Written Answers Nos. 101-125
101. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the role his Department plays in advancing Ireland’s trading interests; how it utilises the diaspora in relation to this aim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4395/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and its mission network play an important role in promoting Irish trade throughout the world.
The Department’s network of embassies and consulates are central to the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development of trade, investment and tourism. Team Ireland work to build education, science, technology and innovation partnerships; and promote our culture and creative industries. In addition to sustaining strong bilateral relationships and working to maintain and protect the rules based international order - both critical for the realisation of Ireland's trade and investment objectives - embassies and consulates support the State Agencies in their delivery of strategic objectives in overseas markets.
Officers within the mission network engage in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. They also support the delivery of Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with Team Ireland colleagues. Missions also work more specifically on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and double taxation agreements. The role of the network in promoting and protecting Irish trade interests is particularly important in markets with limited or no State Agency presence.
The Department is guided in this work by the Government's Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for this strategy, which sets out seven priority actions. The Department of Foreign Affairs is strongly supporting its implementation, at home and abroad, working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other departments.
Engaging our diaspora in advancing Ireland's trading interests is an important element of Global Ireland - Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. “Our Prosperity” is one of the five pillars of that strategy, focussed on building mutually beneficial economic ties with the diaspora. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, the Department provides funding for Irish business networks in different parts of the world, recognising their importance in terms of convening diaspora and as a resource for Team Ireland and Irish business.
Team Ireland works closely with these Irish business networks, as well as with individual business leaders with connections to Ireland, to advance Ireland’s interests. These networks and business leaders are often very generous in sharing their expertise and knowledge, which can be helpful to Irish companies trying to break into new markets.
Markets and diaspora communities evolve however, and the Department is continually looking at ways to strengthen the connection with our business diaspora, harnessing and utilising their expertise and goodwill for mutual benefit.
102. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid that Ireland has provided to the Ukrainian Government; his plans to support the Ukrainian economy given the ongoing Russian invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4431/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been providing support to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the EU budget. That support has been directed at addressing the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine as well as supporting the Government and business sector in Ukraine.
In terms of humanitarian assistance Ireland was among the first to respond to the crisis in Ukraine. I announced a significant Irish Aid package on the first day of the invasion that subsequently increased to €20 million. This comprehensive package is funding both the UN Appeal, Red Cross movement and Irish based NGOs. From this package €1 million has been earmarked for UNHCR’s response to refugees in Poland and Moldova respectively. €2 million is supporting the response of Irish-based NGOs in partnership with local civil society while another €1.5 million was granted to UNFPA who are focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including maternal and newborn health; and protection from gender-based violence, predominantly for women and girls and the most vulnerable. In addition, 5 members of the Rapid Response Register have deployed to support the efforts of UN agencies in neighbouring countries.
Ireland is also contributing approximately €77 million in military support for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland’s contribution is directly solely towards non-lethal assistance and is used to help supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.
Ireland also contributes to the crisis in Ukraine through our core and flexible funding to key humanitarian partners and joint mechanisms such as WHO, UNICEF, ICRC, IFRC, WFP and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). To date, the CERF has allocated €60 million to Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Ireland is the 9th largest donor to the CERF this year.
In December my Department made a further contribution of €25 million to assist the Ukrainian Government and business sector.
€20 million was provided to the World Bank Group for the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Co-financing of the Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance (PEACE) in Ukraine. This funding will provide budget support to the Ukrainian government via an intermediary, which is best placed to provide the government with liquidity and to support continued spending on public services, such as pensions, social assistance, grants, payments to hospitals and clinics for health service delivery and wages to State Emergency Service staff.
€4 million was provided to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Small Business Impact Fund. The EBRD established the Small Business Impact Fund (SBIF) to put the Bank’s partnerships with donors supporting SME-related activities on a more strategic footing. Ireland’s contribution will be allocated to SMEs in Ukraine who are playing an important role in maintaining economic activity under extraordinary circumstances. I was pleased that Ireland was able to respond to the request from Prime Minister Shmyhal for support for the SME sector which plays such a central in Ukraine’s economy.
€1 million was provided to the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) Ukraine Solidarity Fund. The Fund addresses social needs created by the war, such as emergency assistance, resettlement and integration of refugees and internally displaced persons. The announcement that Ireland would provide seed funding for the bank was made during our term as Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. In time, it is expected that the Fund will be used for the reconstruction of critical social infrastructure in Ukraine, including schools, housing and health facilities.
103. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to review and improve the current system for applying for new passports and renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4430/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing programme of Passport Service Reform focuses on the future of service delivery by continuing to identify and implement projects to enhance the customer experience and provide for business continuity while maintaining the integrity of the Irish passport.
The standout achievement of the programme thus far has been the introduction of the Passport Online service to our citizens. 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. Over 90% of applicants now apply through Passport Online.
