Written Answers Nos. 1-30
8. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received the report on the consultative forum on international security policy; the expected timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41731/23]
View answer18. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his attendance ad the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. [30625/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 18 together.
With a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe and at national level, Iconvened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy in June. This was the first time the State has ever embarked on a national conversation on security and defence issues in this manner.
The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for discussion on the current global and European security environment, the security threats facing Ireland and the policy options to address these.
We had a broad discussion over a four day period, looking in particular at Ireland’s work to protect the UN system and the rules-based international order, our current and future engagement in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), our relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace, and new and emerging threats in the areas of cyber and hybrid attacks, the use of disinformation and the protection of critical offshore infrastructure. There was also opportunity to examine the experiences and choices of other partners in responding to the new security environment in Europe.
The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, with 80 panellists and moderators and approximately 1,000 attendees in person. All discussions were live-streamed, with over 10,000 online viewers. In addition, over 850 written submissions were received through the public consultation process.
One of my key aims in convening this Forum was to ensure that discussions on Ireland's security policy are well-informed and are based on facts and evidence. All the individuals who spoke brought different perspectives, different lived experiences and expertise and different policy approaches.
Throughout my participation over the four days, I was heartened to hear of the pride that so many feel in our record of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, diplomacy, and sustainable development work. That work will continue to be a fundamental part of our foreign and security policy, as demonstrated by Ireland’s leadership role just last week in securing a political declaration at the UN, recommitting all 193 UN member states to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Chair of the Consultative Forum, Louise Richardson DBE, is responsible for the production of a report, which I expect to receive, bring to Government and publish in the coming weeks. Her report will be an important contribution to this national conversation and I look forward to receiving it.
I would encourage everyone with an interest in Ireland's foreign and security policy to take the opportunity to listen back to the discussions at the Forum over the four days. The recordings of all of the sessions can be accessed on www.gov.ie. The proceedings of the Forum provide a rich, nuanced and diverse range of perspectives on the challenges facing Ireland in the current global security environment and the variety of policy options we have to address these.
10. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how many passports applications were processed over June, July and August 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41708/23]
View answer45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on passport applications and processing times presently; how many applications were processed this year; how many are outstanding and currently in waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 45 together.
The Passport Service is successfully meeting the current high demand for passports.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, all turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs. Almost 800,000 passports have been issued to date in 2023 and forecasts indicate that the Passport Service will issue around 1 million passports this year. The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has handled almost 500,000 queries to date.
I can inform the Deputy that the Passport Service issued just over 250,000 passports during the months of June, July and August. 100,375 passports were issued in June, while 81,363 passports were issued in July and 71,513 issued in August.
There are currently 93,000 passport applications in the Passport Service system. This does not represent a backlog. There is a continuous stream of new applications and a continuous dispatch of completed passports happening every day.
Passport Service figures show that 38,000 or 40% of these applications are fully complete and are being processed by the Passport Service. The other 60% of applications are incomplete, which means the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit the necessary documentation required.
The Passport Service contacts all applicants whose applications are incomplete to let them know what additional steps are required. However, it can sometimes take weeks or even months for the documents required to be submitted so that the application can progress.
The current passport processing times are:
• 10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals
• 15 working days for Complex or child online renewals
The highest number of applications are for online adult renewals. Over half of these are issued within two days.
The current turnaround for first time online applications is 20 working days. This turnaround time has halved since February 2022, when it took 40 days to process a first time online application.
The turnaround time for all paper applications, for first time or renewals, is 8 weeks. While only 10% of applications are submitted via paper channels, 26% of passport processing staff are currently assigned to this work. This is due to the inefficiencies of the paper channel both for the Citizen and the Passport Service.
This year, the Passport Service has implemented a number of measures to assist passport applicants.
These include:
• An upgrade to the Passport Online platform which provides first time applicants with a personalised list of the documents they need to submit.
and
• A partnership with the General Register Office (GRO) that allows the Passport Service to digitally access birth certificates for children born in Ireland. Families no longer need to submit physical birth certificates. Since this upgrade went live earlier this year, over 30,000 digital birth certificates have been accessed by the Passport Service through the GRO.
Passport Online is now by far the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to apply for a passport. It is an award winning online platform, which places the Irish Passport Service amongst the most innovative in the world.
