Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to East Africa, where over 20 million people are facing rising malnutrition as a result of droughts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month I visited the Horn of Africa and witnessed the severity of the humanitarian crisis devastating the region. The causes reflect interlocking global crises, of climate change, conflict, environmental degradation, unsustainable food systems, and, more recently, Covid 19, as well as rising food and fuel prices. I visited Nairobi and Turkana in Kenya, and Juba and Bentiu in South Sudan. I saw first-hand the devastation of lives and livelihoods in some of the most vulnerable communities in the region. I had discussions in both countries with Ministers and officials on the response to the crisis and the need for more effective international engagement.
In Turkana in northern Kenya, the communities I visited are at the epicentre of the most severe drought in the Horn in more than forty years. In Bentiu in South Sudan, I met displaced families grappling with the aftermath of conflict and the effects of massive climate-induced flooding.
Across the Horn of Africa, more than 21 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Regions in Somalia are on the brink of famine, with 200,000 people currently in danger of starvation.
I announced an additional humanitarian funding package of €3.2 million during my visit. This is on top of over €75 million in direct humanitarian support from Ireland to the region since the start of 2021.
Last week, in Budget 2023, the Government announced an additional €30 million for humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa before the end of this year.
Ireland will continue to work with our European Union partners and the international community for further urgent action. We are also engaging on the political and security dimensions of the crisis. At the UN Security Council, and within the EU, Ireland has helped frame international engagement on the complex challenges affecting countries across the region. Clearly, building peace will be an essential component of sustainable development for the Horn of Africa.
22. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagement with the British government on issues relating to the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48177/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year marked the 48th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 33 people were murdered, the largest loss of life on a single day in the Troubles.
Together with the families of those killed and injured, the Taoiseach attended a ceremony in Talbot St this year to remember those that lost their lives in those attacks. The Taoiseach assured those families that the implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings continues to be a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British government. These motions call on the British government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, . consistently raising the issue with the British government, most recently at the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference, on 23 March when I emphasised that there remains an urgent need for a considered response from the British authorities.
The Government will continue to engage with the British government to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House and until a resolution is found.
24. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent engagement that he has had on Palestine. [48908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Middle East Peace Process, as well as the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, remain key priorities for Ireland and continue to be a significant focus of my engagement.
I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as with my counterpart, Foreign Minister Riad Malki, during their recent visit to Dublin on 17-18 September. Their visit immediately preceded High Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly and an important focus of our discussions was on how Ireland and the international community could support efforts to resume credible negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting two-State solution.
We also discussed the worrying situation on the ground and I was pleased to announce an additional €2 million in funding to UNRWA, bringing our total contribution for this year to €8 million. President Abbas and his delegation also met with President Higgins and with An Taoiseach.
At EU level, EU Ministers communicated clear messages of concern at the recent EU-Israel Association Council, and reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing position on the Middle East Peace Process, its commitment to a two-State solution and the urgent need for a political horizon and a path towards relaunching a peace process.
Ireland was represented by Minister of State Byrne, who expressed Ireland’s alarm at the deteriorating situation on the ground and stressed the urgent need for renewed political dialogue. He also called on Israel to comply with international law, halt settlement expansion, and ensure space for civil Palestinian society.
The Middle East Peace Process also remains a key priority for Ireland during our term on the UN Security Council. Ireland engages actively in monthly Security Council meetings on the situation in the Middle East, which focus on the Palestinian question. Most recently, on 28 September, Ireland expressed concern regarding the recent increase in violence and incursions by the Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank, which has resulted in further loss of life and injuries to Palestinians.
26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a Passport Office will be established in Ulster in view of the substantial increase in passport applications from that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48920/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reviews that have taken place within the Passport Office in terms of increasing capacity with the potential of opening a new passport office on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49014/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 50 together.
The Passport Service has issued over 940,000 passports to date this year and 2022 will be the first year ever that over 1 million passports will be issued. The Passport Service is currently out-performing its previous busiest year (2019) by 17%.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government, substantial improvements have been made this year and normal pre-Covid levels of service have resumed.
Turnaround times for online First Time Applications have halved from 40 working days in March of this year to 20 working days.
84% of online adult renewal applications are being processed in 3 working days or less.