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 for Winter-Spring 2023 is to highlight the benefits of the Digital First approach, in that Passport Online is the most efficient way to apply for your passport. The campaign also reminds 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 245% increase in website traffic to dfa.ie/passports compared to early December, prior to the campaign.
A continual focus on digital services has also allowed the Passport Service to collaborate across Government. For example, passport applicants can now utilise the government wide MyGovID as an optional service when applying for their passport.
Currently, the Passport Service is undertaking an Online Enhancements Project. This will provide a more customised experience for applicants based on the information they provide.
The Passport Service continually looks for ways to improve its services. Included among the current planned enhancements is a new function that will utilise the information already provided by first time applicants to auto-generate a custom coversheet detailing the documents that are required to support their specific application. In addition, the integration of an Eircode look-up service will allow for real time address matching.
These improvements will benefit citizens by improving their user experience with the Passport Online system.
107. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications from County Cork that are currently outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of passport applications currently in the Passport Online system from County Cork are outlined below in tabular form.
The table also breaks down the number of applications that are currently being processed by the Passport Service and the number of applications that require further action from the applicant, such as the submission of additional documentation. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they're being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
|
County |
Total applications in system |
Passport Service processing |
Further action required by applicant |
|
Cork |
6,397 |
3,408 |
2,989 |
108. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU’s enlargement projects. [4458/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries.
There are currently eight recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. Georgia and Kosovo are recognised as potential candidates by the EU.
The EU officially launched accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in July 2022. This progress was a welcome development, as it sent an important signal that the EU remains serious about enlargement.
Candidate status was granted to Ukraine and Moldova in June 2022 and to Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2022, on the understanding that key reforms are undertaken in a number of areas.
The EU is encouraging greater reform efforts in Serbia and Montenegro to accelerate their accession paths, particularly in relation to rule of law and good governance. Serbia’s non-alignment with the EU common position relating to Russia is of concern. Accession negotiations with Türkiye have largely stalled due to backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights.
Kosovo and Georgia have formally submitted applications for membership and are recognised as potential candidate countries. Further reforms will be required in both before granting of candidate status can be considered. Progress in concluding an agreement that normalises relations between Kosovo and Serbia will also be important, if the European perspectives of both countries are to be advanced.
Ireland will continue to strongly support the EU enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate and potential candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.
110. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an inventory of non-lethal supports that have been provided by Ireland to Ukraine, within a foreign policy context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4090/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile Ireland is militarily neutral, the Government has been clear that Ireland is not politically neutral in terms of our response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. Ireland believes in and is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter. These include the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
Ukraine has the same fundamental right as every other sovereign and independent State to choose its own foreign policy and to ensure the security and defence of its own territory.
Together with other EU partners, we remain strongly committed to supporting Ukraine in defence of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
At EU level, and in this context, we have joined other Member States in agreeing approximately €3.5 billion in support under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to Ukraine.
In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland’s support for Ukraine under the EPF is directly solely towards non-lethal assistance. In this regard, our contribution now stands at approximately €77 million and helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.
In addition, Ireland has previously provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine.
In terms of humanitarian assistance Ireland was among the first to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, I announced a significant Irish Aid package on the first day of the invasion that subsequently increased to €20 million. This comprehensive package is funding both the UN Appeal, Red Cross movement and Irish based NGOs.
Last month my Department announced the provision of €25 million in funding channeled quickly and efficiently through trusted partners, to assist the Governments of Ukraine address immediate challenges arising out of the war in Ukraine, with an emphasis on support for the civilian population.
111. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the further action he expects to be taken against the Russian Federation in view of its ongoing illegal war being waged on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have been consistent in our condemnation of Russia and have supported measures to support Ukraine at every opportunity.
Ireland has consistently supported imposing strong sanctions against Russia and is fully committed to their implementation. The EU has imposed the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in its history in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, adopting its ninth package of sanctions on 16 December 2022. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and extensive import and export controls, among other measures. EU restrictive measures relating to Ukraine currently apply to a total of 1,386 individuals and 171 entities.
The European Commission is currently preparing a proposal for a tenth package of sanctions. This new package is expected to further restrict the export of technology to Russia, tackle circumvention and introduce new listings of individuals who have supported the war in various ways. The Commission and Member States are also exploring legal avenues to use assets that have been frozen under the Russia/Ukraine sanctions to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine. In order to reduce Russia’s revenues that fund its war, the EU has banned the import of Russian crude oil since on 5 December 2022, along with a G7-agreed oil price cap. A similar ban and price cap for refined petroleum products is due to enter into force on 5 February 2023.
We have also worked consistently with partners to isolate Russia diplomatically. We have supported action at the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora, to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to work with Ukraine and with like-minded partners in these and other bodies in calling for States to condemn Russia’s invasion of another sovereign State and for Russia to be held to account for their actions.
112. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Diaspora Strategy, 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4393/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Diaspora Strategy, 2020-2025, sets out the Government’s vision for engaging with our diaspora communities around the world.
