Written Answers Nos. 344-363
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which human rights abuses continue to take place in Iran; the degree to which the authorities are being made aware of atrocities against women and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, was a tragedy. The fact that she was arrested simply due to the way she was dressed understandably provoked a strong response from the Iranian people and the international community. The subsequent response by the Iranian authorities to peaceful protestors in Iran has been extremely concerning. I raised my concerns on the matter directly with the Iranian Foreign Minister when I met him at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September, and when I spoke with him on the matter again by phone on 6 October. I have called on Iran to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death. I also issued a statement on 3 October, where I made it clear that Iran is party to a number of important international frameworks that guarantee fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, as well as the importance of upholding the rights of women and girls. Iran must adhere to its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Given that the issue of women’s rights is at the heart of the protests in Iran, I also made it clear that Ireland puts gender issues and the empowerment of women and girls at the forefront of our foreign policy. This position was highlighted in Ireland’s statement at the Arria-formula meeting on the protests in Iran which was held at the United Nations in New York on 2 November. Ireland also supports the holding of a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 24 November to discuss the human rights situation in Iran. On 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and again reiterated Ireland’s very serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the unjustified response of the Iranian security forces to the women and men who are protesting. I also urged Iran to stop supplying weaponry to Russia. Russia’s deliberate and repeated targeting of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is a gross violation of international law. Iran’s supply of weaponry to Russia is directly contributing to these violations. There has been a united response from the European Union on this matter. On 17 October under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanctions Regime, eleven people and four entities were sanctioned by the EU for their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. On 20 October, the EU adopted additional targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and an entity involved in the development of drones and their delivery to Russia. On 14 November, a further 29 individuals and three entities were sanctioned in relation to the protests. Further sanctions may be considered in the coming weeks as the situation continues to develop.Ireland will continue to raise these issues in our dialogue with international partners, including Iran. Senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are in ongoing contact with the Iranian Ambassador and the Iranian authorities are fully aware of our concerns.
346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which enlargement of the European Union continues; the action that has been taken to encourage applicant countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which and when Ukraine might be in a position to join the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which countries in the Western Balkans are being assisted towards membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 346, 347 and 352 together.
Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the clear need for continuing, ever-closer cooperation between the EU and our partners in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions.
There are currently seven recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Ukraine and Moldova. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo are recognised as potential candidates by the EU.
2022 has seen significant developments with regard to EU enlargement.
In June 2022, candidate status was granted to Ukraine and Moldova, on the understanding that reforms are taken in a number of areas. It was also recommended that candidate status eventually be granted to Georgia, once a number of priority reforms have been addressed. The Commission will monitor the progress of all three countries in meeting these reforms, and report on them by the end of the year.
In July 2022, the EU officially launched accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. This progress is a very welcome development, as it sends an important signal to the entire Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions that the EU remains serious about enlargement.
In October 2022, the European Commission recommended granting candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the understanding that reforms are carried out in eight key areas, primarily on judicial reforms. It is expected that the European Council will revert to the issue in December, following its earlier agreement in June that it is ready to grant BiH candidate status, on the basis of the implementation of 14 key reforms.
The EU is encouraging greater reform efforts in Serbia and Montenegro, to accelerate their accession paths, particularly in relation to rule of law and good governance. Current political instability in Montenegro and Serbia’s non-alignment with the EU common position relating to Russia are areas of concern.
Accession negotiations with Turkey have largely stalled due to backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights.
Kosovo has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, and has indicated an intention to submit a formal application for EU membership in the near future.
Ireland believes that the accession process needs to be improved and accelerated where possible. The new accession methodology is a positive step in this regard, but more must be done to maintain the reform commitment and aspirations of those seeking to join, including through use of the accelerated integration procedures provided for in the new methodology.
The accession process must also remain rigorous, to ensure that candidate countries are suitably prepared before they join the EU. Candidate countries must meet the necessary criteria set out in 35 chapters, grouped into six thematic clusters. It is not possible to predict when a candidate country may join the EU, as this is dependent on the political will and ability of its leaders to implement the necessary reform agenda.
