Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 3 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 648-665

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (648)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

648. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide all disbursements of capital spending above €20 million on completed projects for each year since 2016 by name of project, Department or body responsible for delivering project, county, NUTS3 region, type of investment, construction commencement, completion year and actual cost in tabular form. [34189/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An examination of records indicates that my Department has not engaged in any capital project costing €20 million or more in the period from 2016 to date.

Local authorities and bodies under the aegis of my Department enter into capital contracts in the course of their work, some of which is funded through the Department's Vote. As regards contracts for which local authorities are responsible, information on expenditure and multi-annual capital commitments is set out in the Department's Appropriation Accounts for the relevant years which are published by the Comptroller and Auditor General and are available at https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/ . Further detailed information on projects of this nature is a matter for the organisations concerned.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (649)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

649. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an exemption can be made for a two-year working holiday authorisation for a person (details supplied) in County Clare due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32292/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Working Holiday Authorisations (WHAs) play an important role in building Ireland’s bilateral relations with Canada and a number of other non-European countries and regions with which we have reciprocal agreements, encouraging people-to-people contacts.

Due to the pandemic, we have temporarily ceased processing new applications under the Ireland-Canada WHA programme. Canada has likewise temporarily suspended the processing of applications. Our primary concern remains the health, welfare and well-being of those who would seek to travel to Ireland on a WHA. We do not expect that we will be in a position to process any further applications in 2020. Applications already submitted remain on file until operations resume. The Canadian citizen referred to by the Deputy is welcome to submit an application for a WHA to our Embassy in Ottawa, where it will be kept on file and processed once we have resumed operations. For further information and assistance on the application process, she may contact the Embassy at ottawaemexternalmail@dfa.ie.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation here, in Canada and in other relevant locations abroad, in terms particularly of public health advice, travel restrictions, job opportunities and the availability of short-term accommodation. We will instruct our Missions abroad, including the Embassy in Ottawa, to re-open the application process when circumstances allow young people to benefit from a working holiday here and to fully experience Ireland’s culture and way of life. We will also take account of the resumption of Canada’s working holiday arrangements. We will make a public announcement when we begin to process new applications.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (650)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

650. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a definition for essential travel from Ireland to other EU markets, specifically, for France and Spain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32625/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Foreign Affairs publishes Travel Advice for over 200 countries to provide an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves. It is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of protecting public health, we have worked particularly closely with the Department of Health and the HSE.

The EU adopted a new co-ordinated approach to travel measures at the meeting of the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 13 October 2020. As already set out in the Living with COVID-19 Framework, the Government supports this effort to improve co-ordination within the Union and has made clear our intention to align with the new Recommendation. The Government has agreed that Ireland will implement this ‘traffic light’ approach to international travel, which applies to countries in the EU/EEA. The Department of Foreign Affairs advice for travel to these countries is now to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’. Our general advice for any other overseas travel remains ‘avoid non-essential travel’ or in some cases, ‘do not travel’. Any decision to travel to, stay in or leave a country is a responsibility of individual citizens and the Department is not in a position to deem individual trips to be essential or non-essential. Our detailed guidance is intended to help citizens make informed decisions for themselves when planning a trip overseas.

I can advise that, under the provisions of the EU Recommendation, travellers with an essential function or need should not be required to undergo quarantine while exercising their essential functions. These essential functions include:

- Workers or self-employed persons exercising critical occupations including health care workers, frontier and posted workers as well as seasonal workers as referred to in the Guidelines concerning the exercise of free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

- Transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods

- Patients travelling for imperative medical reasons

- Pupils, students and trainees who travel abroad on a daily basis.

- Persons travelling for imperative family or business reasons

- Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and police officers, humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel carrying out their duties.

- Passengers in transit

- Seafarers

- Journalists when performing their duties.

