Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:112. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change will meet next. [7772/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (112)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change oversees the implementation of the ambitious Programme for Government commitments in relation to the environment and climate change.
The Cabinet Committee first met on 30 July 2020 and has met on a total of 20 occasions, most recently on 27 November 2023. The next meeting of the Cabinet Committee is due to take place later this week on Thursday, 22 February 2024.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (113)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:113. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Government Co-ordination will next meet. [7773/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government Coordination Committee is scheduled to meet again on Monday, 26 February 2024.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (114)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:114. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland will next meet. [7771/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland is one of ten Cabinet Committees re-established in January 2023. It last met on 29 November 2023.
The Cabinet Committee oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the areas of Brexit and Northern Ireland, and ongoing related developments.
Issues related to Brexit and Northern Ireland are also discussed at Cabinet on a regular basis, including in recent weeks, following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
A date for the next meeting remains under consideration.
Commissions of Inquiry
Ceisteanna (115, 116)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if he will ensure that the Covid-19 inquiry terms of reference comply with domestic and international human rights law; what steps will be taken to ensure the inquiry is carried out with full transparency to the public; and if the inquiry will be chaired by a Judge or someone of a similar standing with knowledge of the State's investigative obligations. [7723/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHolly Cairns
Ceist:116. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if the Covid-19 inquiry will give formal status to bereaved families and other interested parties who have suffered as a result of Covid-19; and to detail how such groups will be permitted to participate and contribute to the inquiry. [7724/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
A comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic.
It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur. It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
It is intended to have a public element to hear the lived experiences of all society. The review should be undertaken by those independent of the national response and with relevant expertise.
A consultation with opposition parties and stakeholders has taken place on draft terms of reference. It is intended to bring the terms of reference to Government shortly.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 115.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (117)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:117. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify the position regarding the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill; if the proposed legislation, and in particular provisions restricting recourse to the courts, is compatible with the Good Friday Agreement's guarantees on rights safeguards and equality of opportunity; and if he will report on his engagement with the British Government in respect of the proposed legislation. [7429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware that the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is currently proceeding through the legislative process in Westminster and is being examined by the House of Lords at present.
I note that the Joint Committee on Human Rights in Westminster in its report on the Bill on 7 February suggested that the UK Government should provide "a full explanation of why it considers the Bill to be consistent with the Windsor Framework and Good Friday Agreement before the Bill reaches Report stage in the House of Lords."
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), whose establishment was required under the Good Friday Agreement, have expressed their views on the Bill in the last number of weeks. Both Commissions examined the draft legislation's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights and UN human rights treaties by which the UK Government has agreed to be bound, as well as the Good Friday Agreement's provisions.
We are aware that the ECNI and the NIHRC have raised concerns regarding the compatibility of the Bill with the UK Government’s obligations under these international agreements, in particular the GFA. We are analysing these submissions and the draft legislation and will continue to follow the passage of this legislation closely.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (118)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:118. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a passport from a person in County Galway (details suppled); the reason for the delay in issuing this passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7438/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the current turnaround times and has not yet reached its issue by date.The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. Applicants who have already submitted a Post Passport application can book an urgent appointment and visit the Passport Service office to apply for a passport. Once a passport has been issued, their original application will be cancelled and the fee will be refunded. Further information on the Urgent Appointment service is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/
I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (119)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given his statement of 26 January 2024 when he recalled the commitment by Dáil Éireann to "strongly consider intervention" in the South Africa case at the ICJ, and stated that he had asked his officials to prepare legal advice for his consideration on an "urgent basis"; if he will brief Dáil Éireann on the detailed particulars of the legal advice he has sought; if he will provide that legal advice to Dáil Éireann; if he will outline a deadline for the State's decision regarding an intervention in the ICJ case, in the context of the slaughter of 30,000 Palestinians by Israel, the almost total destruction of civilian infrastructure and, now, the spread of famine and disease among a weak and vulnerable population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is continuing its analysis of the legal and policy aspects of South Africa’s case under the Genocide Convention and is in ongoing contact with South Africa and other like-minded partners. We will take a decision on intervention once we have completed this comprehensive legal and policy analysis.
