Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the turnaround processing times given on his Department’s passport website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements have been made during 2022 and all passports are being issued within the advertised turnaround times.
The current processing times are as follows:
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
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.
My Department is currently rolling out a Digital First media and communications campaign for the Passport Service for 2023. The campaign aims to encourage citizens to check their passport before booking travel, and to apply for their passport online and in plenty of time. This campaign began in December, with digital, print and social media advertisements. Radio advertisements commenced this month, which will be followed by outdoor advertising in early February.
All ads will remind citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel. The first few weeks of the campaign have already seen a 245% increase in traffic to the Passport Service website, compared to the weeks preceding the campaign. The Passport Service also had a presence at the Holiday World Show in Dublin last weekend.
The Passport Service has issued over 61,000 passports to date this year. There are currently 56,000 fully complete applications in the Passport Service system. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4264/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental conference. [4433/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 121 together.
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place at Farmleigh House, on 19 January 2023.
The Government was represented by myself, Minister Ryan and Minister Harris. The British delegation was led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, and Ministers of State Steve Baker, Julia Lopez and Graham Stuart.
We had a comprehensive and rich discussion on a range of issues relating to Northern Ireland and our bilateral relationship.
Our overriding priority is the restoration of the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement. We discussed developments in this context and the serious and deepening consequences for people in Northern Ireland arising from the ongoing absence of a fully functioning Northern Ireland Assembly, Executive and North South Ministerial Council.
We discussed the difficult issue of the legacy of the troubles, including our strong concerns in relation to United Kingdom legislation in this area. We took the opportunity to raise issues of concern in respect to a number of individual legacy cases.
We also discussed the importance of security cooperation - and the strength of that security cooperation - with a particular focus on the issue of tackling paramilitarism. The Conference considered the fifth report of the Independent Reporting Commission, including their recommendations on possible mechanisms to progress the transition and disbandment of all remaining paramilitary groups.
What was particularly notable about this recent BIIGC was the breadth of topics under consideration. We had a very rich discussion, led by Minister Ryan, about bilateral cooperation in energy and cybersecurity - two critical issues facing society today and into the future. We also discussed UK proposals for the implementation of an electronic travel authorisation scheme and potential implications it may have for other residents of Ireland and international visitors.
Lastly, the Conference looked ahead to the range of events and activities planned for the Good Friday Agreement’s 25th anniversary year.
83. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61853/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides for continued trade and cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
While the seamless pre-Brexit relationship with the UK cannot be replaced, the TCA provides for tariff- and quota- free goods trade between the EU and the UK as well as cooperation in a wide range of areas of importance to Ireland such as energy, fisheries, and policing and judicial cooperation.
Two years into its operation, the various governance structures and bodies of the Agreement are now up and running. The European Commission Vice President and the UK Foreign Secretary have met in the Partnership Council and EU and UK experts have met in the 18 Specialised Committees covering specific elements of the Agreement. These meetings have taken place in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides committed to ensuring effective implementation of the Agreement. Ireland has actively inputted on the EU side, making sure that our interests are fully represented in these important meetings.
The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has now met twice and is providing an important forum for public representatives to meet and shape the direction of the EU-UK relationship. The TCA Domestic Advisory Group and the Civil Society Forum allow civil society, business, trade union and other non-governmental representatives offer valuable advice and recommendations on the implementation of the Agreement.
While the TCA is operating broadly well, the overall EU-UK relationship is affected by the on-going tensions arising from the UK’s failure to fully implement the Protocol on Northern Ireland. Resolving the outstanding issues with regard to the Protocol would help rebuild trust between the EU and the UK and allow for even more positive and contrastive cooperation.
84. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from County Tipperary that are currently outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4398/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra2022 was an exceptionally busy year for the Passport Service, with a record 1,085,000 passports issued. 2023 is set to be a similarly busy year.
There has already been a marked increase in the number of applications received this year, signifying that the next busy season for passports is commencing. Applications have increased from an average of 1,400 per day in December to almost 5,000 per day in recent weeks. The majority of online renewal applications are currently being processed in 3 working days or less.
Over the past few months my Department has been planning to ensure that demand for passports continues to be met in 2023 while maintaining target processing times throughout the year.
Passport Online can be used by 97% of applicants across the world, for both first time and renewal applications. The Passport Online Service is 4 times faster than paper-based applications for adult and child renewal applications.
