Written Answers Nos. 222-241
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which political pressure continues to be applied to the Russian Federation with a view to ensuring that the independence of Ukraine is honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4173/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has condemned Russian violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. The build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine is a matter of great concern. It is important that dialogue be maintained, with the primary goal of de-escalating tensions in the region. In this regard, I welcome the intensive diplomatic efforts which have occurred in recent weeks, aimed at defusing tensions. These include bilateral discussions between the US and Russia, between NATO and Russia, and at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. As a participating State in the OSCE, Ireland is pleased to express solidarity with Ukraine and seek a peaceful de-escalation of tensions in that forum.Ireland has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Ukraine at United Nations Security Council meetings on Ukraine, including at Arria formula meetings. We have also stressed our non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, encouraged full, secure and unimpeded access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, and called for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 December, in Gymnich formation on 13 and 14 January, and again at the Foreign Affairs Council of 24 January. In my own remarks, I have consistently underlined the need for strong and unified messaging from the EU. In remarks after the December Foreign Affairs Council, High Representative Borrell made clear that aggression against Ukraine, will come with political consequences and with a high economic cost for Russia. This has been re-enforced in Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on 24 January, which state that preparatory work has accelerated on restrictive measures in case of further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine. The Council Conclusions also condemn Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine, and call on Russia to de-escalate.
I and my counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council have dedicated significant time to the security situation in Ukraine this year, including through engagements with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. I also discussed these matters with Minister Kuleba when I travelled to Kyiv on 23 August to represent Ireland at the International Crimea Platform, a diplomatic initiative by Ukraine to seek a peaceful end to the illegal Russian occupation of the peninsula.
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which bilateral and multilateral aid programmes continue to identify countries suffering from war, starvation or natural disasters with a view to addressing the issues arising therefrom; if particular or specific programmes are being developed to address issues such as medicines and water shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the Irish Aid programme, prioritises reaching those most in need, those living in countries suffering from the effects of war, starvation, and natural disasters, amongst other issues.
Many of countries where Ireland has bilateral aid programmes are those which have recently emerged from conflict or, in some cases, where armed actions continue. These include Sierra Leone and Liberia, following on from UN peacekeeping operations there, Mozambique, where there has been internal conflict for much of the last decade, and Ethiopia.
Ireland works with a wide range of partners including the UN, Development Banks, and NGOs, as well as in our capacity as an EU Member State, to ensure that our assistance reaches those most in need.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UN OCHA) provides vital needs assessments which ensure Irish Aid is targeted at the most compelling humanitarian crises. Last year, my Department provided over €5 million in direct support to each of the following countries – Afghanistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. This is in addition to our contributions to UN humanitarian organisations, the Red Cross family, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which also provided support to these protracted crises.
Over the past two years, my Department has invested €200 million in global public health, much of which reaches countries experiencing humanitarian emergencies. In addition to my Department’s partnership with the HSE in our bilateral partners to help build more resilient national health systems, Ireland is a longstanding core supporter of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), which supports eligible countries with essential treatments and medical supplies. Ireland is currently a Board member at the Global Fund, championing their work in fragile contexts.
The total Irish Aid contribution to date to COVAX is €13.5 million. Through our complementary support to the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), which co-leads COVAX, Irish Aid is directly contributing to immunising refugees and internally displaced populations in the world’s poorest countries.
Irish Aid supports efforts to improve global governance of water and sanitation, especially in countries affected by humanitarian crises. For example in Gaza, Ireland is partnering with the French Development Agency to provide sustainable solar power to the North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment plant to ensure adequate clean water. In Mozambique, Ireland works with local government representatives to build new water systems, install water access points and rehabilitate existing boreholes. In Liberia, Ireland is supporting the multi-NGO WASH consortium to deliver water and sanitation to rural communities. Irish core support for UNICEF contributes to improved water supplies and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and safe hygiene practices in 90 countries.
