Written Answers Nos. 42-61
42. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason four US military aircraft landed at Shannon Airport on 6 January 2025 (details supplied); if steps were taken to investigate whether they were in full compliance with Government restrictions given that the US military is actively involved in supporting wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East; and the reason for these breaches of Irish neutrality. [1079/25]
View answerSuccessive governments have made landing facilities available at a number of Irish airports to the United States and other foreign militaries for well over 50 years. Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
It is the long-standing policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs not to disclose details relating to these requests, as such information is provided by Embassies in the expectation of the maintenance of confidentiality. However, with respect to the aircraft in question, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedure for foreign military landings were followed in full.
As I have outlined on various occasions, Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is fully consistent with foreign military and state aircrafts being allowed to enter Irish sovereign territory under certain circumstances. Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, as pursued by successive Governments, is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time.
45. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that have taken place at EU Council level regarding an arms embargo on Israel; the positions Ireland has taken in any such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1358/25]
View answerThere have been no formal talks at EU Council level regarding an arms embargo on Israel. National measures taken by EU Member States as well as international measures are discussed at the relevant Council Working Group as part of information exchanges. Ireland itself does not export arms to Israel.
We have seen credible reports by a number of internationally mandated institutions, bodies and representatives that serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law have been taking place throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza.
In these circumstances, it is incumbent on all individual states to assess whether their relations with Israel are consistent with their obligations under international law. The implications of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July (on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory) must also be assessed by States.
46. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a Palestinian doctor by the Israeli Defence Forces (details supplied); the engagements he has had with his international counterparts in respect of this case; if he will seek an intervention at EU level to advance the release of this doctor and other healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1367/25]
View answer48. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will urgently condemn the abduction and abuse of a doctor (details supplied) by the Israeli Defence Forces; if he will call for his immediate release and the cessation of violent attacks on medical staff and facilities in Gaza, which constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law; and if he will outline the actions his Department is taking to demand accountability for these violations and to ensure Ireland upholds its commitments under the Geneva Conventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1371/25]
View answerI have expressed my deep concern at the attack carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces on 27 December last targeting the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, during the course of which Dr Hussam Abu Safiya was detained. As noted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in his report of 31 December, the pattern of Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals throughout the conflict in Gaza raises grave concerns about serious crimes under international law.
Ireland has, both bilaterally and at multilateral level, repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law. I also welcome that, in March of this year, Switzerland will host a Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions on the protection of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The immediate priority remains the need for a hostage release and ceasefire deal and for a massive scale-up of humanitarian aid into Gaza. I warmly welcomed the announcement of the terms of such a deal on Wednesday 15 January and I urge all parties to commit to its urgent implementation.
49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 24 October 2024, for an update on the processing of an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1408/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 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.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for the application were requested from the applicant on 08 November 2024. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents are submitted.
50. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek another round of tough EU sanctions to be applied to Belarus. [1417/25]
View answerIn response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted a wide range of sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus. These are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history, with over 2,000 individuals and entities now subject to EU restrictive measures.
The current measures targeting Belarus build on the restrictive measures first introduced by the EU following the presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020 and the crackdown on peaceful protesters, democratic opposition and journalists that followed. The measures against Belarus in large part mirror the restrictions introduced against Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine. Restrictions have been placed on trade between the EU and Belarus, and on exports to Belarus of dual-use goods and technology. A range of measures have been introduced targeting the Belarusian financial sector and asset freezes and travel bans have been placed against Belarusian military personnel, state officials, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople.
On 29 June 2024, the EU adopted further measures against Belarus, in view of its involvement in Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, with the aim of further aligning with the Russia regime and combatting circumvention. A ‘no-Belarus clause’ prohibits the re-exportation to Belarus or re-exportation for use in Belarus of sensitive goods and technology, battlefield goods, firearms and ammunition. There is also a requirement that EU parent companies perform their due diligence on third-country subsidiaries to prevent circumvention. Ireland will continue to support measures to combat circumvention and maintain pressure on Russia, including by limiting its access to sensitive items and battlefield goods.