The Passport Service is pursuing a digital first strategy, which promotes Passport Online as the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. The focus of our current communications campaign is to highlight the benefits of the Digital First approach i.e. that Passport Online is the most efficient way to apply for your passport and secondly to remind citizens to check their passport is in date.
Indications are that the campaign is having the desired impact. January application numbers to date in 2023 have increased by 24% when compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, we have seen a 240% increase in website traffic to dfa.ie/passports compared to early December, prior to the campaign.
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.
There are currently just over 1,700 applications in the Passport Online system from applicants in Tipperary. However, just 53% of these are with the Passport Service for processing while the remaining 47% are with the applicant for further action. These applications are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
85. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the issue of the Russian Federation abducting Ukrainian children from their families and removing them to Russia was discussed at the European Foreign Affairs council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4232/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update following his attendance at the Foreign Affairs Council, with specific regard to support for Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels; if additional and tougher sanctions against Iran were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4404/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 96, 109 and 117 together.
The Foreign Affairs Council addressed a number of important issues, in particular the ongoing war in Ukraine, human rights violations in Iran, and the EU’s relationship with the Palestinian Authority. We took a number of decisions in relation to these issues and others.
The Council was addressed by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, who updated us on Ukraine’s needs. The Council endorsed the provision of a seventh €500 million package of support for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. As before, Ireland’s contribution of €11 million will go towards non-lethal elements. This will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the Facility to €77 million. We also agreed to continue coordination of our work on ensuring accountability for war crimes.
We are aware of reports that Russia has engaged in the large-scale deportation of Ukrainian women and children to Russia territory since the beginning of their illegal invasion. Ireland believes that all reports of human rights violations should be thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators held accountable. At the Council, we agreed to support implementation of Ukraine’s ten step initiative for a just peace. This includes a demand for the release of all prisoners and deported persons, including more than eleven thousand children who Ukraine previously identified as having been forcibly deported to Russia. The actual numbers deported are likely far higher. The EU has condemned in the strongest terms the detention, abduction or kidnapping of civilians in Ukrainian territories temporarily under illegal Russian military control and demanded their unconditional release.
The Council met with the Palestinian Prime Minister to discuss how the EU could build its relationship with the Palestinian Authority at a critical moment. I reaffirmed our support for a two-state solution and the need to undertake action in support of it. I also underlined our full support for work towards an Association Agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority and recalled that Ireland is urging Israel not to impede upon the critical human rights, humanitarian and development work of Civil Society Organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ministers agreed to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority.
We discussed the repression of protestors in Iran, as well as the transfer of weaponry to Russia. The Council has responded to these unacceptable Iranian actions by adopting a fourth package of EU restrictive measures, sanctioning a further 18 individuals and 19 entities. We also discussed the issue of Iran’s practice of arbitrary detention of foreign citizens, including dual nationals.
Over the course of the Council, we also discussed the EU’s engagement in the Sahel and coastal countries of West Africa, established a civilian CSDP Mission in Armenia and agreed on an EU contribution towards implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Ethiopia, and discussed the EU response to unacceptable actions by the Taliban in Afghanistan, amongst other issues.
86. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts the Government is undertaking within the international community to attempt to bring about a peaceful conclusion to the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of Ireland’s efforts at EU and UN levels to stop the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4436/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 105 together.
Ireland has consistently used its voice at all multilateral fora, including the UN and the EU, to categorically condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and the blatant disregard for international law and international humanitarian law it represents.
As an elected member of the UN Security Council for the first 10 months of this illegal war, Ireland consistently used our position to amplify the voices of small countries and to remind the international community that this war is a blatant violation of the UN Charter.
Addressing the Security Council on 24 February 2022, the day Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine commenced, we called for a return to dialogue and to diplomacy. In subsequent weeks and months, we continued to use our position on the Council to call on Russia to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw its forces from within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.
We have repeatedly condemned the heinous attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and called for full, unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need.
We have worked to support Ukraine in its pursuit of justice, supporting their cases at the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, and referring the situation in Ukraine to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. We have also supported action at the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, to hold Russia accountable for what it’s doing.