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which directly and or through the European Union or United Nations and using Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council efforts continue to be made to address situations in which hunger, starvation, genocide, ethnic cleansing and violence against minorities can be addressed in a meaningful way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4175/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Global Island review of our foreign policy engagement published in 2015 sets out our ambition for a fairer, more just, more secure and more sustainable world through our development programme, human rights policies, peacekeeping, disarmament and security policies and growing engagement with emerging global issues including climate change. It also considers the role of the EU and UN in amplifying Ireland's voice and extending its influence. That vision was amplified in 2019 with the publication of A Better World, the Government’s policy on international development, and the Global Ireland policy, enhances our ability to advocate for and achieve our foreign policy objectives, including international development, peace, disarmament and security.
During this second part of Ireland’s tenure on the Security Council, our engagement will continue to be guided by the principles that the Government agreed at the start of our term: building peace, strengthening conflict prevention, and ensuring accountability.
Accountability for human rights violations, including genocide and ethnic cleansing, remains a key priority. Ireland has been active in the Security Council and other international fora on these matters, both independently and as part of the EU. For example, at both Human Rights Councils 43 and 44, Ireland joined other EU Member States in co-sponsoring resolutions on protecting populations from genocide.
A strong international criminal justice system is also central to fighting impunity. While states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of such a system. We are a consistent and strong supporter of the Court.
Ireland is the informal focal point on hunger and conflict on the Security Council, reflecting the importance which addressing hunger has in our development programme.
In December’s Nutrition for Growth Summit, hosted by Japan, Ireland pledged to spend €800 million over the next five years on nutrition programmes and interventions. These pledges show Ireland's commitment to place nutrition at the forefront of development priorities and as a critical element in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Ireland’s strong relationship with the World Food Programme, the largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, is a key part of our work to address famine. Under a new agreement signed in December 2021, Ireland will provide at least €75 million to WFP over the next three years (2022 – 2024).
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top ten locations worldwide identified by the United Nations as being volatile in terms of human rights; if sufficient efforts are being made to address these issues with the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe human rights situation in any particular country is unique in its character, scale and complexity, and a universally agreed global ranking does not exist.
On the 18th November 2021, I set out the overall response by Ireland and the international community to ongoing human rights crises in my response to the Deputy’s Parliamentary Questions (204, 205, 210, 212, 213, 214).
Both at this session, and all PQ sessions, I will be very pleased to provide further detail where requested in relation to individual countries of specific concern.
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which efforts continue to be made to foster and encourage stability and European Union membership in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4177/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which efforts continue to be made to ensure continued peace and stability in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 237 together.
Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries and are concerned at both the increasing disillusionment with the enlargement process in the Western Balkans and the resultant decline in public perception of the EU in the region.
For this reason, it was welcome that the Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit last October contained a clear signal of the continuing priority afforded by the EU to the Enlargement dossier and to achieving early progress in advancing the accession process.
There are five recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are recognised as potential candidates by the EU. Bosnia and Herzegovina has formally submitted an application for membership, while Kosovo has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.
The European Commission presented Member States with the main findings and recommendations of the seven country reports on 19 October in last year’s ‘Enlargement Package’. This was followed up with the agreement of Council Conclusions on the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process in December. While situations vary from country to country, limited progress in the enlargement process overall was noted due to both the impact of the pandemic and ongoing delays and blockages in the enlargement process.
While technically remaining the two front-runners in terms of EU accession, there is general agreement within both Council and Commission that both Serbia and Montenegro need to increase the dynamism in their reform agenda. Serbia needs to accelerate its reforms regarding fundamental rights and the rule of law, and make significant progress in the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. A recent positive development has been the holding of a referendum on 16 January which saw a number of amendments to the Serbian constitution relating to the judiciary system approved. In Montenegro, more intensive efforts in relation to freedom of expression, media freedom and the fight against corruption and organised crime are required. We have called for intensified dialogue among all parties in Montenegro to address those issues currently giving rise to tensions within the country
Both North Macedonia and Albania have clearly fulfilled the conditions necessary to commence accession negotiations. In our view, shared almost unanimously within the Council, the negotiating frameworks for both countries should be agreed and Intergovernmental Conferences held as soon as possible to start the accession process. We continue to advocate for this at EU meetings and working groups.
Kosovo is a potential candidate for membership of the EU. The Commission’s report on Kosovo in 2021 noted that the political situation there remains challenging. Rule of law, judicial reform, public administration reform, organised crime and normalisation of the relationship with Serbia are just some of the areas that must be comprehensively addressed in order for Kosovo to advance on its European path.
