Michael Collins
Ceist:434. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52863/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (434, 435, 440)
Michael Collins
Ceist:435. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a first-time application for a passport for an infant (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52864/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James Lawless
Ceist:440. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53005/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 435, 434 and 440 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (436)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:436. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an applicant cancels an online passport application and makes an appointment with the Passport Office for the application to process in time for intended travel date, if the appointment will be honoured and the processing of the application facilitated; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52876/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While the operation of the Passport Service public offices was necessarily restricted due to public health measures arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Passport Office in Mount St, Dublin 2 and the Passport Office in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports.
To avail of the Urgent Appointment Service for Passport Renewal, applicants must first book an appointment to attend the public office in Dublin or Cork. Applicants can book an appointment through the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.ie/passports). This is a limited service and slots are allocated by appointment only on a first come, first served basis.
The Passport Service offers two types of appointment and a fee applies to this appointment service relative to how quickly the applicant requires a passport.
1. Same day renewal service. These appointments can be booked 3 days in advance.
2. Four day renewal service. These appointments can be booked 3 weeks in advance.
The Urgent Appointment Service ensures that, for those who unexpectedly require a very urgent turnaround of a passport renewal, there is an option 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.
Applicants who have already submitted a passport application through Passport Online cannot book an appointment through the Urgent Appointment Service. If an applicant books an appointment and they already have an application submitted through Passport Online, their appointment will be cancelled and the fee will be refunded. Their online application will continue to process in line with current turnaround times.
Applicants who wish to cancel their online passport application can do so by contacting the Passport Service Customer Service Hub by telephone or by webchat and indicate that they wish to cancel their online application. Once their online application reaches the appropriate stage of the process, the deciding officer will confirm with the applicant that they wish to proceed with the cancellation. These applications cannot be expedited ahead of applications where a passport will issue. Once the online application has been cancelled, an appointment can be made through the Urgent Appointment Service.
The current turnaround times for processing online passport applications are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals and 15 working days for Complex and Children’s renewals. Almost 45% of passports for simple online adult renewals issue within one business day, while more complex applications take longer.
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).
Question No. 437 answered with Question No. 411.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (438)
Michael Ring
Ceist:438. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a replacement foreign birth registration certificate will issue to a person (details supplied) as it is urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52972/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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 including the replacement of FBR certificates.
The applicant applied for a replacement FBR certificate on 26 September 2021. The Passport Service has been in touch with the applicant requesting the submission of the relevant documentation required to process the request. As soon as the supporting documentation has been provided and checked, a replacement certificate will issue to the applicant.
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.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (439)
Michael Ring
Ceist:439. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will verify the accuracy of the passport tracking facility available online; if the bar level is automated by date received until the application is at checking stage; if there is a section with the Passport Office responsible for the accuracy of the tracking facility; if there are plans to overhaul this facility in order that it would provide real-time data accuracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Tracker provides applicants with an indication of how their application is progressing through the system and gives an estimated issue date based on the current average application processing time. The ‘bar level’ is only indicative and applicants should refer to the text box below the ‘bar level’ which gives the most up to date position. Once the application has been checked and approved for printing, this text box in the Passport Tracker will indicate that the passport is in production. When the passport has been completed and dispatched, the Passport Tracker provides the applicant with an An Post reference number to track their passport through the postal system. The Passport Tracker provides an indication only of the estimated issue date based on current averages and, I sure you will appreciate, this projected issue date is not an intended guarantee of delivery on that date.
The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants, including through the Passport Tracker, 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 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.
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.
In addition, the Passport Office in Mount St, Dublin 2 and the Passport Office in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. The Urgent Appointment Service ensures that, for those who unexpectedly require a very urgent turnaround of a passport renewal, there is an option 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. To avail of the Urgent Appointment Service for Passport Renewal, applicants must first book an appointment to attend the public office in Dublin or Cork. Applicants can book an appointment through the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.ie/passports). This is a limited service and slots are allocated by appointment only on a first come, first served basis.
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 435.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (441)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:441. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps the Government will take in response to the decision of the Turkish Government to summon the ambassadors of a number of EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53023/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 18 October, 2021, a number of Embassies in Ankara (Canada, France, Finland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the USA) issued a joint statement regarding the ongoing detention of Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, noting that the date marked four years since his detention. The joint statement called for a just and speedy resolution to his case, in line with Turkey’s international obligations and domestic laws. Noting the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights on the matter, they called for Turkey to secure his urgent release.
The respective Ambassadors were subsequently summoned by the Foreign Ministry to be informed that the joint statement was deemed an inappropriate act of attempted interference in the Turkish judicial system. In a speech on 23 October, President Erdogan also heavily criticised the joint statement and indicated he would seek to have the Ambassadors concerned declared ‘Persona Non Grata’.
