Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of staff seconded to his Department from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the title and/or role they filled; and the duration of same. [28186/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department had one individual seconded from PWC in the period specified. The individual was seconded to the Brexit Team in the Department’s British-Irish and Northern Ireland Affairs Division from 12th October 2015 – 29th April 2019.
122. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of instances in which his Department availed of services and or consultancy and or advices from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the costs of same; the number of contracts between the company and his Department; and the duration and costs of same. [28205/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo contracts have been awarded to the company in question by the Department of the Taoiseach nor has any expenditure been incurred.
123. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of expressions of interest received by the set closing date of 26 May 2023 for the election observer role; the percentage of those expressing interest who are women; and the percentage of those expressing interest who have previously expressed interest. [27166/23]
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 Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU).
The current Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. To inform planning, expressions of interest were sought from those who were interested in applying to be a member of Ireland's next election observation roster. A deadline will be set for the submission of applications in the near future.
By 26 May 2023, the Department had received 250 expressions of interest. Of these, 141 are members of the current roster.
Based on the names provided, it is estimated that 33% of expressions of interest were from women. However, specific information on gender was not required at this stage of the process and will be sought at the application stage.
It is likely that the number of applications will exceed the number of expressions of interest received. All relevant information will be available on the Department's website at Election observation - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie).
124. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the scheduled upcoming roles in which Irish election observers are due to participate; and the proposed number of participants per role. [27167/23]
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 EU and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Short term observers generally spend up to eight days in the country where the election is being held. Long term observers can spend up to eight weeks. The number of deployments fluctuates annually, depending on the number of applications received and the selection decisions of the EU and OSCE.
Members of the Roster will participate in upcoming election observation missions in Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Guatemala and Uzbekistan.
One roster member is currently in Montenegro as a long-term observer with the OSCE mission to observe the Early Parliamentary Elections, which are scheduled for 11 June 2023. Five additional roster members will be deployed as short-term observers with this mission.
One roster member is currently in Sierra Leone as a long-term observer with the EU mission to observe the general elections which are scheduled for 24 June 2023. Two additional roster members will be deployed as short-term observers with this mission.
One roster member is currently in Guatemala as a long-term observer with the EU mission to observe the general elections which are scheduled for 25 June 2023. Two additional roster members will be deployed as short-term observers with this mission.
One roster member will shortly join the OSCE mission as a long-term observer to observe the early Presidential Election in Uzbekistan which is scheduled for 9 July 2023. Ireland will nominate up to five additional roster members as short-term observers with this mission.
125. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27186/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
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 FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 3 March 2023. Further documents were subsequently received on 14 March 2023 and have been processed. However, the application remains incomplete. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant in this regard. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.
126. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason his Department is now conducting an internal closed competition for the same rank, particularly when the current list has not been exhausted; the reason the new competition is an internal closed competition when a number of external candidates are ranked higher on the current list and are now unable to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27188/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason his Department is running an internal competition for first secretary posts when there is an external list in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28565/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 173 together.
My Department appoints First Secretaries from internal, interdepartmental, and open panels in an equal ratio.
In relation to the interdepartmental and open panels administered by the Public Appointments Service and due to expire in November 2023, my Department has requested the assignment of candidates from these panels to fill the First Secretary vacancies which have arisen since those panels were formed.
As the most recent First Secretary panels available to my Department have been open and interdepartmental panels, it is standard practice that the next panel formed would be an internal one. Therefore, my Department is currently conducting an internal competition to create a panel of officers suitable for promotion to the grade of First Secretary, from which a proportion of future vacancies arising at that grade over the next two years will be filled. The panel is expected to be formed in August 2023.
As is standard practice across the civil service, only serving officers with not less than two years’ aggregate service in the civil service are eligible to compete in internal competitions in their current Department.
127. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans the Government has to participate in the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park on 11 November 2023, in Messines, Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27220/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Island of Ireland Peace Park, which marks the involvement of soldiers from this island in the Battle of Messines, is an important symbol of reconciliation and remembrance. The Peace Park was officially opened on 11 November 1998 by then President of Ireland Mary McAleese together with the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Albert II of Belgium.
