Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-99

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (34, 37)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

34. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Europe last met. [56704/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Europe oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to the European Union and related issues.

It generally meets in advance of regular meetings of the European Council.

It last met on 13 October ahead of the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 20/21 October.

Questions Nos. 35 and 36 resubmitted.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly Plenary. [54584/22]

Taoiseach

As co-Chair Deputy Brendan Smith organised an excellent British Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Cavan on Monday 24 October.

The Assembly’s work to promote co-operation between representatives in Britain and Ireland is extremely valuable. As I outlined in my address on the day, it helps to build understanding and, crucially, to build relationships that will endure into the future – supporting positive British-Irish relations.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (38, 39, 40, 41, 42)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. [54585/22]

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

39. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. [54586/22]

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

40. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the new British Prime Minister since his appointment. [54854/22]

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

41. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent conversation with the British Prime Minister. [56296/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

42. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his latest communications with the British Prime Minister. [56372/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 to 52, inclusive, together. On Wednesday 26 October I congratulated the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his appointment and we discussed a number of issues of mutual interest including the NI Protocol.

We then had a formal bilateral meeting on 10 November in advance of the British Irish Council in Blackpool. This was a positive and constructive engagement, where in addition to Northern Ireland and the NI Protocol, we discussed the war in Ukraine, climate change, energy costs and inflation affecting both jurisdictions.

I welcomed the step back the UK Government had taken from calling fresh elections in Northern Ireland. This, I hope will allow time to make progress on the EU-UK negotiations on the Protocol. I also raised the Government’s concerns regarding the UK Legacy Bill. I highlighted the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and flagged concerns regarding the stability and functioning of the Institutions and the potential for increased polarisation of politics in Northern Ireland.

Questions Nos. 43 to 49, inclusive, resubmitted.

Climate Change Negotiations

Ceisteanna (50, 51, 52, 53)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

50. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent attendance at the COP27 Climate Change Conference. [56285/22]

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

51. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the COP27 summit. [56295/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

52. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the COP27 conference which he recently attended in Egypt. [56371/22]

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

53. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of his engagements during the COP27 conference. [56479/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 to 53, inclusive, together. I participated in the World Leaders Summit at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh on 7-8 November.

On 8 November, I delivered Ireland’s National Statement to the plenary session, taking the opportunity to set out Ireland’s climate ambition and the Government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable countries who, despite having contributed least to climate change, are bearing the brunt of its impact.

I also engaged in a number of high-level events and roundtables, including on food security and on the sustainability of vulnerable communities.

I highlighted Ireland’s commitment of over €800 million to support nutrition over the next 5 years, and over €100 million to our response to the devastating drought and food security crisis in countries in the Horn of Africa.

I joined the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at a high level event on ‘The Global Shield Against Climate Risks’, where I announced that Ireland will contribute €10 million to the Global Shield initiative for 2023.

I also availed of my visit to COP to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Vanuatu and had the opportunity to engage with a number of fellow world leaders over the course of the two days.

I heard first hand from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and others of the devastation caused to their countries by the devastating impacts of climate change.

I also met with the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, and our discussion focused on the important topic of loss and damage, and on the legal consequences of climate change.

While there I met with a number of Irish youth climate advocates, representatives of humanitarian NGOs, a number of academics and students from UCC and UCD, and with a representative from the EPA.

Questions Nos. 54 to 74, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 75 to 82, inclusive, answered orally.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (83)

James Lawless

Ceist:

83. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that Ireland is helping to ensure accountability for violations of international law and war crimes committed in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57839/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

When Ireland sought a seat at the UN Security Council, we did so with the intention of using our position to amplify the voices of small countries and with a commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. During our time on the Council, we have upheld these commitments and used our membership to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately. 

