Written Answers Nos. 1-80
55. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to safeguard the peace process, in view of the collapse of the Executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is constantly engaged with the British Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the political parties to support the peace process and political progress in Northern Ireland on the basis of the Agreement. In recent weeks, both the Taoiseach and I have had intensified contacts with the parties and the British Government on the political difficulties that were threatening the continuation of the Executive.
It was clear, immediately following the resignation of the deputy First Minister, that the prospect of a resolution ahead of the triggering of an Assembly election was slim. However both Governments, in their capacity as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, made full use of the narrow window available to ensure that any avenues for resolution between the parties prior to an election were fully explored.
In the event, an Assembly election has been triggered and it is important to emphasise that this eventuality is one covered by the legislation governing the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. When parties in an administration cannot agree, an election is the consequence and the outcome of that is now for the electorate in Northern Ireland to determine.
The Secretary of State and I have agreed that both Governments should continue to work closely together in the weeks to come, looking ahead to the post-election period, when a new power-sharing Executive will need to be formed. We have also urged the parties to approach the election campaign in calm and respectful terms, conscious that polarising rhetoric and frayed relationships will damage the prospects of forming an Executive after the votes have been counted.
We must all be mindful that effective devolved Government, underpinned by a genuine spirit of partnership, is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in 1998 and what they expect their politicians to deliver.
After the election, it will therefore fall to the parties to form a power-sharing Executive and this will require the parties to find a way forward on issues which contributed to the calling of the election. The Government is of course always ready to support and assist the parties in any way we can. Our commitment as a co-guarantor of the Agreement is a constant one – in good times and bad.
The Government will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to support the fulfilment of the full promise of that Agreement and to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.
56. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent attendance at the international Middle East peace conference; his views on the position being taken by President Trump in relation to the rights of the Palestinian people and in particular his intention to move the embassy of the United States to Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the Conference on the Middle East Peace Process in Paris on 15 January, which was hosted by President Hollande. Some 70 countries and international organisations participated in the meeting, which was a follow up to the first conference held in Paris in June 2016, which I also attended. This “French Initiative” was aimed at reviving a stalled peace process, and reaffirming international support for the two state solution to the conflict between Israel and its Arab and Palestinian neighbours. Contrary to intentions, the meeting did not include the parties themselves, as Israel refused to attend or to engage in any way with the French initiative. This was regrettable and mistaken.
The conference adopted a Declaration which clearly expressed the view of the broad international community that the two state solution was the only way forward. This followed on and reinforced the similar message in Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted in December, which I welcomed at the time.
However, there was also great concern among all participants about threats to the viability of that solution, stemming principally from the settlement policy of the Israeli Government. The Middle East Peace Process has been effectively stalled for three years, and there is no clear view on how to renew it. Uncertainty about the direction which the new US Administration will take was, of course, one factor in that regard.
The Paris Conference, and the initiative taken by France during 2016, can be said therefore to have been partially successful, particularly in maintaining an international focus on the issue at a time when other events in the Middle East have been dominating attention. France is to be commended for initiating and persevering with this challenging work, despite the many and clearly anticipated difficulties inherent to it. The wider ambition, of helping to restart the peace process, remains to be achieved, and is a task for the whole international community. Ireland will continue to argue for the European Union to play its full part in that.
It is too soon to tell what positions the new US Administration will take in relation to Israeli-Palestinian issues. I have addressed the specific issue of the location of the US Embassy in reply to an earlier Question today (No. 53).
57. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances surrounding the revocation of a licence (details supplied) due to allegations that have not been substantiated by any witnesses or other corroborative evidence. [3034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the particular case to which the Deputy refers. My officials in the Belfast Secretariat monitor this and other cases as part of their ongoing work around prison issues generally in Northern Ireland. The circumstances of the individual in question, have been raised with the Northern Ireland Office. The Deputy will be aware that the person concerned was detained in March 2016 when the release licence granted to him under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement was revoked by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers.
I am informed that as part of the revocation process, the independent Northern Ireland Parole Commissioners carry out a full review of the case. The Parole Commissioners are charged with taking into account the obligations on the State of the European Convention on Human Rights in making their recommendation. This includes assessing the risk to the public should the person remain at liberty.
