Written Answers Nos. 124-146
124. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of official diplomats from Russia present in Ireland; the breakdown of the positions held; the way that this presence compares to other countries; the reduction in the presence in Ireland since the start of the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 (VCDR) identifies three categories of Mission staff as follows:
- Diplomatic staff
- Administrative and Technical staff, and
- Service staff
Pursuant to Article 10, VCDR, the Department of Foreign Affairs shall be notified of the appointment of members of the mission, their arrival and their final departure or the termination of their functions with the mission.
There are currently 25 officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - 11 Diplomats and 14 Administrative and Technical staff.
Prior to the invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 officers at the Embassy, 14 diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff.
125. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish position on Israel's condemnation of so-called American "interference" in the fatal shooting of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57538/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 brings about accountability is the only way to bring 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 of the work of journalists in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Freedom of the press is vital for democracy and for ensuring accountability. I call on the Israeli authorities to show 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 out 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.
126. 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. [57562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has consistently raised the issues in the All Party Motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombing, calling on the British government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings, with the British government including at the recent British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 7 October in London.
We have made clear to our counterparts that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a response. The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue until a resolution is found.
The Government will maintain a close and cooperative relationship with Justice for the Forgotten, as we continue work to seek the full facts of the appalling events of 25 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
The Government is also committed to supporting the work of Kenova, which is a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases. Operation Denton is an ongoing independent analytical review by Kenova into the activities of what was known as the Glenanne Gang in Northern Ireland and includes the Dublin Monaghan Bombings.
As Operation Denton is an analytical review being carried out in another jurisdiction rather than a formal criminal investigation, in order to achieve the strong desire of An Garda Síochána and the Government to co-operate with Operation Denton to the maximum extent possible, it was necessary to create a dedicated cooperation mechanism. In June the Minister for Justice signed a directive under section 25(1) of the Garda Síochána Act and in July the Minister signed a regulation under the Data Protection Acts to facilitate the transfer of information to Operation Denton. On foot of this information has been provided to the Kenova Team.
127. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the interaction that he has had with his British counterpart regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is welcome that, for the first time in six months, the UK has re-engaged in talks with the EU on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. I am encouraged that the British side has indicated that it wishes to reach a negotiated outcome and it is vital that their officials are now given a clear mandate to make substantive progress.
I have had sustained and constructive engagement with the British Government on the implementation of the Protocol in recent weeks. Earlier this month, I met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris in Belfast and in October I travelled to London to meet with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. The Taoiseach also met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the margins of the British-Irish Council earlier this month and Minister of State Byrne met with his British Government counterpart, Leo Docherty, last week.
Our consistent message in these exchanges has been to urge the British Government to engage positively with the EU and to remain focused on the practical, day-to-day issues of concern to people and businesses in Northern Ireland, in particular around the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We have also welcomed the extension of the period during which the Northern Ireland parties can form an Executive. The position of the Government is consistent on this: we want to see an Executive formed and, separately, we want to see early substantive progress in EU-UK talks.
Only jointly agreed solutions can deliver the long-term certainty and stability needed by people and businesses in Northern Ireland to maximise the benefits of the Protocol. With the recent resumption in EU-UK talks, there is now a window of opportunity to reach joint solutions on the issues of concern to people in Northern Ireland.
128. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU General Affairs Council meeting on 18 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, attended the General Affairs Council on Friday 18 November where Ministers had a first exchange of views on the annotated draft agenda of the European Council on 15-16 December 2022. The agenda will include discussion on Ukraine/Russia, Energy and Economy, Southern Neighbourhood, and External Relations, where a discussion on Transatlantic Relations and possibly also the Enlargement perspective of the Western Balkans is expected.
Ministers received a briefing on the state of play of EU-UK relations from Commission Vice President Šefčovič. VP Šefčovič emphasised the need for the positive mood music by the UK to now be turned into concrete action to find joint solutions on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, using the window of opportunity created by the postponement of the NI elections. Minister Byrne voiced full support for VP Šefčovič and the Commission’s approach as well as our appreciation of the ongoing solidarity of Partners. Under the Legislative Programming item, Commission VP Šefčovič also provided an overview on the Commission’s planned work programme for 2023, ahead of forthcoming dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council.
Ministers also participated in a fifth hearing on the rule of law in Hungary based on the European Parliament’s Article 7(1) TEU reasoned proposal and under AoB, received an update from Poland following the missile strikes in Poland on 15 November. Minister Byrne extended Ireland's full sympathy and solidarity to the Polish government and people following last week’s tragic incident and underlined our full support to Ukraine as it continues to suffer the horrific consequences arising from Russian aggression.
