Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:291. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a first-time passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (291)
Freagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service is in direct contact with the applicant's parent in relation to the application and is working to ensure no further delays are experienced. The Passport Service regrets any inconvenience caused to the applicant.
Question No. 292 answered with Question No. 253.
Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 253.
Question No. 294 answered with Question No. 258.
Question No. 295 answered with Question No. 255.
Question No. 296 answered with Question No. 258.
Departmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (297)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:297. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the bodies under his aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each, where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently no bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (298)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:298. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is willing to support and advance the reconvening of the United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid with a view to bringing an end to Israel’s system of oppression, domination and racial supremacy in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as outlined in recent reports by human rights organisations; if he will review all of Ireland’s cooperation activities with Israel to ensure that these do not contribute to maintaining the present system of apartheid; his views that the purpose of Israel’s actions of discrimination and dispossession is to ensure the dominance of one racial or national group over another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the answers provided in Question 384 of 21 June and Question 146 of 10 May with regard to Ireland’s position on the recent reports by human rights organisations.
The Middle East Peace Process remains a key foreign policy priority and Ireland makes consistent efforts to support a two-State Solution based on international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with previously agreed parameters. Ireland raises issues of compliance with international law in our bilateral contacts with the Government of Israel and in multilateral fora.
At the UN Security Council, Ireland set out our position most recently on 27 June at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. Ireland raised the issues of the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, including at Masafer Yatta, and evictions and demolitions. Additionally, Ireland raised the economic difficulties for the Palestinian people and our concern regarding Israel’s designations of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations. Ireland also reiterated our concern that Israeli authorities have not yet conducted a criminal investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.
If a resolution on reconvening the Special Committee on Apartheid is tabled at the United Nations, Ireland will give consideration to it in co-ordination with our EU partners.
With regard to co-operation with Israel, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territory occupied since 1967, in line with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Ireland ensures that bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and this position is common across Government departments. Ireland’s approach to our relations with Israel is fully consistent with our obligations under international law.
Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 255.
Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 253.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (301)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:301. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if assistance will be provided in relation to a passport application (details supplied) given that the link to submit a new consent form has expired and the applicant’s parent cannot make contact with the Passport Office to have a new link issued. [36064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired the Passport Service has reviewed the application and taken action as appropriate and contacted the applicant to advise as such.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (302)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:302. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that a person can take in circumstances (details supplied) to obtain a passport; if the requirement to have used their surname for two years and or documents proving the new name usage is reasonable in cases in which an Irish citizen wants to travel in the interim; the options for this person who needs a passport to open a bank account in advance of attending college this autumn given the difficulties that they are now experiencing as a result of the name change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issue of passports.
Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on his/her birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person’s birth certificate is permitted under the Act in certain situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc. where civil or legal documents are available to verify this change.
In cases where name change arises other than by marriage or civil partnership etc., the Act requires evidence of the use of this new name over a two year period.
The question of what a person’s name is at any given moment in time depends upon its usage and the evidence to support the constant and sustained use of this new identity. Evidence of this for at least two years through documentation such as bills/bank statements/official correspondence is required as a deed poll is not adequate evidence of the constant use of a new name. This policy seeks to protect the integrity and security of Irish passports against passport and identity fraud while allowing for genuine cases where name changes have occurred.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 5th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 187 countries.
Question No. 303 answered with Question No. 253.
Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 258.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (305)
John Lahart
Ceist:305. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s seat on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that the position and situation in Ethiopia is formally placed on the agenda of same in order to achieve a number of aims and objectives (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has played a leading role in the international response to the crisis in Ethiopia, at the UN Security Council, through our bilateral engagements, and within the European Union.
Since taking up our seat in January 2021, Ireland has been to the fore of the Security Council’s efforts to address the crisis in Ethiopia. We believe that the Security Council has an important role to play, given the impact on national and regional peace and security. Since the conflict began in November 2020, there have been 14 meetings of the Council on Ethiopia. Ireland has played a leading role on the Council, particularly in negotiating statements that, despite difficult dynamics, have achieved unanimous support in calling for unhindered humanitarian access, a ceasefire and a national dialogue. Ireland has also repeatedly raised the need for accountability for the widespread human rights abuses and atrocities that have been committed by all sides in the conflict.