The Mayor of Messines is taking the lead in organising an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park, which was officially announced in a press conference on 7 June. The Embassy of Ireland to Belgium and the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels are in regular contact with the Mayor and his staff in relation to planning this ceremony. While formal invitations have not yet been received, I anticipate that Government participation would be given every favourable consideration and the Embassy of Ireland to Belgium remains in contact with the organisers in this regard.
Throughout the Decade of Centenaries the Government has engaged with stakeholders across the island of Ireland and abroad in order to ensure the sensitive, inclusive, and respectful approach which has underpinned our successful commemoration of events to date. This will continue to be our approach to commemoration in the period ahead.
Our objective remains to recognise the differing perspectives on our shared history and seek to strengthen peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and between Britain and Ireland.
128. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to expanding the scholarships available to developing countries for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and in STEM programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27231/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland Fellows Programme, which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, enables promising individuals from partner countries to travel to Ireland to study for a Master’s level qualification at a University or Institute of Technology. Its aims are to nurture future leaders, develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals and to build positive relationships with Ireland.
The programme has operated since 1974, bringing students to Ireland from African partner countries and, since 2009, also from Vietnam. Following a decision to expand the programme in 2019-20 it was enlarged to include students from the occupied Palestinian territory and, in 2020-2021, from Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This was in implementation of one of a number of commitments in the Government’s Strategy for partnership with SIDS. A new strand for Latin America was launched in 2022 for the 2023-24 intake, fulfilling a commitment in the Government’s 2022 Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, the number of Fellowships awarded has increased from 84 in 2018 to at least 210 for the 2023-24 academic year.
Eligible Master’s level programmes are in a wide range of disciplines, including vocational and STEM programmes in fields such as science and technology, engineering, information systems and computer science, medicine and biotechnology. In the months leading up to each new application round, Higher Education Institutions in Ireland are invited to submit details of courses for inclusion in the programme directory, which is then made available to potential applicants.
Successful candidates begin their programmes in August or September. Depending on the course selected, their studies can run for between 10 and 16 months.
The 2024-25 Ireland Fellows application round will open on 3 July 2023.
129. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps his Department is taking to increase the supply of qualified teachers through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27232/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Policy for International Development, A Better World, commits to scaling up support for education, as one of the keys to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Government recognises that teachers are central to ensuring quality education. Access to qualified teachers is the most important school-based determinant of learning. Ireland works to strengthen education systems in developing countries so that states can provide free and inclusive quality basic education to all children. Continuing professional development of the teaching profession is essential to increasing the number of teachers globally.
Through our support for the Global Partnership for Education, Ireland supports the training of teachers. A total of 675,522 teachers were trained through the Global Partnership for Education in 2022, half of these in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Our partnership also works to ensure that the importance of teachers is recognised in national education systems, and to increase the proportion of teachers with national qualification standards.
Through our support for the organisation Education Cannot Wait, the global fund for education in emergencies, Ireland helps to ensure that teachers in crisis situations are equipped with the skills they need in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction and risk management. Teachers also receive training in mental health and psychosocial support for themselves and their students.
In addition the Africa Code Week Women’s Empowerment Programme provides female teachers and administrators with professional development workshops on digital skills and technology to ensure they and their students have the necessary skills for the digital transition.
A long-running public-private partnership through our Embassy in Uganda aims to increase the levels of motivation and recognition while supporting teachers’ continuous professional development. In partnership with Mary Immaculate College, an annual study trip to Ireland is organised for outstanding Ugandan teachers.
Our partnerships also help us to ensure that our support to teacher training and education will reach those furthest behind, a guiding principle of our international development policy. In Sierra Leone, for instance, Ireland supports partners, including Teach for Sierra Leone, to improve the quality of teaching and learning with a focus on remote and marginalised areas.
