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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 23 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 136-165

Foreign Policy

Ceisteanna (137)

John Lahart

Ceist:

137. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that Ireland is supporting the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32953/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international courts to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute.  By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In this way it contributes in a fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice.

Ireland has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC. We will continue to publicly support and promote the Court in all relevant international fora, including throughout the remainder of our term on the United Nations Security Council.   

In addition to political support for the Court, Ireland strongly believes that the ICC should have sufficient resources to deliver its unique and important mandate. The ICC is funded mainly by means of annual assessed contributions made by the States Parties to the Rome Statute, determined every year at the Assembly of States Parties.  The total annual budget of the Court for 2022 is just under €155 million, of which Ireland’s assessed contribution is approximately €1.2 million.  Ireland has consistently promoted a budget for the Court that is sufficient to meet the many demands placed upon it, and the recently commenced investigation into the situation in Ukraine will considerably increase those demands over the coming years. 

Some of the Court’s work is also supported by voluntary trust funds established for specific purposes.  These include the Trust Fund for Victims and the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity.   

The Government believes that supporting victims is a critical part of implementing the Rome Statute and ensuring accountability. The ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims was established to respond to the harm resulting from the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court.  Since 2004 Ireland has contributed approximately €1.8 million to this trust fund and I plan to make more available shortly.  To this end, during my recent trip to Kyiv and Bucha in Ukraine, I announced that the Government will make an additional voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC, €1 million of which has now been distributed to the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund. This funding will benefit the Prosecutor’s work in all situation countries, not just Ukraine. 

The Government is committed to supporting the vital work of the ICC and will continue to work with other countries around the world to promote and strengthen it.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (138)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

138. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the treatment of parliamentarians in Tunisia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31902/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of recent developments in Tunisia, where, in March, President Kais Saied took the decision to dissolve the Assembly of Representatives. This move follows a number of concerning events in Tunisia, which has been in a state of emergency since June 2021.

Ireland is a strong supporter of democracy and the rule of law. We support and strongly urge the restoration of institutional stability in Tunisia as soon as possible, and in particular the resumption of normal parliamentary activity. The democratic basis of the country, respect for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the legislative framework, in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Tunisian people, are essential for its stability. Ireland together with our EU partners supports open, inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and the Tunisian people to find an agreed way forward.

Tunisia is an important EU partner. This partnership is built on and must continue to be based on the shared values of our democratic principles and principles of international law. Ireland fully respects the sovereignty of the Tunisian people and the decisions they will have to make about their future. Along with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to support to Tunisia to make every possible effort to consolidate its democracy and to offer its citizens peace, prosperity, and confidence in the future.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (139)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

139. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he expects the united European Union response to Russian aggression against Ukraine to be sustained in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32929/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support, as well as welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees under the Temporary Protection Mechanism and the imposition of the most extensive package of sanctions, in response to Russia's aggression, that have ever been adopted. 

On 17 June the European Commission recommended that Ukraine be granted candidate status, on the understanding that certain steps are taken. Ireland strongly supports this recommendation.

The recommendation will provide a strong signal to the people and Government of Ukraine who have stood firm in defence of our shared European values in the face of the most appalling Russian war. It is a message that Europe stands with them now and in the future, and will support the rebuilding of Ukraine.

On sanctions, Ireland has been consistent in advocating for a maximalist approach since the start of the war. Following adoption of the sixth sanctions package on 3 June, it is likely that Member States will look at options for further sanctions package in the coming weeks and months. The sanctions adopted so far are the most extensive in the history of the EU and it is increasingly difficult to identify measures that impact Russia more than they impact EU Member States. However, EU Member States will continue to work on options, with the aim of incentivising Russia to find a political solution to the conflict, and of depriving Russia of the means and capabilities to wage this unjust war. 

The EU agreed a fourth package of support to Ukraine’s military under the European Peace Facility at the end of May. Ireland will contribute €44 million (towards non-lethal elements only) of the €2 billion provided under the four packages. The possibility of providing a further package of military support is likely to be discussed in the coming weeks.