The EU has clearly set out the fourteen priority areas for reform which need to be progressed, if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to advance on its European path. We call on all parties and leaders within Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid further delay in progressing this urgent reform agenda, including in the areas of electoral and constitutional law.
Ireland will continue to support strongly the enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU. It is our firm belief that it is through EU membership that peace and security can best be ensured throughout the Western Balkans.
228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to monitor the activities of the Boko Haram and Al Shabaab or associated organisations with a view to minimising and eliminating their ability to carry out attacks on women, young girls or children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly condemn the continued violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, support work of the EU and UN to reduce their influence, and to prevent their attacks, especially against civilians and humanitarian workers and facilities.
Through Irish Aid, the Government's official aid programme, my Department is tackling poverty, hunger and exclusion, which can be drivers of support for groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, as well as responding to humanitarian need in regions affected by conflict. As a Member State, Ireland contributes to the significant European Union development and humanitarian response in Somalia, and in countries affected by Boko Haram.
Since 2015, Irish Aid has contributed €34 million in humanitarian funding to alleviate the conditions of people in distress across the Lake Chad region. This includes funding to Concern Worldwide, Goal, and Plan International Ireland, as well as to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the United Nations is helping stabilise the situation in the Lake Chad region. Ireland is penholder, together with Niger, on the UNOWAS file at the UN Security Council. In its Presidential Statement on peace consolidation in West Africa of 17 August 2021, the Security Council strongly condemned continued attacks against civilians in the region, and both attacks and threats of attacks against schools, children, and educational personnel, including recent abductions in Nigeria.
Irish Aid provides funding to support those displaced by conflict in North-East Nigeria, where the numbers of people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection are at the highest levels recorded.
Additionally, Ireland is a member of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin (ISG), and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance: both are forums which enable donors to coordinate support in addressing the challenges in Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin.
Since 2012, Ireland has provided over €57 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, including to communities displaced by conflict in Al Shabaab-held areas. With humanitarian needs in these regions likely to remain acute, Irish funding will continue to target those most in need. The UN-mandated African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) supports the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to combat Al-Shabaab. Ireland is Chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee at the UN Security Council. That Committee oversees an arms embargo and other tools to encourage a more peaceful and secure Somalia, including engagement with Al Shabaab. This complements Ireland’s role as an EU Member State supporting Somalia, including the strengthening of its government institutions.
The EU has three Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions in the Horn of Africa. A number of Irish nationals are deployed to the civilian mission EUCAP Somalia, including the current Head of Mission. In the Sahel, Ireland currently has 20 Defence Forces personnel participating in EUTM Mali. Ireland also deploys one expert to the civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Niger. 14 Defence Forces personnel are deployed in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Ireland’s participation in these missions allows us to contribute to peace and security, help protect human rights, and put in place conditions for sustainable development.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made at international level to address the issue of a person (details supplied); if efforts can or will be made by the international community to challenge their imprisonment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are being taken by the international community to show solidarity with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.
As we approach the one year anniversary of the military coup, Ireland is increasingly concerned by the deteriorating security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy in Myanmar that has taken years to establish.
On 6 December 2021 State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced by a military court; an additional sentence was imposed on 10 January 2022. It is possible that there will be further sentences in the coming period in line with the charges put forward by the military regime. Ireland has joined statements by the European Union and the United Nations Security Council expressing deep concern at the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others. The court proceedings appear to be an attempt to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi and democratically elected leaders from future political engagement and the inclusive dialogue process called for by ASEAN. Ireland condemns these politically motivated verdicts and believes they represent another step towards the dismantling of the rule of law and a violation of human rights in Myanmar.
Ireland is actively engaged on the crisis in Myanmar in the context of our role on the United Nations Security Council and through the EU. The situation in Myanmar has been considered seven times by the Security Council since the coup, most recently on 8 November 2021. The Council has condemned the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. The united voice of the Security Council on the situation in Myanmar is welcome, sending a clear message to the Myanmar military.
Ireland has also voiced its concern at four sessions of the Human Rights Council since February 2021 and has consistently supported international efforts towards ensuring accountability and justice, including through the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Ireland supports the EU's adoption of the sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them and endorses the strong and comprehensive approach set out in the Council Conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on February 22 2021. We will continue to work with partners to consider further actions to restore the democratic path in Myanmar.
