Cormac Devlin
Ceist:22. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the 60th annual Munich Security Conference. [8364/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 April 2024
Ceisteanna (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:23. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [8774/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Seán Haughey
Ceist:24. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the 60th annual Munich Security Conference. [9016/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mick Barry
Ceist:25. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [12451/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bríd Smith
Ceist:26. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [15187/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:27. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the 60th annual Munich Security Conference. [16356/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:28. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [15145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul Murphy
Ceist:29. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [15148/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí ó Béal (14 píosaí cainte)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 to 29, inclusive, together.
The previous Taoiseach attended the 60th meeting of the Munich Security Conference, a leading forum for the discussion of security and defence issues, on 16 and 17 February. The then Taoiseach participated in a panel discussion on neutrality where he set out the value of Ireland's military neutrality in a world of increased geopolitical insecurity, including new cyber and hybrid threats. He also highlighted the work of the recent consultative forum on international security policy. He spoke about how our focus on diplomacy, peacekeeping and international development can contribute to European and international security.
He also had a series of bilateral meetings, including with King Abdullah Il of Jordan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, the UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, and a delegation from the Elders group led by former President Mary Robinson. Both in public events at the conference and in his bilateral meetings, there was widespread concern at the direction of developments, including Russia's war on Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, and prospects for global security in light of the large number of elections that will be held this year. At their meeting, the UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Deputy Varadkar welcomed the restoration of the Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland.
This was the first time a Taoiseach attended the Munich Security Conference. It raised some eyebrows but it was right for Ireland to be part of the debate on European foreign and security policy issues at this dangerous time. I refer in particular to the illegal invasion by Russia of Ukraine, the terrible events taking place in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the wider Middle East. Ireland can play a positive role in this foreign and security policy debate.
It is clear that Europe is becoming more and more concerned about its security and defence. Remarks by former US President Donald Trump have increased these concerns. Security and defence are not military matters only. We need European co-operation on issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, disinformation and the protection of critical infrastructure among other things. Irish neutrality was questioned at one of the sessions of the conference. Neutrality emphasises conflict prevention, however, and conflict prevention also helps achieve effective security.
That said, I really want to ask the Taoiseach about the situation in the Middle East. The Taoiseach has already met EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU Heads of State and Government. Have we managed to get further support for a review of the EU-Israel trade association agreement and for recognition of the state of Palestine? What does the Taoiseach think is the likely EU response to the recent attack by Iran on Israel? This is focusing minds at this time.
We are dealing with the fact the western world has questions not only about security but also credibility. We know there have been absolute failings if we are speaking about the US, Germany, the British and many countries throughout the EU. We know that what Benjamin Netanyahu is involved in is absolute genocidal slaughter. We know there are absolute fears about an escalation and the issues with regard to Iran at this time. There are two issues with Mr. Netanyahu; there are his particular views, which are reprehensible, and there is also the fact that here is a guy trying to save his job. The Palestinian people are paying with their lives.
We all welcome what has happened with regard to the moves towards recognising the state of Palestine. We want to see it. We know there have been positive relationships and interactions with Malta, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium and Norway. Are these the countries we are speaking about? Are there more? Do we have a timeline with regard to recognition? I would also follow up on whether we think there will be some element of review of the EU-Israel association agreement.
I would like there to be governmental support for the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill. There are promises with regard to ISIF of divestment from €2.9 million of the €4.2 million of Irish State money in companies that are benefiting from apartheid Israeli settlements. We need to make sure this is complete and that we follow through. I would like to see the legislation being the means but I do not particularly care once we do the right thing. We will have continuity of protests every Wednesday. The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, IPSC, is protesting in the Market Square, Dundalk. It has scheduled an event in the Redeemer centre on Thursday. We need to see everybody in here and outside putting on all the pressure they can. While only certain countries, particularly the US, can make things move, we have to do those bits that we can.
There will be another national demonstration this Saturday in support of the people of Gaza and Palestine. The very simple demand will be for sanctions on Israel now. The simple inescapable fact is that the genocide that Israel is inflicting on Gaza and the horrors that have been inflicted on its people could not happen if Israel did not get EU favoured trade status, weapons from Germany, the UK and the United States, and impunity for decades for crimes against the Palestinian people. This is a fact. Without this sponsorship, support and impunity, this horror would never have happened. That is the responsibility of western governments.
I want to let the Taoiseach know about a really shocking example of the lengths that some of Israel's sponsors will go to in order to suppress free discussion, as well as the complicity of western governments. This occurred during the Palestine conference that took place in Berlin at the weekend, a few weeks after the Munich Security Conference, where a conference that was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, JVP, human rights campaigners and Palestinian rights campaigners was stormed by hundreds of German riot police. People speaking at it were to include a UN special rapporteur, a former Greek finance minister, me, as a representative of this Parliament, Dutch MPs and many Jewish people, who are opponents to what Israel is doing. In fact, one of the first people to be arrested was a Jewish activist with a banner that said: "Jews against genocide". He was arrested for carrying a banner that said: "Jews against genocide" by a German Government that claimed the conference was "antisemitic".
I thank the Deputy.
You could not make this stuff up. An open letter has gone around to the Taoiseach and all Deputies in this House to protest to the German ambassador about that suppression of free discussion and freedom of assembly. I encourage Members to sign that letter.
The attendance of the Taoiseach’s predecessor, Deputy Varadkar, at the Munich Security Conference, was significant. It was part of a drive that has been ongoing under Deputies Varadkar and Micheál Martin to erode whatever is left of neutrality and to display to the world that we are serious about this stuff, and that they should not worry because we will grow out of the immature neutrality.