The European Commission has disbursed €1.2 billion of emergency Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine. The 30 May European Council conclusions state that the European Union is ready to grant Ukraine new exceptional macro-financial assistance of up to €9 billion in 2022, and invites examination of Commission proposals for this funding. The European Commission has also allocated €243 million in humanitarian assistance (€230m for Ukraine and €13m for Moldova).

EU Member States have remained united in support of Ukraine throughout Russia's war of aggression and I expect this unity of purpose will continue in the coming months.

Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 120.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (141, 153, 158)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

141. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to increase the accuracy of the passport tracking service online to show real-time data of each actual step of the application process; if processing application actually means that the application is only in a queue to be seen by a checker; if he will ensure that all applications that exceed their estimated issue date are expedited; the reason that some online applications are not registering on the passport tracking service until the day after they are submitted online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32823/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

153. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of interventions made by the Irish consulate and embassy staff on behalf of Irish citizens that have lost or had their passport stolen when they were in a foreign country in 2022. [32983/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Ring

Ceist:

158. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the length of time that it takes once supporting documentation is physically received by the Passport Office for the information to be attached to an application; his plans to reduce the numbers of days it currently takes for this to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32822/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 153 and 158 together.

Passport applicants can track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/. The information available on the tracker has recently been upgraded and is an excellent guide as to where an application is in the system.

The online Passport Tracker tool 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 tracker is updated every two hours between 7am and 7pm.

When tracking their application using the online tracker tool, applicants will receive updates that relate to the current status of their application, such as:

- Application has been received.

- Application has been received. Applicant must submit supporting documents to proceed with the application.

- Supporting documents have been received and are being verified.

- Application is being processed

- There is a problem with the application. An email has been sent to the applicant.

- Passport is being printed.

- Passport has been dispatched.

The “processing application” stage on the Tracker covers the period of time from when supporting documents have been received and verified by the Passport Service until the application is approved. During some of that period the application is in a queue waiting to be reviewed.

On one occasion last week, the Passport Service experienced technical issues with the Tracker resulting in online applications not being registered on the Tracker for up to 24 hours. These issues have now been resolved and the Tracker is operating as normal.

The vast majority of passports are issued earlier than the estimated issue by-date.  The Passport Service prioritises any applications that have exceeded their estimated issue-by date. It is important to note that the issue-by date is an estimate based on current average processing times and that it is not a service delivery guarantee.

The Passport Service has been proactively planning for the significant increase in demand for many months and has made an unprecedented investment in the staffing and resources necessary to meet this demand.

The Passport Service aims to register documents onto an application as soon as possible after the documents are delivered. During periods of high demand, the volume of post that the Passport Service receives is significant. The Passport Service operates a sophisticated document management system to manage these volumes. Documents are currently being registered on the day they are received.

99% of all child and adult online renewal applications are issued within the standard turnaround time and almost half of all adults who renew their passports online will receive their new passport in the post within 2 working days.

Processing time for first time applications now takes 25 working days, down from 40 working days in March. In the space of three months, processing time for first-time applications has been reduced by almost 40%.

The Passport Service operates an award-winning online service, which compares favourably internationally with countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. There is an ongoing programme of reform in the Passport Service, which continues to look at ways to enhance the customer experience for citizens.

I am satisfied overall that Passport Service operations are meeting the current needs of passport applicants and that recent service improvements are allowing the Passport Service to provide this essential citizen service in an efficient and effective manner.

Passport Service figures show that 4,500 passports have been reported lost or stolen to date in 2022. The Passport Service does not maintain records of the location where passports are lost or stolen. Details of lost or stolen passports are reported to Interpol and these passports are no longer valid for travel.

Question No. 142 answered orally.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (143)

David Stanton

Ceist:

143. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department has engaged with the organisation frontline defenders and the people with whom they support in conflict zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33202/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Front Line Defenders (FLD) is an Irish based international Non-Governmental Organisation that works exclusively for the protection of human rights defenders at risk globally. Headquartered in Dublin, with staff in all regions of the world, it provides rapid and practical support to human rights defenders, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries. In 2021, the organisation awarded more than 1,000 protection grants to human rights defenders in 96 countries and provided security support to more than 500 across 55 countries.

