Written Answers Nos. 89-104
89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach the current number of staff working in the shared island unit; the full year cost of increasing staffing levels by 5%, 10% 15% and 20%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42843/24]
View answerThe Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach continues to prioritise and progress the Shared Island Initiative, working with all communities and political traditions to build a shared future on this island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. The Unit comes under the management of the Assistant Secretary for the British and Northern Ireland Affairs Division.
The current staffing complement of the Shared Island Unit is outlined in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number of staff (whole time equivalent) |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2.5 |
|
Administrative Officer |
2 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
All staff working in the Shared Island Unit are civil servants and are assigned to the appropriate civil service pay scale. The current civil service pay scales are set out in Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 14/2024 which is available on gov.ie.
90. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to provide details of all social enterprise organisations or bodies funded by his Department in each year from 2021 to date in 2024; the amount allocated in funding to each during this time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42280/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has not funded any social enterprise organisations or bodies in the years from 2021 to date in 2024.
91. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach to provide details of the funding allocated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in Budgets 2015 to 2025. [42257/24]
View answerFrom 2015 to 2025, there has been an increase of 90% in the Voted allocation for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The below table details the net annual funding provided for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in each year from 2015–2025:
|
YEAR |
€’000s |
|
2015 |
37,834 |
|
2016 |
38,886 |
|
2017 |
41,094 * |
|
2018 |
43,502 |
|
2019 |
42,809 |
|
2020 |
43,968 |
|
2021 |
44,704 |
|
2022 |
51,277 ** |
|
2023 |
59,818 *** |
|
2024 |
61,279 |
|
2025 |
72,049 |
* The figure for 2017 includes a net Supplementary Estimate of €0.418m
** The figure for 2022 includes a net Supplementary Estimate of €3.445m
*** The figure for 2023 includes a net Supplementary Estimate of €4.5m
92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of vacant properties owned by his Department; and the number of which are houses or residential properties. [43152/24]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not own any properties. Accommodation used by the Department is provided and managed by the Office of Public Works and is fully utilised.
93. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Pact of the Future agreed at the UN General Assembly in September last; whether the global goals, commitments and obligations under international human rights standards in relation to SRHR are fully incorporated into the Pact for the Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42383/24]
View answerI welcome the adoption of the Pact for the Future by leaders at the Summit of the Future at last month’s UN General Assembly in New York. I believe the Pact represents a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law.
The commitment to achieve gender equality is central to the Pact for the Future - as both a high-level action, and with numerous cross-cutting references to gender equality and human rights more broadly throughout the Pact.
In regard to the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the Pact includes welcome and specific reference to the two relevant global frameworks, the Programme of Action of the International Conference of Population and Development, and the Beijing Platform for Action.
The Pact commits to "ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights". While Ireland, in line with our domestic and the EU consensus position, continues to champion the need for commitments in respect of sexual rights, alongside reproductive rights, we welcome the inclusion of the UN consensus position on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. It is important that the consensus position is retained and protected in the face of mounting opposition to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. In retaining the UN consensus position, we welcome the absence of sovereignty or other limiting caveats in the Pact.
As well as over-arching commitments in respect of SRHR, the Pact includes robust text in respect of specific elements of the agenda. Notably, there are robust commitments to counter and eliminate all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including in the digital space and in the context of conflict. The Pact also commits to address other harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage.
94. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs noting Ireland’s tradition of human rights advocacy, if the crisis in Sudan has been raised in bilateral meetings with the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42442/24]
View answer95. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he or his officials have raised with the United Kingdom the decision to hold discussions at the UN Security Council on Sudan and external actor behind closed doors rather than in open. [42443/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
The conflict in Sudan continues to have a catastrophic impact on civilians. With over 12 million displaced from their homes, and 25 million facing acute hunger, it is now the world’s worst humanitarian and protection crisis.
Eighteen months into this conflict, Ireland continues to support the people of Sudan. To date in 2024, we have provided over €14 million in bilateral humanitarian aid for the Sudanese people, within the country and as refugees in neighbouring countries.