Ireland supports investigations into all apparent war crimes, and accountability for those responsible. At the Security Council, Ireland has been clear that parties to conflict must comply with international humanitarian law, including the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants.  We have condemned indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks and will continue to call on Russia to comply with all its obligations under international humanitarian law. Additionally, Ireland is one of over 40 countries that has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ireland has 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. This case concerns violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed during the invasion. In addition, Ireland filed a declaration of intervention in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

While Ireland remains a militarily neutral country, we have not been politically or morally neutral in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. The Government remains committed to ensuring accountability for international crimes and other violations of international law committed in Ukraine and continues to examine all options for further supporting effective efforts to that end. We will continue to use our voice to call for accountability for all war crimes arising from this unprovoked and unjustified invasion.

Question No. 84 answered orally.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (85)

John Brady

Ceist:

85. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's response to the refusal of the Israeli government to co-operate with an FBI investigation into the death of the US Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57921/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have strongly condemned the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh and have repeatedly called for a thorough independent investigation. I am aware of the recent decision taken by the United States authorities and the reaction to this by the Israeli Government. I also note the statements which have been made by the Palestinian Authority and by Ms Abu Akleh’s family welcoming this decision.

Following the investigation by the Israeli authorities, which concluded that there is a high possibility that Ms Abu Akleh was killed by IDF gunfire, Ireland continued to call for an impartial, independent, and effective investigation and for accountability.

The Israeli authorities should cooperate with independent investigations into Ms Abu Akleh’s death. A thorough, independent investigation which delivers accountability is the only way to provide justice to her loved ones.

Media freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected, including in situations of conflict. Ms Abu Akleh was a respected and successful journalist, killed while she was engaged in her work bringing greater understanding to the conflict.

It is important that we recall the vital work of journalists in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.  Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of democracy and ensures accountability.  I call on the Israeli authorities to demonstrate that they take the fundamental democratic principle of accountability seriously; and that they are committed to ensuring there is no impunity for those guilty of wrongdoing. I have spoken clearly on this issue, including at the Dáil debate on journalists in armed conflict on 24 May.

Ireland again called for an impartial, independent and effective investigation at the September and October meetings of the UN Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted internationally. Furthermore, on 24 May Ireland organised an Arria formula meeting at the Security Council on the protection of journalists.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (86)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

86. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications that were processed in 2021; his plans to ensure that there are no delays in the processing of passports in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57513/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. This  surpasses its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued.  The Passport Service issued 634,107 passports in 2021. 

Thanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements have been made this year and full, normal service has resumed. All processing times for online applications have now returned to normal pre-Covid processing times.

Over 99% of all online renewal applications are processed within the standard turnaround times. 

Over the past few months my Department has been planning to ensure that demand for passports continues to be met in 2023, with a view to maintaining target processing times throughout the year.

My Department ran 15 competitions in 2021 and 2022 to address staffing needs in the Passport Service. Adequate staffing remains a priority and recruitment will continue in the coming months. New office space on the Balbriggan campus is now open and provides over 200 additional workstations to accommodate the increase in staff numbers. This brings the total capacity of the Balbriggan campus to 500 workstations.

Currently, 100% of calls and 95% of webchats are being answered by the Customer Service Hub and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. The staffing plan for 2023 aims to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand.

Over 90% of applicants now apply through Passport Online. The Passport Communications Campaign for Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 will focus on highlighting the benefits of the Digital First approach for passport applications.

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.

Question No. 87 answered orally.

Disaster Response

Ceisteanna (88)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

88. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action that Ireland has taken in relation to the famine in the Horn of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57644/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

I saw for myself the devastation in the Horn of Africa when I visited Kenya and South Sudan recently.  In response to the urgency of the situation, the Government has provided an additional €30 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for the region. This funding will bring Ireland’s total direct assistance to the region in 2022 to over €100 million. It builds on Ireland’s existing support, providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable while also laying the groundwork for building resilience and development.