Ireland’s strong commitment to human rights is at the centre of our foreign policy and the Department has supported Front Line Defenders since its foundation in 2001. They currently receive funding under my Department’s multi-annual Programme Grant II, with €592,337 awarded for 2022.

In December 2020, Minister Coveney inaugurated a memorial monument in Iveagh Gardens alongside UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, and FLD’s Executive Director, Andrew Anderson. It commemorates the lives of human rights defenders who have been killed because of their peaceful work defending the rights of others. The Memorial recognises the important work of human rights defenders globally and pays tribute to the many brave and inspirational individuals who have been silenced.

In 2021 my officials worked closely with Front Line Defenders to facilitate visas for Afghan human rights defenders at risk, through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. The Government was commended for its collaboration in securing their safe passage.

My Department was also pleased to attend the 2022 Front Line Defenders Awards event on 27th May and to host individual meetings with, and be briefed by, the award recipients on their courageous work.

In October this year, my Department will participate in Front Line Defenders’ biennial Dublin Platform, hosted at Dublin Castle, joining human rights defenders from across the world to share strategies for advocacy and protection and to build solidarity in our common quest to defend human rights for all. 

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (144)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

144. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list the countries where Ireland has ambassadors on the ground. [31964/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In launching 'Global Ireland 2025', the Government committed to the most ambitious renewal and expansion of Ireland’s international presence ever undertaken.

We committed to deepening our network of missions overseas by strengthening our presence in key existing locations, and opening new offices to enable us to leverage opportunities to grow trade and inward investment, to further strengthen political relationships with our partners and promote our values, and to support Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad.

Since August 2018, new embassies have opened in Wellington, Bogotá, Amman, Santiago de Chile, Manila, Rabat, and Kyiv.  The Irish Aid office in Monrovia was also upgraded to an Embassy.  In the same period, Irish consulates general have opened in Mumbai, Vancouver, Cardiff, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Manchester.

These additional missions bring our number of embassies to sixty-nine and our number of consulates general to seventeen. There are also 11 multilateral and other missions.  A list of all current Irish missions is provided below and, in addition, we expect to open missions in Dakar, Lyon, Miami and Toronto in the coming months.

The network of resident Irish diplomatic Missions overseas will continue to be kept under review. In the case of Embassy Kyiv, all staff have been temporarily relocated. 

Embassy (x69)

 Country

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Abuja

Nigeria

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Amman

Jordan

Ankara

Turkiye

Athens

Greece

Bangkok

Thailand

Beijing

China

Berlin

Germany

Berne

Switzerland

Bogota

Colombia

Brasilia

Brazil

Bratislava

Slovakia

Brussels

Belgium

Bucharest

Romania

Budapest

Hungary

Buenos Aires

Argentina

Cairo

Egypt

Canberra

Australia

Copenhagen

Denmark

Dar Es Salaam

Tanzania

Freetown

Sierra Leone

Hanoi

Vietnam

Helsinki

Finland

Holy See

Vatican

Jakarta

Indonesia

Kampala

Uganda

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Kyiv

Ukraine

Lilongwe

Malawi

Lisbon

Portugal

Ljubljana

Slovenia

London

UK

Lusaka

Zambia

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Madrid

Spain

Manila

Philippines

Maputo

Mozambique

Mexico City

Mexico

Monrovia

Liberia

Moscow

Russia

Nairobi

Kenya

New Delhi

India

Nicosia

Cyprus

Oslo

Norway

Ottawa

Canada

Paris

France

Prague

Czech Republic

Pretoria

South Africa

Rabat

Morocco

Riga

Latvia

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

Rome

Italy

Santiago de Chile

Chile

Seoul

South Korea

Singapore

Singapore

Sofia

Bulgaria

Stockholm

Sweden

Tallinn

Estonia

Tel Aviv

Israel

The Hague

The Netherlands

Tokyo

Japan

Valletta

Malta

Vienna

Austria

Vilnius

Lithuania

Warsaw

Poland

Washington

USA

Wellington

New Zealand

Zagreb

Croatia

Consulates General (x17)

