Written Answers Nos. 211-229
211. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the number of inspections of military aircraft carrying munitions of war that took place in Ireland since January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15561/25]
View answerUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is only provided where the strict conditions set out by my Department are fully met, including 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.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in full compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
Foreign military aircraft which are given permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection in this regard. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a state may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect to another state or its property, including state and military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.
212. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade this Government’s plans to deal with the vulnerability of Ireland’s undersea cables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15826/25]
View answerAs the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is responsible for telecommunications, including Ireland's undersea cable connectivity, this question is a matter for that Department.
213. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government’s approach to the issue of global governance of activity in space. [14724/25]
View answerIreland is fully committed to preserving outer space as a safe and secure global commons for the use and benefit of all. Ireland will continue to advocate for global norms and rules governing human activity in space, in accordance with international space law.
Ireland remains committed to the 1967 UN Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, also known as 'the Outer Space Treaty' and the 1972 UN Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Object.
All states, whether space-faring or not, have a responsibility to advocate for improving the space security environment, and to ensuring space is used exclusively for peaceful purposes for the benefit of all humankind.
With the rapid increase in commercial space activity, Ireland will continue to work internationally to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and to actively promote a safe, secure, stable and sustainable space environment and the peaceful use of outer space for all.
The proposed EU Space Act, which is expected to be published this year, will provide a common framework for safety, resilience, and sustainability in space through a consistent and EU-wide approach.
214. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport application can be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14983/25]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
215. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens that have sought permission from the Government to accept titles of honour or nobility in the past five years, pursuant to article 40.2.2 of the Constitution, and whether that permission was granted. [14993/25]
View answerArticle 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
If a foreign Government wishes to make any such award to an Irish citizen, the accredited foreign diplomatic mission notifies my Department of the proposed conferral of the award. It is noted that rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise those rights, privileges or dignities. Under Irish law, such a title confers no rights, entitlements or dignities. Moreover, awards that provide for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one's name or involve the presentation of medals, ribbons or academic honours are not regarded as conferring a title of nobility or of honour in this jurisdiction.
Based on a review of records held by my Department, I can confirm that the Government has considered nine awards conferring a “title of nobility or of honour” in the period between March 2020 and March 2025.
The Government approved one of these awards in advance. In relation to the remaining eight awards, the honours in question were extended to the Irish citizens concerned before the conferral was brought to the attention of the Government. No facility exists for retrospective approval by the Government.
My Department regularly reminds the relevant authorities that the prior approval of the Government should be sought where awards of the nature outlined in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution are to be conferred on an Irish citizen.
216. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of an issue faced by domestic violence survivors whereby they are trying to seek a passport for their child, including renewals, where they have to get their ex-partner's/abuser's signature, where they have not initiated legal proceedings for a safety order, etc., usually out of fear, and the child loses out as a result, unable to go on school trips; whether a new process be put in place in domestic violence cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15071/25]
View answer217. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to an issue faced by domestic violence survivors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15077/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
I propose to take PQ 15071/25 and PQ 15077/25 together.
All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the 2008 Act”). Under Section 14(1) of the Act, the consent of a child’s guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport.
Under Irish law, the rights of parents to guardianship are set down in Section 6 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964. In 2016, certain provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 came into effect that made a number of changes to the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.
In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the rights of the child and their guardian(s), it is important that the Child Identity and Consent form is correctly completed, witnessed and validated by the Passport Service for both first time and renewal applications for children. Guardians do not have to present themselves together to the person acting as a witness. This means that the form can be completed separately by the child's guardians.
Section 14 of the Passports Act, 2008 also sets out a number of exceptions in relation to consent. In cases where difficulties arise from the absence of agreement between parents or guardians, section 14(3) allows a court in the State to make an order directing that a passport may be issued to the child without the consent of the guardian who is not consenting. Section 14(5) of the Act provides for a passport to be issued, in exceptional circumstances, without the consent of a guardian for the purposes of safeguarding the welfare of a child.
