Written Answers Nos. 114-128
115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any or all discussions with his counterparts across Europe given the recent report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14567/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the call by an organisation (details supplied) for the United Nations Security Council to impose targeted sanctions against Israeli officials implicated in the crime of apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 137 together.
Amnesty International is a respected NGO, and I value the role it and other civil society organisations play on these issues. I note the publication of the detailed and comprehensive report issued on 1 February. The content of the report is under review by officials in my Department, and they have had an initial meeting with Amnesty International on the report and its recommendations.
There have not been discussions at EU level of this report to date. However, Ireland has been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, including at EU level. Ireland works closely with our EU partners on the issue and my officials remain in close contact with EU member states, the European Commission and the European External Action Service. Ireland will continue to raise our concerns on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN fora.
Ireland has also been proactive in regularly highlighting our concerns on this issue, including demolitions and settlement expansion, at the UN Security Council during our term. Ireland has maintained a consistent approach at monthly meetings on the situation in the Middle East and has raised particular issues of concern, including the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations and housing plans by Israel in East Jerusalem. At the Council meeting on 22 March, Ireland reiterated the longstanding EU position that Israel must end settlement expansion, confiscations, demolitions and evictions. Ireland has been clear that these actions are underlying causes of tension and violence.
In relation to the issue of sanctions, Ireland does not have any unilateral sanctions regimes, but implements EU sanctions, adopted as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and UN sanctions. There are currently no EU or UN sanctions in place against Israel and there is not a consensus either at the level of the EU, or the UN Security Council, on the introduction of sanctions against Israel.
116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on Ireland’s action at the United Nations in relation to the situation in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the United Nations, Ireland has been at the forefront of efforts to hold Russia internationally accountable for its actions. Ireland has been fully engaged at each of the 13 times when the Security Council discussed Ukraine to date in 2022. We have actively supported Security Council and General Assembly meetings on Ukraine, and have urged others to join us in condemning Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and to call on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from the entire territory of Ukraine.
Ireland actively supported efforts to bring a resolution condemning the invasion to the Security Council. Although Russia vetoed this resolution, this did not stop Ireland and the international community in holding Russia to account, and we joined like-minded partners in calling for an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly to discuss the crisis, only the 11th time in UN history that this has happened.
Ireland co-sponsored a strong UN General Assembly resolution, condemning Russia’s aggression and calling for their immediate withdrawal, which was adopted with the support of the overwhelming majority of UN Member States on 2 March. This marked a powerful global rejection of Russia’s aggression against a sovereign state.
Ireland has called for the safe passage and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, including medical and food supplies, to those in need and has stressed the importance of safeguarding women and children during conflict. We have called on Russia to uphold its obligations under international law and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine. Ireland is continuing to work with our partners at the Security Council and General Assembly to support genuine efforts to ensure humanitarian access.
Prior to Russia's further invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, Ireland had repeatedly reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine at United Nations Security Council meetings on Ukraine this year and last year, including at Arria formula meetings.
117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the need to implement the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Stormont House Agreement was reached collectively in 2014 by the Irish Government, the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland after a period of intense negotiation, and provides a balanced and comprehensive framework to address the painful legacy of the Troubles. The Government has engaged consistently with the British Government to underline the importance of progress on the implementation of this framework.
As the Deputy will be aware, in July 2021, the UK Government published a Command Paper which proposed a Statute of Limitations. I have made clear to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that this is not a proposal that the Irish Government could support, and the Taoiseach has also underlined this message to Prime Minister Johnson. We have also cautioned strongly against unilateral action in this most sensitive space.
As agreed at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in June 2021, the Government joined the British Government and the Northern Irish parties in a process of intensive engagement of these issues, which began in July 2021. Throughout this process, there was a clear message from victims groups that a statute of limitations could not be the way forward. It has also been strongly and publicly opposed by all the parties.
The issue was discussed once again at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference that took place in Farmleigh House yesterday. I reiterated to the Secretary of State that, while we continue to remain ready to engage with concerns or issues to do with the implementation of the Stormont House agreement, any such changes must be discussed and agreed by the parties and both Governments, as part of a collective process.
I will continue to take every opportunity in the period immediately ahead to engage with the British Government at all levels on this issue, and to underline the importance of finding a collective way forward now. It is essential that any legacy framework meet the legitimate needs of victims and uphold our shared human rights obligations, for those families who have waited for too long for truth and justice for their loved ones.
118. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the work in relation to the Irish protocol. [15375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU-UK talks on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland are ongoing. I welcome the meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee on 21 February, and the meeting of the Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Protocol held on 8 March. I note the determination expressed in the resulting joint statements to ensure that durable solutions are found as soon as possible for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland. The EU and the UK have committed to continuing their talks and to further engagement with business groups, civil society, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland.
While we would like to have seen more progress by now, it is important that we continue to focus on the issues of genuine and practical concern to people in Northern Ireland. The EU’s proposals published last October directly address concerns around SPS and customs movements, medicines and giving greater voice to Northern Irish stakeholders in the implementation of the Protocol. The EU has demonstrated further flexibility by putting forward a proposal to change its own legislation to guarantee the long-term supply of medicines to Northern Ireland. This flexibility now needs to be reciprocated by the British Government.
People in Northern Ireland want the Protocol to work. They recognise that the Protocol presents Northern Ireland with unique economic opportunities. Most people see the Protocol as a good thing on balance for Northern Ireland.