It is likely that we will not make a final decision on the matter until after South Africa files its written memorial. The reason we wait until the applicant, in this case South Africa, files its memorial, is so that we have a full understanding of the case the applicant is making.
This is exactly what we did in the Ukraine v Russia case under the Genocide Convention, where we sought to intervene only after Ukraine had filed its memorial.
In the meantime, there are several other cases and investigations ongoing in respect of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. For instance, this week the Attorney General will appear before the ICJ in The Hague to set out Ireland’s legal analysis of the occupation and of issues related to Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory.
More broadly, it is clear that the most effective way to ease the enormous human suffering faced by the Palestinian people is to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and to ensure sustained and effective humanitarian access in Gaza. This is a message I have delivered consistently to partners in Europe, in the US and in the Middle East, including in my meetings at the Munich Security Conference last weekend and the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. In addition, it is key that UNRWA is able to continue its lifesaving work in Gaza, which is why we have committed a contribution of €20 million to help ease its current funding crisis.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (120)
Ged Nash
Ceist:120. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government and the EU as a block will agree to call for an international declaration and statement calling on the Israeli government to lift its restriction on supplies of insulin and all other diabetes supplies and all other medications for long term medical conditions entering Gaza immediately; if he will detail any concrete and practical actions the Government has taken in this regard to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7479/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A public health disaster has been unfolding in Gaza in recent months. In addition to mass displacement of 85% of the population of Gaza, the World Health Organisation has confirmed that the healthcare system has largely collapsed as a result of the conflict.
As of 30 January, the WHO estimate that just 13 of 36 hospitals in Gaza were partially functioning. As of 10 February, only seven of UNRWA's 23 health centres were operational.
Health facilities are also facing acute shortages of supplies. This includes insulin, anaesthetics, antibiotics, and other medical supplies. It also includes the very basics - water, food, fuel, and electricity. Without power, medical equipment dependent on electricity cannot function.
This dire public health situation underlines the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which Ireland has consistently called for. It also underlines the need for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza. The amount of assistance entering the strip has increased in recent weeks but remains completely inadequate. There is an urgent need for fuel, water, food and other humanitarian supplies, including medical supplies such as insulin and other medical supplies, to reach those in dire need. Such supplies should not be subject to restriction.
Ireland’s support to the people of Palestine, including development funding and the response to the war in Gaza amounted to €36 million in 2023. This included €18 million to UNRWA and €4.75 million to the UN OCHA Palestine Humanitarian Fund, which channels resources to key humanitarian partners on the ground, based on needs, and is active in life-saving sectors including health, shelter, food security and protection.
I met with the UNRWA Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, in Dublin last week and discussed with him how Ireland can continue to support UNRWA's essential work, including through the provision of an additional €20 million to help to address its critical funding crisis.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (121)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:121. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he and his Department has had regarding escalating violence and displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7545/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced periodic conflict over many decades, with increasing insecurity and violence in eastern DRC.
Elections were held in DRC in December 2023, in the context of a ceasefire that largely held, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi was re-elected. However, tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have remained at a high level. The conflict has again intensified in recent weeks in eastern DRC, and has worsened an already serious humanitarian situation.
Ireland and our EU partners have expressed our serious concern at these developments, and the high level of regional tension.
Ireland worked closely with our EU partners on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region, which was adopted in 2023, with a particular focus on the eastern provinces of the DRC. We fully support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region and condemn any support to local or foreign armed groups. Ireland has also emphasised the importance of the engagement of national and regional organisations in promoting peace and stability. We note the contribution by Angola and Kenya to advancing a peaceful resolution, along with the recent deployment by the Southern African Development Community of a multinational force to eastern DRC.
Almost 27 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in DRC. There are an estimated 6.9 million people internally displaced, while over a million refugees from the DRC are in neighbouring countries. The DRC itself hosts more than half a million refugees.
Ireland directly provided over €8 million in assistance in 2023 in response to the situation in DRC. Over €4.6 million was allocated to long-term development and chronic humanitarian crisis programmes under Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership Programme. Five partners (Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam Ireland, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland) are operating in DRC. In addition, we provided €3.8 million to UNICEF to address child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa,, earmarked for DRC.