Ethiopia was most recently discussed at the Security Council on 14 April, when the focus was on the humanitarian situation. At that meeting, Ireland called for immediate implementation of the recently agreed humanitarian truce, and delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need.
Putting Ethiopia on the formal agenda of the Council would require support around the table, and the reality is that some members of the Council do not want this. We will nevertheless continue to raise the situation in Ethiopia as necessary. Responding to the acute humanitarian crisis in Tigray and Ethiopia more generally will remain an urgent priority for Ireland during our term on the Council and beyond.
Minister Coveney continues to engage on the situation in Ethiopia with key interlocutors in the region including African Union Special Envoy Obasanjo, whose role in helping find a solution to the conflict we fully support. Minister Coveney met with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen in February, and stressed the need for full humanitarian access and an end to hostilities; restoration of basic services; and political dialogue. We continue to advocate for an effective response to the situation through a full range of regular and ongoing contacts with Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa, the Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, as well as in EU forums in Brussels.
I welcome some recent positive developments in Ethiopia, including the declaration of a humanitarian truce and ceasefire, and reported willingness by both sides to engage in talks towards finding a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict. This opportunity for peace must be seized. However, despite the increased humanitarian access, we remain concerned that this still falls far short of meeting needs. Essential services such as banking and telecommunications remain cut off – it is critical that these are restored and that secure, unhindered and complete humanitarian access is ensured urgently.
Horrifying reports of gross human rights violations, including widespread sexual violence, have defined the conflict in Tigray. These are unacceptable and must end while perpetrators must be held to account. The publication on 3 November of the findings of the joint investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed in Tigray was a vital first step towards accountability. We must see the full implementation of the report’s recommendations and progress on investigations into these appalling crimes, as well as continued attention on ongoing abuses. Ireland also supports the decision of the Human Rights Council in December to establish an international commission of human rights experts on Ethiopia and welcomes the recent appointment of the members of the Commission. Ireland believes this will be complementary to domestic efforts and encourages all parties to cooperate with the Commission and to allow it full unimpeded access to the country. I welcome indications from the Ethiopian government of their willingness to engage with the Commission.
Question No. 306 answered with Question No. 253.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (307)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he can ensure that refugees receive universally fair and adequate treatment throughout the developed world, in particular the need to ensure safe receptions and havens for such people in transit, with adequate support to prevent any abuses; if he will take steps for same with the European Union and the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing assistance to refugees and safeguarding their rights remains a key part of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland supports refugees both through direct action and through our engagement with multilateral fora such as the EU and the UN.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees worldwide and safeguard their rights and well-being, and is a key funding partner of Irish Aid. UNHCR also assists former refugees who have returned to their homeland, internally displaced people, and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed. In December 2021, Ireland pledged contributions of €18 million to UNHCR for 2022. Ireland’s total contributions for 2022 are set to exceed this pledge by €5 million, as a result of our support to UNHCR’s response to the Ukraine Crisis and its impact across the region.
Ireland is also a permanent member of UNHCR’s Executive Committee (governing board) and the Department of Foreign Affairs engages on an ongoing basis with UNHCR throughout the year. UNHCR also have a major donors group for those who provide over $20m per year and thus receive additional briefings in Geneva - Ireland has been a member of this group since 2020.
Ireland continues to play its part and to encourage others to provide a safe haven for people fleeing conflict and crises and who are in need of protection and humanitarian support. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine Minister Coveney has engaged closely and regularly with his counterparts across the European Union, calling for a collective effort in terms of supporting the millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and violence.
Ireland is a staunch advocate for the rights of refugees at the EU, including in the context of refugee and migratory movements into and between EU Member States. We fully support EU efforts to deal with migration and displacement in a comprehensive and holistic manner, including through refugee resettlement; increased legal pathways for migration; addressing root causes of irregular migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System.
The EU and its Member States recognise and are bound to the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and both Ireland and the EU regularly make that position clear and remind other States of their obligations. Ireland has repeatedly highlighted the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among EU Member States in dealing with the issue of migration.
Ireland’s role on the UN Security Council also provides an important opportunity advance our foreign policy priorities, including the promotion and protection of human rights. During our time on the Council, we have consistently worked to uphold international human rights law and International Humanitarian Law, including by advocating for the rights and protection of refugees.