Each passport application is assessed and evaluated on its own merits to ensure the provisions of the 2008 Act have been met.
218. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his St. Patrick’s Day missions and in particular the business and trade aspect of the missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15214/25]
View answerLast month, I visited the iconic Irish American cities of Philadelphia and New York.
I was delighted to join Mayor Cherelle Parker and the people of Philadelphia to march in their St Patrick's day parade. I met with a number of community groups and laid a wreath at the Philadelphia Irish Famine memorial. I had high-level discussions with members of Congress from Pennsylvania, including Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and I met with a range of exciting businesses with links to Ireland keen to see their business grow.
In New York, I renewed important political relationships with Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and Congressman Mike Lawler, to specify just a few. It was a privilege to walk with the Governor and lead the world famous 5th Avenue St Patrick's Day parade. Representing the Government at events in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Irish Arts Centre was a privilege, at a time when the whole city was celebrating Ireland's diaspora and culture.
My programme had a particular focus on engaging with strategic economic actors with global influence. This was motivated not only by the importance of our economic relationship with the United States, but also concern around the volatility and disruption caused by the threat of tariffs.
At the Bank of Ireland hub in New York, I met young Irish innovators from the Digital Irish network and discussed how the Government can support innovation and entrepreneurship. I also had an intensive programme of meetings with senior corporate decisions makers. These meetings focused on transatlantic trade, the possible impact of tariffs, and the importance of maintaining Ireland's international competitiveness and attractive investment environment. I was reassured that the many senior corporate leaders that I engaged with share my goal of protecting and deepening the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
While the overall transatlantic economic environment is in an uncertain period, I returned from my visit convinced that Saint Patrick’s Day remains not only a unique opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and recognise our diaspora, but also a platform to promote Ireland's trade and economic interests, in particular in the United States.
219. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of funding provided by his Department for organisations and community groups working with the Irish diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15215/25]
View answerThe Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas.
This work is underpinned by the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Since it was established in 2004, the ESP has provided over €250 million in grants to more than 900 charitable and Irish community organisations in 51 countries.
This year the Department of Foreign Affairs will allocate €16.5 million under the Emigrant Support Programme.
Caring for the elderly and most vulnerable Irish emigrants remains at the heart of our programme.
The majority of the funding - some 60% - is granted to frontline welfare service providers. We support counselling and outreach services, and projects, which address social isolation and actively improve the wellbeing of Irish people.
We are also engaged with groups working with the travelling community, survivors of institutional abuse, and, in the US, with those impacted by changes in immigration policy.
The Emigrant Support Programme also invests in projects that foster a sense of community, nurture our identity and culture overseas and deepen our trade, business and education links.
The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants. In support of this, the ESP funds the very informative Returning to Ireland portal on the Citizens Information website as well as a number of organisations such as Crosscare and Safe Home Ireland who provide information and support to returning Irish emigrants.
Details of all groups funded by the Emigrant Support Programme can be found on our website Ireland.ie.
220. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are supports for members of the Irish diaspora who would like to retire to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15216/25]
View answerThe Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas.
We are also aware that everyone’s journey is different and that many will look to return to Ireland at various times. The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants including those who want to retire.
On a practical level, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Emigrant Support Programme, funds the very informative Returning to Ireland portal on the Citizens Information website. This site provides a wealth of information including a dedicated Retiring to Ireland page.
The Emigrant Support Programme also supports a number of organisations such as Crosscare and Safe Home Ireland who provide information and support to returning Irish emigrants.
The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad coordinates diaspora policy across Departments and oversees the implementation of the Diaspora Strategy and relevant commitments contained in the Programme for Government. As Chair of the Committee, I will continue to ensure that we minimise the challenges facing anyone who wishes to return and also continue to enhance the information available for specific cohorts such as those who would like to retire here.
221. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with Irish representatives at the United Nations, particularly with regard to the conflict and devastation in Gaza, the Middle East and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15217/25]
View answerMembership of the United Nations is at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last month in New York I had the opportunity to meet with Irish representatives at the UN. I thanked them for the important work they are doing, often in an challenging environment. I reiterated our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing illegal aggression. I also took the opportunity to underline the priority Ireland places on ending the conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, and our continued support for the two-State solution.
In recent months at the UN, Ireland has supported multiple resolutions supporting calls for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. In December of last year, Ireland co-sponsored two resolutions with the State of Palestine, on the demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, and support for UNRWA. This was informed by our membership of the Group of Friends of UNRWA. I have also recently returned from Lebanon where I saw at first-hand the vital work being done on the ground by UNIFIL and the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with it.
Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, Ireland has co-sponsored and voted for multiple resolutions at the UN condemning Russia's brutal invasion. Most recently, on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion - February 24th - a resolution on an early and just peace tabled by Ukraine and co-sponsored by Ireland was adopted at the General Assembly. Ireland also supported the amended UNGA Resolution tabled by the United States on a path to peace that does not reward aggression, and is in line with the UN Charter. In an address to the General Assembly, the Minister for Justice called for a peace that respects the UN Charter and spoke to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Mariana Betsa, to convey Ireland’s support. Furthermore, Minister O'Callaghan condemned Russia's continuing illegal war of aggression and called for Russia to take accountability for the violations of the orders of the ICJ and resolutions of the General Assembly.
I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to engage on these issues actively at the UN, as elsewhere, and be a strong voice on the need to uphold the values of the UN Charter and international law.
222. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support and assistance provided to the citizens of Gaza and the West Bank due to the conflict in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15218/25]
View answerIreland condemns the resumed Israeli airstrikes and a new ground operation, bringing fresh suffering to the people of Gaza. We have provided over €84 million in support for the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023.
Our most recent contribution, in February, of €20 million in core funding to UNRWA contributed to the humanitarian surge under the cease fire. Since February, UNRWA has opened 130 temporary schools, provided psychological support to over 300,000 children, and 16,000 health consultations per day. During the ceasefire, our funds also supported UNRWA to deliver food parcels across Gaza, and shelter material for more than half a million people. In the West Bank, UNRWA continues to run schools and clinics where it can.
Another key partner is the UN’s Humanitarian Fund in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to which Ireland has provided over €6 million since 2023, including €1.1 million last month. The Fund supports a timely, coordinated and principled humanitarian response through grants for humanitarian agencies to assist the most vulnerable communities and people, and to provide them with urgently needed support.
Further humanitarian assistance has been provided through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross. We have supplied over 116 tonnes of relief goods through our Rapid Response Initiative.
We also provide additional support under Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for a Better World with over €2.5 million allocated since 2023 to Irish NGOs for their activities across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
We continue to urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, resume humanitarian aid into Gaza, protect aid workers and stress that attacks on UN facilities are a violation of International Humanitarian Law.
223. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement he has had with foreign ministers of other EU Member States with regard to collective support for Ukraine and its people in the onslaught of ongoing violence from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15219/25]
View answerSince the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. I am committed to working with my EU partners in the period ahead to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself. This remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.
Russian aggression against Ukraine features prominently on the monthly agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, where EU Foreign Ministers are regularly joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine, to hear directly from him about the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most pressing needs. This is an important forum for discussion with my EU counterparts on what more the EU can do to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to defend itself and to deter future Russian aggression.
This war, and the threat posed by Russia, is an existential issue for Ukraine, but also a major challenge to the security of Europe. The European Union has provided substantial political, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, to enable it to defend itself and, in doing so, to defend our shared fundamental values.
Ireland is playing its part. In recent weeks, I announced the allocation of €100 million to provide non-lethal military support to Ukraine. The support will be provided through partnerships with EU Member States already procuring from Ukraine and through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Coalitions on De-mining and ICT. These mechanisms will ensure that Ireland’s support can reach Ukraine quickly, at a critical moment for the country.
