Written Answers Nos. 317-338
317. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 249 and 295 of 28 February 2023, if further clarification will be provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is underway to draft the required legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
Remediation costs already incurred or levied prior to the introduction of the scheme, above, will be covered once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the scheme. The details and mechanics of this, along with detail in regard to the scope, eligibility and conditions of the scheme, will be worked out as the legislation is drafted.
318. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify a query regarding a grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11512/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022. Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more prior to the submission of a grant application and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment. It is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
319. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has conducted a review of the activities of the embassy of the Russian Federation in Ireland; if he is satisfied that the current level of diplomatic presence therein is justifiable in light of the prosecution by that nation of a war on the sovereign state, Ukraine, which has been condemned by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10895/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 21 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 - 9 Diplomats and 12 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.
As with all of our responses to this crisis, Ireland continues to keep our policies and practices under review and will continue to coordinate closely with other EU Member States on our engagement with Russia, including keeping the size of embassy personnel under review.
Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia since their unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 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. Additionally, it allows us to engage on a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the VCDR.
320. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of the war in Ukraine being perpetrated by the Russian Federation, he will take steps to expel the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, or at least reduce the number of Russian embassy staff in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDespite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia since their unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 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.
Additionally, it allows us to engage on 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.
There are currently 21 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 - 9 Diplomats and 12 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.
As with all of our responses to this crisis, Ireland continues to keep our policies and practices under review and will continue to coordinate closely with other EU Member States on our engagement with Russia, including keeping the size of embassy personnel under review.
321. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of their active support for the war in Ukraine, he will summon the Ambassadors of China, India and South Africa to express the State's displeasure at their stance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10897/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and our Embassies around the world, have been engaged in outreach for over a year, in support of Ukraine and in strong opposition to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This outreach has included playing an active role at multilateral level to support Ukraine, to hold Russia accountable, and to demand that Russia respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and unconditionally withdraw its troops from within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.
We have been at the forefront of efforts to confront Russia in the UN General Assembly, where they have repeatedly been defeated.
Most recently, these efforts resulted in the overwhelming adoption by the UN membership of the most recent United Nations General Assembly Resolution regarding the situation in Ukraine, adopted on 23 February. The Resolution, which Ireland co-sponsored and played an active role in securing global support for, called on Russia to immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine. An overwhelming majority of 141 countries voted in favour of the Resolution. China, India and South Africa abstained during this vote.
We have been consistently clear, both with our partners, and also with those with whom we disagree, that this war is illegal, unjustified and in total violation of the principles of the UN Charter. We have made this position clear at multilateral level, as well as bilaterally, with China, India and South Africa. In respect of China, I met with Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party and former Foreign Minister, at the Munich Security Conference in February, and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine was a core element of our discussions. Senior officials in my Department travelled to Delhi in October for consultations with the Indian government, which included detailed discussion of the situation in Ukraine. In respect of South Africa, our Embassy in Pretoria has been active, bilaterally with the South African government and as part of wider EU discussions with South Africa, on this issue.
We have also, together with our partners, repeatedly emphasised that the Russian invasion has impacts and implications well beyond Ukraine, including in terms of respect for international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as heightened food and energy insecurity.
322. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to propose another round of sanctions on Belarus at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting due to its involvement in the war with Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10935/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU condemns Belarus' involvement in Russia's unprovoked and unjustified further full scale military invasion of Ukraine. In response to the invasion, since late February, the EU has adopted a wide range of sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus. The measures targeting Belarus build on restrictive measures introduced by the EU following the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020 and the crackdown on peaceful protesters, democratic opposition and journalists that followed.
The measures adopted targeting Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine in large part mirror the restrictions introduced against Russia. Restrictions have been placed on trade between the EU and Belarus, in particular on goods used for the production of tobacco, hydrocarbons, and a range of materials like potash, wood, cement, iron, steel and rubber, which generate significant revenue for the Belarussian regime.
In addition, strategic restrictions have been imposed on exports to Belarus of dual-use goods and technology that could contribute to Belarus’ military, technological and security development. Belarussian road transport operators have been banned from transporting goods by road within the EU. A range of measures have been introduced targeting the Belarusian financial sector. Several Belarusian banks have been removed from the SWIFT financial messaging system and transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus are prohibited. Sanctions also include asset freezes and travel bans targeting Belarusian military personnel, state officials, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople. Limits have been placed on financial inflows from Belarus to the EU, and the provision of euro banknotes to Belarus is also now prohibited, while a ban has been placed on the listing and provision of services in relation to shares of Belarusian State-owned entities in EU trading venues.