Last week, the Passport Service rolled out Passport Online for first time applicants to an additional 25 countries, including Turkey, Argentina and Mozambique. This rollout has continued this week with countries such as Kenya and Iraq coming online. This means that Passport Online can now be used by 99.9% of all passport applicants worldwide.
The Passport Service continues to be in an excellent position to meet the demand forecast for the remainder of this year. I would ask all Deputies to encourage your constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
12. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what supports the Government is providing for the people of Morocco following its recent earthquake; and what actions his Department is taking to ensure the supports reach the people on the ground. [41912/23]
View answer37. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports and resources that Ireland has provided to the people of Morocco and Libya following recent natural disasters. [41460/23]
View answer41. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what supports the Government is providing for the people of Libya following Storm Daniel; and what actions his Department is taking to ensure the supports reach the people on the ground. [41911/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 37 and 41 together.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the earthquake in Morocco and of the flooding in Libya which has claimed so many lives. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and emergency responders. In Libya, the flooding has affected a country whose people have already endured years of conflict, poverty and displacement.
Ireland stands in solidarity with the people affected by these tragedies and is providing immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. Funding from Ireland will facilitate a response at local level to those in most need.
Immediately following the news of the earthquake in Morocco, I announced a contribution of €2 million of Irish Aid funding to support the work of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Moroccan Red Crescent Society, which forms a pivotal part of the local response. In Libya, Ireland has contributed €1 million of Irish Aid support to help cope with the consequences of this humanitarian disaster, also through the International Federation of the Red Cross. The allocations to Libya and Morocco will provide emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food, mobile health care including psychological support, and hygiene centres.
Ireland’s support is in addition to core funding of €2.4 million Euro already provided to the International Federation of the Red Cross by Ireland this year as part of a three-year agreement which allows the Federation to respond immediately when a disaster strikes. The International Federation of the Red Cross immediately disbursed €1 million Euro to support the operations of the Moroccan Red Crescent Society which provided medical assistance, and supported evacuation and coordination efforts.
Ireland also provides funds to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund which reacts rapidly and at scale when disasters happen. The Central Emergency Response Fund has announced funding of US$10 million in response to the floods in Libya. Ireland is the tenth largest contributor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, having provided €12.5 million to date this year.
14. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any concerns that the support of some EU states for Ukraine might be wavering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41706/23]
View answer46. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on his recent engagement with EU leaders with regard to the war in Ukraine. [33475/23]
View answer49. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the future of EU support for Ukraine following his recent visit to the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41761/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 46 and 49 together.
Ukraine continues to be a regular focus of discussions at EU level, in the face of Russia’s ongoing illegal and unjustified war of aggression.
The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, and military support for Ukraine.
Overall assistance to Ukraine pledged both at EU and Member State level to date amounts to €70 billion, including financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support. The European Commission has so far this year disbursed €12 billion of an up to €18 billion Macro-Financial Assistance package agreed for Ukraine in 2023. This package has allowed Ukraine to continue to pay wages and pensions, maintain essential public services, ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia.
In June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €50 billion package aimed at covering immediate reconstruction costs and supporting Ukraine over the next four years. The Ukraine Facility, which is still subject to approval by Member States, would ensure the EU’s sustained support for Ukraine as it continues to withstand Russian aggression, while addressing the complex challenges around reconstruction and the reforms underpinning the enlargement process. Ireland is generally supportive of mechanisms that assist Ukraine as it defends itself and progresses on its EU membership path and we welcome the proposal in principle, as a further sign of the EU's commitment to Ukraine.
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and we continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring that all measures adopted are fully and effectively implemented.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to the unprecedented mobilisation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the EPF to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment. Ireland constructively abstains on all lethal equipment elements of the support packages and our full share of funding – approximately €122 million– is directed exclusively toward non-lethal support.
At the June 2023 European Council, EU leaders agreed to stand ready to contribute to future security commitments to Ukraine and discussions are ongoing in Brussels on this. The Council Conclusions recognise that these commitments will fully respect Member States’ security and defence policies, such as Ireland’s.
Ireland is and will remain a strong supporter of Ukraine’s EU perspective. We look forward to the Commission’s Enlargement Package later this year, which will for the first time include a report on Ukraine’s progress on its path towards European Union membership.
