Written Answers Nos. 128-148
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor difficulties experienced by Irish exporters arising from Brexit; the measures in place or proposed in respect of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17287/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs, working closely across Government with key Departments and agencies, continues to closely monitor Ireland’s trade with the UK and to support Irish exporters address the challenges that continue to be raise by the outworkings of Brexit.
While the loss of pre-Brexit trading arrangements with the United Kingdom has been challenging, following the initial period of adjustment, the trading environment has broadly settled with Irish traders showing real resilience and adaptability.
Our two-way bilateral trade in goods and services was worth €122 billion in 2022. That amounts to about €2.4 billion per week. Ireland was the UK’s sixth largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023.
The UK remains a key market for Ireland’s agri-food sector in particular, with exports to GB in 2022 worth €6.8 billion, representing 36% of total food exports.
Irish exporters are currently navigating a new set of post-Brexit changes, with the introduction by the UK of new import controls this year.
The UK has been introducing customs and Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) checks on imports from the EU, including Ireland, in stages, as part of its Border Target Operating Model. The first phase of these new controls came into effect at the end of January this year, with a further phase upcoming at the end of April, and future phases planned for the introduction of physical controls.
These new controls have implications for all Irish exporters to Great Britain, particularly agri-food exporters, including those using the UK Landbridge.
The Government has led extensive stakeholder engagement to make sure that all affected Irish stakeholders (including producers, manufacturers, hauliers, logistics companies, ferry operators and ports) are fully aware of the new UK requirements.
In the lead up to the January milestone, the Government rolled out an intensive communications campaign to raise awareness among Irish audiences of the new UK rules, including a local and regional media, online and social media advertising campaign.
While the first phase in January represented a significant change, overall the transition to the new UK rules went broadly smoothly, due to the high level of engagement and preparation by Irish exporters.
The Government is continuing to engage with the British Government to prepare for the next milestone, coming up on 30 April, which will primarily impact trade between Britain and the rest of the EU, but will also have potential impacts for Irish traders using Britain as a landbridge to the EU.
The Government will continue to engage with Irish exporters and all stakeholders in the supply chain to support them in their adaption to these new UK rules and to future milestones to come.
More broadly, the Government continues to provide a wide range of supports to business who continue to adapt their business to the post-Brexit trading environment. Enterprise Ireland, for example, provides grants and funding supports for Irish exporters, such as market access grants, business innovation grants and strategic consultancy grants. Outside of grants and funding, there are also other supports offered to exporters such as export development assistance, training and development as well as in-market support in Great Britain.
129. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the number of times the Irish ambassador to Israel has appeared on Israeli state TV and radio or written opinion pieces in Haretz in the past 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/24]
View answerEngaging in extensive public diplomacy activities is an important part of the role of Ireland's Ambassador to Israel. This typically involves a wide range of activities, such as engagement with universities, media outreach and social media. The Embassy in Tel Aviv regularly engages with a variety of Israeli organisations to effectively communicate Ireland's perspective. Due to the ongoing conflict, and the challenging local context, officials in the Embassy in Israel have not focused on media appearances over the last 12 months.
I have undertaken two visits to Israel over the period concerned, which have formed a central component of Ireland’s public diplomacy and communications strategy during this time. During both visits – which took place under different circumstances - I prioritised extensive press and media engagement, including a dedicated press programme for my visit in September. That visit also afforded me the opportunity to deliver a keynote address to the Israel Council on Foreign Relations, providing an opportunity to convey Ireland’s perspective in detail to an Israeli domestic audience. Further opportunities for press and media engagement on the ground are kept under ongoing review.
130. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagement with the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the West Bank and Gaza. []
View answer131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs following the International Court of Justice setting 28 October 2024 as the deadline by which South Africa must submit its memorial in the case of South Africa v Israel taken under the Genocide Convention, if it is still the intention of the Government to refrain from submitting a declaration of intervention until after that point; if so, the timeframe thereafter in which he intends to submit such a declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17155/24]
View answerIn March, I announced that Ireland will seek to intervene in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice. At the time, I stated that our intention is to file a Declaration of Intervention after South Africa has filed its Memorial, and I noted that this would likely take a number of months.
On 5 April, the ICJ made an Order setting time-limits for the filing of written pleadings by the parties in this case. It fixed 28 October 2024 for South Africa to file its Memorial, and 28 July 2025 for Israel to file its Counter-Memorial.
It remains our intention to seek to intervene in this case under Article 63 of the Statute of the ICJ after South Africa has filed its Memorial, which we now know will be towards the end of 2024. Article 63 allows states that are parties to a convention to advance a particular interpretation of that convention if it is in question in a given case before the Court. Waiting until South Africa has filed its Memorial will ensure that we have a good understanding of what provisions of the Genocide Convention South Africa intends to rely on, which we can then in turn address. This will ensure that our intervention is relevant, and as such more likely to be deemed admissible by the Court.