On 24 February 2023, the European Council decided to extend for a further year the restrictive measures linked to the ongoing involvement of Belarus in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the human rights situation in the country.
Ireland continues to support coordinated EU sanctions, and other measures including action at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The possibility of adopting further sanctions in response to internal repression in Belarus and the regime’s support for the war against Ukraine remains under continual review.
323. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite his Greek counterpart (details supplied) to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10936/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland greatly values our relationship with Greece. My predecessor, Minister Coveney, visited Athens last June where he met Minister Dendias and took the opportunity to extend him an open invitation to visit Ireland. Last week, I wrote to the Minister to express my sincere condolences to the people and Government of Greece, following the tragic train accident near Larissa.
Within the European Union and in other contexts, Ireland and Greece enjoy regular bilateral exchanges. President Higgins met with President Sakellaropoulou in the margins of the Arraiolos meeting in Malta last October.
I will continue to work closely with Minister Dendias to build on these strong bilateral ties and address the challenges facing the European Union.
324. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth register application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10968/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have had a positive impact on the waiting time for applicants. The current waiting time for FBR applications is 10 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, there were two addresses associated with the application, so it was necessary for the Passport Service to clarify the address with the applicant before issuing the certificate. The Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly and the certificate was posted to the applicant on 2 March 2023.
325. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a foreign birth registration for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have had a positive impact on the waiting time for applicants. The current waiting time for FBR applications is 10 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in September 2022.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application was registered on 6 July 2022 and is within the current turnaround time of 10 months.
326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the competition for the new roster for election monitoring will open in 2023; if so, when the competition will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11165/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU).
The current Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, effective from 1 January 2019. It is scheduled to run until 31 December 2023.
Recruitment of members for the next Roster will be on the basis of an open and competitive application process, in compliance with Irish equality law, and based on criteria for election observers set out by the EU and the OSCE.
Arrangements for the recruitment of the new roster will be published on the Department’s website in due course.
327. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11271/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrent legislative language is guided by Interpretation Act 2005 section 18(b)(i), wherein as a matter of statutory interpretation, words referring to the masculine gender are taken to refer to the female gender, and vice versa.
Regarding the drafting of policies, the Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel respected, valued and included. My Department launched a GEDI (Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Action Plan in mid 2022, that will help the Department to further develop our systems, policies and practices to embed diversity and inclusion.
328. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 28 February 2023, if he will specifically outline the efforts being made to ensure that insulin and blood glucose is, and has been, included with medical aid funded by the State to help the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11367/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has provided €10 million in emergency assistance for the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. This package of support includes over 130 tonnes of emergency supplies of tents, thermal blankets, solar lamps, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and water jerry cans, worth almost €1 million. This shipment did not include medical supplies.
The response from Ireland in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes focused on critical lifesaving needs including medical care delivered by partners already on the ground, who are equipped to provide such care immediately.
One of the agencies directly supported by Ireland to deliver emergency assistance is the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is a member of the International Alliance for Diabetes Action and a signatory of the Boston Declaration on Diabetes Care in Humanitarian Emergencies. They are committed to improving the delivery of diabetes care to save lives, reduce suffering, promote dignity, reduce disability, and strengthen resilience.
Ireland also provides core funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) which are supporting people on the ground in Türkiye and Syria. Both are members of the International Alliance for Diabetes Action. The WHO Emergencies Programme provides rapid response in health emergencies. One of its core responsibilities is to provide medical supplies, and insulin is part of the essential medicines list.
We also provided funding to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Türkiye, which supports the Turkish Red Crescent in deploying their medical response units and mobile units countrywide. These are responsible for the provision of medical supplies and equipment and have experience in the treatment of non-communicable diseases including diabetes.
329. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on work towards achieving the SDG targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11426/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a significant and ambitious framework, adopted by the world's leaders at the UN in 2015. The Government has taken a whole-of-Government approach to its implementation.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the SDGs, 2022 – 2024, was published in October 2022. It was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholder. There was also input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development with the aim of accelerating achievement of the SDGs at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document which provides policy updates for each of the targets. These documents are available at: www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared a series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found at: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals/
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review of progress to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress towards achieving the goals and targets.