Ukraine was a key topic for discussion at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Toledo on 31 August, which I attended and where we were again joined by Foreign Minister Kuleba, who updated us on the situation on the ground. This meeting was also an opportunity to prepare for engagement at the UN General Assembly last week.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland used UNGA High Level Week as an opportunity to build support among global partners for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, including by reiterating key messages on the global consequences of Russia’s invasion for the wider UN membership. Ireland along with 22 other EU Member States intervened in the Open Security Council debate on support for Ukraine on 20th September. EU Foreign Ministers again discussed Ukraine at their informal meeting in New York and it was clear that Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast.
15. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the humanitarian and institutional support for Ukraine and Moldova which he announced at the UN General Assembly in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41296/23]
View answer22. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the support Ireland is providing for Ukraine and Moldova; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41704/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 22 together.
Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine and Moldova, both bilaterally and through the EU budget, since Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.
On 19 September, I announced €23 million in new humanitarian and institutional support for Ukraine and Moldova, which will include funding to trusted partners such as UNHCR, UNFPA, the World Health Organisation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Bank, the OECD, Irish NGOs and President Zelenskyy’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative. This additional support package will provide much-needed humanitarian support and assistance to people suffering the impacts of this unjust war.
This brings Ireland’s total support to Ukraine to over €210 million since Russia’s full-scale invasion, comprising over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million of non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility.
Ireland has also provided a variety of in-kind assistance, including medical supplies and energy network items. Ireland has to date welcomed over 94,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive, which equates to some 1.8% of our population.
This new funding package includes €2 million in support for Moldova, which follows the €5 million we provided to Moldova last year towards supporting the provision of essential public services, and efforts to increase resilience in the energy sector. As the Taoiseach reiterated during his meeting with President Sandu in the margins of UNGA last week, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Moldova, which has been disproportionately impacted by Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
Ireland is strongly committed to EU enlargement, and we are committed to continuing to support both Moldova and Ukraine on their EU membership path.
We will continue to be unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and its neighbours, including Moldova, in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
17. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the submission by the Irish Government to the International Criminal Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory; and to confirm if the submission will be published. [41458/23]
View answerOn 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 77/247, which included a request to the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution, which was supported by 87 UN Member States.
The Court invited the UN and its Member States, as well as the observer State of Palestine, to submit information relevant to the questions asked by the General Assembly by 25 July 2023. In total, 57 statements, including a statement by Ireland, were submitted to the Court. The statement provided Ireland's legal analysis of the occupation and of issues related to Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Under the rules of the Court, during the written proceedings phase, all written statements are treated as confidential documents. The Court will decide whether to publish the written statements submitted to it on or after the opening of the oral proceedings. A date for these proceedings has not yet been scheduled, but they are likely to take place early in the new year.
19. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider establishing an embassy in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41887/23]
View answerThe Government does not currently have plans to open an Embassy in Baghdad. The Embassy of Ireland in Amman is accredited to Iraq.
Ireland’s global impact and diplomatic network has been strengthened by the Global Ireland Programme, which was launched in 2018. The Global Ireland programme aims to double Ireland's international impact and influence in the period 2018 to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence.
Since the launch of the Global Ireland programme, 22 new Missions have been opened or announced to open. A new Embassy was opened in Amman, Jordan, in 2019, and in Rabat, Morocco, in 2021, and we are in the process of opening an Embassy in Tehran. These new missions expand our diplomatic presence in the Middle East, complementing the presence of existing embassies in Cairo, Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, as well as a representative office in Ramallah. There are also Honorary Consuls based in Beirut, Manama, Alexandria, Damascus, and Muscat.
Any decision on the opening of a new embassy is considered by reference to Ireland’s national, political and economic priorities. Against these and other factors, the Government keeps the matter of opening further embassies under active review.
20. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Irish Government's position on the recent Azeri military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. [41461/23]
View answer44. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland will take individually and at a European level in response to renewed aggression by Azerbaijan against Armenia, including military attacks on civilian areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41756/23]
View answer56. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what Ireland's response is to the escalating situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh. [41762/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 44 and 56 together.
The developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the safety of the local population, and the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor and from Azerbaijan via Aghdam into Nagorno-Karabakh.
However the following day there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan. Ireland called for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of EU HR/VP Josep Borrell. EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar has travelled to the region and will report back to the EU Members States on his findings.
Following the announcement of a ceasefire on 20 September, during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, HR/VP Borrell underscored Azerbaijan’s responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, and appealed to Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland echoes these calls for respect for the ceasefire, and for immediate engagement by the parties in genuine and comprehensive dialogue.