130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response and proposed actions to the harsh anti-LGBTQ measure signed into law recently in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27273/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D. on 29 May issued a strong statement concerning the anti-LGBTI+ legislation passed by the Ugandan parliament and signed into law by President Museveni in late May. The Tánaiste confirmed that Ireland condemns this legislation, which threatens people with a range of punishments. Ireland is proud to defend and promote human rights, including LGBTI+ rights, internationally. This new legislation is now facing a number of legal challenges in the Ugandan courts.
The Ambassador of Ireland in Uganda has raised Ireland's deep concern at the highest levels of the Ugandan political leadership and conveyed our deep regret at the impact of this legislation on human rights, on the LGBTI+ community and on Uganda's international reputation.
We have also raised these concerns within the EU and our wider response is being undertaken in cooperation with other EU and like-minded states, especially through our Embassy in Kampala.
The Embassy of Ireland in Kampala will continue to engage with the Ugandan authorities on the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and working to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Ireland stands in solidarity with marginalised groups and is working also with civil society groups to promote human rights in Uganda.
131. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if arrangements could be made for the original supporting documentation, submitted as part of a passport application, to be returned to the applicant; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27324/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has returned all relevant supporting documentation to the applicant, including the Certificate of Naturalisation and Birth Certificate.
132. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the context of the stated view of the UN in 2020 that the Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory are a significant source of human rights violations, and in view of the fact that the Israeli Government has now vowed to further build and expand such settlements, what actions he intends to take, in addition to condemnation and denunciation, to ensure that Ireland has no involvement with business activities in or with these settlements, or in sustaining an illegal situation which could amount to a war crime under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by recent policy and legislative initiatives of the Israeli Government regarding settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law and Israel must not make any provision to advance settlement authorisation and development.
These concerns are widely held by the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, which, in February of this year, reiterated that continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines.
In accordance with international law, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 and ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to the occupied territories.
A whole of Government approach is applied to this policy of differentiation. My Department supports other Government departments by providing guidance and clarification on the policy of differentiation. The Department of Foreign Affairs also ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements via the Department's website.
Respect for international law, and in particular the UN Charter, is the bedrock of international peace and security. This will continue to be the guiding principle for Ireland’s approach, and it is the only way to ensure the long-term security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of an application for foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27485/23]
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.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
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 FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application has been approved. The FBR certificate will issue once confirmation of address is received from the applicant.
134. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the proposed ‘Consultative Forum on International Security Policy’, if he will provide the estimated cost of the forum, and a breakdown of these costs, in tabular form; if the forum is included in the supplementary estimates for Vote 28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to the proposed ‘Consultative Forum on International Security Policy’, the estimated cost of the forum; if he will provide a breakdown of these costs, in tabular form; if the forum is included in the supplementary/revised estimates for Vote 28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27588/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 137 together.
In order to build a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy, I have convened a Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. The Forum will take place in three different locations; on 22 June at University College Cork, on 23 June at the University of Galway, and on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle.
The Forum will be open, inclusive, and as the name suggests, consultative. It will involve a wide range of stakeholders, with participation from civilian and military experts and practitioners. Attendance at the Forum will consist of Irish and international participants with expertise and practical experience in the areas to be discussed, as well as members of the public. There will be capacity for up to 1,000 attendees over the four days that the Forum will meet.
Discussions will be live-streamed and there will be an option for online submissions. Full details of the arrangements for registration, live-streaming and the making of submissions is available at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/e2a6b-consultative-forum-on-international-security-policy/.
The Forum will be chaired by Louise Richardson DBE (President of the Carnegie Corporation, formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews), who will produce a report to be delivered following its conclusion.
Costs related to the Forum will be split on an equal basis between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence. The contribution by the Department of Foreign Affairs will be made from within existing resources in Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs).
Expenditure related to the Forum will be in line with the Public Spending Code to ensure value-for-money.