Demand for passports from all counties of Ulster remains steady. Applications from Northern Ireland are on average 11,000 applications per month or 10% of all applications. This year to date, 87% of applicants from Northern Ireland have applied through Passport Online.
The Passport Service is pursuing a Digital First strategy and promoting Passport Online as the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants. This has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing resulting in greater efficiencies for the Service and for customers. The majority of Passport Service operations take place at the newly expanded Balbriggan Campus that now has capacity for 500 staff.
Passport Online is available to 97% of applicants around the world regardless of whether they are first time applicants or are renewing their passport. Passport Online has been hugely successful and over 90% of applicants from around the world now apply for their passport online. This has significantly reduced the number of applicants who need to visit the Post Office or the Passport Offices in Dublin or Cork to apply for their passport.
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. In addition, my Department is implementing a staffing plan to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand.
The Passport Service continuously considers ways to improve its service to all of our citizens.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four day urgent appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one day urgent appointment service. Recent figures for the Urgent Appointment Service show that just 28% of these appointments are being availed of. Currently, about 1% of all passport applications are processed through the public offices in Dublin and Cork.
Any expansion of services would need to review the potential demand for an in-person urgent appointment service given the efficiencies built-in to Passport Online and in light of the fact that 84% of online adult renewal applications are currently being processed in 3 working days.
The Passport Service continuously reviews the range of services it offers while also strategically planning to respond to the future needs of the Service. In considering any expansion of existing services, a number of criteria are examined including the efficiencies that would be gained, whether the proposed expansion would improve the overall quality of the service and whether the potential benefits of expanding the service would justify the significant costs involved. Any proposed expansion would also need to complement the Passport Service's Digital First strategy.
27. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that Ireland is taking in its role on the United Nations Security Council in relation to Western Sahara. [48633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs per the UN designation, Ireland recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. Ireland’s consistent position, over many years, has been to support the right of the Saharawi people to decide their future through self-determination, and there is an ongoing UN process, led by Staffan de Mistura as the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, to provide good offices in the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict over Western Sahara.
We do not have a view on an outcome of a decision on the future of the territory – be it independence, integration, autonomy, or some other solution – so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
At the UN Security Council, Ireland engaged on the issue of Western Sahara, particularly in the context of the UN Mission for a Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO. In October 2021, in resolution 2602, the United Nations Security Council urged the constructive resumption of the political process and reaffirmed its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
In April 2022, we reiterated our longstanding position and urged the parties to the conflict to recommit to a ceasefire. Ireland has consistently called on all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 1991, to fulfil their obligations under international law, including ensuring full respect for human rights, and to refrain from any actions that could lead to escalation of tensions.
The MINURSO mandate is due for renewal at the end of this month and officials in my department are fully engaged with this process.
28. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent European Union General Affairs Council. [48982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, Minister of State Byrne, attended the General Affairs Council meeting on 20 September 2022 in Brussels. Among the items discussed was preparation for the European Council meeting on 20-21 October. At the European Council, Leaders will discuss Russia/Ukraine, energy, the economic situation and external relations.
Ministers also received an overview of the key priorities that the Czech Presidency has identified. Five linked priority areas have been earmarked, covering areas from Ukraine’s post-war recovery, to energy security and the strategic resilience of the European economy. Ireland is supportive of these priorities and I value the responsiveness to the current EU context that informs them. I look forward to working closely with Czech Presidency in the coming months.
On EU-UK relations, the General Affairs Council received an update from Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic on the current state of play, including on recent statements by UK Prime Minister Truss and engagements with UK interlocutors. Minister Byrne expressed his thanks to Vice President Šefcovic for his continued efforts and reiterated the Government's strong support for the Commission’s approach.
In relation to the Annual Rule of Law item, Ministers engaged in a horizontal discussion on the rule of law in the EU, based on the Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report 2022. Minister Byrne thanked the Commission for the Report and emphasised the importance of the annual rule of law dialogue. Minister Byrne reiterated that Ireland shares the view that the EU and Member States must ensure our internal rule of law situation is in good order if we are to be credible when asking others, particularly States who aspire to join the EU, to demonstrate adherence to foundational European values.