132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost to date of establishing the Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad; if these costs involved purchasing or leasing a new or existing building to accommodate the embassy; if the opening is still expected to take place in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/24]
View answerFollowing Government approval on 7 September 2022, Ireland will open a resident Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan later this year.
The decision to open a mission in Pakistan is part of the Government’s Global Ireland strategy, which seeks a doubling of Ireland’s global footprint and influence, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence.
The Embassy will support the strategic objectives of Ireland’s renewed Asia-Pacific Strategy, by deepening our bilateral relations with Pakistan and reinforcing our understanding of regional dynamics.
The current cost to date of establishing the Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad is €143,516, of which €92,728 relates to rental costs for office space to accommodate the Embassy.
On 14 November last, the Government approved the nomination of Ms. Mary O’Neill as Ireland’s first resident Ambassador to Pakistan. It is envisaged that the Ambassador will commence her assignment later this year.
In the meantime, the Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye will remain accredited to Pakistan.
133. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons the Government is willing to recognise the independence of Palestine but not the independence of Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17199/24]
View answerIreland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the One China Policy. This means that we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. We recognise the People’s Republic of China as the legal representative of China. However, this does not preclude the development of economic, cultural, and people-to-people connections with Taiwan; nor the meaningful participation of Taiwan in relevant multilateral fora. The European Union is represented in Taiwan by the European Economic and Trade office, which seeks to strengthen economic and trade relations with Taiwan. There has been a Taipei Representative Office in Dublin since 1988.
With regard to recognition of Palestine, the Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or, in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”. Ireland has maintained intensive dialogue with partners on how the formal recognition of a Palestinian state could be a catalyst to help the people of Gaza and the West Bank. The Taoiseach spoke about this topic when he met with Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez last Friday. Both leaders agreed to coordinate efforts to recognise a Palestinian state alongside a number of likeminded countries”.
134. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland accepts the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the Swiss climate case; if so, whether any policy changes will arise from that determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17137/24]
View answer138. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will review the climate action plan to take into account the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the Swiss climate case; his views on whether any policy changes will arise from that determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17140/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 138 together.
The Government notes and accepts the ruling delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in relation to case of Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland, and is reviewing its outcome, in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. In advance of this review occurring fully, it is not possible to determine what, if any, impact the ruling could have on the policy of the Government.
Although the Government shares the environmental concerns of the applicants, the global climate crisis cannot best be addressed by litigation, but instead requires collaborative global efforts – efforts to which this Government is strongly committed.
The severity of the threat facing the global community, as a result of climate change, and the urgent need for action cannot be denied. Climate change – as an urgent, complex and multifaceted challenge – needs an effective global response. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (‘UNFCCC’) and its instruments, including the Paris Agreement, is the dedicated international framework governing climate change at a global level.
Ireland considers that it is through this framework – and decisions taken at annual COPs (Conferences of the Parties) and regional, national and local actions – that the international community can most effectively respond.
Ireland remains committed to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement, and championing progressive global action. Equity, rights-based approaches and just transition underpin our actions.
The Government is committed to addressing the crisis of climate change domestically, as well as internationally, including as an EU Member State.
Ireland’s Climate Act (2021) places our ambitious climate and emissions objectives on statutory footing. The Act also sets out the governance framework, to support us in achieving our goals of climate resilience, environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government before the end of last year, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). A public consultation is currently underway. This plan sets out how Ireland will speed up action to respond to the climate crisis, reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
135. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the rationale for Ireland intervening in the recently decided European Court of Human Rights Swiss climate case; the size of the legal team involved; the associated costs of that case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17138/24]
View answer137. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what interaction he had with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to Ireland's intervention in the European Court of Human Rights Swiss climate case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17139/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 137 together.
In the case of Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland, I sought and was granted Government approval for Ireland to seek leave to intervene as a third party. This leave was granted by the European Court of Human Rights and written and oral observations were made on behalf of the State.
While the Government shares the environmental concerns of the applicants, the global climate crisis cannot best be addressed by litigation, but instead requires collaborative global efforts – efforts to which this Government is strongly committed.
The Government supports the clarification of the relevant principles of international law, in promoting individual and collective action of States to prevent climate change. To this end, Ireland co-sponsored a UN General Assembly Resolution in March 2023. That resolution requests the International Court of Justice to provide an ‘advisory opinion’ on States’ climate change obligations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs acted as agent on behalf of the Government in the proceedings. The Government was represented at the hearing of this case by one senior counsel and one junior counsel, together with officials from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The final costs of these proceedings have not been determined and to date no payments have been made by my Department.