Those whose licence is revoked under this process are provided with a copy of the independent Parole Commissioners recommendation, which sets out the reasons the licence was revoked.
Deputies will be aware of my concern about prison conditions generally in Northern Ireland. I had a useful discussion on this wider issue with Claire Sugden MLA, the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice when she visited Dublin recently. Minister Sugden does not have any role in the revocation of licences issued under the Good Friday Agreement which remain a matter for the Secretary of State.
58. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent efforts made by his Department to secure the release of a person (details supplied) detained without trial in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3037/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and substantial resources and time are being devoted to it, by the Taoiseach, by me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, by officials in my Department, by our Ambassador and his team in Cairo, and by the entire Irish diplomatic network. The Government is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our determination to see this young man returned to his home and his family.
I acknowledge and express my appreciation to the Ceann Comhairle, and to all of the members of the cross-party delegation that went to Cairo recently to meet this citizen and to hear his story at first-hand, and to press the case for his return to Ireland with the Egyptian authorities at the highest levels. These messages have been clearly and repeatedly conveyed by the Government, and it is very useful that the Egyptian authorities are clear on the fact that there is absolute unanimity across Dáil Éireann on this matter.
The Taoiseach has been in direct contact with Egyptian President el-Sisi on numerous occasions and has called on him to exercise his powers under Egyptian law to resolve this case and return this young man to Ireland. He has done so in face-to-face meetings on two occasions and also by telephone and by letter. The Taoiseach most recently wrote to President el-Sisi about the case in November. For my part, I have engaged continuously on this case with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, and I once again raised this case with him when I met him in Paris at the Middle East Peace Conference on Sunday, January 15th.
The trial in which our citizen is a defendant along with more than 400 others was back in court for a further hearing on 17 January. The hearing saw witnesses called and cross-examined for the first time since the trial began. This may be an indication that the trial has now, at last, moved into a substantive phase and that a conclusion may finally be in prospect. The Irish Government has been present at and has observed every hearing in the trial to date and our Embassy was again represented at the hearing on 17 January. The next hearing will be on 14 February and the Embassy will once again be present on that occasion to observe the proceedings.
The Egyptian President has consistently advised us that the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary must be respected, and that the Egyptian Government cannot intervene until after the trial has concluded. The President has also consistently made clear to us that he is anxious to resolve this issue as soon as he can, and that he will be able to intervene in the case once the trial has ended. I welcome the fact that he reiterated this to the Oireachtas delegation when they met with him in Cairo on January 11th.
I and my colleagues in Government and our officials at every level will continue to do everything possible and appropriate to engage with the authorities in Cairo on this citizen’s behalf both directly and through and with EU and international partners.
59. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on representations that he has made to international bodies regarding the persecution of the Rohingya population in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been active in raising concerns regarding the treatment of the Rohingya community in Myanmar/Burma at a multilateral level over recent years. In 2016, Ireland supported the EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar/Burma at the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in March 2016. This resolution conveyed the HRC’s serious concerns over human rights violations in the country, including the situation in Rakhine State and particularly with respect to religious and ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya minority. Ireland also raised this issue in a statement at the 32nd session of the HRC in June 2016 and during the review of Myanmar’s human rights record at the HRC’s Universal Periodic Review in November 2015.
Ireland has also supported the inclusion of this issue in the EU’s contacts with the Government of Myanmar, including in the most recent EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue which took place on 22 November 2016.
I am particularly concerned about the recent outbreak of violence in Rakhine State, which began in the wake of attacks on police posts in October 2016. I support the concerns expressed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein in December 2016, in which the Commissioner called for access by independent monitors and an independent investigation of allegations of human rights violations by the security forces in their response to these attacks. Ireland has also actively called for the restoration of access for humanitarian aid to the region.
My Department will continue to raise these concerns in our contacts with international bodies, in the context of our membership of the EU and the UN, as well as in our bilateral contacts with the Government of Myanmar.
60. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent US led airstrikes on Mosul which killed 30 civilians; if he will cease US military aircraft and hardware coming through Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3092/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regret the deaths of all civilians in every military conflict. I am conscious of multiple reports, including from civilians in Mosul, claiming that Daesh is deliberately using civilians as human shields. I would also note that the liberation of Mosul, from a terrorist group which a UN body has found responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, has been legally mandated by the UN Security Council under resolution 2249, which calls on UN Member States to “prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL” and “to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria”. Security operations taking place against Daesh inside Iraq are also conducted under the legal authority of the sovereign Government of Iraq.
The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. The practical implementation of this provision is guided by and reflects Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
61. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to an open letter to the UN Security Council from more than a dozen Nobel laureates, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, criticising Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s de facto leader, for a bloody military crackdown on minority Rohingya people, warning of a tragedy amounting to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3030/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the open letter to which the Deputy refers. The Government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Rakhine State in the wake of attacks on police posts near Myanmar/Burma’s border with Bangladesh in October 2016. Ireland has called for an immediate end to violence in the region, and for an impartial, independent investigation into serious allegations of human rights violations committed by security forces in response to the attacks. Also critical is full restoration of access for humanitarian aid to Rakhine State, to ensure vulnerable communities receive the support they need.
Ireland has been active in raising our concerns at bilateral level with the authorities in Myanmar/Burma and in the context of our membership of the EU and the UN. Ireland’s Ambassador to Thailand, who is accredited to Myanmar/Burma, raised Ireland’s concerns regarding the situation in Rakhine State with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin during a visit to the country earlier this month. The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely.
Ireland welcomes the democratic transition which is currently underway in Myanmar/Burma following elections in November 2015. We recognise the positive steps that the new Government of Myanmar/Burma has taken in pursuit of peace and reconciliation, democratic reforms and economic growth. The Irish Government is of the view that respect for human rights and the rule of law for all people in Myanmar/Burma remains central to the long-term success of these goals. Addressing the underlying root causes of tensions in Rakhine State, in a manner that takes account of the concerns of the Rohingya and Buddhist communities, and led by the Government of Myanmar/Burma, is critical in this context.
63. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the execution of three prisoners in Bahrain on 15 January 2017 and claims concerning same (details supplied); and if he will raise the execution of these prisoners with his Bahraini counterparts. [3047/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the recent executions in Bahrain, and of the allegations that these persons were tortured and subjected to unfair trials prior to the executions. It is disappointing to see Bahrain revert to using the death penalty, which they have not done since 2010. This move is a backwards step in Bahrain’s efforts to improve its human rights record, and only serves to reinforce the concerns that I have expressed in this House about the human rights situation in Bahrain of late.
I am also aware that last week’s executions triggered public protests and demonstrations. I call on the protesters and the Bahraini authorities alike to exercise restraint, for the protesters to express their views peacefully and for the authorities to permit them to do this. I remind the Bahraini Government that preventing people from expressing their views does not quash people’s grievances; it only reinforces them.
Ireland is unequivocal in its stance on the death penalty. We oppose and condemn its use in all circumstances, and in particular in cases where there are allegations of unfair trials preceding its implementation. The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use.
These executions are a worrying development, as they coincide with an overall deterioration in the human rights situation in Bahrain, in particular targeting those who express dissent or criticism of the Bahraini Government. This is despite repeated statements from the Bahraini authorities of their commitment to improving the human rights situation in that country. Ireland made specific reference to Bahrain in our Item 4 Statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva last September, expressing concern about “restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association aimed at silencing the voice of civil society and human rights defenders in countries including Bahrain”.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who is accredited to Bahrain as we do not have an Embassy there, recently met with the Bahraini Deputy Minister for International Affairs, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and they discussed human rights. My Department will also specifically raise the renewed use of the death penalty with Bahrain at the next available opportunity, and we will continue to call on Bahrain to live up to its commitments to improve the human rights situation for all Bahrainis.
64. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the arrest of five persons by the French police, with the co-operation of the Spanish police, in the Basque town of Luhuso (details supplied); his views on whether the arrests are a blow to efforts to promote the Basque peace process; and his further views on whether the French and Spanish Governments should instead promote and support a process of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Basque Country. [3046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government continues to support and encourage all efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in the Basque Country. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government welcomed the declaration by ETA of October 2011 that the organisation had decided on “a definitive cessation of its armed activity”. We continue to encourage all those involved to build on this step and work for a long-term political solution and lasting peace and reconciliation in the Basque Country.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the internal legal processes of two fellow EU member states.
65. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt, and the Egyptian government in regard to a person (details supplied). [38633/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis long-running and complex consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and substantial resources and time are being devoted to it, by the Taoiseach, by me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, by officials in my Department, by our Ambassador and his team in Cairo, and by the entire Irish diplomatic network.
The Government is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our determination to see this young man returned to his home and his family.
The Taoiseach has been in direct and personal contact with Egyptian President el-Sisi on numerous occasions calling on him to exercise his powers under Egyptian law to resolve this case and return this citizen to Ireland. He did so when he met the President face-to-face to discuss this case in New York in September 2015, and again in Paris in November 2015. The Taoiseach restated the Government’s position on the case again when he spoke to the President by telephone last July. The Taoiseach has also written to President el-Sisi on a number of occasions about this case, including in a letter in August 2016 and again, most recently, in a letter dated 17 November 2016.
In all of these contacts, the Taoiseach has underlined our concerns about the continuing detention of this young man, who has been in prison for more than three years without having been convicted of any crime, and who is part of a group trial that has been adjourned on many occasions.
For my part, I have been in continuous contact with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, about this case since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I have met the Minister face-to-face on several occasions to discuss the case including, notably, during a visit to Cairo last June and in New York in September 2016. I discussed the case most recently with Minister Shoukry when I met him in Paris on Sunday, January 11th.
I have also spoken with the Minister by phone on many occasions about the case. I have also had many meetings and phone conversations about the case with the Egyptian Ambassador in Dublin, Soha Gendi.
The matter has also remained the top priority for our Embassy in Cairo and our Ambassador there raises this case regularly at all levels with the Egyptian Government.
In all these contacts we underline the Irish Government’s support for this citizen’s immediate return to Ireland.
Our key focus in this case is securing this citizen’s best interests. We are working to see him released by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest possible opportunity.
Regardless of our difficulties with the ongoing trial, the reality is the Irish government cannot directly interfere with a trial in another country. What we can do and what we are working very hard to do is to secure this citizen’s release by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest possible time so that he can return home to his family in Dublin, and to provide every possible consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
All of the sustained and focused actions that have been taken by the Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Cairo throughout this case have been aimed at furthering these two objectives, and importantly, avoiding any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to this citizen’s best interests.
66. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next EU Foreign Affairs Council will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting is due to take place on Monday 6th February in Brussels. I will attend the meeting. I expected that Egypt, Libya and Ukraine will be discussed. Libya was last on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council in April 2016. It has been over a year since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement and the February FAC presents an opportunity to reassess the situation, in particular the status of the political transition. A viable political solution remains the only way forward for the Libyan people and Ireland continues to support the formation of a functioning government.
Ministers will discuss the situation in Egypt and EU-Egyptian relations at the Council meeting. This will be the first opportunity in three years for such a discussion. The discussion will cover a wide range of issues of concern, including human rights, regional stability, terrorism and economic developments.
The discussion on Ukraine will be a good opportunity to review overall relations with a key neighbouring country. There is likely to be a particular focus on progress in the implementation of Ukraine’s political and economic reform programme.
67. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans following the latest deferment of the trial of a person (details supplied) in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3098/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and substantial resources and time are being devoted to it, by the Taoiseach and myself, by officials in my Department, by our Ambassador and his team in Cairo, and by the wider Irish diplomatic network. The Government is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our determination to see this young man returned to his home and his family.
I acknowledge and express my appreciation to the Ceann Comhairle, and to all of the members of the cross-party delegation that went to Cairo recently to meet this citizen and to hear his story at first-hand, and to press the case for his return to Ireland with the Egyptian authorities at the highest levels. These messages have been clearly and repeatedly conveyed by the Government, and it is very useful that the Egyptian authorities are clear on the fact that there is absolute unanimity across Dáil Éireann on this matter.
The Taoiseach has spoken directly and personally with Egyptian President el-Sisi on numerous occasions now calling on him to exercise his powers under Egyptian law to resolve this case and return this young man to Ireland. He has done so in face-to-face meetings on two occasions and also by telephone and by letter. The Taoiseach most recently wrote to President el-Sisi about the case in November. For my part, I have engaged continuously on this case with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, and I once again raised this case with him when I met him in Paris at the Middle East Peace Conference on Sunday, January 15th.