Ministers also discussed follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe with discussion focused on the possible use of passerelle clauses, Member State reactions to the State of the Union address by President von der Leyen and greater involvement of citizens in EU decision-making processes. The Council will continue discussions in the coming months on follow-up to Conference proposals and recommendations, the vast majority of which can be implemented within the existing Treaty framework. Ministers were also informed about the follow-up event to the Conference that will take place in Brussels in December 2022, when each of the Institutions will outline what they have done to implement the proposals to date.
Finally, under Legislative Programming, the General Affairs Council received an overview of the 2022 Strategic Foresight Report and the Commission President’s Letter of Intent, highlighting a number of priorities which will guide the preparation of the forthcoming 2023 Commission work programme.
29. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the ongoing conflict in Tigray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49015/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Tigray and in other parts of northern Ethiopia remains of grave concern.
The conflict in Ethiopia has had a devastating impact on civilians, with many killed or injured, and reports of widespread human rights violations. The report published last month by the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia presents further alarming details of the human rights and humanitarian situation, including reports of the use of starvation as a method of warfare as well as the systematic use of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Over 13 million people in the region are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
The resurgence of fighting in August has put in serious jeopardy the progress made since the declaration of a ceasefire in March and has had a serious impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid. It is critical that deliveries resume, urgently, and that essential services such as banking and telecommunications are restored.
Ireland strongly supports efforts at mediation led by the African Union, and we encourage and support EU, UN and other efforts to assist this work.
We have consistently raised this crisis, and particularly the issue of humanitarian access, at the UN Security Council and within the European Union.
The conflict was discussed, informally, at the Security Council on 28 September. At that meeting Ireland called for an immediate end to violence, full humanitarian access, and the resumption of peace talks. The situation will be on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 October.
In addition to our work to ensure an international focus on resolving this crisis, Ireland continues to take action directly to alleviate the humanitarian toll of the conflict. We provided some €25 million for the humanitarian response in Ethiopia last year, with a similar level of support this year.
31. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent French naval exercises off the coast of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the French naval exercise that took place in late June and early July this year in an area of the Atlantic Ocean, off the French coast. As close EU partners, Ireland and France remained in close contact throughout the period of the exercise.
The full extent of the area that could potentially have been affected included a small piece of the southern extremity of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 200km southwest of our territorial waters. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was informed of the exercises via standard procedures and the Department of Transport issued a Marine Notice to this effect.
The French authorities subsequently confirmed to the Government that no French naval vessels would be within the Irish EEZ during the exercise.
Such exercises do on occasion occur in international waters, including in a country’s EEZ. Under international law, all States are entitled to freedom of navigation in another state’s EEZ. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires that, in the exercise of these freedoms, states ‘shall have due regard to the rights and duties of the coastal state.’ States are not legally obliged, in most cases, either to inform the coastal authorities of any proposed naval exercises, nor to seek permission. This is not an infringement of our national territory.
32. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that are being taken to address the delays in consular interviews in the Philippines for persons with work permits that have issued and are awaiting permission to enter Ireland to commence their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government of Ireland opened a new Embassy in Manila, the Philippines, in October 2021. This was one of a suite of initiatives designed to deliver on the Government's Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the scope and impact of Ireland's global footprint by 2025.
The opening of the Embassy in Manila seeks to expand Ireland’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, while also representing a powerful, tangible acknowledgement of the deep and longstanding people-to-people contacts between Ireland and the Philippines.
Prior to the opening of the new mission, our Embassy in Singapore, with the support of our Honorary Consul in Manila, had responsibility for providing visa services in the Philippines. Over the past year, transitional arrangements have been put in place to manage the transfer of responsibility for the visa service from Singapore to Manila.
A further important development has been the launch of a dedicated administrative support service to assist the Embassy in Manila in the delivery of visa services. This is provided by VFS Global, a company which provides visa and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.
VFS Global’s services, supporting the Embassy, became fully operational on 12 September 2022, and are expected to significantly enhance the customer experience of our visa services in the Philippines in the time ahead.
There has been a significant post-pandemic surge in visa applications across our mission network. High levels of demand for employment visas, in particular, are expected to continue, and the Philippines has been identified as a source of solutions to address human resource needs in Ireland in a number of vital sectors, including healthcare.
Ensuring a timely response to visa queries and applications is a high priority for our missions abroad. Customers are asked to take careful note of the estimated processing times advised by missions and to apply in good time, bearing in mind that a mission can only begin the processing of a visa application when all required documentation has been submitted in full and the fee paid.
33. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48883/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent meeting that he had with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in regard to the need to deal with legacy issues with particular reference to the need to implement agreements made previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement that he has had with the newly appointed UK Secretary of State regarding the outcome of the election and the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Stormont. [49012/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 36, 41 and 62 together.
Strong relationships and honest conversations East-West and North-South are at the heart of this Government's approach to Northern Ireland. To this end, I spoke to the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, on 7 September immediately following his appointment.
Most recently, I met with the Secretary of State at Hillsborough Castle on 28 September. At the constructive and positive meeting, we discussed a broad range of issues including the importance of an election of an Executive in Northern Ireland, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and the legacy of the Troubles. We agreed on the importance of the bilateral relationship between Ireland and Britain, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, and on the need for an improved relationship between both Governments.
We discussed the current challenges facing the formation of a new Northern Irish Executive, the Secretary of State and I reiterated that the 28 October is the legal deadline for the formation of a new Executive remains firm and that, if an Executive, is not formed, there will be an election. The system of government at Stormont is at the centre of the Good Friday Agreement and it is paramount that the institutions of power-sharing are restored. It is for the parties, and those representatives that have been elected by the people, to come together to get the Assembly up and running, the NI Executive established, and the NSMC fully operational again before the 28 October deadline. The Irish and British Governments will continue to work to support these vital goals.
The legacy of the Troubles were a central part of my discussions with the Secretary of State. I reiterated the Government’s position that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is not fit for purpose. I expressed the Government’s opposition to the Bill as a unilateral move away from what was agreed by both Governments and most of the Northern Irish parties at Stormont House.
I also remain concerned about the compliance of the Bill with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and other international human rights obligations, which I communicated to the Secretary of State. I also referenced the strong concern expressed about the Bill at the Council of Europe.
The Government is firmly committed to making progress on this issue for the families and victims that have been waiting for too long for truth and justice, and will continue to engage with the British Government to make clear our serious concerns and urge them to reconsider their approach.
We also discussed the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our focus must be on finding solutions around the movement of goods from Britain to Northern Ireland - this is the issue of most practical concern to people and businesses. Working together, we can maximise the benefits of the Protocol and address genuine concerns. Both my exchange with the Secretary of State and a phone call that I had with the new Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly on 15 September have been positive.
I look forward to further substantive engagements with the Secretary of State, and with Minister of State Steve Baker, when we meet in London on 7 October at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The Minister for Justice will also represent the Government at this meeting.
The Government will remain in close contact with UK Ministers and seek to strengthen bilateral relations with the UK as provided for in the Programme for Government. I firmly believe that by working together in a spirit of cooperation we can jointly find solutions to the range of issues facing Northern Ireland.
34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions in recent times with his European Union counterparts concerned about security and defence in Europe arising from Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. [35895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRussia’s appalling military aggression against Ukraine has highlighted more than ever the importance of European unity and solidarity in response to the challenges we face. I am in regular contact with my European Union counterparts, both bilaterally and also collectively, including through the Foreign Affairs Council.
In this context, efforts have been underway at European Union level over recent months to further strengthen the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In March, EU Foreign Ministers adopted the Strategic Compass. This sets out the current European security environment, including in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and proposes a series of actions and deliverables in areas such as crisis management, resilience, capability development and partnerships with key international actors. Ireland is fully committed to the implementation of the Strategic Compass.
In direct response to the appalling military aggression against Ukraine, we have also agreed to a package of €2.5 billion in military assistance for the Ukrainian military under the European Peace Facility (EPF). The package consists of €2.33 billion for lethal equipment and €170 million for non-lethal equipment, such as personal protective equipment, medical kits and fuel. During the negotiations to establish the EPF, Ireland, together with a number of likeminded States, ensured the inclusion of a provision allowing Member States to exercise constructive abstention from assistance measures involving lethal equipment. Instead Ireland’s full contribution of approximately €55 million is being directed exclusively to non-lethal support.
In August, EU Defence Ministers agreed to launch work to define the parameters for a possible EU CSDP mission to provide military training to Ukraine. While Ireland is open to involvement in the mission, a decision will only be taken on this once the proposal has been finalised.
