Written Answers Nos. 381-400
381. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and with members of the UK Government in relation to the need to address legacy issues as provided for in the Stormont House Agreement. [1574/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position of the Government on Northern Ireland legacy issues has been clear and consistent. The Stormont House Agreement framework is the way forward on these issues. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be implemented.
The Government has continued to engage on on this issue since the Stormont House Agreement was reached in 2014, to work for that important progress, and see the Agreement implemented.
Where the UK Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, we have made clear that these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. In my regular contacts with the Northern Ireland parties, we would regularly discuss the need to progress legacy issues on the basis of the Stormont House framework.
In March of last year, the UK Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement that proposed significantly departing from the Stormont House Agreement. Since then, I have spoken regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to express our strong concerns and to reiterate the importance of a collective approach consistent with the Stormont House Agreement, and one which is compliant with international human rights obligations. I reaffirmed those critical principles to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when we met last week in Dublin, and strongly advised against any unilateral action on these sensitive issues. Media reports last week of possible plans on to introduce a statute of limitations have of course caused significant upset, shock and concern. In my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have met with many victims and survivors, from both communities. I know how hurt they are at the idea of being denied a route to pursue justice on behalf of their loved ones.
As the Stormont House Agreement framework does, there is a need to take a comprehensive view of how to achieve progress and reconciliation for society as a whole, but the needs of victims and families must be at the heart of the process. We have strongly communicated our position on this issue to the UK Government and will continue to do so, and to caution in the clearest terms against any unilateral action. The Government remains ready to engage and work with the UK Government and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead, with a view to reaffirming a collective approach that is consistent with the Stormont House Agreement.
382. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 17 February 2021, if allowances will be made (details supplied) in cases in which delayed foreign birth registrations impact the rights of the child to claim citizenship as a result of Covid-19 and not through any fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24084/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register. At present, there are 30,000 applications in the Foreign Births Registration (FBR) system that are awaiting processing. The Passport Service will be scaling up its services in the coming weeks including a return to more normal processing of FBR applications.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (“the 1956 Act”), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
The 1956 Act provides that great-grandchildren of Irish-born persons are not eligible for entry into the Foreign Births Register (FBR) unless their parents were entered onto the Register at the time of their birth. To change this, an amendment of the 1956 Act would be required.
The Department of Justice is responsible for citizenship matters. Any amendment to the 1956 Act is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
The Department of Foreign Affairs administers the FBR process and operates a clear and transparent general policy for processing FBR applications. In situations where the completion of registrations potentially impact on the rights of a person, it will consider urgent requests to expedite registered applications on a case by case basis. Applicants can make contact with the Passport Service through the WebChat service.
383. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding allocated by his Department or agencies under his remit to An Taisce in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the expected allocations to An Taisce for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24104/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs has allocated €326,000 through Irish Aid to An Taisce's Green Schools programme as follows:
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2015 |
40,000 |
|
2016 |
48,000 |
|
2017 |
58,000 |
|
2018 |
60,000 |
|
2019 |
60,000 |
|
2020 |
60,000 |
The Department expects to allocate €120,000 to the Green Schools programme this year.
The Department has no agencies under its remit.
384. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contribution made by Ireland to the global effort to help resolve the current conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24126/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Tigray, which has seen many people killed, injured, and displaced, and which is feeding into instability across the Horn of Africa region.
Notwithstanding some improvement in humanitarian access, the humanitarian situation continues to be concerning, in particular the situation of internally displaced persons. There are allegations of the use of starvation as a weapon of war. I am concerned by attacks on humanitarian workers.
There are multiple, credible and harrowing reports of ongoing human rights violations, including sexual violence, in Tigray. These must cease immediately and perpetrators be held to account. The use of rape as a weapon of war is unconscionable. I strongly support the work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, working with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, to investigate reported atrocities. It is vital that these investigations be credible and transparent, and address the issue of sexual violence.
An immediate ceasefire is the most important step all parties can take. In this regard, it is imperative that Eritrean forces leave Tigray immediately.
Ireland continues to advocate for an effective response to the situation in Tigray, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through bilateral engagement, our EU membership and also at the UN Security Council.
Ireland continues to maintain the UN Security Council’s attention on Ethiopia, brokering a press statement on the situation in Tigray on 22 April - the first time the Council has spoken publicly on the crisis. We have also used the opportunities provided by Security Council thematic discussions on conflict and hunger, and on conflict-related sexual violence, to highlight these aspects of the Tigray crisis. We remain actively engaged with other Council Members on further ways to address the crisis.