We will continue to use all opportunities to call out Russian aggression, seek accountability and urge a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Ireland is supportive of the Peace Formula recently announced by President Zelenskyy and agrees that it is up to Ukraine to determine the terms, conditions and timeline for any peace agreement. Ireland is reflecting on how we might best contribute to the objectives of the plan; we are already involved in many of the areas it covers, including food security, accountability and nuclear safety. We will continue to stand with Ukraine and will work with our partners for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
87. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent election of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; if he has had any contact with his government regarding Palestine, the Occupied West Bank and Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4450/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a key foreign policy priority for Ireland.
Israel’s new Government took office on 29 December. I have written to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, reiterating Ireland’s close engagement and unwavering commitment to supporting a just and sustainable peace on the basis of a two-State solution. I look forward to having the chance to speak with Minister Cohen on a range of issues in due course. The recent developments in Jenin are of particular concern and I would draw the attention of the Deputy to my public statement on this matter.
I also had the opportunity to discuss a range of issues related to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory in a phone call with the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riad Malki, on 18 January. Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki also engaged in a lunchtime discussion with all EU Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January and I welcome that there was agreement at that meeting to deepen the EU’s bilateral relations with the Palestinian Authority, including through the establishment of a high-level political dialogue.
88. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken in relation to the ongoing detention of a person (details supplied) in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4375/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current situation in relation to an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Iran since October 2022; his efforts to secure their release including his contact with the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Ambassador of Iran in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4002/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts the Government is undertaking to secure the release of a person (details supplied) from captivity in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4407/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose taking Question Nos. 88, 123, and 130 together.
I am deeply concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given the serious medical condition that he is in. There continues to be extensive engagement on the citizen's case with the Iranian authorities at senior political and official levels.
In my recent direct contact with Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Iran to Ireland, I emphasised again our strong concerns and reiterated the urgent importance of the citizen's release from prison on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, my Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen and his family, and is liaising closely with the Government of France in the context of his dual nationality.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
89. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Irish-Canadian relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4411/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland Canada relationship is deeper on many levels than ever before. Canada is home to millions of people with strong Irish connections in both historic and new Irish communities. The influence of those with Irish heritage in Canada and the depth of their affinity with Ireland is the pre-eminent factor in the nurturing of our relationship with Canada, especially in recent decades.
Under Ireland’s Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025, the Government has committed to dedicating significant resources to increasing Ireland’s presence and impact in Canada. In 2019 we opened a new Consulate in Vancouver, in addition to our Embassy in Ottawa, and last year a Consulate in Toronto was established. This represents a tripling of Ireland's diplomatic presence in Canada in the space of four years.
Ireland shares strong common priorities with Canada in the multilateral and foreign policy space. We have been aligned in our support for Ukraine and also have close working relationships at the UN. Ireland and Canada (and also the Caribbean) share a constituency in both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, with Irish and Canadian officials working closely together in both offices.
Ireland and Canada also have strong economic ties, with more than 80 Canadian companies operating in Ireland and in increase in recent years in investment into Canada of many Irish companies.
Canada maintains excellent relations with the EU, with which Ireland is fully engaged.
A good example of the depth of the people-to-people links between Ireland and Canada is the successful Working Holiday Agreement exchange programme that is in place. This agreement allows for a maximum of 10,700 participants annually, in each direction, to work and travel for up to 2 years. This programme is a wonderful opportunity for tens of thousands of young Irish people to experience such a rich cultural exchange with Canada, creating lifelong memories and connections in the process.
In 2022 I was glad to see a number of high-level connections between Ireland and Canada. I myself spoke with Prime Minister Trudeau twice. With the return to in-person engagements, a number of Canadian delegations visited Ireland last year, and Irish Ministers also travelled to Canada. I welcome this increase in visits and look forward to welcoming more Canadian friends to our shores this year. I also expect to see outward Ministerial travel to Canada over the St. Patrick’s Day period again this year, which will further consolidate the close ties between our countries.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the good work of the Canada-Ireland Inter-Parliamentary Friendship group, led by Deputy David Stanton, who have been working closely with the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, Her Excellency Nancy Smyth, to promote political and cultural exchange between Ireland and Canada.
91. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing situation in Haiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Haiti, already at breaking point for some time, deteriorated even further during the course of 2022 and again over the last number of weeks. The security situation is in crisis, with gang control inhibiting a humanitarian response and depriving citizens of key infrastructure. Accounts of violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence, are deeply disturbing. Cases of cholera continue to break out across Haiti. Efforts to advance a negotiated political solution have unfortunately not been successful to this point.