An important long-term guarantee we can offer to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. The Ukrainian people have made clear their European choice and the Ukrainian government has demonstrated its commitment to the reform process. Ireland will continue to advocate at EU level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path.
224. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the work of the US government in securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15220/25]
View answerI welcome the commitment of the United States to support the achievement of peace in Ukraine. The support of the US since the start of Russia's illegal, full-scale invasion and war of aggression has been instrumental to Ukraine’s defence. Our response has been characterised by strong transatlantic cooperation, including with regard to holding Russia accountable. I recently spoke with Secretary of State Rubio, and emphasised to him the vital importance for Ireland and our European partners of continuing to support Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also a question of European and transatlantlic security.
US proposals for a partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea as well as plans for further negotiations represent a first and positive step forward.
Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian assault. Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities demonstrate that Russia is intent on escalating, rather than de-escalating. These are not the actions of a country that is serious about peace.
Russia is also seeking to impose conditions on its agreement to an interim or partial ceasefire, including demanding action by the EU.
We must recall that Russia started this war as the aggressor. It cannot be seen to be rewarded for its actions.
We all want to see an end to this conflict and peace in Ukraine. However, how we arrive at peace matters. We want to achieve an outcome that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and provides the necessary security assurances, so we do not see a return to violence and aggression by Russia in the future.
We have been very clear since the full-scale invasion that we believe it is for Ukraine, a fellow democracy and a candidate for EU membership, to determine the terms, conditions and timelines for any peace agreement.
We are committed to working with Ukraine, the US, and our EU and international partners, to build global support for a comprehensive and lasting peace, with justice and accountability at its heart.
225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with his “like-minded” European counterparts in relation to the EU Mercosur Free Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15222/25]
View answer243. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to reaffirm Ireland’s opposition to the current Mercosur trade deal in accordance with the Programme for Government; to outline the details of engagement with EU partners in opposing the deal since December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15580/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 243 together.
The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
We have always been clear, however, that such agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries.
In regard to the EU-Mercosur agreement, in addition to our specific sector sensitivities such as agriculture, Ireland has repeatedly raised concerns at EU level regarding the strength of the trade and sustainability commitments in the original agreement negotiated in 2019. As a response to those concerns, the European Commission engaged in further negotiations with Mercosur on a new, interpretative legal instrument aimed at addressing and strengthening sustainability commitments. On 6 December 2024, the European Commission announced that it had concluded negotiations with Mercosur.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I have continued to engage at EU level at every opportunity – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in EU Member States, including “like-minded” Member States – to voice our concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement. Such engagements have taken place at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) with other EU Member State Ministers, at meetings of officials in the Trade Policy Committee, and at bilateral level. I and officials have repeatedly emphasised Ireland's requirements for credible, legally-binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity, and deforestation protections, as well as protections and assurances in regard to incomes of farmers in Ireland.
Since the Commission announced the conclusion of negotiations, officials from my Department and other departments, including the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, have been carefully analysing the text of the additional legal instrument and have engaged with the Commission to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns have been adequately addressed.
Engagements with the Commission are continuing as we seek sufficient clarification on the priority areas of climate, biodiversity, deforestation and the protection of farmer's incomes in advance of any final decision by Government. In advance of receiving the additional clarifications and assurances that we require on all of these issues, Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement will remain as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government.
226. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish ambassador to Italy has visited the city of Naples in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025; and if so, the purpose of each visit, in tabular form. [15245/25]
View answerIreland’s Embassy in Rome, as our representative office in Italy, leads on Ireland’s political, trade, economic and people-to-people relations across Italy. Under the guidance of Ambassador Patricia O’Brien, the Embassy works to enhance the political and economic relationship between Ireland and Italy and to pursue opportunities to deliver economic growth and jobs; maintain and enhance links with the Irish diaspora; and promote Ireland and the Irish Arts. Ambassador O’Brien’s visits to Naples in furtherance of these objectives during the period in question are tabulated as follows -
|
Visit Dates |
Purpose of the Visit |
|
July 2024 |
Ambassador O’Brien held a series of institutional meetings with the Prefect of Naples, the University of Naples and the Teatro San Carlo opera house, aimed at deepening cooperation in the political, educational and cultural spheres. |
|
February 2025 |
Ambassador O’Brien held institutional meetings with the Mayor of Naples to discuss deepening the political and economic relationships between Ireland and Naples and Campania. She held meetings with the Consular Corps in Naples and the Association of the Diplomatic and Consular Representation in Naples and Campania regarding the strengthening of Ireland’s consular assistance systems and network in Italy. During the visit, Ambassador O’Brien also delivered a lecture to the Faculty of Law at University Federico II. |
227. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or Ministers of State from his Department raised recent breaches of international law by Israel such as cutting off food, water, and electricity to civilian populations in Gaza during recent visits to EU Member States over the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; how these breaches of international law impact Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement asserting respect for human rights by all parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/25]
View answerIn the current context, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a standing agenda point on the Foreign Affairs Council enabling me and my officials to exchange with our EU partners on this key priority on a monthly basis.
The immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate end and for all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, including the release of remaining hostages and the resumption of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
This is a positon that I fully share with my EU partners and one that I emphasised during my recent visit to the United States over the St Patrick’s Day period. The United States has made an important contribution to securing the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Together with the other mediators Egypt and Qatar, the US remains a key player in pressing the parties to return to the table to resume the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
The situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East formed an important part of my engagements at the Munich Security Conference in February, where I met with a number of global leaders and policy makers including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, the Foreign Minister of Jordan and the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini.
Compliance with international law is also central to Ireland’s approach at EU and international level. 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. All parties must respect international humanitarian law at all times. Hospitals and health facilities, medical and humanitarian personnel, must be protected.
At EU level, I continue to advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I welcome that at the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the European Union clearly recalled Article 2 of the Association Agreement at the outset of its statement.
Furthermore, the EU-Israel Association Agreement must, in the Government’s view, be interpreted and applied in accordance with the obligations of the EU and its Member States under international law. These obligations have been clarified by the International Court of Justice in its recent advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
228. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average time to process foreign birth register applications; and if he will provide a schedule, by number of persons and country, waiting to have their application processed to completion. [15332/25]
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. Applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted. Processing time begins when all supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, and applications that require further supporting documentation will take longer to process.
The time taken to process Foreign Birth Registration has decreased from over two and a half years in 2023 to approximately nine months currently. This improvement is a result of the investment of significant extra resources to the FBR Unit over the past two years.
There are approximately 45,000 FBR applications currently in the system. The number of applications with the Passport Service (PPS) for processing is 36,000, and the number of applications with the applicants (i.e. the PPS is awaiting documentation) is 9,000.
The number of applications with the Passport Service for processing, as listed by country of residence of the applicant, is outlined below in tabular form. For data protection reasons, applications from countries with fewer than 100 applicants have been merged under the OTHER heading.
|
Country of Residence |
Number of Applicants (to nearest 100) |
|
AUSTRALIA |
1,300 |
|
CANADA |
1,400 |
|
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
100 |
|
ENGLAND |
16,700 |
|
FRANCE |
200 |
|
GERMANY |
100 |
|
IRELAND |
800 |
|
NETHERLANDS |
100 |
|
NEW ZEALAND |
600 |
|
SCOTLAND |
1,400 |
|
SOUTH AFRICA |
600 |
|
SPAIN |
200 |
|
SWITZERLAND |
100 |
|
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
100 |
|
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
11,300 |
|
WALES |
300 |
|
OTHER (Countries with fewer than 100 applicants) |
1,400 |