Any person who wants to travel to other EU countries including France and Spain should inform themselves about any requirements in place in the destination to which they are travelling to. Testing restrictions may be imposed or may already be in place in other countries. Information on these restrictions is available on the Department’s website www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and the new reopen.europa.eu website.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (651)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

651. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will explain his reference to the European Commission in the context of his statement in Dáil Éireann on the European Council meeting on 15 and 16 October 2020 giving timely consideration to unilateral and time limited contingency measures in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [32788/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Intensive talks are ongoing between the EU and UK negotiating teams in an effort to close the gaps between the two sides on a Future Partnership Agreement, including on the key outstanding issues of the level playing field, governance and fisheries. An Agreement in this framework is the best way to provide for a comprehensive future partnership between the EU and the UK.

At the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October, leaders had a discussion on the state of play in the Brexit talks and agreed Conclusions. As part of those Conclusions, leaders called for Member States, the EU Institutions and stakeholders to step up their work on readiness and preparedness for all possible outcomes. The Conclusions also invite the European Commission to give timely consideration to unilateral and time-limited contingency measures that are in the EU’s interests.

As set out in the Brexit Readiness Action Plan, a number of unilateral, time-limited contingency measures were adopted at EU level in 2019 with a view to mitigating the worst impacts of a possible no-deal UK withdrawal from the EU. The conclusion and entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement means that many of these measures did not apply.

Under the EU Treaties, it is the European Commission that proposes legislation for consideration, as relevant, by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The Commission has therefore been invited by leaders to prepare for the possibility that further contingency legislation will be required at EU level should agreement not be reached between the EU and the UK on a comprehensive future partnership before the end of the Brexit transition period. Government officials are in close contact with the European Commission on the matter. Any contingency measures adopted at EU level can be expected to be limited in scope and will not maintain the status quo.

Diaspora Issues

Ceisteanna (652)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

652. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to set a date for a referendum on extending presidential voting rights to persons living outside the State. [33821/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State.

We have restored 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.

Public Inquiries

Ceisteanna (653)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

653. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ask the British Government to establish a public enquiry into the death of a person (details supplied). [33824/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland’s firm view remains that a satisfactory outcome to the Finucane case can only be achieved through a public inquiry, as was provided for under the Weston Park Agreement reached by the UK and Irish Governments in 2001. I reaffirmed that position directly to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland once again at our last meeting on 8 October in Hillsborough. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has committed to take a decision on whether to order a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane by the end of November. The Government will continue to engage with the UK Government on this issue at this critical juncture, and I am due to meet remotely with the Finucane family tomorrow to discuss their case and to reaffirm the Government’s support.

It is important to note that the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in September expressed their deep concern that a decision has still not been made by UK authorities on how to respond to the 2019 UK Supreme Court judgment with respect to the case of Pat Finucane. The next meeting of the Committee is to take place in December, and the UK Government’s decision is awaited by the Committee.

The Finucane family, like so many other families, have waited for far too long, and have had to campaign determinedly for decades in their pursuit of truth and justice. This underlines the clear need for the implementation of the framework agreed in Stormont House in 2014 to address the legacy of the past comprehensively and fairly, and in a way that responds to the needs of all victims and survivors, and indeed society as a whole.

Irish Aid

Ceisteanna (654)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

654. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid allocated to Sudan by Ireland in the past three years; the amount that has been actually drawn down by Sudanese active organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32297/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has provided development and humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people for many years. The country has been beset with a combination of both climate and natural disasters as well as continued human rights and poverty challenges for decades. The global coronavirus pandemic is further straining an already fragile social and health infrastructure.

Since 2018, Ireland has provided over €11 million in humanitarian funding to Sudan. This is channeled through trusted partners including UN Agencies and international NGOs, which has enabled us to respond with the highest priority projects being implemented by the best placed responders including in some instances by local Sudanese NGOs which work with our international partners.

The funds are allocated by our partners to different sectors based on the needs of the people affected the most including health, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, food and nutrition, education and support to build back livelihoods after a crisis.

