Written Answers Nos. 101-120
102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether it is intended to extend free travel for children under nine years of age to islanders up to nine years of age using ferry and air services to and from the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40282/24]
View answerThe recent announcements made in Budget 2025, regarding free travel for children under nine years of age, relate only to PSO public transport services that are managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of the Department of Transport. Services provided by Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link are covered by the announcement. Other services funded by the Department of Transport, such as the PSO air service to Donegal, are not included. Similarly, ferry and air services to the islands are not covered by the announcement.
Unlike the services managed by the NTA, offshore islands have a mix of subsidised and non-subsidised transport services. My Department secures contracts for passenger ferry services for the islands on the open market through a procurement process. This ensures that all potential suppliers are treated equally and that the selection process is fair and transparent for all.
For subsidised ferry services to remain affordable for the duration of an agreed contract, the Department sets out - within the tender document - the maximum fare an operator can charge visitors and islanders respectively for using the service. Each operator is free to set their own prices up to the maximum rates specified within the tender document.
The maximum islander rate represents a significant discount compared to the standard visitor rates, in order to ensure that the services are affordable for island communities at all times of the year.Altering the terms upon which the tender is based, such as fares, may have the potential to undermine the procurement procedure and may lead to reduced services to the islands, particularly with regard to non-subsided services and other private operators who may be placed at a disadvantage.
As the Deputy will appreciate, any unilateral action by my Department to alter the terms of existing contracts, such as introducing a new fares structure, could represent a breach of contract and bring the process into disrepute. Therefore, it is not intended to make any alterations to the fare structure on any of the subsidised services to our off shore islands.
105. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline her ambition for the new Trading for Impact: National Social Enterprise Policy 2024 -2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40445/24]
View answerTrading for Impact, the new social enterprise policy puts forward a vision designed to help cultivate and sustain strong, impactful social enterprises in Ireland. This, in turn, will enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of people living in our communities, both rural and urban.
It will further support social enterprises to play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and equality, to provide supports and employment opportunities to more marginalised groups and minorities, and to address societal issues such as food poverty, housing provision and the environment.
The policy lays out 57 concrete actions, across five policy objectives: ‘Building Awareness of Social Enterprise’, ‘Growing and Sustaining Social Enterprise’, ‘Supporting the Green Transition’, ‘National and International Engagement’, and ‘Impact measurement’. Through delivery of these policy objectives, Trading for Impact will create sustainable pathways to enhance both quality of life and economic opportunity while improving the capacity of social enterprises to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Trading for Impact was developed in partnership with the sector, and is designed to foster further partnership and collaboration between its networks and stakeholders. It takes a cross-government approach to encourage further co-ordination of social enterprise policy across multiple departments and is a blueprint for sustainable growth over the coming years.
Through the implementation of the new Policy, it is envisaged that the social enterprise sector will continue to develop in size and significance over the coming years supported by developments at EU and international level. I look forward to the increased growth and contribution of social enterprise to Irish society in the years ahead, and to a future where they remain at the core of our communities as a valuable source of innovation and collaboration.
106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends extending the number of groups and participants taking part in the Community Services Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40283/24]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
My Department is acutely aware of the financial pressures on the organisations supported under the Community Services Programme and continues to consider any further supports required subject to available budgets.
On 4th October I announced the ‘Achieve Together’ Social Innovation Coaching and Mentoring Programme , aimed at enhancing the performance of organisations supported under the Community Services Programme. The overall objective of the Achieve Together programme, which is co-funded under Ireland's ESF+ Operational Programme, is to provide bespoke mentors and coaches to existing CSP supported organisations for a 12-month period. This will assist CSP-supported organisations to grow sustainably, provide better services and enhance their employment opportunities, particularly for under-represented groups.
My Department provided €1m to support an Additional Staff Funding Call in 2023, for existing CSP funded organisations. This process resulted in a further seven manager positions and 35 Full-time Equivalent positions being supported in 32 organisations this year.
In addition, in March 2023, funding of €1m was made available for a Call for Proposals in respect of specific CSP services, resulting in 14 new applicants approved entry to the CSP in December 2023, supporting 13 manager positions and 23 full time equivalent positions. There are a number of organisations in the pipeline for support, however, any further entries to the programme are subject to available resources.