Ireland has also been engaged at the OSCE, taking part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has also been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties. Ireland supports the OSCE’s efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
The ICRC is the only major humanitarian organisation present in Nagorno-Karabakh, and I welcome their work in providing humanitarian assistance to the local population. Regular and unimpeded access for essential supplies to continue to reach those most in need is essential and Azerbaijan must take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo.
I discussed Ireland’s concerns for the welfare of civilians in my call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on 11 August, and senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are in ongoing contact with the parties.
Finally, I welcome the Interim Measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights on 22 September 2023, which require the Government of Azerbaijan to refrain from taking any measures which might entail breaches of their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, notably the right to life (Article 2) and the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 3).
Ireland will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments on the ground. We will continue to engage at the bilateral, EU and multilateral level to reiterate the humanitarian imperative of protecting the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, as well as the EU and OSCE's commitment to support the resumption of negotiations in view of concluding a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
21. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent trips to Israel and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41752/23]
View answer40. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to Palestine and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41688/23]
View answer67. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a detailed itinerary of his recent visit to Israel. [41909/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 40, 63 and 67 together.
I visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and Jordan from 4-8 September 2023. In view of the continuing priority afforded by the Government to our relations with these partners and – in particular – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this visit provided an important opportunity to meet with my political counterparts and to engage with civil society partners active on the ground.
Given the deeply worrying trends and increasing violence that we are witnessing in the occupied Palestinian territory and which have been raised frequently in this House, I underlined Ireland’s concerns on several issues across all my engagements, notably the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in breach of international law, terror attacks perpetrated against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, shrinking civil society space and the absence of meaningful political dialogue.
While visiting Israel, I met with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. I visited the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, Yad Vashem, and laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance, and the National Library of Israel, to view archives from the Genealogical History of the Irish Jewish Communities. I also visited Lod, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, where I was briefed by representatives of Abraham Initiatives, an NGO supported and funded by my Department, who work to promote engagement and dialogue between the two communities. I also delivered an address to the Israeli Council on Foreign Relations on Ireland's foreign policy priorities, and met with representatives of the civil society group Parents Circle.
During my visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, I met with President Mahmoud Abbas and with the Secretary General of Fatah’s Central Committee, Jibril Rajoub. I visited Beitunia Secondary Vocational School for Girls in Ramallah, which is supported by my Department as part of our overall funding to the Palestinian education system, met with UN and NGO officials working on human rights and accountability issues and was briefed by members of the West Bank Protection Consortium, as well as meeting with members of a Palestinian Bedouin community at risk of displacement from their home due to intimidation and violence by settlers.
In East Jerusalem, I met with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. This was an important opportunity to discuss the situation regarding the Status Quo of the religious sites and the challenges being faced by Christian communities.
In Jordan, I met with King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Ayman Safadi. I also visited Khalda Refugee Registration Centre to meet with a number of United Nations agencies which Ireland supports, including UNHCR, the World Food Programme and UNICEF, as well as with Syrian refugees in the centre. I went to Hussein Technical University and met with the university faculty and participants in the ‘Embassy for Youth Entrepreneurship Programme’, and the winners of the Jordan Young Scientist 2023.
23. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his recent visit to the UN as it relates to the SDG Declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/23]
View answer62. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his attendance at the UN Sustainable Development Goals summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 62 together.
I visited New York from 16 to 21 September for the opening of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. The Taoiseach, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Minister for Health were also present for a series of high level UN meetings, held at senior political level.
I attended the opening high level meeting on 18 and 19 September, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) summit. It was addressed by the Taoiseach, given Ireland's role as co-facilitator for the negotiation of the Political Declaration, which was adopted by the Summit. There was a series of other high level meetings during the week on Climate and Health, and I spoke at the high level meeting on Financing for Development. I also had an intense series of political meetings, including bilateral meetings with Ministers from a wide range of countries.
In all of my meetings, I emphasised the urgency of re-invigorating international commitment to the achievement of the SDGs and noted that progress on the Goals has been set back by multiple interlocking crises globally, including the existential threat of climate change. I highlighted the need to address the global crisis of food security and malnutrition, and underscored Ireland's commtment, which includes investment of over €284 million on food, agriculture and nutrition in 2023. The Taoiseach and I were also clear in our statements that Ireland will meet our pledge to provide at least €225 million in international climate finance annually by 2025.
