Written Answers Nos. 739-828
739. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason that the Passport Office has rejected three different photographs for an adult online renewal application (details supplied) considering that the photographs were taken in three different chemists; the reason that each photograph was deemed unsatisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30205/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service received only one passport photo for this application before this PQ was submitted. The Passport Service has communicated with the applicant directly in relation to the application.
803. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the repatriation of a person (details supplied). [30320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department is aware of and has engaged on this case, which was also raised by the Deputy in January of this year.
The Embassy of Ireland in Berne, Switzerland, which is also accredited to Algeria, has engaged with the named person in relation to obtaining a passport. In addition, my Department's Consular Assistance Unit has been in direct contact with the named person's family in Ireland in relation to the situation and stands ready to provide further support as required, upon request. The Unit can be contacted directly on (01) 4082527.
As with all consular cases, I cannot comment on the specific details of the case.
812. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has taken an appeal (details supplied) to the Supreme Court solely for the purpose of seeking confirmation of the applicability of citizenship to children under the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. [30376/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case referred to by Deputy Costello. Leave to appeal against the judgment of the High Court directly to the Supreme Court was granted on 4 April 2022. As this matter is currently before the Supreme Court I am not in a position to make any further comment in this regard.
818. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 June 2022 I visited Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. While there I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Mr Pekka Haavisto.
During our meeting, I discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, Ireland’s Presidency of the UN Security Council and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Ireland and Finland are like-minded, partnership-orientated EU member states. As Europe faces the challenge of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and its resulting impacts, this was an important opportunity to meet bilaterally, in complement to our meetings in EU formats, to ensure a full understanding of the situation and context across the EU.
The visit to FInland was an opportunity to discuss and highlight Ireland’s continuing solidarity and support of Ukraine. Our focus remains on responding to the conflict, in particular through efforts to ease the plight of the Ukrainian people and to hold the Russian leadership to account. I also discussed with Minister Haavisto Ireland’s position in favour of the strongest possible sanctions against Russia, and our support for Ukraine’s application to join the European Union.
The visit also came following the application of Finland to join NATO, made alongside Sweden on 18 May 2022. This application is indicative of the wider change in the security situation across Europe. It is the clear right of every sovereign and independent State to choose their own foreign policy and to ensure the security and defence of their territories. I assured Minister Haavisto that Ireland supports Finland in making those choices.
Ireland and Finland are both committed to a well-functioning system of multilateralism and are committed UN member states. During our meeting we also discussed Ireland’s current membership of the UN Security Council and the importance of the rules based international order.
We also had the opportunity to discuss in more detail the EU-UK relationship and the current situation in respect of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, how we support the Commission in continuing to seek dialogue with the UK and we encourage the UK to respond with a similar approach.
Ireland and Finland are this year celebrating 60 years of Diplomatic Relations and this meeting was an opportunity to mark that anniversary in person, and to commit to ongoing strong and positive relations between our countries, including as Ireland implements the Nordic Strategy which was published on 1 June 2021. It was also an opportunity to thank Minister Haavisto in person for the assistance provided by Finland to Ireland during the evacuation from Afghanistan in late summer 2021.
In addition to my meeting with Minister Haavisto, while in Helsinki I also met with the Minister of Defence of Finland, Antti Kaikkonen and visited the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
819. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his meeting with Sweden’s Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30440/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 June 2022 I visited Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. While in Stockholm, I met with Ms Ann Linde, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During our meeting we discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, Ireland’s Presidency of the UN Security Council, the Northern Ireland Protocol and Sweden’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union.
Ireland and Sweden are like-minded and partnership-orientated EU member states. This was an important opportunity to meet bilaterally, to complement our regular meetings in EU formats and ensure a full understanding of perspectives and dynamics across the EU in terms of our collective response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss and highlight Ireland’s continuing solidarity and support for Ukraine. Our focus remains on responding to the impacts of the conflict, in particular through efforts to ease the plight of the Ukrainian people and to promote full accountability. I also discussed with Minister Linde Ireland’s position in favour of the strongest possible sanctions against Russia, and our support for Ukraine’s application to join the European Union.