Since 2018, Ireland has also provided over €5.6 million in longer-term development funding to Sudan, channeled through trusted international NGO partners, to support sectors including livelihoods, health, nutrition, water and sanitation. Our international NGO partners often work with local partners within these sectors.

In addition to our direct contribution to development, human rights and humanitarian relief in Sudan, since 2018, Ireland has contributed €32 million to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), a pool of stand-by funding available for rapid response by UN Agencies for support to humanitarian action wherever needs arise. This year, Sudan has been the top recipient of funds from the CERF and since 2018 has received €137.5 million from the Fund to support critical life-saving humanitarian needs. Other relevant humanitarian instruments to which Ireland contributes include the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which has committed over €61 million to humanitarian assistance in Sudan this year and €580 million since 2011 for life-saving assistance to people in Sudan. Sudan also benefits from funding under the EU Trust Fund for Africa, to which Ireland is a contributor.

As well as our humanitarian and development support, Ireland is a strong supporter of Sudan’s ongoing democratic transition and the civilian-led transitional Government. Minister Coveney T.D., then Tánaiste, warmly welcomed the power sharing agreement reached in August 2019 and met with Sudan’s civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels in November 2019.

In June 2020, then Minister of State, Ciarán Cannon T.D. represented Ireland at the high level Sudan Partnership Conference hosted by Germany and the EU. He reaffirmed Ireland’s support for Sudan’s transitional Government and announced funding of US$500,000 to the World Bank Trust Fund for Sudan, for the Government’s flagship Family Support Programme, to support vulnerable families with cash transfers. Ireland was proud to be an early contributor to this important mechanism.

Ireland will continue to engage with our EU partners to ensure a strong and unified Team Europe response in support of Sudan, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which has significantly impacted Sudan. My officials continue to monitor developments in Sudan, including through Ireland’s Embassy in Nairobi, and in cooperation with the EU Delegation in Khartoum, and are looking at additional supports before the end of 2020.

Election Monitoring Missions

Ceisteanna (655)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

655. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the suspending of Irish contributing election observers to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32389/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a roster of Irish volunteers available for nomination to election observation missions organised by the OSCE and the EU. Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OSCE and the EU suspended election observation missions until last month.

In respect of forthcoming elections this month and next, in Ukraine, Georgia and Republic of Moldova, the OSCE has advised that it will organise limited election observation missions which do not require volunteer observers.

As outlined in response to Parliamentary Questions No. 396 of 6 October and No. 158 of 15 October, the Department of Foreign Affairs has taken the decision not to nominate volunteers for election observation missions at this time due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and in the context of the current travel advice for Irish citizens and residents. This advice is to avoid non-essential overseas travel due to the potential for exposure to COVID-19 and the risk this poses both for the individual and for the wider community.

The nature of election observation missions is such that the chance of exposure is higher still, given that such missions entail not only travel to the destination country but extensive travel within the destination country, and the probability of close contact with residents as well as other election observers coming from other countries with varying COVID-19 incidence rates. As well as potential exposure of Irish election observers to infection, and the implications for their families and communities on return, we must also be mindful of the risk of election observers themselves exposing others to COVID-19.

As we are well aware here in Ireland, having moved to Level 5 measures, the pandemic has not abated and our main priority must remain the health of volunteers and their wider circles of contact, both at home and abroad. We look forward to a return to nominating volunteers for election observation missions when conditions allow. In this respect, Department of Foreign Affairs officials are monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and, given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, will continue to evaluate as they arise any calls for election observers from the OSCE and EU. This includes taking into account overall public health and official travel advice; the COVID-19 situation both in destination countries and here in Ireland; communications with EU and OSCE focal points for election observation missions; and safeguards put in place both by mission organisers as well as host countries.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (656)

John Brady

Ceist:

656. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on and the proposed response to protests currently taking place in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32427/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Recent developments in Nigeria, which have seen credible allegations of the use of excessive force against protesters, are of great concern, in particular the violence of 20 October in Lagos. Armed men in military-style attire attacked a group of protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos, using live ammunition, resulting in at least 12 deaths and many people injured.