I welcome the strong Political Declaration on the SDGs which was adopted by the Summit. It makes clear the scale of the international commitment required if progress on the SDGs is to be accelerated, with only 15% of the targets achieved at this point. The Government is fully committed to progress on the Goals, at home and abroad, including through our international development programme, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
24. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects to receive legal advice in relation to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41857/23]
View answer35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action he plans to take in regard to the British government's legacy Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41869/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 35 together.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act is a unilateral and unnecessary departure by the UK Government from the agreed processes for dealing with legacy set out in the Stormont House Agreement. It was introduced without meaningful consultation with those most affected, including victims, civil society, and Northern Ireland parties, and with no genuine engagement with the this Government.
I have repeatedly made clear to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the Government’s strong concerns around the Act’s compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular, provisions around the granting of immunity for crimes amounting to gross human rights violations and the shutting down all outstanding legacy inquests.
Similar concerns have been shared by international experts and observers, including the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last week, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe invited the Chair to send a letter to the British authorities outlining their concerns. This followed their sixth substantive debate on the Bill, which has now been enacted.
Incorporation of the ECHR into Northern Ireland law was an explicit requirement of the Good Friday Agreement. Undermining the protection of the fundamental rights of people in Northern Ireland, damages the process of reconciliation, which we have worked so hard to progress.
I am fully aware of calls for the initiation of an inter-state case against the United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the UK Legacy Act. Many of those calls come from groups representing victims. The Government is fully aware that this would be a significant step, and is not one which will be taken lightly. As the Taoiseach and I have stated, the Government have sought legal advice on this matter from the Attorney General. I look forward to receiving that advice in the near future and when that advice is received the Government will consider what subsequent action will be taken.
25. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will update members on what role Ireland will play in providing support and relief following the floods in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41809/23]
View answerOn 10 September, Storm Daniel struck north-eastern Libya, with torrential rains and flash floods affecting wide areas, including the city of Derna. It is estimated at this stage that over 5,000 people have died, but thousands more are missing and very significant numbers are displaced.
Responding immdiately to the crisis, the Government announced €1 million in humanitarian assistance for the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which are working directly with the Libyan Red Crescent on the ground. The Libyan Red Crescent provided search & rescue and relief operations in the critical first days. Ireland's funding continues to support its work supporting local communities most affected through the provision of emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food, mobile health care, including psychological support, and hygiene centres.
To respond to immediate emergency health needs the World Health Organisation (WHO), which receives core funding from Ireland, deployed emergency kits and medical supplies to Libya.
Ireland also provides pre-positioned funds to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which reacts rapidly and at scale when disasters happen. CERF has announced funding of $10 million in response to the floods in Libya. Ireland is the tenth largest contributor to the CERFs, providing $12.5 million so far this year.
Ireland also provides €2.4m in annual funding to the IFRC including funding for its pooled Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) which releases funding in the first hours of a disaster and has provided €1 million for the crisis in Libya.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to monitor the situation in Libya with our partners on the ground, including updates on specific needs and further response required from the international community.
27. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what actions he will take given the accelerating illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank of Palestine. [41763/23]
View answerI am deeply concerned by recent policy and legislative initiatives of the Israeli Government regarding settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law and Israel should not make any provision to advance settlement authorisation and development. During my visit to the region, I made this view clear to all of my Israeli interlocutors including the Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu.
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 undermining 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 differentiation 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. For this reason, Ireland submitted a written statement to the International Court of Justice on the ‘Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem’. This statement clearly outlined Ireland’s view that there will be no just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without respect for international law.
28. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports a renegotiation of the United Kingdom's Brexit arrangements with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/23]
View answer39. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to recent comments by the leader of the British Labour Party in relation to the United Kingdom and the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41705/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 39 together.
I welcome the comments by the leader of the British Labour party that his party, if elected, would pursue a closer relationship with the European Union.
For Ireland, a positive and cooperative relationship between the EU and the UK is essential for the pursuit of many areas of key national interest, an important factor in stability in Northern Ireland as well as a relevant context for our bilateral British-Irish relations.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the Withdrawal Agreement provide the framework for post-Brexit relations between the EU and the UK.
The Withdrawal Agreement includes the Windsor Framework/Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, which is a key element of the overall EU-UK framework and one to which we in Ireland pay particularly close attention.