At this stage of planning, it is not possible to give a final estimate of the costs. The figures presented in the table below reflect an estimate of costs, and are subject to revision. Every effort will be made to ensure value for money at all points.
|
Description |
Estimate € |
|
Technical / Audio Visual |
35,000 |
|
Venue set-up (3 venues) |
20,000 |
|
Catering |
40,000 |
|
Flights for invited panellists and moderators |
15,000 |
|
Accommodation for invited panellists and moderators |
15,000 |
|
Subsistence and other vouched costs for invited panellists and moderators |
5,000 |
|
Transport |
4,000 |
|
Communications, stationary, printing and branding |
40,000 |
An honorarium will be paid to the Chairperson of the Consultative Forum at a per diem rate sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
135. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the requirements for an honorary consul to be appointed by Ireland; the requirements for a country to appoint an honorary consul to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27568/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland currently has over 80 Honorary Consuls operating in more than 50 countries across the globe. Our global network of Honorary Consuls offers vital support to the Department of Foreign Affairs across a range of priorities, including providing a means of meeting the needs of Irish citizens in regions where we do not have a resident diplomatic Mission.
The services provided by the network include responding to enquiries in relation to passports, visas and travel to Ireland, as well as providing vital assistance in emergency consular assistance cases. Our Honorary Consuls also have an important role in promoting the broader interests of the State overseas. They support Irish diplomatic missions and the relevant State Agencies in establishing connections to key local stakeholders, in areas such as business, politics, culture and education.
The position of an Honorary Consul is honorary in nature - unsalaried and non-pensionable. An appointment to the role is generally made upon the recommendation of the relevant accredited diplomatic mission, for an initial period of 3 years, with the potential for renewal thereafter.
The Department of Foreign Affairs operates a comprehensive and robust system for managing appointments to Ireland’s Honorary Consul network. In order to identify a pool of potential candidates, expressions of interest are sought through public advertising of the position, before a selection process is undertaken to find the most suitable candidate to fill the role. Once the successful candidate has been identified, the agreement of the host country must be obtained before the new Honorary Consul can be officially appointed.
A request to establish a consular post in Ireland headed by an Honorary Consul should be submitted to Protocol Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs under cover of a Third Party Note by the accredited Embassy to Ireland (or, if no accredited Embassy, by the Foreign Ministry of the sending State). The request should contain a detailed curriculum vitae, details of the proposed class of post, the tasks to be undertaken as well as the seat and jurisdiction of the post. Accredited Embassies are continually kept abreast of the rules and procedures for the appointment of Honorary Consuls.
136. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland regarding the ongoing execution of political prisoners in Iran; if he will endeavour to have international entities dispatch an investigative delegation to visit Iranian prisons and meet with political prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27576/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with the Government of Iran, including at ambassador or embassy level; whether he has raised concerns regarding human rights abuses during these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28481/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 169 together.
Ireland has been clear in its condemnation of the repression of protests by the Iranian authorities, as well as the longstanding concerns about human rights in Iran. We have repeatedly called on Iran to respect the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. We have raised our concerns directly with the Iranian Embassy in Dublin and with officials in Tehran. Senior officials from my Department again raised these issues during political consultations in Tehran last month.
In 2022, Ireland again co-sponsored the annual Canadian-led resolution on Iran at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution addresses a broad range of human rights issues.
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. Ireland also supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran, Mr Javaid Rehman. We consistently call on the Iranian authorities to cooperate fully with the mandates of the fact-finding mission and the UN Special Rapporteur, including allowing them to visit Iran and conduct relevant meetings.The executions carried out by the Iranian authorities and sentencing of protestors using the death penalty is unjustifiable. Ireland calls on Iran to immediately impose a moratorium on the death penalty, consider alternative sentencing, and revoke death sentences issued for involvement in protests.Ireland has supported the addition of a number of individuals and entities linked to human rights violations to the EU’s Iran human rights sanctions regime. Restrictive measures now apply to over 200 individuals and more than 30 entities in Iran. These include asset freezes, EU travel bans, and a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression.The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor developments in Iran, and to raise our concerns consistently and directly with the Iranian government. We will work closely with our EU partners to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities. Further sanctions will be considered as the situation develops.