I extend my deep condolences to those bereaved and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Ireland, together with the European Union, believes that it is essential that the events of 20 October are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held to account. This echoes the calls by UN Secretary General and the African Union for a speedy investigation and for an end to reported police brutality and abuses.

The protests, which took place in a number of cities including Abuja and Lagos, were in reaction to allegations of excessive use of force and abuses committed by a unit of the Nigerian police, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit. While the protests were largely peaceful, they came against a background of unrest, including reports of jailbreaks and looting.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announced on 12 October that the SARS police unit would be disbanded, one of the main requests made by protesters. However, it was perceived that the unit would continue under another name and the protests persisted, leading to violence of 20 October, as well as wider calls for reform and an end to police violence and corruption. The Nigerian army denies involvement in the 20 October shootings.

President Buhari gave an Address to the Nation on 22 October, setting set out a number of steps his Government intends to take, including: the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry; the establishment of human rights complaint mechanisms; and the establishment of a fund for the compensation of victims. I look forward to the timely implementation of these potentially significant steps, which have helped calm the situation.

The Embassy of Ireland in Abuja continues to actively monitor developments actively on the ground and, working closely with our EU partners, to engage with the Nigerian authorities.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (657, 658)

John Brady

Ceist:

657. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart regarding the recent killing of a person (details supplied). [32684/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

658. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent rise in killings of human rights defenders, social leaders and activists in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32685/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 658 together.

I am aware of the worrying reported increased levels of insecurity and violence against human rights defenders, social and trade union leaders and activists in Colombia. It is of particular concern that levels of violence against those supporting the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, including through the programme for voluntary crop substitution, appear to have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia.

I understand that the person, details supplied, who was murdered on 3 October 2020 in Cauca was active in advocating for the right of farmers to have access to supports for voluntary crop substitution programmes. His death, along with the recent death of a colleague of his, is yet another loss to Colombian civil society which continues to work towards full implementation of the Peace Agreement. Cauca is one of a number of Departments in Colombia where the activity of illegal armed groups has increased during the pandemic, with levels of violence also increasing as the groups battle for territorial control. Ireland supports the condemnations of these attacks and the calls for the perpetrators to be brought swiftly to justice.

Colombia has made great progress in strengthening peace and stability in recent years, following signature of the Peace Agreement, ending over 50 years of armed conflict. It is clear, however, that significant challenges remain in a number of areas, including rural reform, the reintegration of former combatants, human rights and the strengthening of protections for human rights defenders and social leaders.

I firmly believe that an improved human rights situation in the country is linked to the full implementation of the peace accords. Ireland is a longstanding and committed supporter of the peace process in Colombia, having contributed over €16 million in funding since 2007, mainly channeled through the United Nations, and Colombian and international NGOs focusing on human rights, conflict prevention, peace-building and supporting livelihoods for rural populations.

As well as financial support, Ireland has also provided ongoing support in the form of lesson-sharing based on our own experience of peace-building and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. We also participate in the EU’s ongoing campaign to recognise and champion the work of human rights defenders in the country.

I reiterated Ireland's support for the peace process in recent engagements with the Colombian Government, including a meeting with the then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Carlos Holmes Trujillo during his visit to Dublin last year, and in my contacts with his successor, Minister Claudia Blum, earlier this year.

Our Embassy in Bogotá has been engaging with local civil society and EU and UN partners on the human rights situation in the country since it opened last year and advocates for ongoing and increased protection of human rights leaders. The Embassy regularly raises these issues and the status of the peace process in exchanges with the Colombian administration and government.

The Colombian Government continues to affirm its commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreement, and has expressed its appreciation for Ireland's support in this area, as well as the important role played by former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore as EU Special Envoy to the Colombian peace process.

In July this year, Mr Gilmore led the 12th session of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue, raising the high levels of attacks and murders of human rights defenders, and the need for collective protection measures.