In addition, communities in the Horn are being supported through Ireland’s contributions to multilateral humanitarian action, such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which reacts immediately to crises as they happen. Ireland is the eighth largest contributor to CERF, providing €11.5 million in 2022. Since 2021, the CERF has allocated over $306 million across the region.

More broadly, Ireland has been a long-standing champion of global efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition. As focal point on hunger and conflict at the Security Council, we have highlighted the underlying causes of food insecurity and the links between conflict and hunger.

We have also underlined the importance of the recent conclusions approved by the Foreign Affairs Council on the Team Europe response to global food insecurity.  The EU has pledged over €600 million in support of the Horn of Africa. As part of the overall EU Global Food Security Response, the EU will contribute over €5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance for global food security from 2021 to 2024.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (89, 99, 101, 110, 116, 139)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

89. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that are ongoing to restore the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57729/22]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

99. 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 relation to the need to have the Assembly and Executive restored in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57736/22]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that he had with the present Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and his junior colleague since their appointments to their present positions; if he will report on the progress that has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57824/22]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

110. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the actions taken to date by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the holding of Assembly elections in Northern Ireland; the discussions that he has held with parties with a view to restoring a functioning Assembly and Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57821/22]

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

116. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent meetings with the political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57649/22]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

139. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that his Department has taken to resolve the political deadlock in Northern Ireland. [57491/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 99, 101, 110, 116 and 139 together.

The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementation agreements is an issue of the utmost priority for this Government. It is of paramount importance that the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are allowed to function. The Government’s views on this have been clear and consistent. The people of Northern Ireland voted for, and expect, an Assembly and Executive that works for them. We know that families and communities will face enormous challenges this winter. It is essential that the voices of the people of Northern Ireland are heard, and that their Government in Stormont is in a position to help.

I remain in regular contact with the Northern Irish political parties, and will continue to do so, with a view to working towards the restoration of the Assembly and of the Executive. Last month, I met with party leaders in Belfast and discussed the importance of restoring the devolved institutions. I also listened to their concerns regarding the possibility of an unnecessary election at that time. I was able to convey these concerns, as well as my own, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

In that context, I welcome the announcement on 9 November by the Secretary of State of his intention to extend the period during which the Northern Ireland parties can form an Executive on the basis of last May’s Assembly election. Furthermore, I welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to provide clarity on a budget for Northern Ireland and on the ability of Northern Ireland Government Departments to make limited decisions essential to the continued functioning of services.

The Secretary of State’s announcement provides further space for early substantive progress in discussions between the EU and UK on the issues of most concern to people and business in Northern Ireland. I urge the UK authorities to make use of this renewed opportunity to engage positively, and with real urgency, in the knowledge that the European Commission has listened carefully to the concerns of people across Northern Ireland, including and especially Unionists. I see no reason why an Executive cannot be formed in parallel with these talks.

I urge those who are blocking the appointment of a Speaker, the First and Deputy First Minister, and an Executive, to allow the devolved institutions function. The decision of one political party not to participate in the Northern Ireland Executive risks undermining the faith of people in the potential of politics.

The absence of an Executive means that the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has been unable to meet. The NSMC is essential to overseeing and developing North South cooperation on matters of mutual interest. It is important that an Executive is appointed so that it can continue to develop practical cooperation on an all-island basis.

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 have regular meetings and telephone contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton Harris. At our most recent meeting, on 2 November, we discussed a broad range of issues including our efforts to ensure that an Executive is elected in Northern Ireland. We also discussed the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well other key issues. 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. I have also met with the Secretary of State in person at Hillsborough Castle on 28 September, at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in London on 7 October, and in Belfast on 19 October. The Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Steve Baker MP, also attended the BIIGC.

The BIIGC is a vital institution of the Good Friday Agreement. I welcome the renewed focus on the BIIGC from the British Government and I look forward to fruitful meetings of the Conference in the new year.

I firmly believe that by working together with the British Government and with the Northern Irish parties in a spirit of cooperation that we can jointly find solutions to the range of issues facing Northern Ireland.

