Written Answers Nos. 1-20
12. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he expects a reset on the Northern Ireland Protocol following the change in government in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra16. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48657/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his recent interactions with the British government on the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with the new United Kingdom Foreign Secretary in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48899/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 16, 35 and 48 together.
As I set out earlier, we have a real opportunity for a return to substantive talks aimed at finding jointly agreed solutions around the implementation of the Protocol on Northern Ireland. I have been clear in my view that with political leadership the genuine issues arising in the implementation of the Protocol can be resolved, in particular around moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This has also been the consistent message from the European Commission, as well as EU capitals. The EU’s door remains open. As Commission Vice President Šefcovic has pointed out time and again, the EU has always shown flexibility in its approach to finding solutions and will continue to do so.I am therefore heartened that Vice President Šefcovic and Foreign Secretary Cleverly have announced that technical talks between the EU and UK negotiating teams will recommence this week. This is precisely what this Government and the European Union have been calling for over the course of the past few months. The appointment of Prime Minister Truss and her new team has seen seen a welcome increase in engagement at political level between the Commission and the EU as well as between Irish Government and their UK counterparts. The Taoiseach had a warm engagement with PM Truss on 18 September and I have had positive early discussions with both Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton Harris. It is constructive that all these engagements have been underpinned by a clear message of a commitment to negotiated joint solutions.I will meet the Foreign Secretary in London this evening for more in-depth discussion on the Protocol and also on the range of global challenges we continue to work on, including as members of the UN Security Council.I am also looking forward to building on my initial productive meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when I meet him again at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting in London tomorrow. I have also continued to meet the political parties and key stakeholders in Northern Ireland.In the course of all my engagements, I have expressed my view that our focus must remain on the formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland. With the October 28th deadline rapidly approaching, I would urge the DUP to re-assess their approach. The deadline is a firm, legal one. Their decision to prevent the establishment of an Executive is a political choice. I would urge them to make a better choice.I recognise and acknowledge the serious concerns that many, particularly in the unionist community, have around the implementation of the Protocol. However, the EU’s position has always been to ensure that the arrangements required as a result of Brexit - and in particular the type of Brexit chosen by the British Government - would operate in a way that impacts as little as possible on people’s everyday lives, including in relation to East-West trade. Therefore, discussions aimed at resolving issues over the Protocol can proceed in parallel to the process of Executive formation – it should not be a barrier to Northern Ireland’s elected representatives reconvening to give voice to the people of Northern Ireland.
The Taoiseach, Minister of State Byrne and I remain in close contact with our European partners and with the European institutions at all times. Our EU partners continue to show full solidarity with Ireland, as has been the case throughout the Brexit process. I remain in close contact with Maroš Šefcovic and, like all my EU counterparts, fully support the approach the Commission is taking to find solutions. There remains a shared understanding on the importance on finding solutions on the issues of most concern to people and businesses.There is sufficient flexibility within the existing framework of the Protocol and the Commission proposals to address these concerns, if the political will to pursue a solution that works in the interest of Northern Ireland exists.We also remain in close contacts with key interlocutors in the US administration and Congress. We are grateful for continued bipartisan US support for peace and stability in Northern Ireland throughout the Brexit process.While the developments in recent days have been positive, it remains the fact that the British Government is proceeding with its legislation on the Protocol which, if implemented, would disapply core elements of the Protocol. This unilateral approach does not help build trust in relations between the EU and the UK. I have made clear to our British interlocutors our concerns at this approach. Wrapping actions in vague language around protecting the Good Friday Agreement serves nobody, especially not the people, business and elected representatives in Northern Ireland. I will not waiver from the view that the Protocol strenuously protects the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border, while ensuring the integrity of the EU Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. The Protocol is an international agreement by two parties, and cannot be ‘fixed’ by one acting unilaterally. I firmly believe the issues raised around the Protocol can be addressed by the UK and EU working together to find joint, sustainable, pragmatic solutions.More broadly, it is always worth repeating that the EU wishes to have a positive and stable relationship with the UK. We are partners facing the same global challenges, where upholding the rule of law is imperative. The current pressing priorities - such as war in Ukraine, energy, and cost of living crises - puts the importance of finding agreed solutions to the Protocol into perspective.
13. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role that the Government will seek to play to ensure that all European Union Member States adhere to the rule-of-law functions which guarantee fundamental protection of rights and values for all its citizens. [49073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU is a union of laws and values. The rule of law is a fundamental principle for all EU Member States and it is of vital importance that the rule of law is preserved, protected, and promoted across the Union. I welcome Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s strong words on protecting the Rule of Law and our European values in her most recent State of the Union address.
Ireland has consistently supported the development of a more robust range of tools by the European Commission to ensure that Member States adhere to rule of law obligations as enshrined in the EU treaties. These tools include the Annual Rule of Law Report process and the Regulation on a General Regime of Conditionality for the Protection of the Union Budget. I welcome that this year’s Annual Rule of Law Report introduced new country specific recommendations as a means to further encourage progress on Rule of Law across all Member States and address difficulties. Ireland has also been a clear advocate for the budget conditionality regulation that aims to ensure rule of law challenges do not adversely affect sound financial management of EU funds.
Ireland remains concerned by the situation in those EU Member States where there are persistent challenges with respect to upholding the rule of law. We will continue to participate actively in the Article 7 Treaty on European Union (TEU) processes in relation to Poland and Hungary which were launched on foot of concerns regarding these Member States’ adherence to EU values. We will also engage fully in the upcoming Council of the EU discussions that will ultimately determine if EU funding to Hungary is suspended pursuant to the budget conditionality mechanism.
Ireland will continue to engage comprehensively with the EU’s multifaceted response to internal rule of law challenges and encourage continued dialogue on these issues among Member States.
14. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement that he has had with his European Union counterparts regarding the unusual leaks at the Nordstream gas pipeline; his views and concerns on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48893/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is deeply concerned by the sudden and extensive gas leaks detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines last week.
There has been ongoing contact with our EU partners since early last week at political and senior official level on this issue. I spoke with my Danish counterpart on Wednesday last week to express Ireland’s support and solidarity with Denmark and the Danish people and to get an update on what occurred. We are also in close contact with our Swedish partners.
All the analysis to date indicates that these leaks are the result of deliberate acts of sabotage. We understand that at least two detonations occurred underwater, damaging the pipelines and causing major leaks of natural gas into the Baltic Sea. The magnitude of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter Scale, corresponding to an explosive load in the region of several hundred kilos.
The immediate priority must be to ensure maritime safety and avert the risk of a climate and ecological disaster.
The irresponsibility of such acts cannot be overstated and must deeply concern us all. That such acts might occur now, in the midst of a global energy crisis and with winter fast approaching, makes it all the more appalling.
The EU has made clear that any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable. As we also stated at the UN Security Council last week, Ireland and our fellow EU Member States will ensure that it is met with a robust and united response.
We strongly support the on-going investigations in the most affected Member States to determine the full facts behind the leaks. Sweden, Denmark and other affected Member States have our full support in managing the consequences of this indefensible act and we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary.
15. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the review of the Global Ireland Strategy which commenced at the end of 2021; if this review will alter the objectives of the strategy going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlobal Ireland 2025 is a whole-of-Government strategy that aims to double Ireland’s global impact and influence in the period 2018 to 2025.
A mid-term review, is currently being coordinated across Government by the Department the Taoiseach. It is planned that the review will be completed by the end of the year, and subsequently made public. The review process has been very positive, and a number of significant foreign policy achievements have taken place under the rubric of Global Ireland:
- Ireland’s election to the UN Security Council in 2020, and its highly effective and principled performance in 2021-2022;
- The expansion of Ireland's Mission network, with fourteen new Missions, and eight more approved and in the process of opening;
- The launch of five Global Ireland Regional Strategies; the launch of Irish Aid’s A Better World strategy;
- The development of ireland.ie, a ‘Digital Ireland House;
- Our continued and respected international development policy and work;
- The launch of the Global Ireland Diaspora Strategy;
- Ireland's successful participation at Expo 2020 Dubai and our agreement to participate at Expo 2025 Osaka;
- The roll out of the Cultural Officer programme, and,
- The holding of three Global Ireland Summits, in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The strategy is a living one, and in the current context, prioritisation is needed and objectives and commitments will be continually assessed against unanticipated demands.