136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 9 April 2024, to report on Ireland’s engagement rate with the deposit return scheme, compared with other similar schemes abroad at the stage of introduction; to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of Ireland’s engagement in comparison with the other countries cited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17129/24]
View answerIreland’s Deposit Return Scheme went live on 1st February 2024 and has made a very solid start, demonstrating good public engagement. A transition period will remain in place until 1st June 2024 to manage the selling off of old stock and the introduction of new, Re-turn logo-ed stock. To date, 47M PET and aluminium containers have been collected under the scheme.
Whilst a multi-country dataset is not publicly available, an assessment by Re-turn of recently launched schemes in Europe and comparison with their early stages of operation indicates that Ireland is performing well. This assessment is based on data and insights shared voluntarily and generously by these new schemes in other member states.
139. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to the commitment given by his officials to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection regarding when the final report of the independent analysis of the warmth and well-being scheme carried out by the London School of Tropical Medicine will be published; the reason for missing the latest publication deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17200/24]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and wellbeing was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot, provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions. These included:
• Warmer, more comfortable homes, with heating systems that are easier to control;
• Improved physical health including reduced pain;
• Improved mental health and wellbeing including reduced feelings of anxiety and depression;
• Reduced visits to GP and A&E and fewer incidences requiring hospitalisation;
• Reduced prescription drug usage for their respiratory conditions;
• Being more comfortable inviting other to their homes.
The scheme experienced significant delays due to complications associated with GDPR, Brexit and the COVID-19 emergency. The learnings from the project are already influencing policy. This includes mainstreaming elements of the project into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the customer at the forefront of the process.
The scheme was also featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
I intend the publish the final report next month (May, 2024) .
140. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the transfer of Dunguaire Castle to Galway County Council; when the process is expected to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/24]
View answerThe Shannon Heritage business and sites in Clare transferred from the Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council from 1 May 2023. As Dunguaire Castle is located in county Galway, it was not part of that transfer agreement, however I understand that Clare County Council operated the Castle on behalf of the Group on a temporary basis over the 2023 summer season.
I understand that the future position of Dunguaire Castle continues to be discussed between the Group and Galway County Council.
141. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 28 February 2024, why GDPR was not given as a reason for data withholding, if it was known at the time of answer that GDPR was an issue; if so, from what date; and the reason it was not referenced. [17078/24]
View answerThe previous Question to which the Deputy refers requested information regarding numbers of road traffic incidents at certain locations. My Department does not hold data on the specific locations referenced and is therefore not withholding the information requested, for GDPR reasons or otherwise.
Responsibility for investigating road traffic incidents rests with the An Garda Síochána, which collects collision data at the roadside. To obtain collision information at the specific junctions requested, the Deputy should make contact with An Garda Síochána.
142. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus timetable could be adjusted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17097/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
143. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to detail which intercity rail services will be allocated the new railcar carriages; when they will be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail. Decisions on the deployment of the 41 intercity carriages will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
144. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when the first 95 electric and battery-electric carriages will be deployed; what services they will be deployed to; how decisions on deployment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17142/24]
View answerFollowing Government approval for a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom in December 2021, 95 additional DART carriages were purchased for arrival in 2025. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive by 2026.
The first of the new trains are due to arrive later this year, for testing and commissioning before deployment. The 30 electric carriages will be used, at least initially, to augment existing DART train services along the coast. The first batch of 65 battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin to Drogheda line, in early 2026. To enable the roll-out of these DART trains to Drogheda, new battery-electric charging infrastructure is being developed at Drogheda station. This will allow the DART trains to operate on battery power between Malahide and Drogheda, in advance of the extension of overhead electric wires in future.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the DART+ programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
145. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the electric DART service for Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17143/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including through the Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.
Initial planning/design work is currently ongoing to establish the feasibility of operating an hourly DART service to Wicklow town using battery-electric trains that could operate along the un-electrified section between Greystones and Wicklow. Under this arrangement, one DART per hour arriving at Greystones would be a battery-electric train, which would be able to continue further south along the un-electrified line and terminate at Wicklow town train station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
146. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of deaths on Irish roads in each year from 2006 to date; the breakdown for each year, by age group and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17233/24]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collisions data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
147. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools in County Kerry that applied for the safe routes to school scheme; the status of each application, in tabular form, outlining the schools whose programmes have been fully implemented, the planned completion dates, approved but no works commenced, and awaiting inclusion in the scheme; the number of schools completed to date that are classed as rural schools or are outside urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/24]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with 1 school subsequently withdrawing, while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, I have referred your specific queries relating to Safe Routes to School to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown hospital can be facilitated or incorporated into current routes to facilitate elderly people from this area getting to and from medical appointments, who cannot always drive and may experience mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17271/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations, scheduling or planning of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
For the information of the Deputy, my remit and that of the NTA relates to 'open' public transport services, available to everyone. However, 'closed' or dedicated transport services, for example non-emergency hospital only transport services, are outside of that public transport remit.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the provision of 'open' public transport services, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