The trial in which our citizen is a defendant along with more than 400 others was back in court for a further hearing on 17 January. The hearing saw witnesses called and cross-examined for the first time since the trial began. This may be an indication that the trial has now, at last, moved into a substantive phase and that a conclusion may finally be in prospect. The Irish Government has been present at and has observed every hearing in the trial to date and our Embassy was again represented at the hearing on 17 January. The next hearing will be on 14 February and the Embassy will once again be present on that occasion to observe the proceedings.
The Egyptian President has consistently advised us that the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary must be respected, and that the Egyptian Government cannot intervene while the case remains before the courts. The President has also consistently made clear to us that he is anxious to resolve this issue as soon as he can, and that he will be able to intervene in the case once the trial has ended. I welcome the fact that he reiterated this to the Oireachtas delegation when they met with him in Cairo on January 11th.
I and my colleagues in Government and our officials at every level will continue to do everything possible and appropriate to engage with the authorities in Cairo on this citizen’s behalf both directly and through and with EU and international partners.
68. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he had any dialogue at EU level regarding addressing the urgent situation whereby members of civil society are at extreme risk in view of the increase in attacks and murders of human rights defenders in Colombia, since the cease fire in August 2016. [3031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increase in attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia during 2016 is a matter of great concern. The situation is being closely monitored by my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I condemn unreservedly any intimidation or violence perpetrated against human rights defenders in Colombia or elsewhere.
I firmly believe that the Colombian peace process, which aims to create a virtuous circle between peacebuilding and respect for human rights, provides the framework in which the endemic violence which has afflicted Colombian society can successfully be addressed.
I had the opportunity to discuss the peace process in Colombia with my EU colleagues and with the President of Colombia, Mr Juan Manuel Santos, at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 12 December. The EU Special Envoy to the Colombian Peace Process, Mr Eamon Gilmore, also participated in our discussion. I made clear the importance Ireland attaches to supporting the implementation of the peace agreement, and noted the need for all parties to the process to maintain momentum and to ensure that the citizens of Colombia begin to see evidence of a peace dividend.
Ireland is a founder member and one of the largest contributors to the EU Trust Fund for Colombia. We have committed to providing €3 million in funding over the lifetime of the Fund, which aims to support the implementation of the peace agreement. Ireland has been closely involved in discussion of its strategic direction and advocated a strong human rights perspective for the Fund, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights internationally. We will continue to prioritise this issue as the agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC is implemented in the months and years ahead.
Officials from my Department regularly meet representatives of human rights organisations active in Colombia. Most recently, in November 2016, they hosted a delegation from Peace Brigades International to discuss the worrying increase in violence against local leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia to which the Deputy refers.
Officials from our Embassy in Mexico also regularly interact with organisations working to promote and defend human rights in Colombia. Ireland has provided more than €5 million to international and local civil society organizations in Colombia since 2009, including to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Christian Aid, amongst others. In addition, Ireland regularly raises issues relating to human rights directly in Bogotá and via the UN and European Union.
69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the British Foreign Secretary in relation to the need for the British Government to respond positively and without further delay to the requests of Dáil Éireann to provide access to papers and files pertaining to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3044/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a repeat of my answer to Priority Question No. 47/3262-17.
Dealing with the legacy of the past relating to the conflict in Northern Ireland is a major priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. This commitment is reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government, which makes specific reference to pursuing the issue of the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted in this House on 25 May last year has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government. The Taoiseach has raised the issue with Prime Minister May, emphasising the Government’s continued support for the Dáil motions. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, most recently at our meeting in Belfast on 19 January.
In our discussions, I have advised Secretary of State Brokenshire that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined to the Secretary of State that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government.
Secretary of State Brokenshire has acknowledged the importance that the Government and Dáil Éireann attach to this case, but indicated that the British Government is still considering how it could respond in a way which would adequately address the motions and be consistent with its obligations.
The Government will continue to pursue this matter with the British Government, urging them to provide a satisfactory response to the motions that have been adopted by this House.