Officials in my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Colombia, as Ireland continues to support Colombia in its transition to a stable, peaceful, post-conflict society.

North-South Ministerial Council

Ceisteanna (659)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

659. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of North-South Ministerial Council meetings held in the past ten years and to date in 2020. [32940/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A total of 177 meetings of the North South Ministerial Council, attended by Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government, have taken place since the start of 2010. These have comprised 15 plenary meetings, 6 meetings in institutional format and 156 sectoral meetings covering the agreed twelve areas of North South cooperation. These meetings bring our Government and the Executive together to oversee and further develop North South cooperation, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.

The formation of a Northern Ireland Executive in January 2020 ended a three-year period without power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. during which the North South Ministerial Council could not meet.

So far this year, an Institutional meeting in Armagh on 11 March, a Plenary meeting in Dublin Castle on 31 July, and six sectoral meetings attended by Ministers North and South have taken place. A full round of meetings across the NSMC’s twelve policy sectors is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, with a further Plenary in December, and I look forward to this vital North-South engagement continuing.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (660)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

660. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the EU wide travel system; when he expects Ireland to participate; and if distance restrictions that may be in place for Irish citizens at the time, for example, stay within 5km of their place of residence will impact upon the travel system. [33030/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The EU’s General Affairs Council on 13 October adopted a recommendation to establish a coordinated approach to travel restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach, known as the traffic light system, will bring greater consistency and transparency across the European Union as we fight against the COVID-19 virus. On 20 October, the Government decided on the approach to implementing this system in Ireland. It was decided that:

- From the morning of 22 October, travellers from green regions can enter the State without being requested to restrict their movements or undergo testing for Covid-19;

- For now, travellers from orange, red or grey regions will continue to be requested to restrict their movements for 14 days, with the exception of certain exempted categories which will apply from 8 November;

- It is planned that, also with effect from 8 November, travellers arriving from orange regions will be able to waive the requirement to restrict movements if they have one negative test result up to three days before arrival. The test must be conducted by an authorised entity;

The new approach is now reflected in travel advice published by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland’s security status for all countries in the EU plus area is now assigned as “High Degree of Caution”. All other countries remain at “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” or ‘Do not Travel’.

The new coordinated approach to travel restrictions was developed specifically to safeguard freedom of movement within the EU and facilitate travel between EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom. However, once passengers arrive in a State, they are expected to follow the relevant public health measures in place in that State. This means that any person arriving into Ireland must abide by the current public health measures in place. This includes abiding by the current restrictions under Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19, where everyone is asked to restrict movements to within 5 km of their home or place of residence unless it is strictly essential.

EU Programmes

Ceisteanna (661)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

661. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland will take to move in line with the priorities outlined in the European Commission 2021 work programme by President Ursula von der Leyen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33033/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In her State of the Union address, delivered on the 16th of September 2020, President von der Leyen presented her vision for a Europe that emerges stronger from the pandemic while playing a key role on the global scene. The initiatives in the Commission’s Work Programme for 2021 reflect the Commission's ambition to relaunch our economies and strengthen our societies, making them more resilient and better prepared for the future, and based on a fairer, healthier, greener and digital approach.

The Government as a whole supports the priorities that the Commission has outlined in its 2021 Work Programme.

Many of the Commission’s priorities build upon the European Council’s priorities as set out in the Strategic Agenda 2019-2024. Ireland is firmly committed to advancing the priorities of the Strategic Agenda.

The Commission’s Work Programme also makes clear that its main priority will continue to be the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and has a continued commitment to ensure a long-term recovery from its economic effects.

Ireland will work with other EU Member States to ensure that we deliver on this objective for all our citizens.

