Written Answers Nos. 415-432
417. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether it is compatible for Ireland as a neutral state to be involved with an organisation (details supplied) given that this organisation openly admits to having a duel use as an offensive capability and carries out training and exercise at the request of member states or the NATO command. [52205/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalicious cyber activities are increasing exponentially with attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the HSE ransomware attack, causing widespread disruption and endangering the lives of our citizens. We must anticipate and prepare effectively for future cybersecurity incidents.
This is best achieved through a strengthening of ICT systems, deterring threats and working with other states and stakeholders to improve our cyber resilience to protect our economy, democracy and people. It is appropriate and necessary to work with relevant international organisations to help us prepare for and respond to cyber incidents.The Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCoE) was established in May 2008 with a particular focus on the training of civilian and military IT personnel to deal with large scale cyber incidents and the aim of increasing cyber defence interoperability between its members. As a result of our engagement with the Centre, Ireland benefits directly from enhanced information security and cyber defence education, with the Centre providing members, including Ireland, with interdisciplinary expertise in the field of cyber defence research and training.Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances. Participation in the Centre has no implications for this policy. The Centre itself is primarily a research and training institute; it is not integrated into the NATO command or force structure and it has no operational mandate. It is also staffed and financed by member nations which include both NATO and non-NATO members, including Austria, Finland and Sweden as well as Ireland. It is not incompatible with our neutrality to participate in cyber defence training and the sharing of information and best practices in this manner.
419. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he plans to take at both the United Nations Security Council and in the European Union to bring about an end to the genocidal conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; and if he will put a halt to the support being offered by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to the Ethiopian government and Eritrean forces engaged in this systematic campaign of violence, given Ireland’s long partnership with Ethiopia. [52226/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in Tigray, including the ongoing blockade of the region and attacks on humanitarian workers. As famine-like conditions are reported, and in light of the new ground offensive, there is an urgent need for full humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and the commencement of political dialogue to find a resolution to the conflict.
I am alarmed by the conflict’s impact on civilians, including harrowing reports of widespread and ongoing sexual violence, and other serious human rights violations and abuses. It is vital that perpetrators be held to account. Ireland has consistently called for the withdrawal of Eritrean forces whose presence has been linked to numerous reported atrocities. In this regard, Ireland strongly supports the investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). We are currently awaiting publication of their joint report in the first week of November, which will be a crucial first step towards accountability.
Ireland continues to strongly advocate for an urgent response to the crisis, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict - through our bilateral engagement, our EU membership, and at the UN Security Council.
Ireland is at the forefront of efforts at the UN Security Council to address the conflict in Tigray and neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, including calling for the most recent open meeting on 6 October, where the UN Secretary General denounced Ethiopia’s expulsion of seven senior UN officials
The Government also continues to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis. At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 18 October, Minister Coveney and EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs continued their discussion on ways to ensure humanitarian access, and to press the parties to engage in dialogue. The need to support African Union efforts, including that of Special Envoy President Obasanjo, was particularly emphasised. There will be a further discussion on Ethiopia and Tigray at the Foreign Affairs Council in November, in which Minister Coveney will participate.
Minister Coveney continues to engage on the situation in Tigray with key interlocutors, including leaders in the region and UN and EU officials. He has also discussed the situation in Ethiopia with Gulf leaders, including with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The EU is also engaging with the Gulf States on the situation. Finland’s Foreign Minister has visited the region twice on behalf of the EU, including visits to Saudi Arabia and UAE which examined ways in which Gulf countries can play a constructive role in addressing the Tigray crisis.
Ireland will continue to avail of all opportunities to raise our concerns on the Tigray crisis, in our bilateral contacts, and at UN and EU level.
420. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the long delays in issuing passports; if there is a staff shortage in the passport offices and the passport office phone line; and the actions that are been taking to deal with this matter. [52259/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports issued on a weekly basis in September 2021 and October 2021, up to and including 22 October 2021; the average turnaround time for overall applications in September 2021 and to 22 October 2021; the number of extra staff that were added to the office in October 2021 as opposed to September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52761/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications that were outstanding on 22 September 2021 and subsequently on 22 October 2021; the number of these applications that are in excess of the average turnaround time; the processes that are in place to identify and process those applications that go beyond the average turnaround time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52762/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 429 and 430 together.
Operations of the Passport Service were severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as were many Government services. Emergency passport services were maintained during the pandemic, which required staff to be on site to process and issue passports. On that basis, and taking account of the COVID protocols in place at the time, 67,000 passport books and cards were issued between January and May of this year.
Since May of this year, almost 450,000 passports and passport cards have been issued, meaning that, in total, over half a million passports and cards have been issued to date in 2021. Almost 45% of passports for simple online adult renewals issue within one business day.
The current Passport processing times, provided all required documentation is provided and in order, are:
10 working days for Simple Adult renewals,
15 working days for Complex renewals,
40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and
8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service.
The projected passport issue date provided to applicants on the online Passport Tracker provides an indication only of the estimated issue date based on current averages. This projected issue date is not an intended guarantee of service. Applications can take longer than the average turnaround time if applicants have not provided all of the required documentation to complete their application. There are currently over 115,000 online applications on hand at the Passport Service. Of these, over 50,000, or 44% of applications, require the applicant to submit the documents needed to complete their passport application. The Passport Service engages with all applicants who have not submitted the required documentation to ensure that their application is completed correctly and can proceed through the processing system. Of the 65,000 applications that the Passport Service is processing, approximately 4,500 (7%) are past the estimated issue-by date. The Passport Service prioritises applications that are past their estimated issue-by date.
The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants, particularly in light of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Passport Service and the high demand for passports seen in recent months as international travel resumed. In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand remains a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review. The Department has assigned 126 officers to the Passport Service to date in 2021. In addition, 50 officers were internally reassigned to the Passport Service during the period of peak demand in the summer. The Department is currently focused on recruiting additional staffing to meet expected demand for passports in 2022 and ensuring adequate staffing levels in the Passport Service.
In line with the continued scaling up of services, the Passport Office in Mount Street, Dublin 2 and the Passport Office in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. This service is available to people who require passport renewal at short notice and opt for this fee-based service to do so. To avail of this service and book an appointment, members of the public can visit the Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passports). The Urgent Appointment Service ensures that, for those who unexpectedly require a very urgent turnaround of a passport renewal, an option is available that is transparent, predictable and clear. It means that an applicant can book and pay for their appointment, safe in the knowledge that they will have their passport within a day, or a few days.
I urge citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to ensure that they apply for a passport in plenty of time in order to avoid unnecessary stress. The Passport Online service continues to be the fastest and most efficient channel for passport applications and is available to 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 specific figures requested by Deputy Calleary are outlined below.
Passport applications on hand
|
Date |
Applications on hand |
|
22 September 2021 |
133,779 |
|
22 October 2021 |
130,353 |
Passport Books and Cards issued by week
|
Week commencing |
Passport books and cards issued |
|
30 August 2021 |
15,774 |
|
6 September 2021 |
18,118 |
|
13 September 2021 |
18,274 |
|
20 September 2021 |
18,574 |
|
27 September 2021 |
16,986 |
|
4 October 2021 |
17,764 |
|
11 October 2021 |
17,757 |
|
18 October 2021 |
14,373 |
421. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make arrangements with the Singapore government for a vaccinated travel lane (details supplied). [52396/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to doing everything possible to support and facilitate the resumption of safe international air travel, and especially to ensure that Irish citizens living abroad are able to return home to Ireland for visits and to reunite with friends and family here. I know that this is a matter of great concern for the approximately 5,000 members of our Irish community in Singapore.
As the Deputy will be aware, passengers arriving from third countries are no longer required to quarantine if they can provide evidence of vaccination or recovery. This applies to passengers coming to Ireland from Singapore.