I was delighted to be able to participate in a High Level Meeting in December which took stock of progress made in achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, including through the pledges and contributions made and initiatives announced at the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019. In addition to fulfilling our pledges to support UNHCR I highlighted Ireland’s progress in other areas including our commitment to address the root causes of displacement through support of €4.5m for global peacebuilding initiatives. In 2021 Minister Coveney pledged to increase Ireland’s funding to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to €10 million over the period 2020-2024. Furthermore, Ireland has fulfilled and exceeded its pledge to increase support for education in emergencies and protracted crises.
Ireland has also pledged to welcome 2,900 refugees during the period from 2020-2023 under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. This new phase of the programme will build on the important work undertaken since 2015, and is a vital part of upholding our responsibilities in helping those fleeing the most harrowing of circumstances such as war and persecution.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (308)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can directly, through the European Union and-or the United Nations, influence colleagues throughout Europe and the developed world and draw their attention to the vulnerability of refugees, particularly women and children, who are very often at the mercy of traffickers, warlords and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland continues to play its part and encourage others to provide a safe haven for people in need of protection and humanitarian support, who are fleeing conflict and crises. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, for example, Minister Coveney has engaged closely and regularly with his counterparts across the European Union, calling for a collective effort in terms of supporting the extraordinary number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and violence.
Ireland is a staunch advocate for the rights of refugees at the EU, including in the context of refugee and migratory movements into and between EU Member States. We fully support EU efforts to deal with the migration issue in a comprehensive and holistic manner, including through resettlement and increased legal pathways for migration; addressing root causes of migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System.
The EU and its Member States recognise and are bound to the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and both Ireland and the EU regularly make that position clear and remind other States of their obligations. Ireland has repeatedly highlighted the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among EU Member States in dealing with the issue of migration. It is vital that we find more sustainable solutions involving consensus among Member States based on solidarity and responsibility.
Ireland’s role on the UN Security Council also provides an important opportunity to advance our foreign policy priorities, including the promotion and protection of human rights. During our time on the Council, we have consistently worked to uphold international human rights law and International Humanitarian Law, including by advocating for the rights and protection of refugees.
In times of displacement, women and children are especially vulnerable. Approximately 90% of those who have fled Ukraine to date are women and children. Two of Ireland’s key humanitarian partners responding to the crisis, UNHCR and UNICEF, recently issued a joint call for action urging the protection of children fleeing the conflict. These and other Irish Aid partners are at the forefront of efforts to provide assistance and to improve the lives of women and children who have been forced to flee their homes, in line with Ireland’s stated policy of reaching the furthest behind first.
Ireland has made consistent progress on our pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum in 2019 including fulfilling our pledges to support UNHCR, our commitment to address the root causes of displacement through support of €4.5m for global peacebuilding initiatives, and increasing support for education in emergencies and protracted crises. In 2021 Minister Coveney pledged to increase Ireland’s funding to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to €10 million over the period 2020-2024.
Government has also taken action domestically to ensure the safety of refugees who arrive in Ireland. Work is ongoing on the implementation of the Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland (published in October 2016), which identified 65 actions to combat trafficking and assist victims. Many of the actions have been delivered, others are ongoing, and new policy instruments are continually reviewed and introduced. In July 2020, a human trafficking stakeholders’ forum was established with NGOs and statutory agencies to facilitate structured dialogue on how Ireland’s response to human trafficking can be further enhanced.
The Department of Justice has taken proactive steps to raise awareness of and mitigate any potential risk of trafficking in the context of people arriving into Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine, working with the International Office for Migration (IOM).
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (309)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he continues to support the rule of law throughout Europe, as appropriate, with European Union colleagues and through the United Nations General Assembly, throughout the developed work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland is committed to the preservation and promotion of the rule of law both within the European Union and beyond. Ireland has consistently supported the development of a more comprehensive range of tools by the European Commission to ensure that EU Member States adhere to their rule of law obligations under the EU Treaties. This includes the Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report and the Rule of Law budget conditionality regulation.
Ireland supports the continuation of the Article 7 Treaty on European Union process at the General Affairs Council in relation to Hungary and Poland. The process offers a welcome opportunity for peer dialogue on rule of law challenges. Ireland has participated actively in the hearings held to date and will continue do so.
