Written Answers Nos. 113-117
113. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an application for a replacement foreign birth certificate will be expedited (details supplied); and the current waiting times for replacement certificates. [37110/24]
View answerForeign Birth Registration (FBR) replacement certificates are processed separately to applications for entry to the Foreign Birth Register. Where a person has lost their FBR cert, they can apply online for a replacement FBR Certificate, through www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/. They will then forward the relevant documents, via post, for processing.
Based on correct supporting documentation being submitted by the applicant, the current wait time for replacement FBR certs is one month.
If the applicant requires any assistance with their application for a replacement FBR cert, they can call the Customer Service Hub on +353 1 568 3331.
114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his engagements to promote an end to the conflict in Sudan; to outline Ireland’s ongoing humanitarian support to the people of Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37160/24]
View answerThe conflict in Sudan is causing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Almost 26 million people - over half the country’s population - face acute hunger, with more than 755,000 people already experiencing famine conditions. Over 12 million people are displaced inside Sudan or have fled to neighbouring countries.
In April this year at a High Level Conference in Paris, I pledged €12.3 million for Sudan in direct humanitarian assistance in 2024, an increase of €2 million on 2023. Over €10.5 million has already been released to our NGO and UN partners working in Sudan. Another €2.5 million is being provided for neighbouring countries hosting Sudanese refugees. Ireland also provides additional humanitarian support through pooled funding to UN agencies such as the World Food Programme.
The conflict is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls. This year €2 million of our assistance for the Sudan crisis is going to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for protection and support of women and girls in Sudan and neighbouring countries. We also provide support to civil society organisations working for peace and human rights.
Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need to protect civilians, maintain humanitarian access, stop the fighting and put civil society at the centre of Sudan’s political future.
Ireland has championed the establishment of a new EU autonomous sanctions regime for Sudan, targeting those responsible for undermining peace and security, including attacks against civilians. The first set of targeted sanctions was announced in January against six companies affiliated with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): an additional package of measures was adopted in June.
Ireland has consistently supported the need for accountability mechanisms at the Human Rights Council, including calling for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.
During his visit to the Horn of Africa in July, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin discussed the crisis with regional leaders and pledged that Ireland will continue to work with EU and international partners to promote an end to the conflict, persuade the parties to come back to the negotiating table, permit humanitarian access and end attacks on civilians.
115. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any discussions with his Department and his counterpart in Colombia with regard to the operations of a company (details supplied); for an update on engagement between the embassy in Bogota, the company and local communities, and the way that Ireland and Colombia work together to ensure the indigenous Misak people receive justice in their campaign to get their land back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37164/24]
View answerDuring my visit to Colombia in January 2024, I had the opportunity to engage with a range of Government representatives for wide-ranging discussions on the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, peace-building and reconciliation. Ireland is fully committed to supporting the peace process in Colombia and to sharing our experience of reconciliation. The issue of rural reforms, including efforts to improve equality of land access, is a central pillar of the peace process in Colombia. Our support for positive outcomes in this area has been communicated to the administration of President Petro.
The issue referenced by the Deputy is complex and multi-faceted, with multiple viewpoints at play. The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the communities and the company involved.
Our engagement includes support for the facilitation of a dialogue process through engagement at local level with all relevant stakeholders, including the communities and company involved, the Government in Colombia, and non-governmental organisations. Officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Colombia have visited the region and regularly engage with stakeholders. This continuing engagement with all parties seeks to ensure that my officials have a deep understanding of this complex situation, and to best support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play. Our support has also included the sharing of experiences with stakeholders, both in Colombia and in Ireland, relating to peace and reconciliation, rural development and community engagement.
I continue to encourage all parties to engage constructively in this dialogue process. I hope that this will result in a long-term and inclusive solution that respects the rights of all concerned.
116. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs . [37194/24]
View answerForeign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific FBR applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications for entry to the FBR were examined by the Entitlement Team on 12/03/2024, deemed incomplete, and further clarification was requested; this clarification was received by the Entitlement Team on 13/03/2024. The applications are under active review at this time. An entitlement officer will be in contact with the applicants next week.
117. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of an application for a foreign birth registration for a person (details supplied). [37210/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, this applicant has been entered on the Foreign Birth Register. The printed FBR Certificate and supporting documents have been dispatched to the applicant.