While there are no further calls for proposals anticipated at this time, my Department can hold contact details on file should the programme open for new applicants in the future. Contact details for a nominated person can be provided to the email address csp@drcd.gov.ie. It should be noted that any additional new entrants will be considered in the context of available budgets.
Any organisation that currently requires immediate support may wish to consider contacting their Local Development Company, Local Authority or Local Community Development Committee, who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time.
In addition, the Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of further additional staff resources for activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport can urgently issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in time for travel on 8 October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40741/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
108. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has conducted a capacity review of his Department’s ability to deliver services that they are responsible for in the past ten years to date; the name of State bodies and agencies under his Department’s aegis; if he published those reviews; the number of recommendations implemented arising from the reviews and same for State bodies and agencies under his aegis; if the capacity review was outsourced; and if so, to whom and at what cost. [40838/24]
View answerIn recent years, my Department has consistently demonstrated the capacity to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing international environment while continuing to serve the interests of Irish citizens at home and abroad. Underpinning this has been a commitment in our Statement of Strategy to strengthening our effectiveness by reviewing our systems and structures on an ongoing basis, building our capability to serve and to deliver on our goals.
The Department achieves this in a number of ways. It has strong strategic management, budgetary oversight, business planning, risk management, and policy development processes, as set out in its Corporate Governance Framework, which facilitate the on-going development of the Department’s capabilities and deployment of it resources to ensure Ireland derives the maximum benefit from all areas of its external engagement.
The Department has a robust work force planning process that ensures we develop the people and the capabilities to deliver for Irish citizens across 102 diplomatic missions worldwide; it has strong project management governance structures to ensure the efficient delivery of projects using best practice project management methodologies; and it is embedding a culture of innovation and transformation to increase the effectiveness of our policies and processes.
In addition, the Department continuously assesses and seeks to identify ways to improve its performance. It does this through the Revised Estimates and Public Sector Performance reporting processes, led by Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), as well as internally through periodic reviews of its diplomatic mission network, an independent evaluation and audit function, and the role of the Department’s independent Audit Committee.
My Department also engages external expertise when it is clear those skills could add value to the wide range of skills already available in the Department and in particular, where independent appraisal and evaluation of policies and projects may be useful. In this context, a management review of our development cooperation programme was conducted last year and we are reviewing the implementation of its recommendations. The programme already has a significant performance and evaluation framework including regular mission strategy review and oversight by the Department.
It is this commitment to excellence in public service, and to continuously identifying ways to increase our impact, that has enabled my Department to expand Ireland’s diplomatic footprint, with a further three new diplomatic missions opened in 2024; to deliver close to one million passports annually; to provide world class consular assistance; a world class development cooperation programme and more generally to continue to advance the interests and the values of Irish citizens, at home and abroad.
109. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he considers recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon to be a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40859/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon in recent days, including continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, Israel's massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces. This is a dangerous escalation.
In a recent statement I underlined that the recent breaches of the Blue Line are in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A key component of the resolution is that there will be no foreign forces in Lebanon without the consent of its Government. Any incursion by the armed forces of one country into the territory of another without its consent or other legal justification is a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and may amount to an unlawful use of force contrary to the UN Charter.
International law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than is necessary and proportionate to repel an attack or recover territory. Such limits apply in respect of Israel’s military actions as a whole, and not just its ground operations. I am very concerned at the scale of the Israeli military activities in Lebanon and the impacts on civilians and civilian property and infrastructure. I call on Hezbollah and Israel to comply with Resolution 1701 by ceasing hostilities and working towards a peaceful solution to the conflict. I also call on both parties to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law, including the protections applicable to peacekeepers.
110. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been granted leave to come to Ireland from Gaza but cannot escape Gaza; and the actions he taken to ensure their safe passage here. [40863/24]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for his question regarding the Palestinian family member of an Irish citizen who has been granted a visa to travel to Ireland but who has not yet been able to exit Gaza in order to do so. I want to assure the Deputy that my Department is aware of this case and has been providing assistance to the family since late last year. I want to recognise that this is an extremely challenging and distressing situation for this family.