Diaspora Issues

Ceisteanna (662)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

662. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of and position regarding efforts being made relating to the undocumented Irish persons in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33061/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue of Irish immigration, particularly the status of the undocumented Irish in the US, has been a high priority for successive Governments and continues to be one of my key priorities. Immigration issues have been raised on an ongoing basis in our engagement with the US Administration and political leaders, including by the then Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March, and more recently by the Taoiseach in high level calls to members of the US Administration. I have also raised immigration issues in recent contacts with Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney, with the US Ambassador, as well as with members of the US Administration and both Houses of Congress during my visit to Washington D.C. at the end of September.

In the US, our Embassy and Consulates General across the country continue to monitor the situation closely and to engage with US officials on immigration issues, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They also actively support Irish community groups that provide support and information to vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. Many of these community groups are members of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, which receives significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for their work.

In 2019, over €3m ($3.7m) was allocated to 88 organisations across the US, including those that provide front-line welfare assistance to Irish citizens. Furthermore, and in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. Over the past five months, Minister Brophy and I have met virtually with many of these organisations and heard first-hand of the challenges faced by our diaspora communities, and the valuable support these organisations are providing.

While comprehensive immigration reform is a complex and sensitive political issue in the US at present, our Embassy and network of Consulates General will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to engage with any Federal and State initiatives on this issue.

In terms of securing future pathways for immigration, we continue to prioritise the E3 Visa Bill which is currently before the US Senate, having been passed in the House of Representatives. It was reintroduced by Congressmen Neal and Sensenbrenner in May 2019, having failed to gain Senate approval the previous year. If passed, this could allow access to thousands of US visas each year to Irish citizens, providing new opportunities to live and work in the US. While the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted upon the congressional agenda, we hope that when the circumstances allow, the Bill will also be passed in the Senate. We will continue to explore all available options for securing this.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (663)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

663. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if action has been taken or considered in view of the targeting of Azerbaijani citizens by the Armenian Government in the missile attacks on Ganja; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33208/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am deeply concerned by the recent clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in particular along the line of contact, which have regrettably led to the loss of life and severe injury, including civilian casualties. I regret that none of the three recent ceasefires have been honoured and am troubled by continuing reports of hostilities in populated areas, which are having a devastating impact on local civilian populations.

Ireland has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the negotiating table, and we welcome and support the statements of the European Council and the OSCE Minsk Co-Chairs calling for this. The alleged use of Cluster Munitions in any situation is deeply concerning. They pose unacceptably high risks to civilians, especially when used in populated areas. Furthermore, any indiscriminate use of, or impacts from, cluster munitions would be in contravention of International Humanitarian Law to which both Armenia and Azerbaijan must abide.Ireland urges both sides to de-escalate tensions by refraining from inflammatory rhetoric and strictly observing the latest ceasefire. Ireland fully supports the Minsk Process and we thank both the High Representative and the Co-Chairs Group for their efforts to de-escalate tensions over recent months.We will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely.

Equality Issues

Ceisteanna (664, 666)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

664. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the membership of the new UN disability committee and the voting that will take place later in 2020 (details supplied). [33237/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

666. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the campaign to increase the number of women on the UN Disability Committee; if Ireland will support women candidates in the forthcoming election to the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33335/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 666 together.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to addressing the needs and rights of people living with disabilities. This commitment is reflected in actions across our development cooperation programme as well as in our broader engagement with the EU, UN and other international bodies.

The Department’s work complements many decades of support by Irish missionaries, NGOs, and contributions by individual Irish citizens. In line with this strong tradition, I was very pleased to note the appointment this month of Professor Gerard Quinn as the UN rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Ireland formally ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in March 2018. The convention seeks to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is composed of 18 members and elections are held every two years to appoint nine members for a four year term. Elections to the CRPD are decided by secret ballot and it is our practice not to disclose publicly how we vote in such elections.

I am committed to ensuring that our vote will reflect our general approach to ensuring that membership of Human Rights Treaty Bodies should be broad based, inclusive, with committee members appointed on merit, and reflecting our commitment towards achieving gender equality at all levels.