There are many families throughout these islands and beyond who continue to deal not only with the awful pain of losing a loved one, but also with the struggle for answers decades after these traumatic events. Accordingly, the establishment of a new comprehensive framework for dealing with the past, as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement, is a priority for the Government.
I am continuing to engage with the Secretary of State and with the Northern Ireland parties to ensure the Executive is up and running as soon as possible after the upcoming Assembly elections, so that a way can be found to achieve a final agreement on legacy issues at political level. There has been positive work and discussions ongoing over the last number of months. There remain a number of outstanding issues, but there is an urgent need to achieve progress, so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and support broader societal healing and reconciliation. The Government will continue its engagement to achieve the establishment of these legacy institutions at the earliest possible opportunity following the Assembly election.
70. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is supporting efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in north-east Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. Despite recent progress made by Nigerian and regional armed forces, violence by Boko Haram remains a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria and to the wider Lake Chad region. This conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and has caused a humanitarian crisis affecting some 14 million people.
Since 2015, the Government has provided over €3.1 million in humanitarian assistance for those affected by this crisis. Last year, we provided €1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross and €1 million to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation for their response in the region. We also provided €430,000 to our NGO partners, Oxfam Ireland, MSF, Plan International Ireland and the International Rescue Committee. In addition, Irish Aid deployed six specialists last year to work with UN agencies in the region under the Rapid Response initiative.
We are also working closely with our partners in the EU, which has pledged up to €50 million to the Multinational Joint Taskforce, which supports 8,700 troops from Nigeria and neighbouring countries in promoting regional security. Since 2014, the European Commission has provided €96.8 million for humanitarian assistance in Nigeria, and the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin remains a priority for the year ahead.
Our Embassy in Abuja has also been playing a leading role on the ground, in cooperation with the United Nations. Our Ambassador has made a number of visits to North-Eastern Nigeria, meeting with representatives of the UN and NGOs and with the Governor of Borno State, to discuss priorities for 2017. We are continuing to monitor developments closely, and to work with the Nigerian Government, with regional authorities and with other key partners to address the humanitarian crisis through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian funding.
72. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his discussions with US officials in relation to immigration reform, and in particular the plight of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States of America; his plans to meet with US officials in the near future to discuss this further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times since coming to office he has met with US officials to discuss immigration reform and in particular the plight of the undocumented Irish citizens in America; his plans to meet with US officials on this issue over the next six months; his views on when reform on this issue will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2789/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 89 together.
Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and agreement on a facility for future migration between Ireland and the US are longstanding Government objectives. We continue to be committed to these aims notwithstanding the changed political context in the United States.
The Government has raised the issue of immigration reform with US interlocutors – including at the highest levels – on many occasions. I personally raised the issue when I met then-Secretary of State John Kerry in Co. Tipperary, on 30 October 2016. I also raised it when I spoke to Speaker Paul Ryan by telephone on 23 November 2016.
The Government has also availed of every opportunity to sensitise the incoming Administration to our concerns and interests regarding immigration reform, and the plight of the undocumented Irish in particular. The Taoiseach raised the matter in his separate telephone conversations with President Trump and Vice-President Pence in the days following the Presidential election. Immigration reform will be high on my agenda for my planned visit to Washington DC in early February. Moreover, the forthcoming St. Patrick’s Day engagements will provide a further opportunity to express to senior figures in the new Administration and Congress our aims and concerns in relation to the undocumented.
The Government will continue to use high-level visits to and from the US, as well as Ireland’s diplomatic representation in the United States, to advance these aims. The Embassy in Washington has worked closely with members of the US Congress - in both the House of Representatives and the US Senate, and on both sides of the aisle – to advance progress on this matter and will continue to do so. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the assistance of the Friends of Ireland in Congress and the many representatives of Irish-America, who appreciate our concerns.
In addition to these political efforts, our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the United States will continue to engage with Irish community groups in relation to their concerns. In recent days, Ambassador Anderson convened a meeting of senior immigration stakeholders at our Embassy in Washington in order to hear directly from those who work most-closely with the undocumented Irish.