 Country

Atlanta

USA

Austin

USA

Boston

USA

Cardiff

UK

Chicago

USA

Edinburgh

UK

Frankfurt

Germany

Hong Kong

China

Los Angeles

USA

Manchester

UK

Mumbai

India

New York

USA

San Francisco

USA

São Paulo

Brazil

Shanghai

China

Sydney

Australia

Vancouver

Canada

Multilateral and Other Missions (x11)

 Country

Brussels (Permanent Representative Office)

Belgium

Brussels (Partnership for Peace)

Belgium

Geneva (UN)

Switzerland

New York (PMUN)

USA

Paris (OECD)

France

Strasbourg (CoE)

France

Vienna (OSCE)

Austria

Armagh (NSMC)

UK

Belfast

UK

Paris (Francophone West Africa)

France

Ramallah (Permanent Representative Office)

Palestine

Foreign Policy

Ceisteanna (145, 149)

John Brady

Ceist:

145. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, particularly on the United Nations Security Council and the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32925/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

149. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken by the Irish Government with respect to the crisis unfolding in the Horn of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33098/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 149 together.

The Horn of Africa is experiencing one of the most severe droughts in at least forty years, pushing the region close to the brink of catastrophe. Food prices are rising as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Responding, my Department through the Irish Aid programme has contributed over €48 million in direct humanitarian support to drought-affected Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia over the past 18 months, working with partners on the ground who can act fast to provide life-saving critical assistance to those who need it most. These interventions complement the Irish Aid investment of over €12 million in development funding last year to communities across the region, including in partnership with Irish NGOs.

In addition, communities in the drought-affected countries are being supported through Ireland’s contributions to multilateral humanitarian action, such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which reacts immediately to crises as they happen. Ireland is the 8th largest contributor to CERF providing €11.5 million in 2022. Since 2021, the CERF has allocated almost $100 million to help drought-affected communities in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

We will continue to draw international attention to the crisis in our role on the UN Security Council. As informal focal point on hunger and conflict at the UNSC, Ireland has consistently shone a spotlight on the underlying causes of food insecurity and the links between conflict, hunger and climate change. 

Ireland has supported a strong EU response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa. In April, the EU pledged €348 million for 2022 to provide both humanitarian assistance and longer-term support to tackle root causes of food insecurity, including climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

Ireland is a committed global leader on food and nutrition. In 2021 Ireland’s commitment to food security and nutrition was reaffirmed with a pledge to spend €800 million over the coming 5 year period for nutrition programmes and interventions.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (146)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

146. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its place on the UN security council or call in the Israeli ambassador to raise the use of administrative detention by the Israeli state, and if it can specifically raise the hunger strike of two detainees (details supplied) who have been held in administrative detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 898 on 14 June 2022, I am aware of the cases to which the Deputy refers. Irish officials are closely monitoring this matter, in cooperation with our civil society partners on the ground. Both Ireland and the EU provide financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to light.

I have called on the Israeli authorities to end the practice of administrative detention completely. Ireland has also repeatedly highlighted the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Detainees must have the right to be informed of the charges underlying any detention, have access to legal assistance, and receive a fair trial.

At the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland has called on the Israeli authorities, in accordance with their obligations under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to refrain from conducting arbitrary arrests and to follow the acceptable procedure established by law regarding arrest and detention. Ireland also made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees during the last Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the Human Rights Council in 2018, expressing concern at Israel’s extensive use of administrative detention in particular.

I have also raised these issues directly with the Israeli authorities during my visits to the region.

Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 120.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 121.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 145.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (150)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

150. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail the process within his Department for appointing persons as Irish ambassadors to other countries; if he will clarify whether such positions are advertised publicly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31963/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving State.  Only serving civil servants are considered for ambassadorial assignments. Civil Servants are recruited through publicly advertised competitions administered in line with guidelines issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. 

In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including political, economic and trade priorities.  In addition, management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors are considered as part of the assignment process. Foreign language skills, where relevant, are also considered.

Our ambassadors make an excellent contribution to the promotion of Ireland’s interests and values overseas.  

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 116.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No.111 .
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 141.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 117.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 128.

Official Travel

Ceisteanna (156)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

156. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report back on his recent visit to Finland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33164/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 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.