The agreement on the Framework earlier this year was a significantly positive development. The Framework addresses the concerns of people and business in Northern Ireland and provides an opportunity for stability and predictability for trade and business throughout the island. The agreement on the Framework has led to a welcome improvement in relations between the EU and the UK.
To date, the UK Government has been following through on its commitments under the Framework. It has been putting in place the safeguards to protect the European Single Market as agreed and the first set of facilitations for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is due to start coming into effect next week.
It remains vitally important that the Framework is implemented fully and in good faith by the UK.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for tariff-free and quota-free trade between the EU and the UK as well as areas where the EU and the UK continue to cooperate, including in the areas of energy, fisheries, transport, law enforcement and judicial cooperation.
The Agreement commits the Parties to jointly reviewing implementation five years after the entry into force and every five years thereafter. The first such review will take place in 2026 and will be an opportunity for the EU and the UK jointly to take stock of the operation of the Agreement.
The Agreement also provides for regular and ongoing meetings of EU and UK representatives to implement and exchange views on cooperation through, for example, the Partnership Council at Foreign Secretary/European Commissioner level as well as a range of other meetings covering all aspects of the Agreement.
I believe that there is much more we can do through the Agreement. I welcome, for example, the agreement in principle reached earlier this month on the UK re-joining the EU’s Horizon research programme. I also welcome the upcoming inaugural meeting of the EU-UK Forum for regulatory cooperation on financial services.
For Ireland, a positive partnership between the EU and the UK can provide a key context for political progress in Northern Ireland and for developing British-Irish relations, as well as a framework through which we can advance many areas of national interest.
It is in that light that I welcome any suggestions on how we can strengthen and deepen the EU-UK partnership into the future.
29. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ask the British government to posthumously pardon all Irish people convicted for food theft and other hunger related crimes during the Great Famine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41685/23]
View answerAn Gorta Mór - the Great Famine - had a profound impact on Irish life and society which, as I said in my remarks at the National Famine Commemoration in 2022 - “Its indelible marks are still there in our culture, our society, our politics and our place in the wider world."
In 1997, on the 150th anniversary of the Famine, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair issued a statement acknowledging that “[t]hose who governed in London at the time failed their people through standing by while a crop failure turned into a massive human tragedy.”
These words remain significant. That is why the work of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, and our annual memorial day commemorating An Gorta Mór, are so important. These efforts ensure that famine victims and the long legacy of famine will not be forgotten.
We best honour today those who suffered in the past by dedicating ourselves to efforts to prevent food insecurity and famine worldwide. Up to 780 million people in the world today do not have enough to eat.
Ireland is playing a leading role in efforts to fight hunger worldwide. The Government’s international development policy, A Better World, commits to a sustainable food systems approach that builds on our strong track record over decades tackling hunger and fostering sustainable livelihoods. This year, the Irish Aid international development programme will invest €284 million in improving food, agriculture and nutrition for the most vulnerable people. Separately, Ireland’s humanitarian aid, which reached €297 million last year, is focused on the top hunger hotspots globally.
This, coupled with Ireland’s role in international bodies, such as the United Nations, helps ensure those impacted by famine - both today and in the past - are honoured with respect and dignity.
30. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his recent UN visit with respect to Climate Finance and in anticipation of COP 28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41609/23]
View answerInternational climate finance is a key priority for the Government and for Ireland’s foreign policy. At COP26 in 2021, I set a target to provide a least €225 million annually in climate finance to developing countries by 2025. My Department subsequently led on the development of Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap as the pathway to achieve this target.
While I was at the UN General Assembly last week, it was again highlighted to me that climate finance is an urgent priority for developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable and least capable to cope with climate impacts.
Many countries continue to face challenges and barriers in accessing climate finance for supporting actions to adapt to climate change. These challenges were raised in several discussions and events that I participated in, including the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, which was chaired by the President of the General Assembly. I used the opportunity of this Dialogue to reiterate Ireland's financing commitment.
Climate finance was also raised in several other UNGA engagements, including the Climate Ambition Summit and the Ministerial meeting on climate-induced Loss and Damage, both of which were attended by my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Ireland’s international climate finance prioritises adaptation actions and the Government has been an active advocate for improving access and efficiency in the delivery of climate finance, particularly to highly vulnerable countries such as Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
We will continue to promote these issues as we prepare for COP28, including through our role on the Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage. The Committee is tasked with operationalising new funding arrangements that were agreed at COP27 last year.