The visit also came following the application of Sweden to join NATO, made alongside Finland on 18 May 2022. This application is indicative of the significance of the challenge to the European security order following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. As I made clear, it is the right of every sovereign and independent State to choose their own foreign policy and to ensure the security and defence of their territories.
During the meeting I had the opportunity to discuss in more detail the EU-UK relationship and the current situation in respect of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland; our support for the Commission in continuing to seek dialogue with the UK and we encourage the UK to respond with a similar approach. I welcomed Sweden’s solid and ongoing support for the EU position and the negotiating approach by the Commission.
The visit to Stockholm was an opportunity to re-iterate my welcome for the decision by the Swedish government to re-open its Embassy in Dublin later this year. This will undoubtedly further strengthen the warm bilateral relationship in the years ahead., particularly as we work on implementing Ireland’s Nordic Strategy.
While in Stockholm I also met with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament (Riksdag), Kenneth Forslund and Hans Wallmark, Foreign Affairs Spokesman for the opposition Moderate party.
820. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland’s Africa Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Global Ireland: Ireland's Strategy for Africa to 2025 was published on 28 November 2019. My Department reports annually to Government on implementation of the strategy, with the reports for 2020 and 2021 available on www.gov.ie. The 2021 progress report was brought to Government last month to mark Africa Day.
The 2021 report shows that Ireland’s trade in goods with Africa increased to a record level of €2.42 billion, while trade in services reached all time high of just over €4 billion. The Africa Ireland Economic Forum, which my Department has convened for 30 June 2022, will help add further momentum to these trade and investment flows.
Diplomatic links are being strengthened. In 2020, Ireland became a member of the African Development Bank, opening trade and investment opportunities to Irish companies. Following the opening of an Embassy in Morocco in 2021, the Government has decided also to open an Embassy in Senegal. Also last year, Ireland was accepted as an associate member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, deepening our links with Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and around the world.
Political contacts are strong. The Taoiseach participated in the EU-Africa Summit last February, chairing a roundtable on agriculture. Last year, Minister Coveney visited Kenya and Somalia for high level political meetings. Also in 2021, I participated in the African Union - EU Foreign Affairs Ministerial in Kigali, Rwanda, where I had bilateral meetings with Ministers from a number of African countries. I also visited Irish Aid projects in Rwanda and Uganda, where I also met with the Foreign Minister. Earlier this year, I was in Pretoria to co-chair with my South African counterpart the Joint Commission on Cooperation between our two countries. Last month, I saw the work of the Irish Aid programme in Mozambique, and co-chaired the annual political dialogue with Mozambique.
As an elected member of the UN Security Council Ireland is playing a leadership role in contributing to peace and security in Africa. Ireland is working closely with African partners on key Security Council matters including through our role as co-penholder on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel and co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security. Ireland has also been at the forefront of efforts to address the conflict in Ethiopia at the Council.
Ireland took on a leadership role in responding to the COVID pandemic with African partners, building on decades of support for strengthening health systems in Africa. In Budget 2022, the Government increased the allocation to international development assistance to over €1 billion for 2022. This will allow for sustained investment in development across Africa, as well as an effective Irish response to growing humanitarian needs caused by conflict and climate change, as well the emerging food crisis which is a the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
821. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the United States Congressional visit to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30442/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was a pleasure to welcome Congressman Neal, a longstanding friend of Ireland, and a senior delegation from the US congress including several members of the House Ways and Means Committee to Dublin during their visit to Ireland last month. The Congressional Delegation met with President Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, myself and other political representatives for discussions on Northern Ireland, Brexit, the future of Europe and the transatlantic relationship, as well as the deep and enduring ties between Ireland and the United States of America.
The delegation also visited Kerry, where they were accompanied by Minister Norma Foley. They visited the Blasket Islands and the newly renovated Blasket Islands interpretive centre where they met local political figures, school groups and representatives of local businesses.
This bipartisan Congressional delegation, the first to visit Ireland since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a period of active Irish Government engagement with the US Administration in recent months. The importance of the return to in-person visits cannot be overstated. Our deep, historical people-to-people connections form the foundation upon which Ireland’s strong relationship with the United States is built.
Engagement by successive US Administrations, Congress, and the Irish diaspora has been an indispensable part of the peace process over the last three decades. Congressman Neal and the other members of the delegation were unwavering in their support for peace in Northern Ireland, and emphasised their view that Brexit should not impact on the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.