Singapore determines its own policies and regulations on who can enter that country and what measures and conditions apply. Ireland is currently in Category II in the Singapore Government Safe Travel system, meaning that vaccinated Irish citizens living in Singapore who re-enter Singapore from Ireland are required to serve a 7-day ‘Stay Home Notice’ at their place of residence.
The Government is aware of the ‘Vaccinated Travel Lane’ arrangements that Singapore has recently announced with a number of countries. Our Embassy in Singapore has approached the authorities in Singapore and made a formal request that quarantine-free entry be extended to vaccinated travellers from Ireland. We are asking that this be facilitated either through the Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangement or as part of a broader approach to entry of vaccinated travellers. Our Ambassador to Singapore has been advised by the Singapore authorities that this matter is under active consideration. The Embassy will continue to prioritise this issue, with a view to supporting Ireland’s community in Singapore.
422. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is currently working on a framework to be used in the coming years to examine the constitutional changes that will be required if a united Ireland was to be established in the future. [52420/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South.
The Government respects and affirms everyone’s right on the island to make the case for the constitutional future for Northern Ireland they wish to see, whether they are nationalist, unionist or do not identify with either tradition.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The Government’s focus now, and our commitment through the Shared Island initiative, is on working with all communities and political traditions, to take up the significant opportunities of deeper cooperation and connection on the island, and to build consensus on key issues for our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
In the event of a future referendum within the constitutional provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government would make all necessary preparations in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the Agreement.
423. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to open an Irish consular office in Bangladesh. [52544/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur network of diplomatic missions in Asia is kept under constant review, in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government, in Global Ireland 2025 and in our Asia-Pacific Strategy.
In Asia, we have opened a Consulate-General in Mumbai and a new Embassy in Manila will open very soon. However, at present there are no plans to open either a new Consulate General or Embassy in Bangladesh.
Our network of Honorary Consuls is reviewed regularly and the possibility of appointing Honorary Consul in Bangladesh is being kept under consideration. Decisions on the appointment of an Honorary Consuls take into account factors such as the Department's objective to provide consular services and/or assistance to Irish citizens, the need to support local Irish community efforts and to assist in developing trade and economic relations with the country or region.
424. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52546/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a complex case involving an Irish citizen who has been prevented from leaving China since March 2019. My Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to the citizen since that time through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai, while he and his legal teams work on the legal, commercial and financial issues through the appropriate channels. Our Consul General has met and engaged very regularly with the citizen, and continues to provide all possible consular advice and support.
There has also been extensive and regular engagement at the most senior political and diplomatic level with the Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, and with the Embassy of China in Dublin, in relation to the humanitarian aspects of this case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to return home as soon as possible. During my visit to China earlier this year I discussed the case with a view to achieving a resolution of the matter.
As the Deputy will appreciate, as with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case. However, I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.
425. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is a system of prioritisation in place for the processing of passport applications and renewals; if so, if he will provide details of the criteria used to prioritise applications; if it is policy that applicants who are waiting the longest should receive absolute priority over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52558/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service of my Department is one unified service composed of three constituent offices located in Lower Mount Street and Balbriggan in Dublin and South Mall in Cork. Passport applications from citizens residing in Ireland or elsewhere in the world are distributed for processing across the three Passport Offices. All passport applications are processed through the centralised Automated Passport System(APS) which operates on the basis of application type and date of receipt of an application to ensure all applicants, regardless of where in the world they reside, receive the same service.
The current Passport processing times are:
10 working days for Simple Adult renewals,
15 working days for Complex renewals,
40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and
8 weeks for An Post's mail-in "Passport Express" service.
Almost 45% of passports for simple adult renewals continue to issue within one business day while more complex applications take longer.