Since the onset of this crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of Irish citizens and dependants that have expressed a wish to leave.
Clearance to exit Gaza has been subject to the approval of the relevant local authorities. This process has involved our Embassies in Tel Aviv and Cairo submitting the names of those Irish citizens and dependants who wished to leave Gaza to the relevant authorities. These lists have updated and resubmitted on an ongoing basis. Once clearance is received, our Embassy in Cairo liaise with the Egyptian authorities to receive Irish citizens and dependants on the Egyptian side, and to support their onward journey to Ireland. To date, we have assisted over 100 individuals to exit Gaza.
Some Irish citizens and dependants, including the individual concerned, have received clearance to exit Gaza, but, due to the situation on the ground have not been able to exit. The Israeli military operation in Rafah, which began in May, has resulted in the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt being closed. Since its closure, departure of civilians from Gaza has not been possible. It is now almost five months since any civilians have been allowed to depart.
I wish to assure you that officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, through our Embassies in the region, continue to advocate consistently with the local authorities to enable all Irish citizens and dependents remaining in Gaza who wish to depart, to do so. I confirm that this includes this individual.
I along with my Government colleagues undertook intensive engagements at the UN in New York during the recent UN General Assembly on the situation in the Middle East. The urgent need to address the conflict in the Middle East is a priority, including efforts to advance the two State solution, achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal, and to ensure the supply of humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he believes Ireland can improve its trade with the various African countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40905/24]
View answerAs the world's youngest continent in demographic terms, Africa has enormous potential for sustained, sustainable economic growth in the coming decades. Ireland's vision for our relationships with African countries involves a commitment to development assistance which reaches the furthest behind first, but has also evolved beyond aid, aiming for a mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership.
The Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World, positions Ireland to expand and diversify our trading relationship with African countries. The Government's Strategy for Africa to 2025 also prioritises mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships.
The level of trade between Ireland and Africa has grown in recent years. The total value of trade between Ireland and Africa reached a record €10.1 billion in 2022, of which Irish exports to Africa represented €8.2 billion and imports from Africa to Ireland €1.9 billion. Irish agri-foods remain a particularly important export sector to Africa, standing at €889 million in 2023. Ireland is a leading global exporter of dairy products to West Africa, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine led a trade mission to the region last year to support this important sector.
Other actions under the Africa Strategy which are contributing to strengthened trade relationships have included the opening of new Irish embassies in Morocco and Senegal, key markets in North and West Africa. Our State agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and IDA Ireland, have also strengthened their presence in Africa in recent years. This expansion of our footprint in Africa provides valuable entry points for new trade and investment.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish Aid continues to be directed towards those for whom it was intended in all areas throughout the globe with particular reference to the continent of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40908/24]
View answer113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to identify the most vulnerable locations globally to which Irish Aid continues to be directed; the success or otherwise of such operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40909/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
Ireland's international development programme is focused on support for countries and communities most seriously in need. The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework, with the objective of reaching the furthest behind first and addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries. This policy is rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing our efforts in four priority areas: reducing humanitarian need, climate action, gender equality and strengthening governance.
The Government delivers this support through our bilateral development programme, channelled through Irish Embassies in relevant countries, through civil society and humanitarian organisations and through multilateral organisations, including the United Nations. Decisions on channeling of our assistance are made on the basis of partners' understanding of the needs on the ground and capacity to develop programmes that support the principle of locally led development. A recent OECD review noted Ireland’s commitment to being a flexible funder that prioritises the empowerment of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Developing countries are facing challenges of poverty, climate change, conflict and economic shocks. In 2023, eight of the top 10 recipients of Ireland’s Official Development Assistance were in Sub Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and South Sudan. The other two to recipients of Irish assistance were the occupied Palestinian territory and Ukraine.
In addressing immediate challenges, Ireland continues to be one of the leading international humanitarian donors, consistently ranked amongst the top 20 globally. In 2023, in response to the unprecedented levels of need, Irish Aid provided over €300 million in humanitarian assistance, an increase of 65% over five years. This includes funding for the ten countries with the highest numbers of refugees. Our humanitarian funding is both predictable and flexible, giving partners the ability to respond immediately to emerging needs and also to plan for multi-annual interventions where necessary.