However, to assist in implementation of the necessary reforms, the European Union has established several support programs. The primary support tool is the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which the EU has been using to support reforms in the enlargement region with financial and technical assistance since 2007. For the period 2021-2027, the IPA III budgetary envelope is over €14 billion. EU Member States are also able to support candidate and potential candidate countries through TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) and Twinning. Via TAIEX and Twinning, EU Member States can directly support public administrations in enlargement countries through workshops, expert missions and study visits.
Ireland will continue to strongly support the EU enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate and potential candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.
349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to target areas of starvation or famine throughout the world; the efforts that are being made to provide such basic facilities as water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to ensure the availability of aid to avert hunger, starvation and famine in the various countries suffering from such deprivation; if a particular organised plan is in existence to target the areas of greatest need within a specified time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 351 together.
This year to date, the international community has provided over €28 billion in response to humanitarian crises across the globe. This is a record high for this time of year and it is clear the amount provided will surpass last year’s total of €29.4 billion by the end of the year.
The funding targets countries facing high levels of food insecurity, malnutrition and famine. Up to date data on food insecurity from the World Food Programme enables the international community to prioritise hunger hotspots. In 2022 €2.2 billion has been allocated to Yemen, €1.6 billion to Ethiopia, €1.1 billion to Somalia, €0.9 billion to South Sudan and €0.6 billion to Nigeria.
The UN leads the development of coordinated Humanitarian Response Plans for affecting countries, which identify the type of humanitarian assistance required and the communities most in need. Each plan sets out the immediate requirements for essential services such as water and sanitation, health, food and nutrition and education. This ensures that the international community responds in a timely, coordinated and targeted manner.
Despite record levels of humanitarian funding, the gap between available funding and needs continues to grow. The UN provides monthly updates on the global humanitarian response. The latest update at the end of October showed a funding shortfall of some €22.5 billion and appealed to the international community for additional support.
Ireland has been a long-standing champion of efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, including through advocacy for the sustainable transformation of food systems. Our humanitarian support is focused on countries with high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. We recently announced an additional €30 million to address hunger and impending famine in the Horn of Africa, bringing to over €100 million our total assistance to the region this year.
Ireland’s overall humanitarian spend in 2022 will exceed our 2021 spend of €228 million. This continues a trend of increased humanitarian expenditure in response to escalating humanitarian needs.
354. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continue to encourage North-South trade in the context of the post-Brexit era; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrong growth in North South trade over the past two decades is one of the key achievements of the peace process. We now have a closely integrated all-island economy, which both supports and is supported by the peace process. Increased economic and social cooperation benefits communities across the island and strengthens prosperity, North and South. Today, the all-island economy is important for businesses – particularly small businesses – and facilitates many people’s livelihoods across the island. It was clear from the outset that Brexit had the potential to cause profound disruption for Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland as a whole, including in relation to the all-island economy. It is vital, therefore, that the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland protects North South trade, in recognition of the way lives are lived and business is conducted on this island. The Protocol ensures that many of the post-Brexit changes that apply to trade in goods between Ireland and Great Britain do not apply between Ireland and Northern Ireland, safeguarding vital supply chains and allowing businesses on both sides of the border to continue to trade seamlessly with one another. The Protocol also provides that Northern Ireland goods continue to have access to the EU Single Market, which represents a significant opportunity for Northern Ireland businesses. Protecting and growing cross-border trade and North South cooperation remains a major priority for this Government, reflected in the commitments we made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement and, more recently, in our revised National Development Plan. There is a positive story to tell about economic cooperation on this island, the benefits of North South trade, and current and future business opportunities and the Government wants to see the island of Ireland prosper, North and South. With the Protocol in place, the Government will continue to work to create an enabling environment for the continued growth of North South trade, to further unlock the potential of the all-island economy.
355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continue to monitor the activities and development of Al Shabaab and Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. We support international efforts to reduce their influence and assist populations affected by their actions. Last month, we condemned the latest attack by Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu which killed over 120 and injured over 400.
Through our international development programme, Ireland is also tackling the poverty, hunger, and exclusion which can act as drivers of support for Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. Since 2015, we have allocated over €36 million in bilateral funding for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. In Somalia, Ireland has provided over €57 million in direct humanitarian assistance since 2012. As an EU Member State, Ireland also contributes to the significant EU development and humanitarian response in countries affected by Boko Haram and al-Shabaab violence.