As we approach the half-way stage in the strategy’s five-year span, albeit one that was interrupted by the global pandemic, it is right that we would take stock of what has been achieved so far and the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, which is charged with coordinating the implementation of the Strategy, will be meeting in the near future to do that.
The Diaspora Strategy will also be a key component of the third Global Irish Diaspora Forum, which will take place in Dublin Castle on 20-21 April.
At the heart of the vision set out in the Strategy is a commitment to support the welfare of the Irish abroad and to deepen and strengthen ties with our diaspora.
The Strategy makes it clear that ensuring the welfare of Irish diaspora communities remains at the heart of the Government’s diaspora support. That being the case, the Emigrant Support Programme continues to be the bedrock of our support for those communities.
The value of the support network that has been built up around the Emigrant Support Programme was never more evident than during our response to the global pandemic. In response to the crisis, many of the Irish welfare, community and other organisations we support pivoted their activities to maintain services to the most vulnerable members of our diaspora communities, in particularly to the elderly.
The Government was able to support these efforts to the tune of some €1.5 million through its dedicated Covid Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad. That experience proved the inestimable value of the work that has been done over many years in supporting our emigrants and the importance of our having a coherent and effective diaspora policy.
The Diaspora Strategy does, of course, have a much broader sweep than ensuring the welfare of marginalised communities. It also focuses on deepening and strengthening our ties with our diaspora through cultural, social, economic and other avenues.
Steady progress is being made in these areas, particularly post-pandemic, and my Department continues to support initiatives which further those objectives of the Strategy, including:
Back for Business, a programme to help Irish citizens who have returned to Ireland to start or develop a business;
- Global Irish Festival Series, which encourages Irish people living overseas to return home to visit Ireland;
- St. Brigid’s Day, the annual day of celebration of the talent and creativity of Irish women all over the world.
- GAA Global Games Development Fund;
, support for Irish Studies programmes worldwide, doubling in 2022
along with the countless other Irish community initiatives and events which we support all over the world through our much-expanded mission network.
The Government is also, in line with the Strategy, looking at ways of harnessing the success and influence of Irish businesspeople all over the world and building on Ireland’s increasingly strong global cultural profile.
Good progress has been made, in challenging circumstances, in implementing the Diaspora Strategy 2020 – 2025. The Strategy still has almost three years to run and I very much look forward to seeing the further advances that will be made between now and 2025.
114. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps his Department is taking to combat global Christian persecution. [4434/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are.
The promotion of freedom of religion or belief is a priority for Ireland and the EU’s human rights engagement at both bilateral and multilateral levels, as reaffirmed in The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World.
At a multilateral level, the right to freedom of religion or belief features prominently in Ireland’s engagement at the United Nations including in the General Assembly, at the Human Rights Council, and during our recent term on the Security Council, as well as through our participation in intergovernmental alliances dedicated to religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities. Ireland consistently co-sponsors resolutions on freedom of religion or belief at the UN General Assembly and at the Human Rights Council. Ireland is also a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address the persecution of religious minorities. During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013, Ireland played a key role in the development and adoption of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. These guidelines provide a framework for the promotion of freedom of religion and belief in the EU's external human rights policy.
122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he intends to make to try and prevent further escalation of the war in Ukraine in his new role as Minister for Foreign Affairs of a neutral country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4456/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile Ireland is a militarily neutral country, meaning that we do not participate in a military alliance or common or mutual defence arrangements, we are not politically or morally neutral in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland strongly condemns the ongoing, despicable and indiscriminate missile and drone attacks against civilian targets across Ukraine, which are having a devastating impact on Ukraine’s energy and other critical civilian infrastructure. The sole aim of such attacks is to terrorise the Ukrainian population. This exacerbates the already challenging humanitarian situation in Ukraine, with millions displaced, and in the context of a harsh winter. These attacks constitute another unacceptable escalation of the war and civilians are paying the highest price. Those responsible must be held to account.
During our tenure on the United Nations Security Council we clearly, consistently and unambiguously called on Russia to end its aggression, comply with its obligations under international law, and withdraw all its forces unconditionally from the entirety of the sovereign internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to use its voice, including at EU level and in relevant multilateral fora, to call on the Russian Federation to end its illegal war against Ukraine, to withdraw its forces and engage in genuine dialogue and diplomacy towards peace.
We have received President Zelenskyy’s Ten-Point Peace Plan and have been studying it closely. We will reflect on how Ireland might best contribute to its objectives. We are already involved in many of the areas it covers, including food security, accountability and nuclear safety.
We are grateful to the UN and other partners for their ongoing efforts. We know there is only one way to end the suffering in Ukraine. That is for Russia to end its illegal war, withdraw its forces from the territory of Ukraine and restore peace.
Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine is steadfast and resolute. We remain committed to supporting the people and Government of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