Ireland has consistently sought to draw attention at international level to the crisis in Haiti, and to highlight in particular the humanitarian and human rights situation. We have also underlined the core principle that any international action must keep the needs and desires of the Haitian people at its centre.
During our recent two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, Ireland consistently raised concern at the human rights situation in Haiti, in particular the situation of women and girls; highlighted the need for ongoing humanitarian support; and emphasised the centrality of a negotiated political solution to setting the conditions to address Haiti’s multifaceted crises.
We continue to urge all stakeholders to engage in the political process in the interests of the people of Haiti, including in the context of the recent consensus document put forward by Prime Minister Henry.
While on the UN Security Council, Ireland also contributed to the drafting of a sanctions regime targeting those groups that are impacting peace and security in Haiti, and worked to ensure that it did not have a negative impact on the people of Haiti.
In terms of support to the people of Haiti, from 2010 to 2020, Ireland provided over €30.5 in bilateral humanitarian and longer-term funding to Haiti, with an additional €3.1 million disbursed in 2021. In addition, the EU allocated €19.5 million to address the needs of the most vulnerable population in Haiti in 2022, as well as additional emergency funding following the cholera outbreak. The European Commission’s funding allocation for Haiti, under its development funding instrument (NDICI-GE), amounts to €120 million for the period 2021-24.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland will remain committed to supporting Haiti through all available channels and will strive to ensure that the needs of the Haitian people remain central.
92. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since assuming his new position; if so, if he will provide details of any such engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4444/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since taking up the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs.
However, officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador on a number of occasions – most recently in December 2022 and January 2023 - to make clear our utter condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and 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.
Since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have also been several meetings between the Russian Ambassador and officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine. In coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Department on 3 October 2022. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September 2022 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 2022 when 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.
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 continue to formally convey the Government's strong objection to the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
93. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions Ireland and the European Union are taking in relation to recent political events in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4098/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the further sanctions that are being put in place on Iran in view of ongoing human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4366/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken to date to sanction the Iranian authorities responsible for the brutal suppression of peaceful protest; his views on whether the Iran Revolutionary Guard should be listed as a terrorist entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the call made by European Parliament to classify Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4335/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 116, 118 and 120 together.
Sanctions are an important foreign policy tool, used to deter States from pursuing actions which threaten international stability, or from harming citizens in their own country. Since 2011, the EU has applied sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran. Ireland works with our EU partners to ensure that all sanctions are targeted and, where necessary, contain clear exemptions for humanitarian actors.
At the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in October, November, and December 2022, sixty individuals and eight entities were sanctioned under the EU’s existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. The EU has also sanctioned seven individuals and five entities under the Ukraine territorial integrity sanctions regime, in relation to the supply of drones to Russia. On 23 January 2023, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed to a further sanctions package targeting 37 additional persons and entities under the Iran Human Rights sanctions regime. Further sanctions will be considered in the coming weeks as the situation develops.
I am aware of the non-binding vote of 19 January by the European Parliament to add the IRGC to the EU’s list of terrorist organisations, in relation to “terrorist activity, the repression of protesters, and its supplying of drones to Russia.”
It is important to note that since 2010 the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been sanctioned by the EU due to its role in the development of Iran’s nuclear programme, which includes asset freezes and travel bans. Further listing of the IRGC under another EU sanctions regime would have limited practical impacts given the existing designation already in place. I also note also that HRVP Borrell has said that the first step towards a terrorist designation of the IRGC by the EU would be a determination by a court in an EU Member State that the IRGC has engaged in terrorism.
Ireland and the EU will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that there is a coordinated and firm response to Iran and its ongoing human rights abuses, nuclear activities, supply of weapons to Russia, and destabilising activities in the region.
94. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned about recent statements by the incoming Israeli Prime Minister, and their clear sanctioning of further illegal settlements and annexations in the West Bank; if he will raise this at EU and UN forums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4397/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the new Israeli government’s stated intentions to develop settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and the further annexation of territory; the Government’s plans to react to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 115 together.