We will also continue to support organisations that deliver frontline advisory services and community care to Irish emigrants through the Emigrant Support Programme. More than 70% of the funds allocated through this programme are directed towards welfare services, including in support of the undocumented Irish in the U.S. In the last funding round for the Emigrant Support Programme, organisations in the U.S were allocated more than €2.3 million in funding.
The Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Washington continue to work closely with Irish-American community leaders in actively pursuing all viable opportunities to advance immigration reform. We will encourage and promote any realistic possibilities for a solution that may arise.
73. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has contacted the President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump; his views on the policies of his administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach had a phone call with then President-Elect Trump on the day following his election. The Taoiseach was able to raise issues of Irish interest, and President Trump extended an invitation to the Taoiseach to visit the White House on the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day 2017. A similar call was also made by the Taoiseach to then Vice President-Elect Pence.
A new Administration in the White House is accompanied by a large number of new appointments at the highest levels of the US Federal Government and institutions. This means there can be a significant period of change – both in terms of policy and personnel - while the shape of the new Administration emerges. Our Ambassador and her team in Washington have been very active in establishing working relationships with the incoming Administration, monitoring the various confirmation hearings in the US Senate and reporting on the preliminary indications of the new Administration’s policy agenda, especially on those aspects which directly impact on our bilateral relationship with the US.
I am due to travel to Washington, D.C., at the end of January and expect to have an opportunity to meet with figures in both the Administration and Congress and review with them matters of particular interest to Ireland. These would include recent developments in the Northern Ireland Peace Process – which has been supported by successive US administrations – as well as immigration reform, the unique challenges posed for Ireland by Brexit, and strengthening economic engagement between our two countries.
74. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he will progress the UN resolution 2334 (2016) (details supplied); if he will support the persons of occupied Palestine; and his views on the effect on the viability of the two state solution. [3032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the particular efforts being made by the Government to help restart the Middle East peace process; if he envisages any progress on the stalemate in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 84 together.
UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December, was an important and timely re-statement of key international positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its resolution. The Security Council stated unambiguously its support for a two state solution to the conflict, and focused particular attention on the issue of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. I welcomed the Council’s reiteration that settlements, and actions to alter the demographic balance in the occupied areas, are illegal and an obstacle to peace. These are not new developments: these have been the positions of Ireland, of the EU, of the UN and of the international community as a whole for many years.
The Middle East Conference in Paris on 15 January, which I attended, provided the opportunity for the broader international community in turn to confirm its full support for the two state solution. I have reported in more detail on this Conference in my earlier reply to Question 56.
These two steps have been important and timely precisely because the Middle East Peace process has been effectively suspended for almost three years now. It is fair to say that among the Ministers I met at Paris there was very little optimism about the prospects for restarting the political process at this time. The demands of the concurrent crises in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East are a major factor in this view. Much will depend, as it always does, on the positions and priorities of the new US Administration.
For our part, Ireland will continue to review what additional steps might be taken to encourage political progress and stands ready to support any efforts to restart a political process, as we have done in the last year to assist the French initiative. In particular, we will continue to argue, as I have done, that the international community as a whole needs to exert more pressure on the parties themselves to re-engage.
75. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures his Department has taken in advising Irish companies of the consequences of their activities in Western Sahara while under Moroccan occupation, in view of his commitment to the self determination of the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara. [3033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently supported the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future status of the territory, so long as that status is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
At present, Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory. Under international law, the economic resources of a non-self-governing territory may only be exploited for the benefit of the people of the territory, on their behalf or in consultation with their representatives. Any exploration and exploitation activities that proceed in disregard of the interests and wishes of the people of Western Sahara would be in violation of the principles of international law applicable to natural resource activities in non-self-governing territories.
I would expect that any Irish company operating abroad would have due regard to the principles of international law and the rights of the inhabitants of the territory in which it is operating. My Department has committed to develop a National Plan on Business and Human Rights, which will assist companies in advancing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2011.
The National Plan is designed to help Government departments, State agencies, Irish companies, Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) operating in Ireland and Irish enterprises operating abroad adhere to and promote the UNGPs. Following the publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights in late 2015, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with the aim of ensuring the broadest possible participation in the development of the Plan. Work on the Plan is nearing conclusion and I expect that it will be published within the next three months.