In the European Union, Ireland was to the fore in the establishment of a sanctions regime to target individuals and entities fuelling the conflict and those targeting civilians.
At the United Nations, we have supported the establishment of accountability mechanisms, including the extension of the mandate of the Human Rights Council’s International Fact Finding Mission to Sudan.
In July, the Tánaiste visited the Horn of Africa and reiterated Ireland’s commitment to continue to advocate for enhanced international action on Sudan. Sudan was a prominent focus subsequently for the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach at the UN General Assembly in New York, including in the Tánaiste’s address to the Security Council on 25 September.
While the UN Security Council receives a public briefing every 120 days on the “UN’s efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability”, the Council Presidency will, on this and many other items on the Council agenda, often schedule “closed consultations” on the same topic. Closed consultations, which are only open to Council members, allow the UN Secretariat to brief on confidential matters, and for Council members to have informal exchanges. Ireland, as a long-standing member of the Accountability Transparency and Coherence (ACT) group of member states at the UN, argues for Council meetings to be held in public forum to the greatest extent possible.
Ireland also took a lead in proposing that the situation in Sudan be addressed by the European Council. Last week, on the basis of extensive proposals from Ireland, the Council adopted strong conclusions on Sudan. We have also ensured that EU member states will continue to discuss options for support for civilian protection.
The Tánaiste hosted UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, in Dublin on 3 October for wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and international issues. The situation in Sudan was discussed, with a commitment to continue to work together to ensure it does not become a ‘forgotten crisis’. The Tánaiste subsequently participated in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with Foreign Secretary Lammy in Brussels on 14 October where Sudan, and challenges in the wider Horn of Africa, were discussed. The Tánaiste noted the importance of close cooperation between the EU and UK on global challenges.
We will continue to avail of all opportunities to influence the international community in support of unhindered humanitarian access, civilian protection, a ceasefire, and a return to Sudan’s democratic transition.
96. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps if the Government proposes to formally recognise the claim of Morocco to sovereignty in Western Sahara. [42469/24]
View answerIreland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process, including the MINURSO Mission, and the efforts of Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to achieve a political solution to this long-standing dispute.
UN Security Council Resolution 2703, adopted on 30 October 2023, extended the mandate of the MINURSO Mission by one year, until 31 October 2024. As per this, and previous Resolutions, I have called on all parties to the dispute, and on the wider international community, to support and assist the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara as he continues his engagements with the parties to the dispute. I welcome the visits and consultations he has undertaken to the region over the past year.
I also support the call in the UNSC Resolution on all parties to cooperate fully with MINURSO in carrying out its important mandate.
My officials, at HQ and in our Mission network, continue to be in ongoing contact with all relevant and interested parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
97. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to review a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42515/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
98. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the United Nations to ensure assistance is provided to the coroner in examining the circumstances of the death of a person (details supplied) in Lebanon two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42588/24]
View answerSince the events of 14 December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion serving with UNIFIL were injured. The Government has consistently expressed determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
On 6 August last, the Coroner wrote to the UN (via the Departments of Defence & Foreign Affairs) requesting access to two reports arising from investigations that were carried out by the UN into the events on the 14 December 2022. The Coroner also requested in her correspondence that the UN become an ‘interested party’ for the purpose of the Inquest.
I have raised the Coroner's requests with the relevant UN authorities, including in my meeting on 25 September last in New York with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and urged full cooperation with the Coroner. At the most recent hearing of the Coroner's Inquest on 11 October, the Coroner was informed of my representations to the UN. I will continue to engage with UN in this regard.
99. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the role Ireland is playing in international efforts to combat climate change, particularly through its participation in the UN Climate Change Conferences and other global environmental agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42594/24]
View answerIreland is actively involved in international efforts to combat climate change, particularly through negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in preparation for COP29 in Azerbaijan next month. The Government is engaging on key issues for a successful outcome of COP29, especially related to strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable countries.