Ireland broadly welcomes the recent agreement between Poland and the European Commission on milestones around the rule of law in relation to approval of Poland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Ireland also supports the Commission’s formal notification that the budget conditionality regulation will be activated in relation to Hungary. Our hope had been Hungary would engage constructively with those specific rule of law concerns identified by the Commission but regrettably this did not happen.
Alongside the promotion of democracy and protection of human rights, strengthening the rule of law is one of the three pillars of the Council of Europe. As part of our current Presidency of the organisation, Ireland has prioritised support for institutions through which the Council of Europe delivers that mandate, above all the European Court of Human Rights. The Taoiseach visited the Court on 7 June 2022 to affirm the importance we attach to rule of law. Ireland also recently announced voluntary financial contributions of over €865,000 to the Council, much of it directed to support the Court’s work.
Ireland is undertaking many initiatives through its Presidency to reinforce the rule of law across the European continent. The Chief Justice, Donal O’Donnell, will host the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Justice Robert Spano, its Vice President, Justice Siofra O’Leary, and other Justices from the Strasbourg Court for a two-day judicial conference in October 2022 to take place in Dublin City University.
Ireland has worked consistently to promote respect for the rule of law in our engagement at the United Nations, including in relation to a number of countries in Europe.
We play an active role in the annual sessions of the General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, which has responsibility for Legal Affairs, and the Third Committee, which considers Human Rights and Social Affairs. We support a range of General Assembly resolutions dealing with human rights and rule of law issues, some of which specifically address Europe. Ireland is, for example, a longstanding co-sponsor of the annual Ukraine-led resolution on the Situation of human rights in Crimea. Earlier this year, we supported three General Assembly resolutions that were tabled in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including one that suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (310)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate, notwithstanding the tragic experiences in the western Balkans, the extent to which safe havens or other security enclaves can be provided for refugees from various locations of war and conflict; if the vulnerability of such refugees can receive humanitarian reception and treatment regardless of their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland continues to play its part and encourage others to provide a safe haven for people who are fleeing conflict and crises and are in need of protection and humanitarian support. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, for example, Minister Coveney has engaged closely and regularly with his counterparts across the European Union, calling for a collective effort in terms of supporting the extraordinary number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and violence.
Ireland is a staunch advocate for the rights of refugees at the EU, including in the context of refugee and migratory movements into and between EU Member States. We fully support EU efforts to deal with the migration issue in a comprehensive and holistic manner, including through resettlement and increased legal pathways for migration; addressing root causes of migration and reforming the Common European Asylum System.
The EU and its Member States recognise and are bound to the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and both Ireland and the EU regularly make that position clear and remind other States of their obligations. Ireland has repeatedly highlighted the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among EU Member States in dealing with the issue of migration. It is vital that we find more sustainable solutions involving consensus among Member States based on solidarity and responsibility.
We have also taken action domestically to ensure the safety of refugees who arrive in Ireland. Work is ongoing on the implementation of the Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland (published in October 2016), which identified 65 actions to combat trafficking and assist victims. Many of the actions have been delivered, others are ongoing, and new policy instruments are continually reviewed and introduced. In July 2020, a human trafficking stakeholders’ forum was established with NGOs and statutory agencies to facilitate structured dialogue on how Ireland’s response to human trafficking can be further enhanced.
Ireland’s role on the UN Security Council also provides an important opportunity to advance our foreign policy priorities, including the promotion and protection of human rights. During our time on the Council, we have consistently worked to uphold international human rights law and International Humanitarian Law, including by advocating for the rights and protection of refugees.
I was delighted to be able to participate in a High Level Meeting in December which took stock of progress made in achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, including through the pledges and contributions made and initiatives announced at the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019. In addition to fulfilling our pledges to support UNHCR I highlighted Ireland’s progress in other areas including our commitment to address the root causes of displacement through support of €4.5m for global peacebuilding initiatives. In 2021 Minister Coveney pledged to increase Ireland’s funding to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to €10 million over the period 2020-2024. Furthermore, Ireland has fulfilled and exceeded its pledge to increase support for education in emergencies and protracted crises.
Ireland has also pledged to welcome 2,900 refugees during the period from 2020-2023 under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. This new phase of resettlement will build on the important work undertaken through the programme since 2015, and is a vital part of upholding our responsibilities in helping those fleeing the most harrowing of circumstances such as war and persecution.