We are also working through the UN on these issues, notably the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission. The UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region and Ireland is penholder, together with Ghana, on UNOWAS at the UN Security Council. Ireland is also a member of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance. In addition, Ireland is supporting stabilisation efforts in the Sahel through the deployment of 14 Defence Forces personnel participating in EUTM Mali. Between 2019 and 2022 Defence Forces personnel were also deployed in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
With respect to Somalia, Ireland is Chair of the Sanctions Committee at the UN Security Council and last week contributed significantly to the agreement on the new mandate which focusses on reducing the threat of Al-Shabaab. In addition, Ireland deploys personnel to EUCAP Somalia, one of the three EU Common Security and Defence Policy Missions in the Horn of Africa.
356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which efforts are being made at international level to ensure the influence of the United Nations continues to prevail throughout the globe with particular reference to war zones and areas already beset by famine or the activities of warlords; the degree to which deployments of United Nations contingents can be used to protect the vulnerable and dissuade the perpetrators in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong supporter of multilateralism and the UN system and we engage across the three pillars established in the UN Charter: peace and security, human rights, and development. Ireland has been a consistent supporter of reforms that aim to strengthen UN bodies and to enhance the UN’s influence throughout the globe. We support a more coordinated multilateral approach by actors working across the humanitarian, development and peace sectors to address poverty, inequality, climate change and other root causes of humanitarian need and conflict.
UN peacekeeping is a vital element of the UN’s work in conflict areas throughout the world. Ireland has a longstanding and proud history in UN peacekeeping. There are currently 12 UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over 95,000 uniformed personnel from over 120 countries. Ireland is currently present in four UN peacekeeping operations, with contributions from the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.
In 2018, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a peacekeeping reform initiative, known as Action for Peacekeeping. It aims to refocus peacekeeping with more targeted mandates, stronger operations, increased support for political solutions, and better-equipped and trained forces to strengthen protection of civilians. In 2021 a new phase of reform was launched, incorporating the use of technology and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Ireland fully supports these initiatives. On the Security Council, Ireland is working to ensure that the mandates for peacekeeping missions align with the needs of the people they seek to protect, and that missions have the resources necessary to be effective and responsive in carrying out their tasks.
We also believe that we must plan for long term peace, following the work of peacekeeping missions. This is why Ireland worked to secure agreement on Security Council Resolution 2594, which provides a framework to ensure that the reconfiguration of a UN presence during a transition is properly planned for and resourced, most especially with respect to protecting civilians. Ireland has also been a strong and committed partner of the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) since its creation in 2005 and are proud to be among its top donors, committing €10 million over the 2020-24 period.
357. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish embassies abroad, diplomatic missions or other representatives continue to promote Irish trade throughout the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs’ mission network plays an important role in promoting Irish trade throughout the world.
This network of embassies and consulates is central to the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development of trade, investment and tourism. Team Ireland work to build education, science, technology and innovation partnerships; and promote our culture and creative industries. In addition to sustaining strong bilateral relationships and working to maintain and protect the rules based international order - both critical for the realisation of Ireland's trade and investment objectives - embassies and consulates support the State Agencies in their delivery of strategic objectives in overseas markets.
Officers within the mission network engage in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. They also support the delivery of Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with Team Ireland colleagues. Missions also work more specifically on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. The role of the network in promoting and protecting Irish trade interests is particularly important in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
The Department is guided in all of this work by the Government's Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World. This Strategy sets out seven priority actions and DFA, both at home and abroad, is strongly supporting implementation.
The Government's Global Ireland strategy is also key; a strategy which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Working together as Team Ireland overseas is at the heart of the strategy. Ongoing implementation is enhancing Ireland’s international visibility, facilitating market diversification and intensification, and deepening bilateral relations in support of our economic and political objectives. To date, 16 new missions have opened under the Global Ireland strategy, with locations chosen on the basis, inter alia, of their potential to diversify our markets and increase trade and investment with Ireland.