Similarly, in responding to the climate crisis, international climate finance is critical, and we are on track to meet our target to provide at least €225 million in climate finance by 2025. This represents a more than doubling of our climate finance since 2020, and is focused strongly on climate adaptation by developing countries.
The most recent OECD Peer Review of Ireland's international development programme found that we are a strong development cooperation provider with many areas of excellence. It noted that the clear focus of Ireland’s programme enables Ireland to exercise leadership and make a visible difference in developing countries.
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues continue to address the threat of international terrorism; whether any particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40910/24]
View answerIreland actively collaborates with both the European Union and the United Nations to address the threat of international terrorism. In particular, the need for greater international cooperation on strategic approaches to address the underlying factors that contribute to terrorist activities in accordance with international law, human rights and all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
As a member of the EU, Ireland participates in various security and counter-terrorism initiatives. In 2017, the EU implemented the EU Action Plan on Terrorism, which Ireland supported, and enhanced cooperation and information exchange between national authorities.
In 2020, the European Commission adopted a new EU Security Union Strategy for 2020 to 2025. One of the four priorities of the Security Union Strategy is “Protecting Europeans from terrorism and organised crime”. The Strategy proposed a Counter Terrorism Agenda for the EU, together with renewed action to prevent and counter radicalisation. The Counter-Terrorism Agenda supports Member States to anticipate, prevent, protect, and respond to the terrorist threat.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level in preventing and countering terrorism, as well as the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to this threat. It is crucial that our response in this area effectively addresses the dangers of violent extremism and radicalisation, especially online content.
The EU has placed considerable emphasis on its immediate neighbourhood, including the Western Balkans. Agreed in 2018, the EU's Joint Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism for the Western Balkans has enhanced cooperation and coordination among Western Balkan countries and the EU in the fight against terrorism in the region.
At the UN level, Ireland has a strong commitment to international law and human rights, advocating for comprehensive approaches to counter-terrorism that respect these principles. Ireland engages in discussions on the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, emphasizing the need for addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and inequality, and addressing the needs of victims.
Ireland has been a participant of The Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS since shortly after its inception in 2014. As recently as last month, officials from my Department joined a high-level meeting of the Global Coalition, hosted by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The meeting emphasised the importance of durable solutions for remaining populations in northeast Syria, including bringing to justice detained terrorists, ensuring accountability for crimes including gender-based violence, ensuring detainee populations are housed securely and humanely, and improving conditions for the populations residing in al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps.
Ireland has consistently advocated that measures taken to counter terrorism comply with States’ obligations under international law, including the principles of lawfulness, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality. In that respect, Ireland is a strong supporter of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism.
The engagement of women and young people is fundamental to combating terrorism, and a priority for Ireland. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people in the creation and development of policy is critical to building resilience and to countering terrorism.
Ireland was strongly supportive of the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. This Resolution confirmed that inclusion and participation by young people must lie at the core of efforts by the international community to respond to crises and conflict.Women, Peace and Security is also a key element in the fight against violent extremism. Ireland has long been a supporter of the full implementation of Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security and its successor Resolutions. Women can have an important role to play in helping to counter radicalisation and extremism in their families and communities, and also have the potential to be radicalised themselves. Therefore, effective strategies must take the particular situation and perspectives of women and girls into consideration.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent, if any, to which efforts are ongoing within the European Union to address the issue of Euro-scepticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/24]
View answerActively communicating the work of the European Union and explaining the benefits and opportunities arising from membership is essential to ensuring a robust, united and democratic Europe.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, set out the political guidelines for the incoming Commission in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 18th July last. These are:
1. Building a more competitive Europe that balances regulation, and innovation that facilitates Europe’s green transition,
2. Boosting the EU’s defence ambitions,
3. Pushing social and economic policies such as affordable housing,
4. Sustaining agriculture and environmental policies,
5. Protecting Europe’s democracy, and
6. Standing up for Europe’s global and geopolitical interests.
The Government welcomes the focus on these priorities.
As Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath will play a key role, particularly supporting Europe’s democracy, over the coming five years. Expected actions will include work on a new European Democracy Shield to address the most serious risks to democracy in the EU, building upon work already done on the European Democracy Action Plan and the Defence of Democracy Package; coordination of work on Disinformation; and setting up of a Civil Society Platform to support more systematic engagement on democracy, rule of law and related issues with civil society.
At a national level, my Department will continue to work on communicating Europe within Ireland. This work includes the annual Communicating Europe Initiative grants scheme for civil society and local authorities, the Blue Star primary schools EU education programme and the Access Europe programme to raise awareness of EU funding opportunities for civil society. It is important that we continue to promote the benefits of EU membership in order to counter negative perceptions of the EU.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the processing of passport applications is being expedited to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40912/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 886,000 passports this year to date.
Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times and the majority of adult online renewals are being processed within 2 working days.
It is important to note that processing times for Passport Online applications are calculated once the Passport Service receives any supporting documents that are required to complete an application. Applications that are incomplete and require further supporting documents will take longer.
The vast majority of applications are processed within the turnaround times outlined below:
- 10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals.
- 15 working days for Complex or Child online renewals.
- 20 working days for First Time Applications (Adult or Child).
- 8 weeks for Post Passport (paper-based service).
There are currently over 110,000 passport applications in the system. 47,000, or 43% of these applications, are with the Passport Service for processing. The remaining 57% are awaiting further action by the applicant before they can be progressed. This means that the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit supporting documents in order to move the application forward. While there is a very high volume of applications, this does not represent a backlog. These applications are all being processed in the usual way, with a continuous stream of new applications and a continuous dispatch of completed passports happening every day.
The Passport Service is well staffed and is in an excellent position to deliver on the demand forecast for the rest of this year.
The Passport Service offers Urgent Appointments for applicants who need to renew their passport urgently in time for travel. The Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment Service. The number of appointments available has increased this year with 220 one-day appointments now available each week in Dublin and 544 four-day appointments available between Dublin and Cork each week.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications. Passport Online is now available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland can influence the international community to direct further humanitarian aid to those suffering as a result of the invasion of the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40913/24]
View answerIreland remains steadfast in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine.
The conflict since the illegal Russian invasion in February 2022 continues to drive people from their homes, adding to the 3.6 million already internally displaced. As Ukraine faces into another winter, Ireland's humanitarian funding continues to target the most vulnerable, including women and children, displaced persons and those closest to conflict lines.
On 4 September, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste announced a significant new package of €36 million in assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours. This will help provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace and stability. It includes €23.5 million in humanitarian assistance to trusted international partners, including the UN and Red Cross family. As the conflict, and the associated needs on the ground, evolve over the winter months, this funding will support those most in need.
Ireland also strongly supports the EU humanitarian response. Since February 2022, the European Commission has allocated €966 million for humanitarian aid programmes to assist those affected by the war in Ukraine. Of this, €895 million has been allocated for humanitarian programmes within Ukraine and €71 million to support refugees in Moldova.
The European Commission has coordinated its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This has been a crucial channel for EU assistance channeling more than 150,000 tonnes of assistance to Ukraine. Ireland has provided in-kind assistance through the UCPM, including support to the health and energy sectors.
We also continue to use our international influence to promote actively, and defend, International Humanitarian Law and to strengthen accountability. From Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and elsewhere, International Humanitarian Law is vital to limit the inhumanity of war, to protect the civilian population and to enable humanitarian actors to safely access and assist populations in need.
The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to continue to defend itself against Russian aggression, and to address the humanitarian consequences of this unjust war.
118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the international community is focused on the need to address human rights abuses worldwide; the current level of activity in this regard or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40914/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
Respect for human rights and the promotion of human rights is a priority for the international, multilateral system and a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Ireland contributes actively to United Nations and European Union efforts to prevent, monitor and eliminate human rights violations and abuses.