Subsequent engagement between the relevant Embassies and the Turkish Foreign Ministry worked to identify options for resolution of the matter. In a series of tweets and statements issued on 25 October, the Ambassadors concerned confirmed their compliance with Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. President Erdogan ‘welcomed’ these statements and noted his belief that the Ambassadors had ‘ taken a step back from the slander against our country’.
It is to be welcomed that no formal action was taken against the Ambassadors for issuing a statement in connection with the case of Osman Kavala. Ireland fully shares the concerns regarding the continued imprisonment of Mr. Kavala. Ireland will continue to engage closely with EU and international partners in Ankara to monitor developments in relation to this case and will continue to support calls for Turkey to comply with the relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights which have urged Mr. Kavala's release.
Consular Services
Ceisteanna (442)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:442. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports that his Department can provide to two parents looking to travel to western Australia to assist their terminally ill daughter. [53027/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very sorry to hear of this case, which must be distressing for all involved. As the Deputy will be aware, matters related to Australia's border restrictions are managed by the Australian Government. The Department of Foreign Affairs role is therefore limited in such instances.
However, the Consular Assistance team in my Department has engaged with the family in question on how to apply for a travel exemption to Australia, given the circumstances faced. My understanding is that the situation has now been resolved.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (443)
Michael Ring
Ceist:443. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth registration application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53028/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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.
The application referenced was registered on 23 August 2019, and will be processed shortly. All documents received are being stored in a secure environment.
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 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.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (444)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:444. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite the United States of America Secretary of State to Ireland early in 2022. [53035/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Strengthening the ties between Ireland and the United States is a priority for this Government as set out in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). Ireland has continually developed and maintained close relations with the US, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
I have spoken to my counterpart Secretary of State Blinken on a number of occasions including meeting with him, in-person, in May of this year in Shannon.
High-level visits are an important part of the relationship between our two countries and I would warmly welcome a visit from Secretary of State Blinken to Ireland.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (445)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:445. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the situation in Sudan was discussed at the most recent EU foreign affairs meeting. [53036/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Although Sudan was not on the agenda for the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 October, the European Union reacted quickly to the military coup which began in Sudan on 25 October. High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on 26 October on behalf of the European Union, which condemned the coup and warned of serious consequences if the move to dismantle the transitional government and its institutions was not reversed. On 28 October Ireland participated in a meeting of the EU Political and Security Committee where grave concern at developments was expressed.
After almost 30 years of military dictatorship, the 2019 people’s revolution put Sudan on the path to democratic civilian government. While there has been significant progress, the relationship between the military and civilian elements of the government has become increasingly fraught. Last week’s military coup and the detention of civilian members of the government and civil society leadership, alongside targeted killings and violence against protestors, represents a serious blow to the hope of democracy. The actions of the military, both army and former militia, put in jeopardy the hard-won transition, and the legitimate wishes of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace, justice and inclusive development. They also have worrying implications for peace and security in the region more broadly.
The UN Security Council discussed the situation in Sudan on 26 October, where Ireland strongly condemned the military coup, the attacks against protesting civilians and the campaign of unlawful detention. Ireland has welcomed the decision of the African Union (AU) to suspend Sudan from AU activities until “the effective restoration of the civilian-led Transitional Authority”. The Security Council issued a Press Statement on 28 October expressing serious concern at the military takeover, and calling for the immediate release of all those detained by the military authorities.
As the crisis evolves, my officials, including through our Embassy in Nairobi accredited to Sudan, will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with our partners for a cohesive collective response.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (446)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:446. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Israeli Ministry of Defence designating six Palestinian human rights groups as terrorist organisations; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53062/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I made a statement on this issue on 27 October, as follows:
"I am concerned at the designation by Israel’s Ministry of Defence of six Palestinian NGOs, including organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU, as terrorist entities on Friday, 22 October. The EU is in touch with Israeli authorities to seek clarification. We were not informed in advance of these designations, and have not received detailed evidence.Ireland is committed to funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders through the Irish Aid programme, including Palestinian civil society, and maintains robust checks to ensure that our funding is used only for the purpose intended. Previous allegations against civil society organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) which are supported by Ireland and the EU have not been substantiated. Terrorism is a very serious issue, and must be addressed with both resolve and with evidence. As stated by UN human rights experts in their statement of 25 October: ‘anti-terrorism legislation is designed for a specific and restricted purpose, and must not be used to unjustifiably undermine civil liberties or to curtail the legitimate work of human rights organisations’. This designation has the potential to impact, not only these six organisations, but civil society more broadly across the oPt and to seriously undermine vital humanitarian, development and human rights work. Civil Society Organisations and human rights defenders play a critical role in promoting international law, peace, human rights and democratic values. Ireland will continue to support such efforts bilaterally and at EU and UN level."
I will also be raising these concerns directly with the Israeli authorities during my visit to the region in the first week of November.