A final item discussed under any other business was follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe where the Presidency updated on plans for the follow-up event scheduled to take place in Brussels on 2 December. The importance of citizens playing a central role in the structure and conduct of this follow-up event was emphasised by Ministers who intervened.
130. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the challenge of responding to the impact of climate change in Africa and the global strategy that is needed. [57741/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland provides significant support to countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, many of which are in Africa. Our climate finance is therefore focused on strengthening resilience in the face of climate impacts such as flooding and drought.
The Department of Foreign Affairs led on the development of Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap, published in July. It sets the pathway to realise the target announced by the Taoiseach at COP26 to more than double Ireland's climate finance, to €225 million annually by 2025. The Roadmap aligns with existing strategies developed by the Department, particularly the Strategy for Africa 2025.
The Roadmap highlights the commitment to continue funding adaptation to climate change, particularly in sectors such as agriculture. Geographically, we will continue to target our support for climate action in Least Developed Countries and fragile states, many of which are in Africa. We are working closely with vulnerable countries in Africa, including through our bilateral development cooperation, as they attempt to enhance their climate resilience.
Ireland played a strong role in ensuring that the COP27 outcome on Sunday included provision for a financing mechanisms for Loss and Damage from climate impacts, including but not limited to a new fund. Modalities for the new fund will be agreed over the coming year. Crucially, these mechanisms will be targeted primarily towards the most vulnerable, and there are provisions to broaden the donor base and use innovative financing sources to increase the funding available. We are proud to have played a key role in driving this deal through.
131. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57459/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s programme of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is a central element of our foreign policy, enabling us to respond to complex human needs and humanitarian crises across the world. The Government is committed to working towards the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in ODA.
For 2023, the Government is providing a total of over €1.22 billion for ODA. This is the largest ever allocation, and an increase of 17% on the 2022. The overall increase of €188 million includes €111 million for the international development programme operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. €75 million of this will be directed to the direct and indirect impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and €25 million towards meeting our international climate finance commitments.
A Better World, the Governments development policy document, provides the framework for a whole of government development cooperation programme. It aims to focus our efforts on four policy priorities: (i) gender equality; (ii) reducing humanitarian need; (iii) climate action; and (iv) strengthening governance. It contains a clear commitment to reaching the furthest behind first.
Each year my Department publishes an Annual Report setting out how Ireland's ODA programme is being channelled . The report for 2021 was launched in October, and is available to the public on the Irish Aid website.
Ireland’s ODA, and the international development programme it funds, are regularly reviewed by the OECD Development Assistance Committee. The most recent review in 2020 found the programme to be “strong, with many areas of excellence”.
133. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail the Government's response to the UN report detailing evidence of torture and abuse of prisoners by both sides in the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s approach to human rights for decades. We strongly believe that the absolute prohibition of torture is one of the cornerstones of the international human rights framework.
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 believes unequivocally in the prohibition of torture without exception, whether physical or psychological, and recalls that freedom from torture is an absolute and non-derogable right under international law that must be upheld in all circumstances. Ireland supports investigations into all apparent war crimes, and accountability for those responsible. 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. 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).
I met recently with President Spoljaric Egger of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We discussed the ICRC’s unique mandate and the significant challenges they are facing in Ukraine. President Eggar noted that prisoners of war are entitled to receive regular, unimpeded and repeated visits from delegates of the ICRC under the Third Geneva Convention and this is not occurring at present.
Ireland will continue to use our voice to call for accountability for all war crimes, and other international crimes, arising from this unprovoked and unjustified invasion. We acknowledge Ukraine’s cooperation with the Prosecutor of the ICC with respect to investigations concerning international crimes committed on Ukrainian territory and we regret that Russia has not engaged with any investigative mechanisms supported by the international community. We also look forward to the outcome of a robust enquiry by Ukrainian investigators into the treatment of Prisoners of War in their custody, highlighted in the report.
135. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his European counterparts to discuss increases in violence in Palestine. [57760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain concerned by increasing violence in the occupied Palestinian territory. The impact on children is particularly disturbing.
Ireland has engaged actively on this issue, including in the context of our tenure on the UN Security Council. At the most recent Security Council meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 October, Ireland expressed serious concern regarding excessive use of force by the Israeli security forces, calling for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths. Ireland also raised the sharp increase in coordinated and armed settler violence in the West Bank, calling on the Israeli authorities to act urgently to ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are able to go about their daily lives without fear of violence and intimidation.
