties to monitor the situation in the prison.