I continue to engage regularly with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including political leaders, the business community, and civic society – as does the European Commission. I remain in regular contact with Vice-President Šefcovic and with our partners across the EU. Support for the European Commission’s approach remains steadfast across the Union. I also have regular engagement with both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the UK Foreign Secretary.
The Taoiseach recently met with Prime Minister Johnson in London, where he highlighted the importance of reaching agreement on durable, practical solutions. During his bilateral engagements in Washington D.C., the Taoiseach’s discussions also covered developments in Northern Ireland, British-Irish and EU-UK relations, and the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.
In all engagements, we continue to emphasise the need to find an agreed approach to the implementation of the Protocol as soon as possible for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland. We urge the British Government to engage constructively with the EU. Agreeing an approach on the Protocol would be an important factor in opening up a new chapter of more positive EU-UK cooperation. We have seen in recent weeks the strength of the EU and UK working together to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s abhorrent and illegal aggression. I hope that spirit of partnership can extend to the talks on the implementation of the Protocol.
119. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has offered or been approached to offer additional resources to the Council of Europe as a consequence of the likely exclusion of Russia from the organization. [15154/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a founder member, Ireland is deeply committed to the Council of Europe and to its central role in the protection of human rights across the continent.
On 16 March, on the unanimous recommendation of members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, including the Deputy, the Committee of Ministers decided that the Russian Federation be excluded from the organization with immediate effect.
The decision is unprecedented in the 73-year history of the Council of Europe, and reflects the strongest possible condemnation of the Russian Federation's unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, another Council of Europe member.
I regret that, through these actions, the Russian authorities have deprived the Russian people of the benefit of the world’s most advanced human rights protection system. But regrettable as it is, the exclusion is necessary, given the Russian Federation’s disavowal of the values, principles, and legal obligations which membership of the Council of Europe entails.
Over the coming weeks, the Committee of Ministers will meet to consider the financial and legal implications of the Russian Federation's exclusion.
As incoming chair of the Committee, I and my officials will engage actively with those deliberations and consult with Secretary General Buric and her staff to explore how Ireland can best continue to support the Council of Europe in discharging its vital work.
124. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund is dedicated to facilitating media coverage of global developments impacting on Ireland.
The Fund aims to increase knowledge, understanding and citizen engagement of global issues. By building the capacity of media outlets, the Fund will support the provision of public information about major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world across a range of topics and geographical regions. A desired outcome is that the public will, as a result of increased media engagement and ensuing debate, develop a greater understanding of international issues, including the context in which Ireland’s foreign policy is developed and pursued.
The Terms of reference of the Fund were published in April 2021 and an Expert Advisory Panel was established in July 2021 to provide independent expertise, and to help ensure good governance through informed decision making on all applications. Complete editorial independence is one of the core principles of the Fund.
The Fund, €900k per annum, is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and is operating for a pilot period of 2 years, with an annual review.
Applications to the fund will remain open through the year and adjudication of submissions will take place on a case by case basis.
128. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on and the detail of Ireland’s non-lethal aid to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of Ireland’s contribution to the European Union peace fund; the way that contributors will contribute to the provision by the European Union of both lethal weapons and other products needed to support the people of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13370/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 146 together.
Ireland is committed to enhancing the EU’s ability to promote international peace and security in support of the principles of the United Nations Charter. Our participation in the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-budget instrument established by the EU in March 2021 and aimed at funding EU Common Security and Defence Policy actions, is part of that commitment.
The EPF is one element of a broad set of EU foreign policy instruments, which support sustainable development, humanitarian action, conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The EPF is used in particular to fund the military and defence aspects of partnerships with regional organisations and third countries, while other instruments fund the peacebuilding, conflict prevention, mediation, security sector reform and wider development aspects.
In certain circumstances and subject to strong safeguards, funding from the EPF may also be used to provide equipment designed to deliver lethal force. During the negotiations to establish the Facility, Ireland, together with a number of like-minded States, ensured the inclusion of a provision allowing Member States to constructively abstain from measures involving lethal equipment. This removes from the Member States concerned any obligation to pay for the lethal equipment component of an assistance measure.
In 2021, the EU adopted seven EPF measures to provide non-lethal assistance in support of Georgia (€12.75 million), Moldova (€7 million), Ukraine (€31 million), Mali (€24 million), Bosnia and Herzegovina (€10 million), Mozambique (€40 million), and the African Union (€130 million).
On 28 February 2022, the EU went on to agree an EPF package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine. For the first time ever, this consisted of a €450 million allocation for lethal equipment, as well as an additional €50 million in funding for non-lethal equipment. On 21 March, EU Foreign Ministers reached political agreement on a further €500 million package of EPF assistance for Ukraine, based on an identical breakdown in terms of resources to the funding package agreed on 28 February.
In respect of both packages, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Ireland will not contribute to the funding of lethal equipment and our support will only go to non-lethal elements. In financial terms, our total contribution is likely to amount to approximately €22 million. In addition to the allocation of financial resources, this also includes the provision by Ireland of some 10 tonnes of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour directly to the Ukrainian military. These supplies have already been dispatched in recent days.
Separately, Ireland has been responding to the humanitarian emergency in and around Ukraine. Ireland has committed €20 million in humanitarian aid to the situation in Ukraine and in neighbouring Moldova.
In the period ahead, Ireland will continue to work with the European Union, United Nations, and other partners to assess the best means by which we can continue to provide both political and practical support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