I have had regular engagement with my European counterparts, as well as with the European Union institutions, in relation to these issues. In addition to ongoing bilateral contacts, I regularly discuss these matters with European partners in the context of multilateral fora, including the EU and the UN. On 3 October, the EU expressed concern regarding the increasingly high number of civilian casualties within the context of the EU-Israel association council, noting that the use of force by the Israeli security forces must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, Irish officials are in continuous dialogue with our European partners on these matters, including at the UN Security Council and via our Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.
136. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his latest engagements with the Russian Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57458/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland in person since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.
Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to formally convey the Government's views on the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
At my instruction and in coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned by my Department on 3 October. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September purporting to annex part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Russian Ambassador was called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November. At that meeting, the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed, and Ireland’s position in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine was reiterated. Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, was also reiterated. The Department of Foreign Affairs was given a copy of the list of 52 citizens subject to the travel ban. The Department informed the individuals concerned.
140. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that Ireland has provided to tackle the crisis in Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea. [57626/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fight against hunger and malnutrition is a key priority of Ireland's international development progamme. The numbers affected by hunger are rising globally, and the food security situation in the Horn of Africa is particularly acute. I saw the devastating impact for myself when I visited the region recently.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Horn of Africa, the Government is providing over €100 million in assistance to countries across the region this year. This includes an additional €30 million in immediate emergency funding announced in Budget 2023, focused on the most vulnerable communities at real and imminent risk of sliding into famine.
Of this additional funding, a significant proportion is being allocated for Somalia and communities worst affected in Ethiopia, through trusted UN and Irish NGO partners.
Since 2021 Ireland has directed €13.2 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, €36.1 million to Ethiopia, and €2 million to Eritrea in humanitarian assistance to people most in need.
Ireland also contributes to the humanitarian response in the region through our contributions to multilateral funds such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which responds rapidly to crises as they emerge. Ireland has provided €11.5 million to the CERF so far this year. The CERF has allocated over $306 million in emergency assistance to countries in the Horn since 2021, including €76 million in Somalia, €76.5 million in Ethiopia, and €4 million in Eritrea.
141. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, represented Ireland at the meeting of the UN Security Council on Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 November 2022.
At the meeting, the 15 members of UN Security Council voted unanimously to reauthorise EUFOR Althea, the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for an additional 12 months. The successful renewal of this resolution was a key priority for Ireland and we were proud to act as penholder on the renewal.
Minister Byrne delivered Ireland’s statement, in which he reaffirmed our steadfast support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, sovereign, united and multi-ethnic state. He also welcomed the holding of peaceful elections on 2 October but expressed concern about the use of divisive and negative rhetoric in the run up to the elections. Minister Byrne emphasised the need for swift government formation in the post-electoral period so as to move ahead with the critical reform processes necessary for advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective.
Minister Byrne also welcomed the publication of the High Representative’s report. It is regrettable that High Representative Schmidt was not able to brief the Council at the meeting, for the second year in a row. However, it is hoped that he will be able to brief the Council in May. Minister Byrne reiterated Ireland’s full support for the Office of the High Representative.
As the country concerned, Bosnia and Herzegovina also spoke at the meeting, to welcome the reauthorisation of EUFOR Althea and to express appreciation for Ireland’s leadership.
142. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Myanmar; and the initiatives that are being taken by the international community to restore human rights. [57742/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deteriorating situation in Myanmar is of grave concern. The increased level of violence across all regions since the military coup in February 2021 and its impact on the Myanmar people are deeply alarming. I am deeply saddened at reports that over 2,500 people have been killed and almost 13,000 continue to be arbitrarily detained.
As I have stated previously, Ireland condemns the coup in the strongest terms. It is an affront to the democratic will of the people of Myanmar and has no legitimacy. We strongly condemn the politically-motivated sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi and others and the shocking execution of four pro-democracy activists last July.
Ireland is deeply concerned by increased violence, poverty, and hunger in Myanmar. Over 1 million people have been displaced by conflict and over 14.4 million are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We are committed to ensuring assistance for the most vulnerable in Myanmar, including internally displaced persons and Rohingya refugees, and call for unhindered access for humanitarian workers, free from political interference. We are concerned that the operating environment for delivery of humanitarian assistance is becoming more restrictive for NGOs. Ireland continues to monitor these developments closely.
Ireland fully supports ASEAN's five-point consensus towards a peaceful resolution. We welcome the ASEAN Leader’s Review and decision on implementation as agreed at the ASEAN Leader’s Summit on 11 November, and ASEAN's commitment to engage with all stakeholders.
Ireland remains a strong advocate for the people of Myanmar on the United Nations Security Council, which has discussed the situation on ten occasions. We have also consistently raised the situation in Myanmar at each session of the Human Rights Council. The EU has adopted five packages of sanctions on Myanmar since the coup, most recently on 8 November. Sanctions remain necessary due to the continuing grave situation, the intensifying human rights violations, and abuse of international law, including international human rights law. Ireland will continue to monitor developments and press for an urgent solution to the crisis.
143. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any recent engagement that he has had with the ambassadors of Ukraine and Russia to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57536/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland on several occasions since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The first such instance was in the days following the invasion, to convey Ireland’s solidarity and strong support for the Government and people of Ukraine.
I also met with the Ambassador during my visit to Kyiv in April. During this visit, I discussed with Ukrainian counterparts how Ireland could continue to provide political, security and humanitarian support, as well as how we could best assist Ukraine in its application for EU candidate status.
Officials from my Department are also in regular contact with the Ambassador on a variety of issues, most notably, on how Ireland can continue to support the Government and people of Ukraine. The most recent engagements with the Ambassador include at last week’s high-level international conference in Dublin on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, which was organised by my Department, and which was attended by a range of ministers and senior officials, UN officials, and high-level representatives, including Ambassador Gerasko. Additionally, officials from my Department attended President Zelenskyy’s virtual address to Irish students at DCU last week, at which Ambassador Gerasko was also present.
I have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland in person since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.
Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to formally convey the Government's views on the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
At my instruction and in coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned by my Department on 3 October. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine, and would not recognise such declared annexations.
The Russian Ambassador was again called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November. The Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed. Ireland’s position in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, was reiterated.
145. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU General Affairs Council that was held on 18 October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, attended the General Affairs Council meeting on 18 October 2022 in Luxembourg. At this meeting Ministers exchanged views on the topics to be discussed at the 20-21 October European Council meeting, including Ukraine/Russia, Food Security, Critical Infrastructure, Energy, Economic Issues and External Relations. Discussion mostly focused on Ukraine/Russia, where the need to ensure accountability and the possibility of further sanctions measures were considered, and on energy, in the context of the imminent issuance of the Commission's energy package.
This was followed by a state of play discussion on the Rule of Law in Poland based on the Commission's Article 7(1) TEU reasoned proposal with a particular focus on judicial independence. Recent changes by Poland were welcomed, including the abolition of the Disciplinary Chamber, but it was noted that any reforms would have to ensure judicial independence and full compliance with the Court of Justice of the EU judgments.
Follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe was also discussed, focusing on the European Parliament's call for a Convention on the EU Treaties and on the organisation of the proposed Conference on the Future of Europe feedback event in December. There was almost complete consensus that now is not the time for convening a Convention and that the Council should await further European Parliament proposals in the coming months.
Ministers also discussed the European Parliament's proposal for a number of key reforms to EU Electoral Law. Many Member States expressed support for the objectives of the European Parliament's proposals, including to increase the democratic legitimacy of the EU; however, there was broad agreement that the proposals required more detailed analysis, that national voting specificities would need to be considered carefully, and that the timeframe to have the proposed changes in place ahead of the 2024 European Parliament elections was unlikely to be achieved.
Under AOB, there was a short briefing from the Commission on its Communication “Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers” adopted on 13 October. The Commission noted that the Communication was a useful opportunity to show how enforcement actions translate into concrete benefits for citizens and businesses.
146. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the repression of the Uyghur people in China by the Chinese state; his plans on behalf of Ireland, given Ireland's position on the UN Security Council and in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57537/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently raised the human rights situation in Xinjiang both in the UN and through other international fora. Ireland welcomed publication on 31 August of the assessment by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding human rights concerns in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The report found that several human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including forced labour, may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. This is a serious and significant finding by a leading UN body.
Senior officials in my Department raised the findings of the High Commissioner's report with their Chinese counterparts on 1 September and again on 22 September. They outlined Ireland’s long held position and urged China to give serious consideration to the assessment and the recommendations proposed by the OHCHR.
On 31 October, Ireland joined 49 other UN Member States in a joint statement at the Third Committee. This statement urged China to fulfil its international human rights commitments and implement the recommendations of the report.
Ireland also co-sponsored a resolution at the most recent session of the Human Rights Council, which called for a debate on the situation at the Council. This resolution did not pass and I regret that we will not have the opportunity to discuss the High Commissioner's assessment or the situation in Xinjiang at the next Council session. The Human Rights Council must fulfil its role in promoting respect for human rights for all, without distinction of any kind.
On 22 March 2021, the EU listed four individuals and one entity from China for their involvement in serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR). These are designed to act as a deterrent and to encourage changes in these actors’ behaviour and sanctions are based on solid legal evidence.
Ireland will continue to raise these issues with the Chinese authorities in our bilateral contacts, through our membership of the EU, and at the United Nations.