Ireland’s position on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory is clear; the continued establishment and expansion of settlements is a violation of international law and is unacceptable. This position was reiterated at the UN Security Council on 19 December, which focused on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2334. On that occasion, Ireland also led a joint press statement by a number of States demanding that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in that regard.
Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv also raises the issue directly in its regular contacts with the Israeli Government, and Ireland's Representative Office in Ramallah has made a number of visits along with EU colleagues to sensitive sites of concern in the West Bank, including Masafer Yatta.
It is deeply concerning that the stated intentions of the Israeli Government continue to show disregard for the clear international consensus around this issue. It is important that the international community supports the Palestinian Authority in its recourse to legal and political responses to the occupation.
I had the opportunity to discuss this issue in a phone call with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki on 18 January, during which he shared his deep concern at the deteriorating situation. I also welcome that the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January provided an opportunity for both Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki to raise these troubling developments with the EU collectively.
Ireland remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting two-State solution, with the Jerusalem as the capital of both States, on the basis of international law and agreed international parameters.
95. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought a meeting with the Iranian ambassador in regard to executions committed by the Iranian regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4439/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 104, 113, 125 and 137 together.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, 2022 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 violence perpetrated by the Iranian security forces against peaceful protestors has been disproportionate and unjustified. The execution of protestors by the Iranian authorities is deeply concerning, and I urge Iran to declare an immediate moratorium on the death penalty.
I commend the courage of the Iranian women and men who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. I extend my condolences to the loved ones of all those who have died in the protests since September of last year. The protestors’ slogan of "Women, Life, Freedom" has resonated with many in Ireland as well.
Ireland has been clear in condemning Iran’s oppression of peaceful protests. Ireland expects Iran to uphold its international obligations, particularly the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These instruments enshrine the rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and the fundamental and unalienable rights of women and girls. We have also strongly condemned Iran’s supply of weapons and miliary equipment to Russia, which have been repeatedly used to target civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Ireland raises human rights concerns with Iran at every suitable opportunity. In 2022, Ireland again co-sponsored the annual resolution at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which addresses a broad range of human rights violations in Iran. Ireland also co-sponsored the convening of a special session of the Human Rights Council on 24 November 2022 which voted to create a fact-finding mission to investigate and report on the human rights situation in Iran.
Since the protests began in September 2022, we have repeatedly raised our concerns directly with the Iranian government, including with the Foreign Minister of Iran in September and October, and summoning of the Iranian Ambassador in Dublin on 20 October, 9 January and 16 January to meet with senior officials. I also spoke with the Ambassador on 20 January. Our Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran regularly raises our concerns directly with Iranian officials,as does our Ambassador to Iran (based in Ankara) during her visits to Tehran.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in Iran, and to raise our concerns consistently and directly with the Iranian government. We will maintain close coordination with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
97. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of the Government’s response to the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4410/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the support by way of money, food, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief that Ireland has sent to Somalia and other drought-impacted nations in the Horn of Africa enduring mass starvation; the plans the European Union and other international organisations have to bring relief to the millions of persons affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 141 together.
The Government provided a total of over €100 million in direct assistance to Somalia and other countries in the Horn of Africa in 2022, in response to the devastating humanitarian crisis caused by drought and conflict. We have also taken a lead internationally in drawing attention to the devastating impact of the crisis and the need for further assistance.
Ireland’s support to countries in the Horn provides lifesaving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, while also laying the groundwork for building resilience and development. Ireland also supports vulnerable communities in the region with relief supplies delivered through our Rapid Response Initiative, which has delivered over 534 tonnes of aid to the region since 2017.
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 $336 million across the Horn of Africa.
More broadly, Ireland has been a long-standing champion of global efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition. During our two year term on the UN Security Council, we consistently highlighted the underlying causes of food insecurity and the links between conflict and hunger.
Ireland also continues to work through the EU to address the worst consequences of food insecurity, in the Horn of Africa and on a global level. The EU has pledged over €600 million in support of the Horn of Africa. Additionally, as part of the overall EU Global Food Security Response, the EU is contributing over €5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance for global food security between 2021 and 2024.
98. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made by his Department to respond to the violence and aggression by Azerbaijan towards Armenia, including the invasion of Armenia and the besieging and starvation of Armenians. [4382/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was concerned by the renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year, and by reports of the ongoing obstruction of the Lachin corridor since 12 December. These developments severely affect the civilian population, especially ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh.