The Government will continue to work closely on a North/South and East-West basis in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and successor agreements.

Disaster Response

Ceisteanna (90)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

90. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland and the European Union will substantially increase humanitarian aid to countries in the Horn of Africa affected by severe famine caused by severe ongoing droughts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57304/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

In response to the rapidly deteriorating food security crisis in the Horn of Africa, the Government is providing an additional €30 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for the region. This funding will complement significant resources already provided to humanitarian and development partners active in the Horn, bringing Ireland’s total direct assistance to the region in 2022 to over €100 million. The additional €30 million humanitarian package will provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance while also laying the groundwork for longer-term development.

Ireland also contributes indirectly to the humanitarian response in the Horn through the EU. The EU has provided significant humanitarian assistance to the region in response to the crisis, with DG ECHO, the EU Commission’s humanitarian assistance agency, allocating over €146 million in humanitarian aid to the region in 2022. This emergency assistance is in addition to €231 million allocated by the EU in 2021-2022 to strengthen resilience and food security in the region.

Ireland continues to work through the EU to address the worst consequences of food insecurity more broadly. On 20 June, the Foreign Affairs Council approved conclusions on the Team Europe response to global food insecurity, including an endorsement of the Team Europe pledge of €1 billion in support of the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, as well as over €600 million in support of the Horn of Africa. As part of the EU Global Food Security Response, the EU has identified an overall contribution of over €5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance for global food security from 2021 to 2024.

Sports Events

Ceisteanna (91)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

91. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made any public statement or had any communication with Qatar authorities regarding LGBTQ+ rights for visitors to the World Cup games underway at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57820/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Qatari government has maintained that ‘all fans will be welcome’ at the World Cup, and I urge for this promise to be upheld.

I was very disappointed by the recent comments of a Qatari World Cup ambassador, which referred to homosexuality as ‘damage in the mind’. These comments are not reflective of the inclusive and global event that a World Cup should be for the fans travelling to it. I call for the Qatari government to fulfil its promise to the international community that all fans will be welcome in Qatar, and treated with dignity and respect.

Promoting respect for human rights is one of the core principles of Ireland’s foreign policy. In countries where we have concerns over human rights, including Qatar, we raise these concerns very clearly, both in direct contacts with the government of that country, and in the appropriate international fora. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs regularly raise concerns bilaterally with the Qatari authorities.

Ireland regularly discusses these issues in various EU forums and works closely with other member states to ensure human rights issues in Qatar are addressed. Since 2018, the EU has held four formal Human Rights Dialogues with Qatar, including most recently on 13 September in Brussels, where the EU underscored the importance of safety of LGBTQ+ persons in the context of the World Cup.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (92)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. [57490/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Affairs Council most recently met in Brussels on 14 November.

This was the tenth formal meeting of the Council since the beginning of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and we again discussed coordination of the EU’s collective response. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, updated the Council on Ukraine’s current priorities and needs. The Council formally adopted the decision, which launched the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine.

We also discussed the impact of sustained Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law. As part of this, we followed up on the discussions at the European Council in October on securing accountability, including for the crime of aggression. I underlined the importance of close EU coordination, in order to ensure that accountability is brought to bear on perpetrators.

We also discussed the continuing repression of protesters in Iran and took the decision to add 29 individuals and three entities to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures in the context of the Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations.

The Council also met with the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss latest developments in Belarus, and to reemphasise the EU’s sustained commitment to supporting the rights of the Belarusian population.

The Council also discussed EU engagement with the Western Balkans, including the EU's energy support package, ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit on 6 December. We also stressed the need to deescalate tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and for the EU to continue to play an active role in this.

Over the course of the meeting, Ministers also discussed the EU’s engagement in the Great Lakes region, Lebanon, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, and reflected on the progression of the COP27 negotiations, amongst other issues.