It was heartening to see a strong bipartisan recognition of the importance of the Ireland-US relationship reflected in the membership and engagement of this Congressional delegation, as well as the keen interest on Capitol Hill in the implications of Brexit for the island of Ireland, North and South. We will continue to ensure that the Irish perspective is understood through ongoing high-level contacts, and through the ongoing engagement of our Embassy in Washington D.C.
822. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Communicating Europe Initiative scheme; the amount of funding that has been allocated to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30443/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communicating Europe Initiative provides funding to voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups and bodies for projects intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives, and improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level. Projects should communicate European issues, the role of the European Union and Ireland’s place in Europe.
For 2022, applications that focused on the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s decision to join the European Union, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Year of Youth 2022 were particularly encouraged.
This year, funding totalling €91,500, has been provided to 21 organisations, as set out below.
I look forward to engaging with as many of these organisations as possible over the course of this year as they continue to make an extremely valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on Ireland’s place in, and the future role of, the European Union.
Communicating Europe Initiative 2022
|
Organisation |
Project |
Outreach |
Grant |
|
Audrey Galvin, UL |
Reflecting on Ireland EU50 a multi platform media project |
Regional and national |
€2,500 |
|
Claremorris Community Radio |
Youth Talk Europe |
Midlands-North-West of Ireland & online |
€2,500 |
|
Corran College |
Caoga Bliain ag Fás |
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim |
€3,000 |
|
Crooked House Theatre Company |
DeisÓige Workshop Programme |
County Kildare and neighbouring regions |
€5,000 |
|
DCU Brexit Institute |
AMPLIFY |
All of the EU, with a particular focus on Ireland |
€5,000 |
|
Donegal County Council |
Donegal’s AER Summer Academy 2022 ‘A Europe for the Next Generation’. |
The event will take place in Donegal but will be open to delegates from across Europe |
€5,000 |
|
Dublin City FM |
EU: How & When? |
Greater Dublin Area & online |
€3,000 |
|
Duhill Community Council, Co Tipp |
50 Years of agriculture within the EU |
South Tipperary |
€1,000 |
|
European Youth Parliament Ireland |
EYPI Debate Conferences |
Nationwide |
€15,000 |
|
IRD Duhallow |
EU 50 – Communicating five decades of Irish Membership |
North West Cork and South East Kerry and Mid Cork |
€2,000 |
|
Centre for European Studies, University ofLimerick |
Symposium:The European Dimension in Irish Education |
Nationwide |
€10,000 |
|
Junior Achievement Ireland |
Europe4U 2022 |
Nationwide |
€10,000 |
|
KCLR |
EU and Us |
Kilkenny/Carlow & online |
€4,000 |
|
National College of Art and Design |
Care and Creativity: Parenthood and Arts in the EU Symposium |
Dublin & nationwide |
€2,000 |
|
Our Lady's Secondary School |
How the European Union works- A Schools Conference |
Border Midlands and Western region |
€4,000 |
|
Radio Kerry |
EU 50 – the EU and Me |
Kerry & online |
€5,000 |
|
SLi Waterford |
The Youth Voice |
South East of Ireland |
€4,000 |
|
The European Network |
Ireland 50 |
Worldwide |
€2,000 |
|
Trinity Long Room Hub |
‘Visions of Europe in Irish Cultural Debate since 1940’ |
Dublin & Europe focus |
€2,000 |
|
Irish Centre for European Law - TCD |
Brexit Seminar Series |
In person and online |
€1,500 |
|
Twilight |
Our Past, Present and Prospects of the EU Years of Ireland. |
Nationwide |
€3,000 |
|
Total |
€91,500 |
823. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30444/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council took place in Brussels on 16 May.
Our discussions were once again focused on the collective EU response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Council has convened six times since the beginning of Russia’s current military offensive and our most recent discussion assessed the effectiveness of the different strands of the EU response. We discussed the preparation of the sixth package of sanctions aimed at depriving Russia and Belarus of the ability to wage war on Ukraine. This package was later adopted on 3 June and includes a prohibition on imports of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products by sea, on a phased basis.