We continue to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis, as underlined by Minister Coveney at the April Foreign Affairs Council.
Minister Coveney also continues to engage on an ongoing basis with a range of key interlocutors on the situation, including in the region, the Gulf, as well as the African Union.
My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, has to date provided over €3.2 million to support the vital humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through our trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground.
385. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of assistance being provided by Ireland to help address the political instability and resulting humanitarian situation in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24127/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have strongly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military, the arbitrary detention of political leaders, and the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters. The coup is a reversal of progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that have taken years to establish. It does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar, and threatens to undermine efforts at restoring stability in a country affected by long-term internal conflict.
I am deeply concerned regarding the humanitarian and human rights impact of the coup. As the political crisis has grown, so too has the human cost. Tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced from renewed fighting. Meanwhile, the operating environment is becoming more restrictive for NGOs.
Ireland has development and humanitarian programmes in Myanmar and with Rohingya refuges in Bangladesh. Ireland is committed to continuing to provide assistance for the most vulnerable communities including internally displaced persons, Rohingya refugees, and people facing pre-existing challenges.
Ireland, through our Humanitarian Programme Partners (HPP) will spend more than €1.1 million responding to crisis in Myanmar in 2021. Our Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) funding was also activated in response to the fires in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar in March 2021, with funding of €100,000 being approved
My Department continues to liaise with partners on the ground to stay abreast of the developing humanitarian situation and ensure our funding is being directed appropriately. I have also called for unhindered access for humanitarian workers to all regions.
I emphasise the importance of a united response to this crisis, in particular, we need to recognise the importance of engaging partners in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome. Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging those who have influence on the military leadership, including countries within the region, to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the Myanmar people.
Ireland, along with our EU colleagues, has been a steadfast supporter of Myanmar’s civilian and democratic transition, its peace process and national reconciliation, and its inclusive socio-economic development. We will maintain these roles during this challenging period.
386. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications processed in 2020; the average turnaround time for an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24245/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, the Passport Service issued approximately 450,000 passports. Outside the period of the highest restrictions, the Passport Service met the target turnaround times for Passport Online applications. This is 5 working days for simple applications and 10 working days for complex applications, once the supporting documentation has been received and 20 days for first time applicants.
The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.
The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we believe that we are well-placed to ensure that those applications on hand will be processed within 6-8 weeks and that turnaround times will be achieved later in the summer.
Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.
388. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of staffing at the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is composed of three constituent offices located in Mount Street, Dublin, Balbriggan, County Dublin and South Mall, Cork. The total number of staff employed across all offices of the Passport Service is approximately 460.
To assist with the wider State response to COVID-19, Passport Service personnel have been redeployed, at the request of different Departments, into other, essential public service roles, such as contact tracing for the HSE, assisting the Department of Social Protection to facilitate the processing of COVID-19 related benefits, providing consular assistance to Irish citizens overseas and assisting the Department of Health.
The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.
Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.
The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.
389. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the UK Government and European Commission regarding recent developments with the Ireland protocol. [13248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI maintain ongoing contacts with British Government counterparts on matters of common interest, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. Last month, I held a series of meetings in London with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Dominic Raab, and a joint meeting with the Secretary of State Lewis, and Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, Lord Frost.
Throughout these engagements, I have continued to make clear that our shared goal must be full implementation of the Protocol, which was negotiated between the UK and the EU to address the challenges caused by Brexit on the island of Ireland. It is the agreed way to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement, to avoid a hard border and protect the EU Single Market.
I am also in very close and regular contact with European counterparts, most particularly with Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic – the EU co-Chair of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and primary interlocutor for the Union with the UK on the implementation of the Protocol.
I welcome the technical level contacts between the EU and UK in recent weeks seeking to resolve the series of outstanding issues around implementation of the Protocol. The best and only place to deal with these issues are the structures established for that purpose - the Joint and Specialised Committees.
We have always been clear that we want the Protocol to work effectively for Northern Ireland, and we believe that it can help build prosperity for its people and businesses. Full access to both the UK internal market and the EU Single Market of 450 million people presents real opportunities for trade, for inward investment, and for jobs which would benefit all communities in Northern Ireland. Politicians and stakeholders from across these islands should be highlighting that and fully exploiting these opportunities.
390. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 506 of 28 April 2021, if he will address a series of matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24334/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy has referred to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; the Government remains committed to the implementation of the UNGPs with the objective of promoting responsible business practice at home and abroad.
The Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights recently produced guidance for business enterprises in respect of their responsibilities under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This guidance, which I publicly launched last month, is published on my Department’s website and is being disseminated to businesses, inter alia, through the various business representative groups which are represented on the multi-stakeholder Implementation Group. A number of Departments, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are also represented on the Group.
Matters relating to procurement are governed by the relevant EU Directives, national rules and guidelines.
In respect of the European Parliament Resolution which the Deputy raises, this relates to the European Commission’s forthcoming proposal on sustainable corporate governance and is principally a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
391. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the non-governmental organisations in receipt of funding from his Department; the amount of funding allocated to same in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24374/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs provides funding to a range of non-governmental organisations through a series of grant schemes dedicated to delivering on the Government's priorities at home and abroad. These include support for international development overseas, development education in Ireland, reconciliation on the island of Ireland, emigrant support and information on the European Union as well as responding to humanitarian emergencies and promoting international peace and stability.
The Department of Foreign Affairs publishes a report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, known as Irish Aid, each year. The report includes statistical information on programme expenditure in a series of annexes which clearly show the distribution of aid, including the the amounts allocated to our priority focus areas as set out in A Better World, Ireland’s international development policy, as well as individual grants, including to NGOs. The Annual Report serves as a core accountability and transparency tool, providing a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme, and demonstrating the results that have been achieved. Annual Reports for 2019 and previous years are available on the Irish Aid website.
With regard to figures for 2020, validation of data on Ireland’s ODA programme is done in arrears, and prior to publication, draft statistical returns are shared with the relevant OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) experts for assurance that Ireland's reported spending meets the DAC's criteria to be counted as ODA. This assurance is important to maintaining Ireland's reputation as a quality donor. Total figures including aggregated data for NGO grants for 2020 are being finalised and will be published in the 2020 ODA Annual Report later this year. A copy of this report will be made available to the Deputy following its publication.
Similarly, the data on non-ODA grants to NGOs by the Department of Foreign Affairs will be available in the Department's overall 2020 Annual Report. A copy of this report will be made available to the Deputy following its publication.
392. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the Chinese Ambassador regarding the treatment of the Uighur people by China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, along with our EU partners, remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang. We are closely following the situation, including in relation to reports of systemic abuse, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour, forced sterilisations, and restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.
In response to the situation, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR), the EU adopted sanctions on 22 March 2021 against 1 entity and 4 individuals in China due to their involvement in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The EUGHRSR allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses by State and non-State actors worldwide. It enables the EU to respond rapidly and in a more tangible and direct way for human rights, one of the fundamental values of the EU and its foreign policy.
Ireland and the EU have also raised our concerns with Chinese authorities in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Over the course of 2020, the EU raised its concerns regarding the human rights situation in China with Chinese authorities during its high-level engagements at the EU-China Summit and EU-China Leader's Meetings .
More recently, Ireland raised concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year. Prior to this, we also reiterated our concerns in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in September last year, which urged China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Ireland has also supported a number of joint initiatives in the UN system. We joined a Statement at the UN Third Committee on 6 October 2020 that reiterates our grave concern regarding the situation in Xinjiang, and recalls the exceptional letter of concern issued by 50 UN Special Procedures mandate holders. This letter called on China to respect human rights and to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers.
The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. The situation in Xinjiang and other issues of concern to Ireland are frequently raised with the Chinese Embassy by my Department and in discussions I have had with the Ambassador. The Government will continue to monitor and assess the situation and engage with Chinese authorities bilaterally and in multilateral fora to address such issues as effectively as possible.
393. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recently published report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24395/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recently published report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24397/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recently published report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24399/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 393, 395 and 397 together.
I am aware of the report referred to in the details supplied, which my officials are reviewing.
I have been forthright in expressing my concerns regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Ireland’s position on this issue is, and will continue to be, based on international law, Israel’s obligations as the occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and on the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council. Ireland has made this position clear at the Security Council, where the issue is discussed each month.
Our approach is rooted in the illegality of Israel’s occupation and the right of Palestinians to self-determination. The restrictions that are imposed on Palestinians undermine the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, a right which is at the heart of the Two-State solution. Ireland also continues to raise a range of human rights issues directly with the Israeli authorities and in multilateral fora, including the Human Rights Council.
Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor developments on the ground. We remain committed to a Two-State solution, and will continue to work with partners to revive a political process in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both parties.
394. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of vaccines that the EU plans to give to Palestine given the extended state of emergency in Palestine to prevent the spread of new variants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24396/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the impact of COVID-19 on the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and our partner countries elsewhere in the world and welcome all efforts to advance equitable access to vaccines.
Ireland is playing its full part as member of the global health community to ensure fair access to vaccines for all and is a member of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator global initiative, which works to harmonise the global vaccine rollout. A critical pillar of this initiative, COVAX, aims to deliver 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 92 low and middle-income countries, including the oPt, by the end of 2021. COVAX has also negotiated options on a further 1 billion doses.
In March, the EU announced it would double its funding to COVAX from €500 million to €1 billion. When taken with the commitments of individual Member States, this brings the entire EU pledge to COVAX to €2.5 billion. Work is also underway in Brussels on a possible common EU-wide vaccine sharing mechanism, which would reinforce COVAX by permitting Member States to donate excess vaccine doses to the facility. Ireland is convinced of the ethical obligation to share surplus vaccines with vulnerable populations in other countries.
In addition to our contribution to these efforts, Ireland has budgeted €50 million for global public health in 2021, which will help strengthen health systems in developing countries, including in the fight against COVID-19. This investment on our part includes €5 million in support of the global vaccination effort: €4 million to COVAX for vaccine procurement and distribution and €1 million to support the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) role in ensuring fairness and transparency.
In February 2021, COVAX confirmed that the occupied Palestinian territory was a priority participant in its programme. The first COVAX shipment, containing 61,440 doses, was received in March, with deliveries in the first and second quarters of the year projected at 308,000 doses. To date, more than 253,000 people (217,441 in the West Bank and 36,496 in Gaza) have been vaccinated with supplies from COVAX and other sources.
This pandemic has served as a stark reminder of our interdependence and the need for a coherent and aligned international response to global emergencies of this type. Ireland will continue to engage on these issues through the EU and in our relationships with the WHO and Gavi (the Global Vaccine Alliance), as well as our upcoming membership of the Board of the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria.
396. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his counterparts in the European Union regarding the ongoing war in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24398/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraYemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis driven by seven years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Ireland and the European Union fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Ireland is maintaining a very high level of engagement on Yemen with key parties in the region, including recent discussions I have held with the UN Special Envoy, the Foreign Ministers of Yemen and Iran, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The EU continues its active diplomatic outreach to relevant actors in support of the efforts of the Special Envoy. In January the Irish Ambassador to Yemen who is based in Riyadh, visited Yemen along with other EU Ambassador’s and met with political leaders, UN agencies and NGO’s. In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, the EU has provided nearly 1 billion Euro to Yemen since 2015 in development, crisis response and humanitarian assistance.
Ireland will continue to support all efforts to end the terrible conflict in Yemen, including in the context of our position on the UN Security Council and as an EU Member State.
399. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the process whereby some embassies have refused to process visa interviews due to the fact Ireland is still in maximum level 5 restrictions; and his views on whether it would be appropriate to confirm to with embassies the activities that are safe to undertake at the various opening dates which have been plotted out. [24419/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to engage actively with foreign Embassies accredited to Ireland, and regularly updates Embassies in relation to the ongoing measures being taken by the Government to address the COVID-19 public health pandemic.
Embassies have been informed of the ongoing requirement to work from home unless work is an essential health, social care or other essential service or activity that cannot be done from home. My Department has also informed Embassies that the Government list of essential services includes “the provision of services essential to the functioning of diplomatic Missions and consular posts in the State” at Section 18 of Essential Services list. Embassies have also been updated on the changes to public health measures that have been implemented and that are coming into effect in the coming days and weeks, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Path Ahead”.
While Embassies have been informed of the current measures and of the provisions in place to allow Embassies to continue to provide essential services, it is for each Embassy to assess their ability to provide services in a manner that complies with current public health guidance and prioritises the safety of staff and customers.
I am hopeful that the ongoing easing of restrictions will allow Embassies accredited to Ireland to scale up their provision of services to more normal levels, where it is safe and practical to do so.
400. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons employed by his Department; and the collective total salary received by employees of his Department. [24446/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staff of my Department comprise Irish Civil Servants, in Ireland and abroad, and locally recruited staff in our Mission network abroad. The total numbers of staff at 31 December 2020 was 2,386.
The collective total salary paid by my Department in 2020 was €112.2 million.