In Budget 2025, the Government increased the provision for international climate finance to ensure that we will meet the target of providing at least €225 million annually by 2025, which we committed to at COP26 in Glasgow. Ireland’s steadfast commitment to climate finance for the most vulnerable will be important in the context of the new collective climate finance goal to be negotiated at COP29. We are actively engaged in those negotiations.
Loss and Damage is another key issue for COP29. Ireland, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is represented on the Board of the new Fund for responding to Loss and Damage. We are working actively to ensure that the Fund becomes operational as soon as possible having been agreed at COP28. Ireland’s main priority remains ensuring that vulnerable countries and communities can access the Fund.
Every year the COP Presidency appoints ‘Ministerial pairs’ from developed and developing countries to assist with the COP negotiations. This year, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has been asked to work alongside Costa Rica on the topic of adaptation. This is a mediation role to drive progress on negotiations. The invitation for an Irish Government Minister to carry out this role is a recognition of the long-track record Ireland has in providing support for adaptation.
In relation to other global environmental agreements, the Department of Foreign Affairs is working alongside colleagues from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to prepare for the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties (COP16). This will be held in Colombia at the end of October and the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan will lead the Irish delegation.
100. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail any recent improvements or plans to expand consular services for Irish citizens, especially in light of increased travel difficulties and crises worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42595/24]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs has a long and proud track record of providing high quality consular services to Irish citizens abroad. This is a vital public service and a key priority of my Department.
Our commitment is to promote an informed approach to international travel and support citizens when they require consular assistance abroad, including during large-scale consular crises.
The Department provides responsive and empathetic consular assistance all year round within the remit of its Consular Assistance Charter. The Consular Assistance Charter sets out in an accessible and clear manner the type of assistance Irish citizens can expect to receive should they require assistance abroad.
As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure it continues to deliver high-quality consular assistance, the Department updated its Consular Assistance Charter in 2023. To complement the Consular Assistance Charter, the Department of Foreign Affairs also has a dedicated website that provides citizens with detailed information on the different categories of cases and the type of assistance that the Department can provide in each case. The website is reviewed on an ongoing basis and additional information is added or updated where necessary.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, as part of efforts to best support Irish citizens, works closely with a number of domestic and international partners. This engagement includes working closely with organisations such as Crosscare, Safe Home Ireland, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the Samaritans, amongst others. Each year the Consular Directorate brings these organisations together to further explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation and collaboration and to discuss emerging trends and challenges, all of which is focused on ensuring Irish citizens are supported to the greatest extent possible when abroad.
Throughout 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Irish Embassies and Consulates worldwide, provided consular assistance to 2,043 new cases. This figure included citizens who were assisted following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan and the Middle East. Excluding crises-related cases in Sudan and the Middle East, 2023 saw a 13% overall increase in newly-recorded consular cases. The Department of Foreign Affairs publishes consular assistance statistics at the end of each year and these statistics are available at this link: gov.ie - Tánaiste announces Consular Assistance Overview for 2023 (www.gov.ie).
To help citizens make informed decisions, the Department also provides Travel Advice to facilitate citizens in taking an informed approach to international travel. My Department’s TravelWise service is reaching more people than ever before, providing up-to-date travel advice to support safer and smarter travel.
Campaigns like this year’s Make the Right Memories, aimed at young adults, ensure sustained engagement with our message of smart and responsible travel. This campaign has been particularly successful, gaining strong traction both online and in the media, with over 14 million impressions across digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Planning focused attention on consular messaging in their ‘Be Summer Ready’ campaign, supported by the Government of Ireland. This initiative provided essential travel advice to those going abroad and received widespread coverage across national and regional media outlets, as well as social media.
This week, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ 2024 Consular Forum takes centre stage. The Forum, the Department’s annual flagship consular outreach event, brings together key stakeholders from national and international partner organisations, as well as delegates from Embassies in Ireland, to discuss current trends and issues in consular assistance, services, and international travel.