There are a number of active mechanisms in place to promote and protect human rights in the international space. At the United Nations level Ireland is active at the UN Human Rights Council which takes place three times a year, over three to five weeks per session, and at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly which takes place once a year over a seven week period. Both the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee have broad mandates and consider both thematic human rights issues and specific country situations of concern. Ireland is a candidate for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2027 - 2029 period.
Ireland also participates in the Universal Periodic Review process. The UPR is a State-led process to review the human rights situation of each state every 5 years (UPR cycle). Each year 3 UPR sessions are held. States under review present national reports on progress made during the previous cycle, and UN member and observer states make recommendations to the state under review. Since 2017, Ireland has taken a principled position to deliver recommendations to each country under review. This way Ireland actively engages with all countries to promote human rights and support Irish priorities.
At EU level, Ireland is an active participant and contributor to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues are frequently discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council. The EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime also strengthens the EU’s ability to take collective action against perpetrators of human rights violations.
Although states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of the system of international justice, as recognized by 124 member states.
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if European enlargement continues to be encouraged strategically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40915/24]
View answerIreland has always been, and remains, a strong supporter of EU enlargement, provided that the candidate countries meet the necessary criteria for membership. We believe that it is through EU membership that peace and prosperity can best be ensured across our continent. Furthermore, the change in geopolitical circumstances brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent EU membership applications from Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, have highlighted the geo-strategic importance of enlargement for the EU.
We are pleased to see renewed momentum in EU enlargement policy, following a period of regrettable stagnation. In June 2024, the first Intergovernmental Conferences were held with Ukraine and Moldova, marking the formal commencement of their accession negotiations. The screening of the acquis, to assess the compatibility of domestic and EU legislation, is now ongoing for both Ukraine and Moldova, and is expected to continue into mid-2025.
An Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro also took place in June 2024, at which time the EU confirmed that Montenegro had fulfilled its interim benchmarks on rule of law and judicial reforms. Montenegro can now move ahead with the closure of additional negotiating chapters, which we hope will take place before the end of 2024. Montenegro’s progress is also a signal to the rest of the Western Balkans and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to the region’s future in our Union.
The Government’s decision to open new resident Embassies in Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau in summer 2025 is a concrete demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement, as is the establishment under Budget 2024 of a new Enlargement and European Fundamental Values fund to support candidate countries as they prepare for future EU membership.
120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in relation to new applications for European membership; the number outstanding for a specific period; when a decision is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40916/24]
View answerThere are currently nine candidate countries for EU membership.
Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia applied for EU membership in 2022. Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status in 2022, and accession negotiations were opened earlier this year. The screening of the acquis for both countries is continuing. Georgia was granted candidate status in 2023, although progress on its candidacy has halted due to backsliding by the Georgian government in several areas.
Bosnia-Herzegovina applied for EU membership in 2016 and was granted candidate status in 2022. Accession negotiations will be opened with Bosnia-Herzegovina once it meets a number of additional criteria.
Albania applied for EU membership in 2009 and was granted candidate status in 2014. Accession negotiations were opened in 2022. An Intergovernmental Conference with Albania will take place on 15 October 2024, at which point the first cluster of negotiating chapters (on the fundamentals) will be opened.
Serbia applied for EU membership in 2009 and was granted candidate status in 2012. It has opened 22 of 35 applicable chapters, and provisionally closed two.
Montenegro applied to join the EU in 2008, and was granted candidate status in 2010. It has opened all 33 applicable negotiating chapters, and provisionally closed three. It is hoped that Montenegro will close four more chapters by the end of 2024.
North Macedonia applied for EU membership in 2004, was granted candidate status in 2005, and accession negotiations were opened in 2022. North Macedonia is required to implement the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria before it can move to the next stage of the accession process.
Türkiye applied for EU membership in 1987 and was granted candidate status in 1999. Of 33 applicable chapters, Türkiye has opened 16 with one provisionally closed. Türkiye’s accession negotiations have been frozen since 2019.
In addition to the nine current candidate countries, Kosovo applied for EU membership in 2022. Its application remains under consideration, and Kosovo is classified as a potential candidate country.
The timeline for accession negotiations depends on the ability of the candidate countries to implement reforms required for EU membership and as such it would not be possible, at this stage, to set a firm timeline for future EU enlargement.