In December 2024, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed proposals to add further listings to the list of persons subject to EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The possibility of adopting further sanctions against Belarus at EU level remains under continual review.
51. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1526/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 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.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received for this application on 30 May 2024. Therefore, this application is within the turnaround time.
52. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the foreign birth certificate replacement case of a person (details supplied) in need of urgent assistance in Italy will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1541/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish Citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship, also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
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.
FBR Certificate replacement applications are currently processed with a turnaround time of 3 months from receipt of the supporting documents.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regards to the specific FBR Certificate replacement application about which the Deputy has enquired, the applicant has been in touch with our Customer Service Hub FBR team. We are currently awaiting supporting documents. A member of the FBR team will reach out to the applicant directly to follow up.
53. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if his Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1581/25]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs has developed a policy on the use of Generative AI in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. ICT related policies are available to all staff.
The Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the various policy considerations that arise. The Department has not used AI in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments. There are no agencies under my Department's aegis.
54. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of a policy document relating to the use of DNA results in respect of applying for an Irish passport; to provide a copy of this document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1692/25]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. In order to meet this requirement, each passport applicant must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement when making a first time passport application.
As set out in the Passport Service documentary requirements for all applications on my Department’s website, entitlement to Irish citizenship should be established via the presentation of relevant official documents. In certain exceptional circumstances, the Passport Service may accept DNA evidence for the purpose of establishing a passport applicant’s entitlement to Irish citizenship. Additional documentary evidence is also required before a decision to issue a passport is made.
The Passport Service's practice in relation on the use of DNA evidence to prove an entitlement to Irish citizenship is that, in the first instance, if a civil birth certificate or other document is not available or does not contain the correct or complete information, the applicant must make every effort to correct the public record.
The Passport Service does not routinely accept DNA evidence as proof of entitlement to Irish citizenship. It is only accepted in exceptional situations where the applicant has verified that they have exhausted all avenues in terms of providing official or civil documentary evidence of their citizenship entitlement and there are reasonable grounds to believe that DNA evidence may be able to establish citizenship entitlement.
If an applicant wishes to submit DNA evidence in support of their application, they should make contact with the Passport Service to obtain advice on identifying an acceptable test provider and to make appropriate arrangements. The testing laboratory must meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO/IEC17025 accreditation.
All applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Passport Service and require considerable engagement with the applicant to ensure that the Passport Service is fully satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated their entitlement to citizenship.
A policy on the use of DNA evidence to prove an entitlement to Irish citizenship is currently under development, as part of a general update of Passport Service policies, and will be finalised in due course.
The Passport Service would be happy to assist any applicant who may have questions in relation to the submission of DNA evidence and has contacted the Deputy’s office directly in relation to this query.
55. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will condemn the death sentence against a person (details supplied) by the Iranian government; if he will work to apply diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government to halt this execution and end the ongoing persecution of activists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1697/25]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran. The widespread, arbitrary, and sometimes politically-motivated use of the death penalty is an issue of particular concern.
Ireland and the EU oppose all use of the death penalty, including in Iran, and including in relation to political activism. Both the death penalty and the continued suppression of perceived opposition or human rights activism are key issues in our engagement on human rights in Iran. We raise these issues repeatedly with the Iranian authorities, both in public in international fora such as the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, and privately in direct discussions, such as the political consultations with representatives of the Iranian Foreign Ministry held in Dublin in June 2024. We will continue to raise issues such as the death penalty among other concerns both directly to Iranian officials, as well as at EU and international level. Regrettably, the rate of executions in Iran has increased significantly in recent years.
President Pezeshkian of Iran was elected after a campaign marked by his commitment to reform and increased cooperation with the EU and other States. We will continue to encourage the Iranian Government in that direction, including on urgently needed improvements in human rights.
56. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to examine the case of a person (details supplied) awaiting issuance of a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1729/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 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.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service received the application on 20 June 2024. The Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 26 June 2024. Further documents were subsequently received on 30 September 2024 and have been processed. However, the application remains incomplete. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant in this regard and requested further supporting documents on 03 October 2024. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.
57. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by his Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1764/25]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs public offices are located at the following Dublin locations:
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Iveagh House, 78-81 St Stephen’s Green, D02 VY53 |
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Knockmaun House, 42-47 Lower Mount St, D02 TN83 |
Department of Foreign Affairs staff are also based in premises in Dublin 2 (Harcourt Street, Clonmel St, and Kevin Street) as well as in Balbriggan and Finglas.
58. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the preparations that are being put in place for Ireland’s hosting of a meeting of the European political community during Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026; the themes being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. Since the inaugural European Political Community (EPC) Summit held in Prague in 2022, during the Czech EU Presidency, it has become the established practice that the EU Member State holding the Presidency of the Council in the second half of each year offers to host an EPC Summit. This was the case for Spain in 2023 and Hungary in 2024, and a summit will be hosted by Denmark during its EU Presidency in the second half of this year.
My Department and the Department of the Taoiseach are taking forward initial preparatory work, in coordination with other relevant Departments and agencies, on the practical arrangements for all Summits and meetings that may be held in Ireland during our term in office. These will be further developed, both in logistical and policy terms, in the coming period, including following consultations in due course with European partners.
59. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s approach to Tibet; if he is concerned regarding ongoing human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/25]
View answerIreland remains deeply concerned about the repression of minorities and the treatment of human rights defenders in China, including in Tibet.
The protection and promotion of human rights remains a core pillar of Ireland's Foreign Policy. Ireland regularly raises concerns on these matters with China, both in bilateral meetings as well as in the appropriate international fora. I raised concerns about the treatment of ethnic minorities when I met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in November 2023. Then-Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and President Higgins also expressed concern about these issues when they met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Ireland last January.
In January 2024, as part of its submission to the Universal Periodic Review of China at the Human Rights Council, Ireland highlighted the treatment of ethnic and religious groups, including in Tibet. Ireland also called on China to immediately release all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.
More recently, in September 2024, in our national Item 4 Statement at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland reiterated our concerns over restrictions on civic space in China and about the treatment of Tibetans. At the same session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland also joined the EU Statement, which expressed concerns about the human rights situation in China and specifically included reference to the situation in Tibet including, inter alia, the ill treatment and unlawful detention of human rights defenders. China was urged to abide by its obligations under national and international law to respect, protect and fulfil the rule of law and human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and other persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious or other groups and minorities across China.
Ireland will continue to address human rights concerns with China, through our bilateral contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels.
60. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans by Government to mark in 2026 the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the role of Irish people in the establishment and growth of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/25]
View answerPlanning is underway within the United States on a rich programme of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US in summer of 2026. Ireland's deep ties with the US stretch back beyond the founding of our respective countries - of the fifty-six signatories of the Declaration of Independence, three were born on the island of Ireland.
This year, Ireland will accelerate our planning for how we mark the very significant and distinctive contribution of Irish people to the founding and development of the United States. Our engagement in this significant anniversary will reflect the depth and breadth of the political, economic and people-to-people ties between our two countries. It will also involve working closely with the new US Administration and, through our Embassy and eight Consulates General, together with the Irish and Irish American communities across the US.
61. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeline he is working towards in progressing the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 through Dáil Éireann; if he expects the Bill to proceeded to the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence before the summer recess in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1787/25]
View answer63. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide details on the Government's proposed changes to the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; the reasoning for such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1967/25]
View answerIn light of the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice and the subsequent advice of the Attorney General, the Government decided to review the Occupied Territories Bill. The Government’s analysis is that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the Bill’s provisions. The next Government will decide on a course of action in line with the commitments in its Programme for Government.
In parallel, Ireland continues to press for action at the EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