A key highlight of this year’s forum is the launch of the TravelWise Smart Travel Preparation and Advice lesson for Senior Cycle Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) students. This new lesson marks a significant step in our Department’s outreach, particularly in engaging young people, including those of school-going age. It equips students with vital knowledge and resources to make informed decisions before and during travel, often for the first time without their families. The forum also welcomed teachers and students from secondary schools who will directly benefit from the new TravelWise Smart Lesson.
Last month, my Department’s International Travel team also had a valuable outreach opportunity at the Ploughing Championships in Laois, where officials raised awareness of the resources and supports available to Irish citizens when travelling abroad. Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our engagement with key stakeholders to broaden the reach of our consular messaging and ensure that all citizens are well prepared for their travels overseas.
Ireland’s capacity to support Irish citizens abroad has been enhanced through the Global Ireland Programme. The 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 programme in 2018, 22 new Missions have been opened, with another 5 new Missions announced to open. During 2024, we have opened an Embassy in Islamabad and Consulates General in Munich and Milan. Irish citizens are now choosing to visit or live in significant numbers in places that had not been traditional destinations for Irish citizens. Among the many benefits of the ongoing expansion of our diplomatic network is that it increases our capacity to provide consular assistance to citizens abroad in more locations than ever before, where our teams deliver consistent, accessible and effective services and supports to citizens across our global network.
For example, through two of Ireland’s newest Embassies, in Ukraine and Morocco, we have been able to assist citizens during very difficult events in those countries in recent years. My Department is also continuing to establish new Honorary Consulates in important locations. One of the key functions of an Honorary Consul is provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in a specific geographical area, particularly in countries where there is no resident diplomatic mission. In recent years, Honorary Consuls have been appointed in a range of countries including Thailand, Bangladesh, Mexico and Namibia.
The global context in which the Department works is seeing an increase in conflict and the negative effects of climate change – and at a time that Irish citizens are travelling more often, more widely and in greater numbers. As a result, the crises abroad that my Department faces are becoming more complex, more frequent and more prolonged. The Department however maintains the capability to respond quickly and at scale to crises, including with our EU and international partners.
The crisis in the Middle East over the last year has entailed a major consular dimension. Over 100 Irish citizens and dependents have left Gaza, with the assistance of my Department. Unfortunately, there is a small number of Irish citizens, and dependents, remaining in Gaza. My Department is continuing to advocate on behalf of all Irish citizens and dependents that wish to leave Gaza. More recently, my Department also assisted 26 Irish citizens to depart from Lebanon on flights operated by Ireland’s international partners. This is an example of the importance of international cooperation.
To continually meet the high standards we set ourselves, we constantly seek to adapt and evolve. Drawing on the lessons from previous crises, my Department has updated and improved our crisis management structures and protocols to ensure that we are effectively managing serious safety and security considerations for our own teams while responding to citizens’ needs; as well as managing interconnected political and humanitarian dimensions.
In the area of Consular Services, the Department provides an efficient and effective service to those seeking to marry abroad, or who require to have their documents authenticated. In 2023 we issued 3023 Certificates of freedom to marry, and 55669 documents were authenticated. For 2024 a similar figure is expected.
Furthermore, my Department remains committed to investing in the technology and systems that underpin the provision of consular assistance and services.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passport of a person (details supplied) can be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42633/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport and relevant supporting documents have been returned to the applicant.
102. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42717/24]
View answerThe Department’s original allocation under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030 in respect of 2024, 2025 and 2026 was €25 million per annum. Following negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, it was agreed that the NDP allocations in respect of 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be increased to €35 million per annum.
The Department uses this allocation to implement Government Policy under the Global Ireland Strategy through expanding Ireland’s global network of diplomatic offices, developing new Ireland Houses to represent and showcase Ireland abroad, supporting the global ICT network, managing the global property portfolio and enhancing citizen services.