The Department of Foreign Affairs leads Ireland's international efforts toward the SDGs. The Government's international development programme. A Better World, fully integrates the SDGs, with headline priorities to reduce humanitarian need, support climate action, promote gender equality and strengthen governance, and the overarching ambition to reach the furthest behind first.
We provide official development assistance (ODA) to support the most vulnerable people in more than 130 countries. Ireland’s ODA budget has grown from €792 million in 2018 to €1.233 billion in 2023, a 56% increase. The OECD Development Assistance Committee concluded in 2020 that “Ireland is a strong voice for sustainable development, leading and supporting policy dialogue at both international and local levels."
Ireland also supports the achievement of the SDGs through our international policy engagement on human rights, civic space and multilateralism.
330. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the amount spent to pay for the education of children of staff serving overseas for 2022; the estimate for 2023; the average amount per staff member overseas in the scheme; the average amount per child in the scheme; the maximum and the minimum amount that has been paid in any particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11439/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe network of Embassies, consular missions and representative offices overseas are staffed by Irish civil servants from this Department and other Government Departments. These officers are posted for specific durations and may be accompanied by their family members.
My Department operates a School Fees Assistance Scheme to enable an officer's accompanying children to continue to receive education abroad. Underlying the operation of this Scheme is the principle that no child of officers serving abroad should be disadvantaged in their education by virtue of their parents’ service abroad on behalf of the State.
The policy of the Department is to enrol children in non-fee paying schools where possible. However, it is often the case that families do not qualify for access to the non-fee paying school system in countries as they are not deemed to be residents. Also, in light of the temporary nature of foreign service assignments and local language issues, it is often difficult for officers to enrol their children in non-fee paying schools.
The school fee supports that are offered by the Department are designed to provide continuity of education, as well as to prevent difficulties arising due to differences in language, educational systems, and curricula as families relocate in a new country. In addition, the Scheme recognises the need to provide special needs education when necessary.
Under the School Fees Assistance Scheme, expenditure incurred by this and other Government Departments is recorded by academic year. In the 2021/2022 academic year, total expenditure under this Scheme was €2,955,589. In the 2022/2023 academic year, total expenditure is expected to amount to €3,224,090. Information is not yet available on the 2023/2024 academic year.
The other information sought by the Deputy is presented in tabular form below:
|
2021/2022 Academic Year |
€ |
|
Average amount per staff member overseas availing of educational supports |
€26,155 |
|
Average amount per child |
€13,620 |
|
Minimum amount per child |
€1,680 |
|
Maximum amount per child |
€45,385 |
|
2022/2023 Academic Year |
€ |
|
Average amount per staff member overseas availing of educational supports |
€33,238 |
|
Average amount per child |
€16,969 |
|
Minimum amount per child |
€6,304 |
|
Maximum amount per child |
€50,567 |
331. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the passport application for a child (details supplied) will be processed urgently by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
332. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing CJEU infringement proceedings against Hungary for its so called "anti-LGBTQ propaganda laws"; if he will consider adding the Irish Government's name to the case alongside Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11617/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systematic discrimination in many countries, is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland.
Globally, working with like-minded partners, Ireland’s mission network plays an active role in advocating for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including promoting human rights and equality, highlighting discrimination and human rights violations including advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.
Ireland is therefore actively engaged with the ongoing issues faced by the LGBTI+ community in Hungary. Our embassy in Budapest is in frequent contact with Hungarian civil society on the issue of LGBTI+ rights. Recent engagement has included leading on the coordination of the annual Pride Statement by embassies in 2021, participation in the Budapest and Pécs Pride parades, organising two events with AI and Budapest Pride during LGBTI+ history month in 2020, financial support for the LGBTI+ related events and regular meetings with LBGTI+ groups.
Ireland was one of the 18 EU member states to sign a joint declaration expressing grave concerns over the Hungarian Parliament’s adoption of this bill discriminating against the LGBTI+ community when it was published in June 2021. In my role as Taoiseach at the time I made clear publicly my opinion that this law is contrary to the fundamental values of the European community. My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney did likewise.
I am aware of the infringement proceedings being brought by the Commission in the Court of Justice published on 13 February and the matter has been raised in discussions with like-minded EU Member States. In coordination with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and others, officials from my Department are actively reviewing the case with a view to agreeing our approach in the coming weeks.
333. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to his recent statement that Ireland stands ready to support a just and lasting two-state solution based on international law and internationally agreed parameters as the only sustainable prospect that will enable Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, if Ireland's backing for such an initiative is contingent on other E.U or U.N. member states spearheading such a proposal; if Ireland would be willing to take the leading role in view of our strong position on human rights, international law and the taking of territory by force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11619/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland plays a leadership role at both EU and UN level in taking a consistent, clear, and firm position in relation to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Ireland engages regularly on this issue in the context of the EU, including through my attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and regular bilateral contacts with my EU counterparts. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January, EU Foreign Ministers had an exchange with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Riad Malki.
In advance of this meeting, I highlighted the need to take concrete steps to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority. I further underlined the need for clear messaging on the issue of Israeli settlement activities and for renewed and concrete efforts to restore a political horizon. I welcome that the meeting resulted in a commitment to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority.
The Middle East Peace Process was also a key priority for Ireland during our tenure on the UN Security Council, and Ireland engaged actively in monthly Security Council meetings on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. At the most recent meeting on 19 December, Ireland repeated our call on Israel to cease all settlement activity and stressed the need for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths. Following the meeting, Ireland led a joint press statement with a number of States, reiterating this call for accountability and underlining the urgent need to restore a political horizon towards a two-State solution. Ireland continues to take opportunities to raise this issue in appropriate UN fora, including the Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv and Representative Office in Ramallah take an active role in monitoring developments on the ground and promoting progress towards a two-State solution. Ireland has allocated both missions additional resources since 2021, enhancing their capacity to engage with an increased range of partners and to respond effectively to ongoing developments.
334. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently deployed in Syria as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide details on any analysis, review, or evaluation of Ireland's participation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any plans to withdraw members of the Defence Forces from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any other analysis, review, or evaluation has taken place in respect of Ireland's participation in any other United Nations overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10835/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 to 337, inclusive, together.
As of 1 March 2023, Ireland is contributing 546 personnel to 7 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 344 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 133 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Of the 133 personnel currently deployed to UNDOF, Defence Force personnel currently comprise of an Infantry Group of approximately 127 personnel as well as 6 staff officers in UNDOF Headquarters. Personnel are based in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. The role of the Irish Infantry Group includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with the on-going operations within the UNDOF area of responsibility.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces jointly review the overseas deployment of Defence Forces personnel on an ongoing basis. At the time of the recent Government Decision that the Defence Forces should join the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, the Government was advised that a further assessment would be undertaken of the sustainability of overseas commitments.
Following the conclusion of this assessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, I have decided to withdraw the Infantry Group personnel from UNDOF. The Government and the United Nations are being advised of this decision and the precise date of their withdrawal will be discussed with the United Nations.
Subject to the UN's agreement, I hope that Ireland can continue to occupy a number of staff officer positions in UNDOF headquarters.
The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission has been taken in order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025 as well as allowing the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions. Participation in overseas operations remains a priority for the Defence Forces in line with Government policy.
With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests from time-to-time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.
338. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on whether the Government's plans to allocate troops to an EU battlegroup will have a detrimental impact on Ireland's capacity to continue to contribute its UN overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10836/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently approved Ireland's participation in the next German-led EU Battlegroup, 2025, which will involve a two-year commitment from 1 January 2024. Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. As a concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup is as a rapid response capability, including the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
Ireland’s full engagement in EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in Battlegroups significantly enhances our capacity to influence the development of CSDP and of the Battlegroup concept. Participation also demonstrates Ireland’s continuing commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. Defence Forces' participation in EU Battlegroups also supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for UN blue hat operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation. Experience has shown that Ireland’s previous participation in EU Battlegroups has enhanced the Defence Forces’ ability to work with other nations in a multinational environment and has served to enhance the Defence Forces reputation as a provider of a credible military capability for CSDP peacekeeping operations under UN mandates.
Arising from the Government's decision to participate in the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, a reassessment of the sustainability of the Defence Forces' overseas commitments was undertaken. Arising from the conclusion of that reassessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, the decision has been taken to effectively withdraw the DF Infantry Group's participation in the United Nations' Disengagement Observation Force (UNDOF). The date of withdrawal is now something that will be discussed with the United Nations.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence provides the defence policy framework for the period up to 2025. This policy framework is designed to be flexible and responsive given the dynamic nature of the security environment and enables the Defence Organisation to be adaptive to changing circumstances and to use resources as efficiently as possible.
Arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the immediate focus is on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces and thereafter in bringing the strength to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition.