The Passport Service is currently experiencing a high demand for first time passports. These first time applications do take longer to process than a renewal application. In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport, first time applications require careful processing to validate the identity of the applicant and their entitlement to Irish citizenship for the first time. Additionally, in the case of children, the consent of guardians must be validated.
The Passport Service also provides an emergency service for those who require a passport for a medical emergency or death of a family member abroad. Citizens who require a passport in an emergency situation should contact the Passport Service Customer Hub on 01.671.1633 or via Webchat on the Department's website (www.dfa.ie/passports).
In line with the continued scaling up of services, the Passport Office in Mount Street, Dublin 2 and the Passport Office in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. This service is available to people who require passport renewal at short notice and opt for this fee-based service to do so. To avail of this service and book an appointment, members of the public can visit the Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passports).
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Budget 2022 included an investment of an additional €10m for the Passport Service in response to the increasing demand for passports at home and abroad. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system.
426. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth registry application by a person (details supplied). [52718/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications.
Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. FBR staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly. For other applications, the Department operates a transparent general policy of processing FBR applications in order of receipt.
The application referenced was registered on 24 May 2021. All documents received are being stored in a secure environment.
The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing FBR applications as soon as possible. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times. In the medium term, changes to the FBR process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.
427. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will direct the passport office to make urgent and direct contact with a person (details supplied) regarding a renewal passport application for a child considering that the application was submitted on 15 September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service cannot process an application until the required supporting document has been received. The Passport Service has provided an update as to the steps the applicant must take to progress the passport application.
431. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way the additional allocation of €140 million to overseas development aid will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52828/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increase in the overseas development aid allocation for 2022 to which the Deputy refers will be distributed across a number of ODA-disbursing Departments including the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health, and the Department of Children, Equality, Youth, Inclusion and Disability. It also includes an increase in Ireland's contribution to the EU development instrument, NDICI. As outlined in the Expenditure Allocations, my own Department will receive an additional €33.9 million for international co-operation in 2022 and my officials are currently examining proposals for use of this additional funding against the priorities in the Programme for Government and the A Better World white paper on international development. This increase will enable my Department to make further progress towards the Programme for Government commitment to double the share of ODA that goes toward climate action by 2030. In the light of the ongoing impact the Covid-19 pandemic, next year will see an increase in the Irish Aid contribution to global public health, including support for vaccine response, and also related challenges such as increased hunger and to enable children to return to education. Once finalised, the proposed allocations for 2022 will be reviewed by the Interdepartmental Committee on ODA in its final meeting this year.
Ireland reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee on overall expenditure on ODA, against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. These reports are made in the year after expenditure and form the basis for the tables in the Government's annual report on international development. The 2020 annual report will be published next month. The full 2022 expenditure will be detailed in the corresponding annual report.
432. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 12 October 2021 which indicates that Ireland ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territories occupied by Israel since 1967, the details of the procedures, systems and mechanisms in place to ensure that this obligation is being fully implemented without fail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52842/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra433. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 12 October 2021, the details of all efforts being made by the Government to ensure compliance with EU and international law as well as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 including details of established structures and procedures within his Department and at interdepartmental level concerning the distinction between the state of Israel and the territories occupied by Israel since 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52843/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967, in line with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This position is common across all Government Departments. Consequently, as noted in the response to Parliamentary Question 218, Ireland ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territories occupied by Israel since 1967.
A whole of Government approach is applied to the policy of differentiation. My Department supports other Government Departments by providing guidance and clarification on the policy of differentiation. The Department of Foreign Affairs also ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements via the Department's website.
Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, and will continue to do so. The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace.
Ireland will continue to use our seat on the Security Council to draw attention to the issue of settlements, as well as related issues of demolitions, evictions and settler violence. When I addressed the Council on 16 May, I raised illegal Israeli settlements and their impact on the viability of a two-State solution.
Ireland is also active on this matter at EU level. EU law and guidelines on this issue are an important part of the EU contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
Ireland will maintain its vigilance to ensure full implementation of these laws and guidelines.