358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains confident that submarine communication networks are protected against sabotage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also supports this role providing aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
Following an extraordinary EU Energy Council meeting in September which discussed the EU’s energy security in response to the attacks on Nordstream 1 and 2, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications sought support from my Department in relation to additional measures that could be put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure that critical off-shore infrastructure including data cables are protected.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces continue to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore energy infrastructure and data cables. While the Defence Forces have limited sub-sea capabilities, enhanced maritime patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore energy infrastructure has commenced. The enhanced patrolling is being conducted by a mixture of air and naval platforms.
359. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if he or any officials from his Department or from bodies under the aegis of his Department travelled to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference; the number who travelled; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI did not travel to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference in my role as Minister for Defence, but did so as Minister for Foreign Affairs. In addition, no officials from the Department of Defence or from bodies under its aegis travelled to the conference.
360. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if any assessment was carried out prior to determining that existing buildings in Columb Barracks Mullingar were not suitable to house Ukrainian citizens; and the basis upon which such a decision was taken. [57444/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the whole of Government response to provide assistance to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, I can confirm that my Department has identified the former Mullingar Barracks as a site which could be used to accommodate such persons. It is primarily a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to satisfy itself that the premises are adequate or not as the case may be for their requirements. I am advised that my officials have recently received confirmation that it is that Department's intention to use the premises for same.
361. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the current patrols and monitoring off the south coast of Ireland to safeguard the communications cabling in Irish waters; the level of Russian activity that has been identified to date in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also supports this role providing aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
Following an extraordinary EU Energy Council meeting in September which discussed the EU’s energy security in response to the attacks on Nordstream 1 and 2, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications sought support from my Department in relation to additional measures that could be put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure that critical off-shore infrastructure including data cables are protected.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces continue to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore energy infrastructure and data cables. While the Defence Forces have limited sub-sea capabilities, enhanced maritime patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore energy infrastructure has commenced. The enhanced patrolling is being conducted by a mixture of air and naval platforms.
In relation Russian activity in Irish waters, a number of Russian ships have been observed inside the Irish EEZ in recent months. These ships have been monitored by Irish Naval Service vessels as they transited through the Irish EEZ.
International law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), allows for all vessels to transit through another state’s territorial waters when conducting innocent passage as defined by Article 19 of UNCLOS. Furthermore, naval vessels are permitted to conduct exercises outside of territorial waters in a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone so long as this does not unduly interfere with the Coastal State. Any vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.
Infringement of these obligations under international law would be a serious matter and would be addressed by the Government accordingly.
362. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons currently in training to become qualified air traffic controllers; and when these persons will be qualified in tabular form. [58030/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the following requested information:
|
Training |
Number of Personnel |
Expected to Complete Training |
|
ATC |
1 |
Q4 2024 |
|
ATC |
1 |
Q1 2023 |
|
Radar training |
1 |
Q1 2023 |
The military authorities also advised that a maximum of 3 further personnel are expected to commence ATC training shortly and one person is expected to commence radar training in Q1 2023.
363. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the plans to improve the conditions of service for Defence Forces medical officers given the difficulties in retaining this critical capability (details supplied). [58090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of medical services within the Defence Forces is a combination of primary care and an occupational medical service. Medical oversight is necessary in order to maintain a Defence Force that is operationally ready for the tasks assigned by Government, thereby facilitating operations at home and overseas, as well as safeguarding the health and safety of Defence Forces personnel.
Defence Forces medical capability encompasses a broad range of disciplines including doctors (Medical Officers), dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and psychologists. Vacancies in these disciplines are advertised as they arise and are filled in a number of different ways. The Defence Forces also have trained enlisted personnel serving in Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Advanced Paramedic roles.
I am informed that recruitment for Medical Officers remains ongoing. The first two doctors are due to graduate from the Military Medicine Training Scheme during 2023 and will become full-time Medical Officers in the Defence Forces. A further four (4) applicants have been successful via a recent Direct Entry competition, with one (1) recently commissioned and three (3) currently in the process of being security-cleared.
The Defence Forces endeavour to ensure that operations are not impacted by vacancies, Medical Officer or otherwise, and ensure a layered level of medical cover for all operations undertaken both at home and overseas.
I am unable to comment on the career structures of other public sector bodies, and the salaries of all Defence Forces personnel are determined in line with overall public sector pay policy. However, I can assure the Deputy that the recruitment and retention of trained medical personnel, as with other specialist areas within the Defence Forces, is a matter of priority.