The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Canada joined EU Foreign Ministers for a discussion on the ongoing coordination of supports. I reiterated Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine, including its EU membership aspirations.
We are aware of the impact this conflict is having on other regions. Therefore, the Foreign Affairs Council also considered the EU's relations with the Western Balkans, and possible supports that the EU can provide. Six Foreign Ministers from the Western Balkans joined the Council for a discussion, which provided an opportunity to reinforce the EU’s commitment to the region, and to discuss the European ambitions of each country and set out the expectations of the EU.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell also provided an update on efforts to address the delay in the delivery of EU financial assistance for 2021 to the Palestinian Authority. I highlighted the urgent need for the European Commission to work constructively towards finding a solution that would allow for the immediate disbursement of funds, without any conditionality.
I also raised the dire humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and called for a detailed discussion on the role the EU can play on the key issues of humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities and accountability. A full discussion on the situation in the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, is now scheduled to take place at the next meeting of the Council, on 20 June.
825. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application fee will be reimbursed to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that this person did not receive their passport. [30503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been in contact with the applicant and advised them as appropriate.
827. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount that his Department has given to organisations (details supplied) in each of the past five years; if his Department has given money to organisations that have board members, directors, staff and employees that were members of former or existing paramilitary organisations; if so, the name of these organisations; the level of funding that has been given to each in each of the past five years; the steps that are taken to ensure that any organisation in receipt of funding from his Department has no toleration of sectarianism or community control; if all funds allocated by his Department are fully and openly competed for by way of a tender process or other transparent and fair competition; and if not, the recipients of funds that were not allocated by a tender process or open and transparent competition. [30515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, as well as between Ireland and Britain. The Fund has supported over 3,000 projects with more than €60 million in grant funding since its establishment.
In spring 2021, Minister Coveney approved a new strategy for the Reconciliation Fund for the period 2021-2024, to ensure that the Fund remains relevant, effective, and efficient over the coming years, particularly given the difficult contexts of Brexit and COVID-19.
The Reconciliation Fund strategy emphasises the aim of the Fund to work with all sections of society towards a shared vision of a cohesive, inclusive and reconciled Northern Ireland. To achieve this goal, the Fund supports a wide range of organisations and activities that promote reconciliation, with grants varying in size from just hundreds of euros to small groups, up to amounts in the hundreds of thousands for a small number of larger partners.
There are 2 open calls for applications to the Fund annually, usually in the spring and autumn. These open calls are advertised on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, specifically on the Reconciliation Fund homepage (www.dfa.ie/reconciliation ), as well as on social media, with detailed information provided on how prospective applicants may apply.
In order to ensure that maximum benefit is achieved with available financial resources, applications undergo rigorous assessment and appraisal, including consideration by an Interdepartmental Consultative Committee. This Committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Justice, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Department of Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The assessment and appraisal process is designed to ensure that those projects with greatest potential impact and strongest alignment to the criteria and priorities of the Fund, as laid out in the strategy, are supported.
Applications are also evaluated on additional factors including:
- Geographical location
- Value for money
- Applicants' organisational governance arrangements, sustainability and financial management capacity
- Funding environment for a particular sector
Furthermore, a Tax Clearance Certificate is required for grants in excess of €10,000 and recipients of grant aid in excess of €12,500 are required to provide audited accounts on completion of the project, as well as submitting a financial and narrative report. The impact of projects is also assessed through engagement with funded organisations and on-site monitoring visits.
Information on all awards since 2012 is available under the ‘Previous Grants’ section of the Reconciliation Fund homepage (www.dfa.ie/reconciliation ).
Since 2017, the Reconciliation Fund has awarded grant funding to organisations associated with the Orange Order following the processes and procedures as described above. A breakdown of these grants is provided in tabular form below.
The Reconciliation Fund has not awarded funding to loyalist flute bands.
|
Organisation name |
Year of award |
Award amount |
|
Newtowncunningham Orange Hall |
2021 |
€9,990 |
|
Belfast Orange Hall |
2020 |
€18,000 |
|
Newtowncunningham Orange Hall |
2017 |
€9,000 |
|
County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge Community Development |
2017 |
€5,000 |
|
Total |
€41,990.00 |