The Department will use the allocation for 2025 to 2030 for the following main purposes:
• Passport and Citizen Services Reform: €35 million. This will mainly be expended over 2025 to 2026 on enhanced systems for the operation and back office support of the passport application management and processing system; improved security systems to safeguard the integrity of the passport; further improvements to the online application process; the replacement of the high security passport printing machines and the redesign and issue of a new passport book. In addition the Department is replacing and upgrading its systems to support citizens at times of crisis worldwide.
• ICT: €25 million. This will cover the ongoing investment in the Department’s global network infrastructure and new strategic systems development to maintain cybersecurity protections worldwide, upgrade systems to provide enhanced services and support the delivery of citizen services globally.
• Global Property Portfolio: €110 million. There is an urgent need to investment in the Department’s global property portfolio to provide safe, secure and operationally efficient premises, including Ireland Houses, which provide enhanced levels of services to citizens and meet the appropriate health and safety requirements in the local country. Due to the heightened security situation worldwide there is a requirement for an ongoing investment in enhancing mission security. Significant projects underway and to be completed over the next 5 years include new Ireland Houses in New York, Tokyo and London. In addition the department is managing the construction of new embassy premises in Tokyo, also an Ireland House, and Abuja and the relocation of the Embassy in Washington DC. At the same time there will be significant property projects across the mission network, including New Delhi and Beijing.
• Motor Vehicles: €5 million. The Department will continue an ongoing programme to replace vehicles worldwide. Motor vehicles are required for security (armoured cars), missions logistical support and the review and management of the Irish Aid Programme.
103. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the expenditure on overseas development aid (ODA) in 2024 and allocated expenditure in 2025; how it compares to the 0.7% target of gross national income; the cost of reaching the UN target of providing 0.7% of gross national income in ODA in incremental steps, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42838/24]
View answerThe Government remains committed to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in Official Development Assistance (ODA). This is reaffirmed in A Better World: Ireland's International Development Policy, and in the Programme for Government. Allocations for ODA have consistently been increased over recent years, with a view to addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in areas affected by conflict.
Ireland's total ODA for 2023 was €2.6 billion, including eligible first-year costs for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. This represents 0.67% of Gross National Income. Excluding Ukrainian refugee costs, our ODA for 2023 was €1.47 million, or 0.38% of GNI. It is important to note that none of the funding for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland has been sourced from the original Budget allocations for ODA.
Ireland's total ODA for 2024 is expected to be in the region of €2 billion, including eligible first-year costs for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. The final calculations will depend on the retrospective calculation of some costs incurred during the year. The estimate includes the allocation by Government of €775.3 million for the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was the highest allocation ever, in the 50th anniversary year of the establishment of the Irish Aid programme.
It is not currently possible to provide a full and final figure for Ireland’s 2024 ODA, and the first reporting of preliminary figures for Ireland’s 2024 ODA will be in April 2025.
In Budget 2025, the provision for the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs will increase by €35 million to €810 million, representing a 4.5% increase on the 2024 allocation. Based on broad estimates, total ODA for 2025 from across the Government, including eligible first-year costs for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, will amount to over €2 billion.
In addition to ensuring that Ireland can continue to respond to unprecedented humanitarian need and contribute to the fight to end poverty and hunger, this funding will also ensure that we meet our commitment to provide at least €225 million annually in international climate finance by 2025.
104. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the average full year cost of opening a new mission abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42839/24]
View answerThe Global Ireland Programme, which was launched in 2018, has strengthened Ireland’s global impact and diplomatic network. Since the launch of the Programme, 22 new missions have been opened to date, bringing our diplomatic footprint to 102 missions worldwide, with a further 5 new missions announced to open in the coming years.
The typical average operational cost of running a new mission is circa €1m per annum. This figure is largely dependent on the size and the location of the mission. In addition, there are once-off set up costs related to property/security in each location and these vary depending on the local operating environment.