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.

Military Neutrality

Ceisteanna (157)

John Brady

Ceist:

157. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on neutrality; his plans to refer Ireland's position on neutrality to a Citizens Assembly for discussion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32927/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has a longstanding policy of military neutrality, meaning that we do not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. This policy, which has been implemented by successive governments, informs our active approach to peace support operations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time.

At the same time, it is clear that the security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the decisions by Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership, and the upcoming response to the recommendations by the Commission on the Defence Forces have all brought security and defence issues to the fore in our domestic debate.

In this context, there is undoubtedly a need for a debate on security and defence policy in Ireland, to reflect on the security and defence challenges we face as a country and the best way for us to respond to those challenges. The Taoiseach has indicated that the issues involved could potentially be discussed through a Citizens Assembly or a similar framework. 

It is important that this debate is allowed to take place in an open and evidence-based way, and at an appropriate time. For now, the Government’s immediate focus remains on easing the plight of the Ukrainian people and holding the Russian leadership to account.

Question No. 158 answered with Question No.141 .
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 110.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 122.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 110.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (162)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

162. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the officials in Myanmar since the 3 June 2022 announcement of the forthcoming execution of four political prisoners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32982/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and the abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland’s international priorities. I am gravely concerned by the passing of death sentences on a number of those arrested for peaceful protest and support for democracy in Myanmar.  I understand that 114 people have been sentenced to death, primarily by military courts, without the possibility of appeal.  On 13 June, Ireland addressed this issue at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar, expressing our abhorrence at this action, and reiterating our call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. The EU also spoke at that session, calling on the Myanmar de facto authorities to apply the moratorium on executions observed since 1988. In particular, the EU called on the de facto Myanmar authorities not to carry out the death sentences announced last week, to which the Deputy is referring. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw. 

As I have outlined in my previous statements on this matter, the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been resolute in rejecting the military coup. General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as Prime Minister is a clear attempt to normalise his position and does not reflect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar. Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military.

We will continue to work with our partners in the EU, in the region, and in the context of our United Nations Security Council membership to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, to consider further actions to restore the democratic path in Myanmar, and to protect the people of Myanmar.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (163)

John Brady

Ceist:

163. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has concerns regarding human rights violations at the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, given the recent decision to recommence the importation of coal from Colombia to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32926/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has a strong relationship with Colombia across many areas. Our longstanding cooperation and lesson-sharing around peacebuilding has been very successful and is a key pillar of our relationship.

As part of that relationship, Ireland takes a very active role in supporting human rights defenders, indigenous communities and civil society space in Colombia. We recognise that addressing social, land-related and environmental issues is an essential component of Colombia’s peace process, and we remain firmly committed to supporting the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement.

I am aware of human rights concerns that have been raised by civil society around the operation of the Cerrejón mine and my Department has been following these issues closely.

The Embassy of Ireland in Bogota has visited the region where the mine is located, as well as the mine itself, on two occasions. On both occasions, the Embassy interacted with all parties to the issues, including various local communities, local authorities, and the management of the mine, in order to gain a greater understanding of the circumstances. We have maintained this engagement with all stakeholders, including through the EU Delegation in Colombia.

Our assessment has been that the situation on the ground is complex. The Embassy, along with our EU partners, continues to encourage all stakeholders to engage in inclusive dialogue in order to resolve the issues.

As the Deputy refers to in his question, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has indicated to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the ESB recently ordered coal from the Cerrejon mine in order to maintain a secure coal supply.

The ESB has indicated that they work with other purchasers collectively through the Bettercoal initiative, and has highlighted that the Cerrejon mine is subject to independent assessments and that these are conducted in line with the Bettercoal Code, which establishes principles and standards to manage and mitigate the environmental, social and governance risks in coal supply chains.

In the area of business and human rights, my Department works closely with the multi-stakeholder Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. This Group regularly engages with experts and considers best practice. 

I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá will continue to remain actively engaged on all of the above issues and to maintain close contact with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the ESB on this matter.

Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 135.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (165)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

165. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his meeting with the Finnish Foreign Minister; if enhanced co-operation around security and defence at an EU level was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31903/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 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. 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.

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