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to investigate the use of child soldiers in various conflict zones globally; the actions proposed or taken against the perpetrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment of child soldiers remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world.
The UN Secretary-General issues an annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) which examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.
In his latest 2021 report, the Secretary-General confirmed twenty-one countries where more than 26,000 grave violations against children were verified. The highest number of these violations concerned the recruitment and use of children as child soldiers. The Secretary-General also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as an aggravating factor in the recruitment and use of children as child soldiers since 2020, particularly where their access to education and other key social services has been severely hampered, exposing them to even greater risk of recruitment.
Ireland’s membership of the Security Council offers us an opportunity to play an active role in combating violations against children in conflict situations. The Security Council has established tools to strengthen child protection and to support international standards on CAAC including a comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism. Ireland is an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on CAAC which adopts conclusions on country situations of concern and ensures follow up of the recommendations at country level.
Ireland is also an active member of the Group of Friends of CAAC as well as the Group of Friends of the Reintegration of Child Soldiers. Ireland continues to combat the use of child soldiers through our development programme, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic causes that contribute to this situation, through providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities. Ireland is also a signatory to the Safe Schools Declaration which outlines a set of commitments designed to strengthen the protection of education from attack, restrict the use of schools and universities for military purposes and ensure the continuity of education in armed conflict zones.
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if international human rights organisations can continue to be coordinated to deal with human rights abuses on a worldwide scale; the extent to which this is happening at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and protection of human rights is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland and consequently Ireland is a strong contributor to strengthening efforts by the United Nations, Council of Europe, and European Union to eliminate human rights violations.
In this regard, international human rights organisations play a critical role in identifying, monitoring, and responding to violations of human rights across the globe. Against the backdrop of increasing restrictions, it is essential that human rights organisations can continue to play an unhindered role in protecting human rights at all levels.
Ireland is therefore a strong supporter of international human rights organisations, both in terms of our funding, including in response to conflict and other humanitarian catastrophes, and in terms of our coordination and engagement with them in key fora such as at the Human Rights Council and during our term on the UN Security Council.
At the Human Rights Council, Ireland in coordination with international human rights organisations and a cross regional group of Member States, leads on a resolution most recently renewed in July 2021 to ensure the continued protection of civil society space as a human rights concern. In September 2021, as part of a small core group, Ireland led a successful resolution condemning acts of intimidation or reprisals against Human Rights Defenders engaging with the United Nations.
Ireland remains fully committed to supporting the participation and coordination of international human rights organisations with the Human Rights Council, Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies, and as key interlocutors with the Universal Periodic Review process, and indeed as key partners with the European Union and in other relevant fora.
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland’s overseas development aid programme continues to identify the most suitable and deserving recipients for aid; the extent of such aid in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Better World, Ireland's international development policy, identifies reaching the furthest behind first as a key objective, mandating the Irish Aid programme to work with countries and people in greatest need. Half of Ireland’s bilateral development assistance is specifically targeted at assisting low income and least developed countries, double the OECD average: additionally, Irish Aid’s humanitarian response places a strong emphasis on fragile context and addressing so-called ‘forgotten crises’.
Ireland’s commitment to, and ability to deliver on, a needs-based allocation of development assistance is internationally recognised. In 2020, the OECD assessed the Irish Aid programme, finding Ireland to be "an excellent humanitarian partner", with the Irish Aid funding model a "useful inspiration for other DAC donors". It was this emphasis on those most in need which the respected international think-tank ODI assessed last year, finding Ireland to be the most principled donor.
The allocation to development aid has increased year on year for the past eight years, with the 2022 allocation to exceed €1 billion for the first time. The table below sets out the allocations to official development aid for the five years 2017-21.
Detailed information about the recipient partners and countries of Ireland's development cooperation can be found in the Irish Aid Annual Reports for the years 2017- 2020, available on the Irish Aid website. The 2021 Annual Report will be published later this year.