Ireland will continue to be an active participant in the EU’s CSDP. Our approach remains guided by our policy of military neutrality and our longstanding commitment to crisis management and peacekeeping.
37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his engagement in 2022 with his counterparts in the European Union with regard to the decision to reconvene the European Union-Israel Association Council; if he has called for the imposition of certain conditions, as outlined in a letter by a group of Irish civil society organisations (details supplied), before any reconvening can occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the decision by European Union foreign ministers to renew the European Union-Israel Association Council; his views on this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 55 together.
At the Foreign Affairs Council in July, EU Foreign Ministers discussed the resumption of Association Council meetings with Israel, which had not taken place since 2012. It was agreed that we should start work to determine the EU position for an Association Council meeting with Israel, and that a meeting would only go ahead once an EU position was finalised.
I welcome that the EU position, as agreed, enabled the EU to speak with one voice on issues of concern, notably with regard to human rights and international law. On this basis, the Association Council took place on 3 October. The EU reiterated its grave concern at the continued occupation of Palestinian territory and its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policies and increased evictions and demolitions. The Association Council also provided an opportunity to engage with Israel on the political situation in the wider Middle East region and to reaffirm the EU’s long-standing position on the Middle East Peace Process, its commitment to a two-State solution and the urgent need for a political horizon and a path towards relaunching a peace process.
Minister of State Thomas Byrne represented Ireland. He expressed our alarm at the deteriorating situation on the ground and stressed the urgent need for renewed political dialogue. Ireland called on Israel to comply with international law, halt settlement expansion, and ensure space for Palestinian society.
38. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the discussions that are occurring at the United Nations regarding reform in its structures and procedures in the wake of multiple global crises. [48925/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent global crises have once again highlighted the need for a reformed UN development system and Security Council. Ireland is making a positive impact across the work of the United Nations and is engaged in seeking reforms, including in support of the UN Secretary General’s efforts, and his vision on the future of global cooperation: ‘Our Common Agenda.’
UN Development System reforms of recent years are having an impact with stronger, more independent Resident Coordinators leading UN Country Teams, supported by coordinated analysis and planning. Ireland has consistently supported these reforms– annually contributing €1 million to the Special-Purpose Trust Fund for the new system and €500,000 to the Joint SDG Fund for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
The General Assembly considers reform of the Security Council through ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations. Ireland is active in these and is consistently clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council; to address geographic under-representation, particularly for Africa; and to see an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of atrocity crimes.
There are significant challenges but we continue to push for change. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought the ‘veto initiative’ to the General Assembly in April, where it was adopted by the wider membership.
This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, require the Council to submit a report and invite the Member State which used its veto to make a statement. Ireland supports increased accountability and transparency in Security Council decisions and this is an important new element.
We are pleased that we were able to work together with other States to bring about change and we are already seeing results. Recently Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the illegal so-called referenda in Ukraine, and will now have to address the General Assembly.
39. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether that the Russian Federation should be designated a terrorist state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince Russia commenced its unjustified and unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, I have consistently expressed Ireland's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
We have used our voice at the UN Security Council, UN Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora to call for accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. Ireland has pushed for the Security Council to hold Russia accountable, to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately, and to call out Russia’s cynical attempts to use the Council and other UN bodies to spread disinformation. Ireland has also voted to exclude Russia from the UN Human Rights Council and has co-sponsored three resolutions on Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, condemning Russia’s aggression and calling for humanitarian access.
We supported the Decision by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe that the Russian Federation should cease to be a member of the Council of Europe as from 16 March 2022. Ireland also submitted a request for leave to intervene as a third party in the proceedings brought by Ukraine against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. We joined 38 other member states of the ICC in referring the situation in Ukraine to the Office of the ICC Prosecutor and Ireland is providing additional voluntary funding of €3 million to the ICC. We have also filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice, in Ukraine’s case against Russia.On 30 September, Ireland voted in favour of a Resolution at the UN Security Council condemning the Russian Federation’s organization of sham referenda in regions within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. We categorically reject the so-called results of those illegal and illegitimate referenda, and announcements purporting to annex Ukrainian territory. They have no legal effect.
Ireland has no legislation which would permit the designation of Russia as a terrorist state. While the issue has been discussed at EU level, I am not aware at this stage of any other Member State that intends to move forward on this basis.