138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be announcing successful applications under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund 2023 in the near future; if he will note my full support for the application submitted for funding for a cross-Border project collaboration, "Shared Roots and Roots", between Lifestyle Development in Drogheda and Rural Health Partnership. [27644/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the Shared Island Civic Society Fund earlier this year to promote practical North South cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Fund forms part of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative – which I established in 2020 – and builds on all of the progress we have already made on all-island infrastructure, research and community projects.
The Fund grew out of our successful Shared Island Dialogue series, which highlighted that civic society groups across the island would benefit from increased Government support to allow them to work more effectively with cross-border partners on issues of common interest.
Funding awarded through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund will support the emergence of new cross-border civic projects, complement work already taking place on a North South basis, and help civic society organisations to establish new strategic links.
€500,000 is available through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund this year.
I am extremely encouraged by the level of interest in the Shared Island Civic Society Fund this year. In total, my Department received one hundred and sixty applications, seeking over €5 million in funding. I believe that this is indicative of a real appetite among civic society groups, North and South, for increased cross-border cooperation.
Officials in my Department reviewed all applications in detail, assessing proposals on their alignment with the Fund’s objectives; their expected impact based on clear outputs and outcomes; the capacity of applicant organisations to deliver results; and the applicant organisations’ financial management capacity, governance arrangements, monitoring and evaluation systems, and sustainability.
I am pleased to confirm that the appraisal process has now been completed. I look forward to announcing the full list of organisations to whom funding will be awarded in the near future.
139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to submit a written statement to the International Court of Justice in respect of the planned advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27645/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 77/247, which included a request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ/the Court) to render an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory since 1967. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution, which was supported by 87 UN Member States. In February, the ICJ set a timeline of 25 July by which UN Member States are invited to furnish information to the Court in relation to the questions before it.
The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Advisory opinions of the Court, while not legally binding, nevertheless carry significant weight and, therefore, contribute to the clarification of international law. While unlikely to resolve the complex and longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Court’s advisory opinion could provide a useful framework for future discussions and engagement with both parties.
Ireland is a firm supporter of the ICJ and, where appropriate, welcomes the recourse of States to its advisory role in clarifying questions of international law. Since joining the UN, Ireland has submitted written statements to the Court in five advisory opinion proceedings, including in the 2004 proceedings “Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.
Following adoption of Resolution 77/247, I asked my Department to begin work on preparing a written statement. I plan to seek Government approval for the submission of that statement to the Court in advance of the July deadline.
140. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts, or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit, that included closed captioning/subtitling between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; and the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish or another language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27656/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department complies with the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. The Department endeavours to ensure that its video content is accessible to as many people as possible, and we are committed to providing Departmental videos with closed captioning and/or subtitling where practical. The percentage of videos that adhered to the requirement for CC/subtitling on the Department of Foreign Affairs social media channels can be found in the table below:
|
Platform |
% |
|
|
88.5% |
|
|
92.2% |
|
|
92.6% |
My Department is committed to providing services in both official languages, including communications campaigns promoting the Irish language at home and overseas. This includes adhering to the latest requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2019 regarding advertising in Irish and our obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. Given however that the Department’s social media outreach is primarily targeted at foreign audiences, there is a limited scope for social media videos exclusively in Irish. Instead, videos are primarily in the English language to ensure that the context and meaning of posts is understood abroad. Every effort however is made in these videos to incorporate some Irish language when possible.
The Department’s official social media accounts also provide content in multiple foreign languages in. Most foreign language social media posts are undertaken directly by Ireland’s missions and Embassies abroad and fall outside the remit of this response. Along with running our communications campaigns around St Patrick’s Day, St Brigid’s Day, Bloomsday, Hallowe’en and other significant events in multiple languages, we also participate in initiatives such as World Portuguese Language Day and International Francophonie Day, among others. The Department’s official accounts often ensure that foreign language posts and videos include some English language to ensure accessibility to as wide an audience as possible.
The percentage of videos that feature Irish or another language can be found in the table below:
|
Platform |
% |
|
|
13.8% |
|
|
15.7% |
|
|
11.1% |