Total ODA 2017-2020
|
Year |
ODA €M |
|
2017 |
743.42 |
|
2018 |
791.63 |
|
2019 |
869.54 |
|
2020 |
867.53 |
|
2021* |
868.00 |
* This is 2021 ODA allocation. Final 2021 out turn is calculated in arrears and will be published in the 2021 Annual Report
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and location of projects currently assisted by Ireland’s programme at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with our Policy for International Development: A Better World, and international best practice, Ireland delivers its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme through a range of different channels. These channels include funding through Multilateral Organisations, Non-Government Organisations and government systems in partner countries amongst others. Approximately 60 percent of Ireland’s total ODA is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the balance administered though other Departments.
My Department works closely with selected partners to ensure lasting improvements in the lives of communities living in poverty and supporting the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each year Ireland bilaterally supports partners to undertake approximately 900 project-type interventions across more than 80 countries. Funding to our partners range from core contributions through to specific-purpose programmes that address humanitarian and development needs. This international work is supplemented by our development education engagement that takes place here in Ireland. Annually, approximately fifty Development Education projects are supported. These range in size and scale and target primary, secondary and third level students and well as the general public.
My Department publishes a report on Ireland's 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, the amounts allocated to our priority focus areas and amounts given through the various channels and countries. 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 2020 and previous years are available on the Irish Aid website. The report on 2021 will be available later this year.
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Irish embassy and consular network continues to be proactive in pursuing Ireland’s interest in the export marketplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mission network of the Department of Foreign Affairs plays a vital role in increasing trade, diversifying our markets and supporting Irish companies to take advantage of new market opportunities, which is particularly relevant as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.The Mission network plays a key role in the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen our international reputation and drive the development of trade, tourism, investment, science, technology and innovation, culture and education. Embassies and Consulates General provide support for Ireland’s State Agencies by supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. The role of the Mission network in promoting Ireland as a location to do business, invest, study and visit, is particularly pertinent in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network, and the strengthening of Ireland’s State Agency presence overseas. Each of these measures will increase Ireland’s international visibility, facilitate market diversification and intensification, and deepen bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives.This programme is now past the half way mark, with 14 new Missions open and operational. To date, new Embassies have opened in Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Monrovia, Santiago de Chile, Rabat, Manila and Kyiv, and new Consulates General in Cardiff, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mumbai and Vancouver. We will also be reopening our Embassy in Tehran in 2023 and the Government has approved the opening of a further four new Missions in Dakar, Lyon, Miami and Toronto. New Missions have been opened in locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets and increase trade and investment with Ireland. New Missions have been opened in locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets and increase trade and investment with Ireland.
Officers based at our Missions engage in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of their overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. They work on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. COVID-19 has impacted how everyone works, including our mission network. However, it has also provided opportunities for new ways of working and engaging, and has resulted in new tools and strategies for pursuing Ireland's interests.The Mission network also supports Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, other Government Departments and the State Agencies, which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland that are aiming to grow business overseas, and in general helping deepen bilateral relations as the context in which trade and investment takes place.
238. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports will be processed on time for travel arrangements for a family (details supplied) in County Mayo [4215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
239. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has commissioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of his Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date; if so, if he will provide details of the policies; the costs incurred for each individual poll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not commisioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of my Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date and no related costs have been incurred.
240. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the outcome of the mediation between Kildare County Council and his Department in relation to the filling in of the hollow next to Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if the person or persons responsible for the filling in of the hollow next to Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh, County Kildare have been identified; the consequences for the person or persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason that it was necessary for mediation between Kildare County Council and his Department in relation to the filling in of the hollow next to Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will bear the full cost of the mediation between Kildare County Council and his Department in relation to the filling in of the hollow next to Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh, County Kildare given that his Department has been deemed responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 243, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been engaging in legal correspondence with Kildare County Council on this matter. On foot of legal advices, it was agreed that the matter would be resolved through a mediation process between my Department and Kildare County Council.
Arising from same my Department reached a meditated agreement in late 2021 with Kildare County Council. As a result of which and in accordance with this agreement, my Department will liaise with the local authority in the preparation and development of the required Environmental reports and agree on any follow up action arising from same. My Department has recently appointed Environmental Consultants to commence this work.
The cost to my Department of the mediation totalled €9,559.97. This amounted to 50% of the cost of the mediation process. It was agreed prior to the mediatiion that the costs would be split on a 50/50 basis between the two parties.