In this regard, Ireland’s vote will take particular account of the following criteria: the need to achieve an improved gender balance; equitable representation from the various geographic regions including low and middle income countries; and finally to ensuring that the Committee includes members who bring expert and preferably their own “living experience” across diverse areas of disability.

In the meantime my Department will continue its efforts to promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (665)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

665. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of contracts approved in his Department in 2019 and to date in 2020 without competitive tender; the details of the contract; the company awarded the contract; and the full value of the contract in tabular form. [33272/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department operates in a number of locations in Ireland and approximately 90 locations worldwide. It comprises two Votes: Vote 27 International Cooperation and Vote 28 Foreign Affairs. The policy of the Department is to operate competitive tendering as standard procedure in order to achieve best value for money.

The Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines. Procurement takes place in compliance with Directive 2014/24/EU and supported by Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).

On occasion, a small number of Department contracts do not undergo a competitive process due to exceptional market or other circumstances. Such contracts are recorded in accordance with DPER Circular 40/02. The majority of the contracts relate to provision of proprietary ICT services or to situations where there was a single suitable supplier available. These contracts are subject to regular review by my Department’s procurement team. Other contracts were extended beyond the original expiry date without a competitive process, or in some cases, contracts had previously been awarded but exceeded the relevant thresholds that now require a new competitive process . The Department has already tendered a number of these contracts in 2020 and will tender the remainder of contacts shortly.

Below are details of relevant contracts for 2019 as returns for 2020 are not available at this time. However, 2020 contracts are being monitored and managed by the Department on an ongoing basis.

Company Name

Contract Details

Contract Value 2019

PANEL

Southern Cross Consulting

Cusack Education Consulting

Boyle & Associates Barbara Wilson

Dr. Maeve Martin Deirdre Farrell

Technical Consultants to the Civil Society and Development Education Unit

€39,000

Core Financials

SUN annual support 2019

€326,036

Bearing Point

Managed Services for APS

€1,500,000

Platinum Services

Provision of VIP Services at Dublin Airport for high level visits to Ireland

€151,530

Central Solutions Ltd

Sharepoint Support and Maintenance

€101,420

Butler Technologies

Encryption Device Support 2019

€26,984

Microsoft

Microsoft Premier Support Renewal

€26,255

Oracle

Oracle Support 31/03/18-30/03/19

€68,994

Worldsearch Software Corporation

Support and Maintenance contract for the Cabhair system

€52,810

Level Three Technical Support

Technical Support for the Department's ICT Strategy 2018-2020

€409,852

IT Group

Helpdesk Support

€531,540

Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA)

Subscription service providing global statistical data on living conditions abroad

€43,238

Financial Times

World-wide access to Financial Times content

€49,364

Irish Times

World-wide electronic access to Irish Times news content

€38,150

DHL

Outbound diplomatic mail service

€80,000

TNT

Inbound diplomatic mail service

€150,000

Funshog Office Fit Ltd.

Office furniture removals, maintenance and general services.

€99,391

Accent

Commercial Cleaning Services

€462,966

Grosvenor

Commercial Cleaning Services

€30,655

Eco support

Commercial Cleaning Services

€51,121

Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland

Architectural Competition Design Team to design and deliver the New Ireland House Tokyo

€139,665

Sandfort Language Institute

Pre post foreign language training

€38,626

Alliance Francaise

Pre post foreign language training

€32,258

Cervantes Institute

Pre post foreign language training

€26,274

City Services

Security for Chancery and Residence Brasilia

€110,726

Nexia STT

Audit of Irish Aid funding under P135 program

€54,281

G4S

Security Contract Embassy - Riyadh

€70,449

733 Restaurant Corp

Catering Services for CG New York

€80,333

G4S

Security Services - Chancery and Residence Jakarta

€119,312

ARKHE Risk Solutions

Security Contract Embassy - Maputo

€28,236

CSU BV

Cleaning Services Embassy and Residence The Hague

€33,000

Starplus

Cleaning Services for Embassy, Consular, Passport Office and Visa Office London

€33,846

Barr
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