My basic question is regarding whether the Taoiseach intends to continue in the same vein. Deputies Varadkar and Micheál Martin crossed a number of lines that had not previously been crossed. Yet, the one that Deputies Varadkar and Micheál Martin very much had in their sight is the question of the triple lock. The triple lock is the only legal provision that meant that a Government that clearly supported the US in its invasion of Iraq and facilitated the invasion of Iraq through its use of Shannon Airport, could not legally send ordinary Irish soldiers to go, fight and die in a war for oil and profit in the Middle East on behalf of the US.
A recent opinion poll very interestingly showed people's attitudes towards an EU army. The higher the income group a person is from, the more in favour they are of an EU army. The lower the income group a person is from, the less in favour they are of an EU army. Why is this the case? Quite obviously, it is because it is those who are in lower-income groups who will be disproportionately involved in going to fight in these wars. Is the Taoiseach still intending to proceed with this attempt to dismantle the triple lock, which protects some part of what is left of our neutrality?
I call on the Taoiseach to conclude.
There were a lot of very important issues, so let me try to take them. First, in response to Deputy Haughey, on the day on which I assumed this office, I spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to outline to him Ireland's ongoing support for the people of Ukraine, for their territorial integrity and for the European values of freedom. I had further discussions with European colleagues in Warsaw and Brussels on the importance of Europe continuing to stand in full stead behind Ukraine.
The Deputy asked specifically about Iran and Israel. It is right and proper that the Tánaiste and I, on behalf of the Government, have condemned the large-scale attacks by Iran on Israel. These reckless attacks were a significant escalation of the situation. They were a flagrant threat to international peace and security and we continue to call on all parties to show maximum restraint because the stability of the region is at grave risk. As any further escalation will have catastrophic consequences for millions of civilians, both Ireland and the European Union should be using our voices and influence for restraint and de-escalation.
As for the recognition of the state of Palestine, it is my intention, as well as those of the Tánaiste and the Government, that Ireland will recognise the state of Palestine. I had two opportunities to meet the Spanish Prime Minister last week, including when I welcomed him to Government Buildings last Friday, where we had a detailed discussion in this regard. It is the position of the Government that we wish to recognise the state of Palestine. Both the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and I agreed last Friday that we would continue to co-ordinate our efforts to recognise a Palestinian state, alongside a number of like-minded countries. It is important that recognition should be done in a way that can have the most positive impact on the situation on the ground. I do not wish to put a specific timeframe on the record of the House now other than to state my own assessment, which is that time is coming much closer. I believe that if a number of countries were to recognise a Palestinian state at the same time, it would give weight to that decision. Tomorrow, I will travel to Brussels for the European Council, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, where I will continue to have an opportunity to engage with Heads of Government of like-minded countries. We do not have a published list, which Deputy Ó Murchú asked for, but indeed, he has mentioned a number of countries that have indicated publicly a similar open-mindedness to perhaps recognising the state of Palestine.
As a country, we are and always have been clear that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through the implementation of a two-state solution with Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace and security, with Israel having a right to security, peace and safety and Palestine having a right to safety and peace as well.
On the specific question on the association agreement, my predecessor, Deputy Varadkar, signed a letter, again with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, asking the European Union to review the association agreement with Israel, specifically from the point of view of human rights, as well as compliance with international human rights law. That is an appropriate thing to do. This is a country that values international human rights law. When I met President von der Leyen last Thursday, I took the opportunity to raise this issue with her directly. I outlined to her the rationale behind that letter. Our point was that because we all want to see a ceasefire, we therefore should always consider all the levers at our disposal to help bring about the pressure to create a ceasefire. A collection of other countries have done similar. I believe the US and the UK have both given consideration to a similar review. I think the President will reflect on my comments but she also pointed out that it is open to foreign affairs ministers to consider these matters at the Foreign Affairs Council, FAC, which I believe is due to have an engagement with the Israeli foreign minister shortly. I will continue to keep in close contact with the Tánaiste about this.
To be clear, Ireland and the Irish Government remain fully committed to our policy of neutrality. It is entirely possible, plausible, credible and, in fact, necessary that we, as a neutral member state, not excuse ourselves from discussions on defence and security. That is quite important. We have an obligation. The first obligation of a government is to the security of its state, its people and their safety. That is something that we should not shirk from and that is not the same as being militarily aligned. There is no question of Ireland’s eroding or leaving its position of military neutrality. That is not the position of the Government. I do not believe it is the position of this House and I do not believe it is the position of the majority of people in this country. Yet, I do think it is important that as a country we do not shy away from having a discussion about defence and security within those confines. I commend the Tánaiste on his leadership in this regard. On the triple lock, I support the direction of travel outlined by the Tánaiste because I do not think it is appropriate that a country like Russia can effectively have a veto on where we send peacekeeping troops. At the moment, we can either trust the Irish Parliament and the Oireachtas, or allow Putin to decide where we can send our peacekeeping troops. The Deputy and I have a different view on that but that is clearly my view. It is one that the Government will bring forward through legislation but it is important that we tease all these matters out in this House and that is certainly our intention.
What about the question on divestment?
Is there to be no answer for me?
Sorry, can the Deputy remind me? These questions go far away from the attendance of my predecessor.
I asked about the conference in Germany.
I do not think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the record of the House on policing decisions that have been made in another EU member state but I will familiarise myself with the letter that the Deputy says has been sent to me. I have yet to see it.
In relation to divestment, I welcome the decision that has been taken by ISIF last week. I appreciate Deputy Ó Murchú's comments about not being overly concerned about how these things are done, as long as these things are done. Let me seek a view from the Minister for Finance and I will correspond with the Deputy on that.