Ireland continues to engage in EU and UN discussions aimed at promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Most recently, Ireland, together with other EU Member States, reiterated our collective commitment to the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles at the fifth UN Annual Forum on Business and Human rights in Geneva in November 2016.
76. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he and his Department have had with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in relation to the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2798/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe preparation of the new EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy was led by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini (HRVP). She consulted closely with the Member States, but presented the Strategy on her own responsibility to the European Council in June 2016 which adopted Conclusions welcoming the presentation of the Strategy and invited the HRVP, Commission and Council to take the work forward. These Conclusions make clear that any implementation of the Strategy will be negotiated and agreed with the Member States.
Ireland has been actively engaged in the consultation and follow-up process for the Strategy, including at senior official and ministerial level. We made a written submission to the consultation process. I discussed the Strategy with the HRVP and my EU colleagues at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in May 2016 and again in October 2016.
While supporting the focus of the strategy in promoting peace, security, democracy, prosperity and a rules based global order, I have been clear that any work in the area of security and defence must take place within the scope of the EU Treaties and of the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality. This is reflected in the Conclusions of the FAC meeting in November 2016, attended by the Ministers of State for European Affairs and Defence, which reaffirmed that the specific character of the security and defence policy of all EU Member States will be fully respected in the implementation of the EUGS.
The European Council in December 2016 endorsed the work of Council on implementing the EUGS in the area of security and defence, and called for comprehensive follow-up by the HRVP and Member States. It is expected that she will present these proposals in the coming months for discussion with Member States.
77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, along with EU and UN colleagues, continues to press for humanitarian assistance in the various conflict zones globally; if consideration continues to be given to the provision of safe or protective havens for civilian communities fleeing from war, genocide and terrorism; the extent to which peace keeping interventions are being considered in the most sensitive war zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of effective humanitarian assistance is a key foreign policy priority for the Government. Ireland provided over €150 million in humanitarian funding in 2016, to provide assistance to people affected by crisis and conflict around the world.
Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is targeted at where needs are greatest and we ensure a focus on crises and conflicts that are sometimes ignored in the media. We work particularly at EU and UN level to advocate for increased humanitarian access, more effective means of providing assistance, and respect for international humanitarian law.
Ireland contributes strongly to the European Commission’s humanitarian action outside the EU, which has an annual budget of approximately €1 billion. Ireland’s UN partners lead the coordination of international appeals for humanitarian assistance, including through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to this Fund, which has provided $4.6 billion in life-saving assistance to people affected by crises since 2005.
In May last year, the UN Secretary General convened the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, in an effort to address the current scale of global humanitarian crisis. I delivered Ireland’s National Statement, making a number of commitments on effective humanitarian action, including through our support to conflict affected states and our approach to peacekeeping. These commitments will remain a top priority in 2017.
Providing safe havens within conflict zones is extremely difficult, especially where civilian protection is not prioritised. Safe havens require UN mandates and robustly-equipped peacekeeping personnel. Political will is lacking in many conflicts today, including from some on the UN Security Council. However, in other places, the UN is active and there are twice as many UN peacekeepers deployed today as 15 years ago. Ireland continues to play its part, with more than 570 personnel in UN-mandated missions overseas.
In 2017, Ireland will remain a strong advocate for a more effective UN response and for respect for international humanitarian law.
78. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the potential extradition of a person (details supplied) to the United States of America, in view of comments made by President Trump regarding the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this individual is a U.S citizen, this is a matter for the United States and the Russian Federation. I do not intend making representations to either Government.
80. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 710 of 17 January 2017, his views on the fact that there was a sharp increase in the number of requests for landings of military aircraft at Shannon Airport in June 2016, the same month in which NATO ran a military exercise in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3058/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPermission granted for landings by all foreign military aircraft at Irish airports is subject to strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, must carry no arms, ammunition or explosives. The aircraft must not engage in intelligence gathering and the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. The increase in requests received in June 2016 in respect of military aircraft seeking to land at Shannon Airport arose mainly from requests from the US Embassy which has confirmed that the flights in question complied with the applicable conditions. The Embassy have also confirmed that none of the aircraft used in those exercises originated from the United States and furthermore that none of the aircraft that participated in those exercises refuelled in Shannon during that exercise.