Indeed, the deterioration of the geopolitical environment in recent years significantly strengthens the case for the ambitious implementation of the Global Ireland programme. In this period of uncertainty, it is essential that Ireland continue to build a wide and diverse range of economic and political partners in all parts of the world, near and far.
The implementation of the 'All of Government' Global Ireland programme has provided us with the tools necessary to promote Ireland’s external interests and uphold our values against this changing and uncertain international landscape, and will continue to do so.
17. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Cork Passport Office is set up for the printing of passports; the measures that are being taken to ensure that there are no delays in first-time passport applications for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48979/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of Passport Online in 2017 has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing, resulting in greater efficiencies for the Passport Service and our citizens. Passport Online is the quickest and easiest channel for passport applicants. Passport Online is used by over 90% of applicants and is available to 97% of applicants worldwide. Currently, 84% of online adult renewals are issued within 3 working days or less.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government, substantial service improvements have been made in 2022.
Since March, the turnaround time for first time online applications has been reduced by 50% to 20 days. All turnaround times for online applications are now in line with pre-Covid turnaround times.
Staffing numbers in the Passport Service have doubled since June 2021 and there are currently 828 staff. New office space in Balbriggan is now open, bringing the capacity of the Balbriggan campus up to over 500.
I am confident that the staffing and accommodation measures implemented, along with other improvements, will have a positive impact on passport processing times for 2023, particularly for first time applications.
The Passport Service operates three passport printing machines, two of which are located in the main production facility at the Balbriggan campus and the third in the Passport Office in Dublin 2. Each passport printer has a printing capacity of 250 passports per hour.
The Cork office can facilitate a four day turnaround for urgent renewal appointments and the immediate issuance of an emergency passport in situations of genuine urgency such as a medical emergency or a bereavement abroad.
In terms of purchasing a new printer for the Cork Passport Office or any proposed regional office, there would be considerable financial implications to consider.
I am satisfied overall that the current production capacity meets the needs of passport applicants. While there are no current plans to install a printing machine in the Cork office, the Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance customer experience.
18. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements that the Government has had with the new government in Colombia, particularly in the area of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49017/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with the newly-elected government of Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 40 together.
Since its formation over the summer, the Government has continued the pattern of active engagement with the new government in Colombia, in line with the Global Ireland 'Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2025'.
I met with the new Colombian Foreign Minister, Álvaro Leyva, at the United Nations in September. We discussed many areas of our relationship, including Ireland's support for Colombia's peace process.
Minister of State Feighan represented the Government at the August inauguration of President Petro, meeting Colombia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Health, and the President of the Colombian Congress.
The Colombian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cecilia López, visited Ireland last week for the OECD Rural Development conference. She met with President Higgins, and on the margins of the conference, Minister McConalogue and with Minister Humphreys.
The Ambassador of Ireland in Bogota has met new Colombian Ministers, including with EU partners, and discussed various issues related to the bilateral agenda and the EU-Colombia relationship, including areas for increased cooperation. Ireland, including as an EU Member State, maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Colombian Government on human rights and will continue to fulfil our commitment to provide support in this area.
Through the Irish Aid programme, Ireland is supporting human rights defenders, indigenous communities and civil society space in Colombia, all closely linked to the effective implementation of the Colombian Peace Agreement. Support for Colombia’s peace process is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship. Between 2016 and 2021, Ireland provided almost €17 million to Colombia, to enable implementation of the peace agreement, as well as human rights, broader conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and supporting Venezuelan migrants.
I welcome the commitment of the incoming government to comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement and have communicated our support to these efforts to the new administration.