During our tenure on the UN Security Council, which ended in December, Ireland repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the implementation of a ceasefire. Armed confrontation will not provide any lasting resolution to the territorial dispute between the two countries.
On 21 December, a European Court of Human Rights’ ruling called on the Azeri government to take all measures within its jurisdiction to ensure safe passage through the Lachin Corridor of seriously ill persons in need of medical treatment in Armenia, and others who were stranded on the road without shelter or means of subsistence. At the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 18 January, Ireland affirmed our support for the work of the Court and calls for urgent dialogue towards a resolution. Ireland urges all parties to facilitate access for all relevant actors in order to determine the facts on the ground.
Ireland supports a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and supports increased EU engagement in the South Caucasus. At the 23 January meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, I supported a Council Decision establishing a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Mission in Armenia, which will have an initial duration of two years. Its objective will be to contribute to decreasing the number of incidents in conflict-affected and border areas in Armenia, to reduce the level of risk for the population living in such areas, and to contribute to the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
99. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his Department’s emigrant support programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4399/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emigrant Support Programme is central to our engagement with our communities abroad.
Since its inception in 2004, the Emigrant Support Programme has assisted over 530 organisations in some 37 countries with grants totalling over €220 million. The value of the sustained investment in the programme was evident during the incredible response of our community organisations and communities during the pandemic.
Grants have ranged from small amounts for grass-roots groups to major allocations awarded to voluntary and community organisations operating on a large scale.
These range in scale from large-scale welfare support programmes in cities like New York, Boston and London to smaller events run by Irish community organisations in countries like Kenya and Malaysia.
As well as these community groups, support is also provided to sporting, cultural and heritage organisations such as the GAA and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their global activities. It also encompasses support to Irish emigrants looking to return home and to organisations such as Crosscare and Safe Home. In recent years, it has also fostered business networks and connected those networks across the globe.
The budget for the 2022 Emigrant Support Programme was €14,093,000. Details of funding for 2022 on a geographical basis are currently being finalised and should be available shortly.
The application round for the Emigrant Support Programme 2023/24 opened on Wednesday, 18th January 2023. Applications can be submitted up to 5.30pm (local time) on Wednesday, 15th February 2023 through www.irishabroadgrants.ie
In 2023, the Emigrant Support Programme will prioritise projects which align with the objectives of the Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025, with a particular focus this year on Pillar 1 of the Strategy - “Our People”.
These would include new and innovative projects which protect the dignity, well-being and welfare of Irish emigrants, strengthen ties with our diaspora and reach out to engage with those who are less connected to our existing networks, including digital initiatives, new ways of building connections and support for the vulnerable.
We are particularly keen to support initiatives from new organisations and those working with Irish communities in new geographic locations.
We will also, of course, continue to welcome applications which align with any of the other pillars of the Strategy.
To streamline the process for smaller organisations, we are introducing a Small Grants Programme this year for organisations in receipt of funding no greater than €10,000, which will mean less onerous reporting requirements for smaller grants received in 2023. We are also planning to simplify the application process for smaller organisations in time for the 2024/25 round.
Working closely with our mission network, we will continue to ensure that the support provided under the Emigrant Support Programme is targeted to those who need it most. Further details on the programme can be found on Emigrant Support Programme - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie) .
100. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Ukraine's integration in the EU. [4457/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently been a strong advocate for Ukrainian integration into the EU. We were pleased to see it granted EU candidate country status in June 2022.
EU membership has been transformative for Ireland, its people and economy, and we are eager to see these benefits extended to the people of Ukraine. In his recent phone call with President Zelenskyy, the Taoiseach confirmed that we will be happy to share the lessons and experiences of Ireland with him, as Ukraine proceeds along the path to EU membership.
Ireland is looking forward to the EU-Ukraine Summit on 3 February, which will be the first since Ukraine was granted candidate status. The last Summit was held in Kyiv on 12 October 2021, and attended by Presidents Zelenskyy, von der Leyen, Michel and High Representative Borrell. The Commission has agreed to produce an oral update in spring 2023 on the progress on accession-related reforms by Ukraine.
When I visited Kyiv last July I assured President Zelenskyy that Ireland will provide every support for Ukraine’s path to full EU Membership.