EU Bodies
Ceisteanna (447)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:447. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that have and are being taken to ensure that a suitable person is appointed as the EU special envoy for promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU given that the position is currently vacant and has been vacant for most of the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Mr Christos Stylianides was appointed ‘Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU’ in May 2021 but has since resigned. The EU are currently seeking a suitable replacement for Mr Stylianides.
The EU has made clear that an appointment to the role will be made in due course and that the future mandate of the Special Envoy is currently being fine-tuned in light of previous experiences and in response to future challenges. With religious persecution on the rise worldwide, Ireland is very much aware of the importance of finding a suitable replacement to ensure that the EU and its member states can continue to protect and defend the right to freedom of religion or belief throughout the world.
United Nations
Ceisteanna (448)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:448. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 457 of 9 September 2021, if Ireland is willing to table a UN Security Council resolution referring the situation in North Korea to the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53082/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is a firm supporter of the role and work of the ICC in ending impunity for the most heinous crimes. One of the mechanisms provided by the Rome Statute to trigger the Court’s jurisdiction over these crimes is that the United Nations Security Council can refer a situation to the Court. Referrals by the United Nations Security Council are made pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and must receive nine affirmative votes at the Council. Any one of the five permanent Council Members can veto a proposed referral.
The human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) remains an issue of deep concern to Ireland and is one that we have consistently raised in the UN and other international fora.
Ireland is a traditional co-sponsor of a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee which, inter alia, encourages “the Security Council to continue its consideration of the relevant conclusions and recommendations of the commission of inquiry and take appropriate action to ensure accountability, including through consideration of referral of the situation in the DPRK to the ICC and consideration of further sanctions in order to target effectively those who appear to be most responsible for human rights violations that the commission has said may constitute crimes against humanity”. At the time of writing, the resolution for the 76th session of the Third Committee remains under negotiation.
Ireland is engaged on the issue of the DPRK at the Security Council. As highlighted in the response to your Question of 9 September, in February Ireland signed a joint letter to the President of the Council, requesting that ‘The situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ remain on the Council’s agenda. We repeated this request in August. In October, we called for the international community to hold the DRPK to its obligations under Security Council Resolutions, including through targeted sanctions.
For the remainder of our term, we will continue to consider the most effective ways of engaging on the human rights situation in the DPRK, including the issues of accountability and compliance with international law.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (449)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:449. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to introduce legislation which would enable the Government to impose Magnitsky sanctions on persons credibly accused of gross human rights abuses; the timeframe expected for such legislation to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53083/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland implements UN and EU sanctions, but does not plan to introduce any unilateral sanctions regimes. Ireland fully supports the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (GHRSR), which was adopted on the 7 December 2020. It allows the EU to target individuals, entities and bodies, including state and non-state actors, responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations worldwide. This EU sanctions regime applies to acts of genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations and abuses. Other human rights violations can fall within its scope if they are considered to be widespread, systematic and in contravention to the objectives of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.
To date, sanctions in the form of travel bans and asset freezes have been imposed on a broad list of individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses, drawn from six different jurisdictions: China, DPRK, Eritrea, Russia, Libya and South Sudan. These designations send a strong message that the promotion and protection of human rights are a key priority for EU external action.
Ireland actively participates in discussions at EU level on potential listings under the GHRSR, as well as in the geographic sanctions regimes which the EU has established, and sees the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities as an important foreign policy tool.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (450, 451, 452)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:450. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the increase to official development assistance announced in the budget in real terms; the meaning for the percentage spend on official development assistance for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:451. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in view of budget 2022, he will now publish a roadmap to reaching 0.7% of GNI on official development assistance by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:452. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the oversight his Department has on official development assistance in the context of international aid allocated to other Departments in the context of budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 451 and 452 together.
In Budget 2022 €1.044 billion was allocated to overseas development aid, the highest ever amount allocated to ODA by any Government. This is an increase of €176 million on the 2021 allocation or, in percentage terms, a 20.3% increase in the overall cash allocation.
Given the strength of the economic recovery, I anticipate that this will correspond to 0.32% of GNI for 2022.
While I am very proud that we have increased our ODA so considerably this year, I recognize the need to continue to strive for increases in GNI percentage terms in order to reach the 0.7% GNI goal by 2030.
This must be balanced against the need to manage the large cash increases required. My Department is currently reviewing and building systems that will enable our development programme to grow further, including as a proportion of GNI, in a sustainable and responsible way. This includes working in coordination with the many other Government Departments and bodies spending Official Development Assistance, and with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on how a growing ODA allocation can be managed most effectively across Departments. This work will inform whether it might be possible and appropriate to provide a roadmap to 0.7% for 2030.
The overseas development aid allocation for 2022 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. Once finalised, the proposed allocations for 2022 will be reviewed by the Interdepartmental Committee on ODA in its final meeting this year.
Ireland, through my Department, 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.