Following recent flooding in DRC, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) provided $3.6 million in immediate assistance. Ireland provided €14.5 million to the CERF in 2023. In 2023 the EU provided almost €92 million in humanitarian funding to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in the DRC.
We will continue to work with EU and other partners to promote peace and stability and address humanitarian need in DRC.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (122, 126)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he believes further action from Ireland is warranted following attacks from Israel on civilians in Rafah; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Matt Carthy
Ceist:126. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised his concerns in relation to war crimes being committed by Israel in Rafah with the Israeli ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 126 together.
I am deeply concerned by the current situation in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip. As a result of Israeli military actions, almost 1.5 million people are currently sheltering there in dire conditions and there has been widespread, substantive damage to buildings. Further escalation of military activity in Rafah by Israel could cause many more civilian deaths and destruction of vitally needed infrastructure.
This cannot be allowed to happen. All countries, including all Member States of the European Union, must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as Ireland has done. I have repeatedly conveyed this message to my counterparts in the EU and to Governments including the United States. I have also urged the Israeli Government to agree to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. My officials have made the Government’s call for a ceasefire and our concerns about the protection of international law very clear to the Israeli Ambassador.
I will continue to use Ireland’s voice to focus on the Government’s three priorities: an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages and full, unhindered and safe humanitarian access.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (123)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:123. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if in the instance of a first passport application there is a necessity of the identity verification form section 7 to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána or whether any witness from the list provided on the gov.ie website is suitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7626/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports with turnaround times at or well-ahead of target and no backlogs.
In 2023, over 1 million applications were received and over 950,000 passports were issued. So far in 2024, the Passport Service has issued over 143,000 passports.
In order to verify the identity of a passport applicant, and in the case of children, the consent of their guardians, the Passport Service requires certain forms to be witnessed.
There are certain passport applications for first time applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. The witnessing of these forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form. These include:
• Certificate of Identity on Post Passport (paper) applications (section 8 and 9 of the application form)
• Identity Verification Forms for First time adult online applications
• Child Identity and Consent Forms for First time child online applications.
Section 7 of the Post Passport paper application form where parents and guardians give consent to this issuance of a passport to their child does not require a Garda signature and can be verified by any of the approved witnesses. A full list of approved witnesses and guidance for having passport forms witnessed is available at my Department's website - www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-get-your-application-witnessed/.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to over 190 countries.
Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications. In the case of children, it is essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
Military Aircraft
Ceisteanna (124)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:124. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 13 February 2024, what steps were taken to ensure that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation, especially as no US military aircraft ever leaves its bases in the US or its foreign bases around the world unless it is on a military operation or on a military exercise, and that US soldiers travelling to war zones on these military aircraft are normally required to bring their personal weapons with them; and how he reconciles these DFA restrictions on military aircraft with the fact that successive Ministers for Transport since 2001 have been approving the transit of over three million US soldiers through Shannon Airport on civilian aircraft on contract to the US military and approving the fact that most of the US soldiers are carrying their personal automatic rifles with them on these aircraft. [7813/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by our international partners, including the United States.
As I have stated previously, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedures for foreign military landings were followed in full in respect to the landings in question.
Furthermore, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
In considering any application for such an exemption in respect of munitions of war, the Department of Transport consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice on applications to determine if there are foreign policy or security considerations to take into account.
It is the long-standing policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs not to disclose details relating to the specifics of diplomatic clearance requests, as such information is provided by Embassies in the expectation of the maintenance of confidentiality. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs does publish statistics in relation to overflights and landings of foreign military and state aircraft on the Department’s website.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (125)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:125. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to appoint a cultural officer to the Embassy of Ireland based in Rome. [7849/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The appointment of full-time specialist Cultural Officers in priority locations worldwide has been identified in the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy as a key action to widen and deepen our global cultural presence and engagement. Eight positions in Beijing, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Toronto and Sao Paulo have been filled to date in a close partnership between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Consideration is being given at present to further such appointments in priority locations and regions as part of the Global Ireland programme, subject to resources and to local conditions and requirements. The cultural brief in Rome is currently managed by the diplomatic staff in Embassies Rome and Holy See.
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 122.