Departmental Meetings

Ceisteanna (93)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

93. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the engagement between his Department's officials and the Welsh Commissioner for Future Generations. [54588/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25, which I launched last year with the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, commits to exchange learning on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, including on legislating for sustainable development from Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015.

The position of Future Generations Commissioner was established as part of Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015: the Act aims to safeguard future generations by challenging short-term economic decision-making and improving social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being outcomes.  Commissioner Sophie Howe was appointed in 2016

I met with Commissioner Howe during the inaugural Ireland Wales Forum, held in Cardiff in October 2021.

Over the past year, officials from my Department, along with officials in the Department of the Taoiseach, have met with Commissioner Howe on a number of occasions to exchange learning and best practice. These engagements were aimed at contributing to the development of Ireland’s Well-Being Framework, a Programme for Government commitment intended to measure how we are doing overall as a country and to improve our understanding of quality of life in Ireland.

The example Wales has set was considered as part of the National Economic and Social Council's research, which fed into the Government's Second Report on Ireland’s Well-being Framework, published in June this year. This Report, outlines the longer-term approach for integrating the Framework into the Irish policymaking system over time.

I last met briefly with Commissioner Howe when she visited Dublin at the end of October. During that visit, she presented on her role and work at an event in Iveagh House to Irish policy makers and civil society leaders. Her wider programme included meetings with the Oireachtas and university engagements.

Commissioner Howe also participated in an event organised by Ireland and Wales in advance of the 65th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in March 2021.

Disaster Response

Ceisteanna (94)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

94. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current situation in the Horn of Africa; Ireland's presence and engagement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57651/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Horn of Africa is facing a rapidly deteriorating food security crisis.  A five-season drought is devastating vast areas of the region against a background of climate shocks and protracted conflict. More than 21 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity in southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and Somalia.

In August-September, I travelled to Kenya and South Sudan and witnessed first-hand the severity of the humanitarian crisis. I had discussions with Government, UN and NGO officials on the situation, and the need for a radically scaled up international response.

Following my visit, in Budget 2023, the Government provided an additional €30 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to respond to the urgency of the crisis across the region.  This brings to over €100 million Ireland's total assistance to the Horn of  Africa in 2022.  

Ireland has consistently called internationally for increased support to the Horn of Africa. We recognise that humanitarian funding alone will not be sufficient to address the complex challenges facing the region. At the UN Security Council, Ireland has been closely engaged on peace and security in the Horn, including oversight of the United Nations and African Union missions in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. In the EU, Ireland has strongly supported the Team Europe pledge in June of over €600 million for the Horn of Africa. This week an additional package of emergency aid for the region was announced by the EU as part of a new €210 million effort to address food insecurity in 15 countries.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (95)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 6 October 2022, if he will report on his Department's role in supporting the dialogue between the Misak community in Colombia and a company (details supplied) over land use in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57646/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the company and communities in Colombia referred to in the Deputy’s question. We will continue to engage with all parties to gain a deeper understanding of this highly complex situation and to support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play.

As previously outlined, officials from the Embassy of Ireland to Colombia visited the region and met with stakeholders in September 2022, and since this time the Embassy has continued its efforts to support the facilitation of a dialogue process amongst all the parties.

We continue to encourage all parties to engage constructively in this dialogue process, and will maintain communication with all sides. We hope that this will result in a long-term and inclusive solution that respects the rights of all concerned. 

Ireland fully supports the efforts of the Colombian Government to implement land reforms in order to improve issues equality of land access in Colombia. We have communicated this support to the new administration of President Petro and will continue our on-the-ground engagement on these issues, including through the EU Delegation in Bogota.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (96)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

96. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his Department’s response with regard to the Russian war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57849/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Since the further invasion of Ukraine in February, Ireland has been steadfast in its support for the Government and people of Ukraine, and is committed to continuing to provide vital protection and support. The latest figures show that some 64,000 Ukrainians have registered in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to date.

Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the EU budget. Financial support provided by my Department to date includes €20 million in humanitarian aid, a €66 million commitment through the European Peace Facility, and a €3 million commitment for the International Criminal Court (ICC). In line with a commitment in our Programme for Government, Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility has been directed toward the non-lethal elements of the support package.

Ireland continues to use our membership of the UN Security Council to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately. Ireland supports investigations into all apparent war crimes, and accountability for those responsible. Ireland is one of over 40 countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC. €1 million of the €3 million to the ICC has already been disbursed to the Office of Prosecutor and will assist in the investigation of the situation in Ukraine, along with other situations before the court. On 8 September, Ireland 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. In addition, Ireland on 19 September filed a declaration of intervention in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The EU adopted its eighth sanctions package on 6 October. Ireland welcomed this package and has called for consideration of further measures. The measures we have imposed are having a significant impact. We need to continue to work together to  maintain this pressure.  To date, Irish financial institutions have frozen €1.9 billion of assets belonging to sanctioned Russian individuals or companies.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (97, 102, 118)

Ciarán Cannon

Ceist:

97. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made with regard to passport services in 2022. [57747/22]

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of passport applications and processing times at present; the number of applications processed to date in 2022; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57561/22]

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

118. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average wait time for each type of passport application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57514/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 102 and 118 together.

Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. The Passport Service has surpassed its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued. 

Thanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements have been made this year and full, normal service has resumed. All processing times for online applications have now returned to normal pre-Covid processing times.

The processing time for online first time applications has halved from 40 working days in March of this year to 20 working days. Over 99% of all online renewal applications are processed within the standard turnaround times. 84% of online adult renewal applications are being processed in 3 working days or less. 46% of online child renewal applications are processed within 3 working days or less.

Currently, 100% of calls and 95% of webchats are being answered by the Customer Service Hub 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 future periods of peak demand.

The Department ran 15 competitions in 2021 and 2022 to address staffing needs in the Passport Service. New office space on the Balbriggan campus is now open and provides over 200 additional workstations to accommodate the increase in staff numbers. This brings the total capacity of the Balbriggan campus up to 500 workstations.

Passport Online is available to all applicants across the globe for renewal applications. This year saw the further expansion of Passport Online for first time applicants across the globe and this is now available to first time applicants in over 50 countries.

Over 90% of applicants now apply through Passport Online. The Passport Communications Campaign for Winter 2022 - Spring 2023 will focus on highlighting the benefits of the Digital First approach for passport applications.

The current processing times are outlined below:

Online adult renewal - 10 working days

Online child/complex renewal - 15 working days

Online first time application - 20 working days 

Post Passport via An Post - 8 weeks

The Passport Service has issued 1,025,742 passports to date this year. There are currently 25,203 fully complete applications in the Passport Service system, the vast majority of which will issue well within agreed turnaround times.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (98)

James Lawless

Ceist:

98. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the sanctions that are in place against third countries involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine, especially those providing arms and military support to the invader; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57840/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The EU has imposed the most significant sanctions in its history in response to the situation in Ukraine. While the majority of these sanctions have been imposed on the Russian Federation, action has also been taken in respect of third countries who have provided support for the illegal actions taken, namely Belarus and Iran.

With regard to 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 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and 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.

In relation to Belarus, since 2020, Ireland has engaged extensively in the development of sanctions against Aleksandr Lukashenko’s regime. These were developed in response to human rights violations against the Belarusian people, the violent suppression of political dissent, the forced diversion of a Ryanair aircraft last year, and the instrumentalisation of vulnerable migrants.

In response to its role in facilitating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU targeted Lukashenko’s regime with further extensive packages of sanctions, which Ireland co-sponsored.  These restrictive measures include, but are not limited to, trade restrictions on Belarus and sanctions against Belarusian military leaders.

Question No. 99 answered with No. 89.