Written Answers Nos. 1-30
9. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on discussions with his counterparts in Europe with regard to imposing sanctions on Israel because of its war crimes in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the adoption of European Union sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, adopted on 19 March 2024. I also welcome that the EU has adopted sanctions against Hamas for sexual and gender-based violence committed on 7 October.
Ireland has continued to push for further sanctions against violent West Bank settlers at an EU level. Following Ireland's advocacy, it is positive that there was political agreement at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday of this week to move ahead with additional EU sanctions against violent settlers - both individuals and entities - as well as further sanctions on Hamas.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland does not impose unilateral domestic sanctions, Ireland rather applies sanctions that are adopted by the United Nations Security Council or by the European Union. We actively participate in all EU level discussions on sanctions issues, including new sanctions regimes and proposals for individual listings, and we also did so at UN level during our membership of the Security Council.
EU sanctions are implemented through EU Regulations, which are directly applicable in all Member States. In order to criminalise any breach of the Regulations as a matter of Irish law, statutory instruments are made which provide that any person who contravenes certain provisions of a regulation will be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.
As a matter of policy, the Government does not support the sanctioning of entire countries or peoples, but rather focuses on ensuring that all EU and UN sanctions are targeted at specific individuals and entities that are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights.
11. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on passport applications and processing times presently; the number of applications that have been processed to date in 2024; the number that are outstanding and currently waiting to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27266/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is in a strong position to deal with the current volume of applications during the busy summer season. As I mentioned earlier, over 625,000 passports have been issued to date.
Passport turnaround times are:
• 10 working days for simple adult online renewals
• 15 working days for complex or child online renewals
• 20 working days for first time online applications
• 8 weeks for Post Passport (paper) applications
There are currently over 130,000 passport applications in the system. 64,000, or 49% of these applications, are with the Passport Service for processing. The remaining 51% are awaiting further action by the applicant before they can be progressed. This means that the Passport Service is waiting for the applicant to submit supporting documents in order to move the application forward.
I would like to highlight some resources that are available to citizens who need to apply for their passport.
• Firstly, the Passport Service offers Urgent Appointments for applicants who need to renew their passport urgently in time for travel. The Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment Service. The number of appointments available has increased this year with 220 one-day appointments now available each week in Dublin and 544 four-day appointments available between Dublin and Cork.
• Secondly, there are very helpful videos available on my Department's website that provide guidance on taking passport photos and completing the identity and consent form for children correctly. I would encourage all passport applicants to watch these videos before applying.
I encourage everyone to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most effective service.
14. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will discuss as a matter of urgency in early July with members of the British government the need to repeal the legacy legislation introduced by the British government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27594/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra28. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the further engagement he has had with the UK government for the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 28 together.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments have a shared duty to deliver on the vision and commitments of the Agreement that provide the overarching framework for deepening peace, political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Effectively addressing the painful legacy of the Troubles has been an ongoing challenge throughout the 26 years since the Agreement was concluded, complicating the vital work of reconciliation across these islands.
The UK Legacy Act was a unilateral departure from the approach the two Governments and most parties in Northern Ireland resolved take, as set out the Stormont House Agreement.
The Government’s concerns regarding the Act include the fundamental question of its compliance with the European Convention of Human Rights, which are now the subject of an inter-state case.
I have consistently made clear to the British government our grave concerns about this Legacy legislation.
On 1 May, the day that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery became operational, I had a phone call with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I reiterated the overwhelming opposition to the legislation in Northern Ireland, particularly among victims and families.
This call followed our discussion of wide range of legacy issues, including ongoing domestic and interstate legal proceedings, at the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London two days earlier, on 29 April.
I am conscious that, regardless of the outcome of the UK general election, we can expect a new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Early engagement with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, once appointed, is a priority for me. I have no doubt that the Legacy Act, and how we might work together more effectively on legacy issues more broadly, will be at the centre of my early and ongoing contacts with the new Secretary of State.
Looking forward, there are many other important issues on which we will continue to work closely with the British Government. Our relationship is too broad, too deep, too important, ever to be defined by a single issue. That said, the issue of the legacy of the Troubles is a fundamental one. I will continue to press for an approach to legacy that is victim-centred and human rights compliant. I believe that delivering such an approach, in partnership, is essential to any reconciled future on this island.
15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 9 May 2024, for a status update on his engagement at EU level to seek a review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27142/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2024, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 18 March and by the Taoiseach in a meeting with President von der Leyen on 11 April.
At the FAC on 27 May, I called for an urgent convening of an EU-Israel Association Council to review Israel’s compliance with measures of the agreement. This was agreed, and the EU's High Representative / Vice President (HRVP) Josep Borrell wrote to the Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz requesting his participation. The Israeli Ambassador to the EU subsequently responded to the request, noting that Israel would only participate on the basis of an agreed agenda that covered the full spectrum of the EU's relationship with Israel.
Ireland, along with many other Member States, has made clear that this is not acceptable; any discussion between the EU and Israel, whether in the format of the Association Council or in another format, can not be a 'business as usual' meeting. HRVP Borrell will now follow up with Israel on this basis. I have also emphasised in EU discussions that, if Israel continues to fail to comply with the Provisional Orders of the International Court of Justice, then the EU should consider all options to ensure the upholding of international law.
Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is just one element our efforts to shape EU policy. The European Union can, and should, continue to do more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This will remain a priority for my continuing engagement at EU level.
16. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what his Department plans to do for the people of Palestine beyond merely recognising their right to exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27592/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra29. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to the formal recognition of the state of Palestine, his proposals to support the Palestinian state and to hold Israel to account for the crimes currently being committed against the Palestinian people. [27490/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 29 together.
Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine on 28 May was a very significant moment in the long-standing bilateral relationship between Ireland and Palestine.
Ireland’s support for the Palestinian people is underpinned by several pillars of our international engagement. This includes our active advocacy and diplomacy in seeking a sustainable peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people on the basis of the two-State solution; our continuing political and financial support for Palestinian state building, including through our own bilateral assistance programme; our support for civil society organisations working in the area of human rights and accountability in both Israel and Palestine; our bilateral engagement with partners in the region; our support for the work of the United Nations; and our unwavering commitment to international law and the integrity and independence of the international legal institutions.
In the period since Ireland announced its recognition of the State of Palestine, I have maintained intensive engagement with EU and regional partners with a view to advancing these priorities. I welcome in particular that a meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia and Norway in Brussels in late May has deepened the understanding between European, Arab and other international partners on the importance of Palestinian statehood within the context of implementing the two-State solution. It is also significant that the EU is now reinforcing its cooperation with Arab partners on the basis of the vision for peace they presented to EU Ministers in late May.
I pressed for urgent follow-up and momentum in all of these areas at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week. In particular, I pressed the European Commission to operationalise the EU’s commitment to support the Palestinian Authority through advancing, without delay, a significant package of financial assistance. I also urged the EU to apply appropriate leverage upon all parties, notably Israel, to abide by their commitments under international law. This includes the need to review Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Ireland has also been working to intensify our assistance to the Palestinian Authority in building a system of effective governance following our recognition of the Palestinian State. This builds on our long-standing programme of development assistance in Palestine, which aims to support the capacity-building of Palestinian institutions. Ireland’s development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people is an integral part of Ireland’s contribution to the achievement of a just, enduring and stable peace in the Middle East.
This year, Ireland will provide at least €34 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. These are exceptional amounts in response to the war in Gaza. Previously Ireland provided around €16 million per year in support to Palestine.
This assistance includes €20 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in February 2024. In the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, UNRWA’s role is vital. It is the backbone of humanitarian action in Gaza, both itself as a direct implementer, and through its logistical and operational support to all other humanitarian actors; no other UN agency operating in Gaza could manage without the capacity and support provided by UNRWA, nor can any other Agencies substitute UNRWA’s functions.
17. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba at the June EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions and engagement he has had with EU counterparts on the grave situation in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27271/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra44. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU Foreign Affairs Council discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27275/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 35 and 44 together.
On 24 June, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, where Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine was a key focus of discussion. As is now common practice, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, joined us by VC at the beginning of the discussion. I greatly value this regular opportunity to hear first-hand from Minister Kuleba, who briefed on a range of issues, including the current situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.
It is apparent that Ukraine’s most urgent needs are for its defence, in the face of ongoing relentless Russian attacks, which are particularly focused on energy installation and other critical civilian infrastructure. The Foreign Affairs Council also formally adopted the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia, and discussed the outcome of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Switzerland on 15 and 16 June, which represented an important first step to build consensus around the principles underlying a future peace in Ukraine.
The European Council has taken a number of important decisions in recent months, with a view to providing predictable and sustained financial support for Ukraine in the period ahead. At Monday's FAC discussion, I highlighted the importance of maintaining this momentum through the second half of 2024 and called on all EU Member States to commit to the early and consistent implementation of our decisions.
I also underscored Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s EU accession process. The holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference on Ukraine on 25 June was another milestone moment in EU-Ukraine relations, as the formal start of Ukraine's negotiations on EU membership. This represents a clear recognition of the immense commitment that Ukraine has shown to the EU accession process, and to advancing the necessary reforms, despite the incredibly difficult circumstances.
I continue to raise support for Ukraine in all my bilateral contacts with my Ministerial counterparts. The European Union continues to face a grave security threat from Russia. Russia’s ongoing attacks against Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure are part of a broader effort to break the will of the Ukrainian people, and demonstrate Russia’s clear desire to continue escalation. In response to these challenging circumstances, I am committed to working with my EU counterparts to ensure that we continue to deliver the multifaceted support Ukraine needs to defend itself.
18. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking to urgently re-establish momentum at European Union level on support for Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27273/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the implementation of important decisions at EU level in recent months, including on the Ukraine Facility, Ukraine Assistance Fund and the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 54 together.
Since 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. It is crucial that we maintain this resolve and support for Ukraine at this critical time. Russia’s brutal invasion has had appalling consequences for the Ukrainian people, but also has wider implications, including for the security of the European continent.
In recognition of these significant challenges, a number of important decisions have been taken at EU level in recent months, which send a strong signal of the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. Successive European Councils have sought to shift support for Ukraine to a more consistent, long-term and predictable basis.
Ireland supported the adoption in February of the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility” to cover macro-financial needs in the period 2024 to 2027. The EU has disbursed €6 billion to Ukraine to support the country's macro-financial stability since the entry into force of the Ukraine Facility on 1 March. The Council’s recent positive assessment of the Ukraine Plan, detailing Ukraine’s vision for the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the country and the reforms it intends to undertake as part of its EU accession process, paves the way for regular and predictable disbursements under this Facility. This will ensure that Ukraine can continue to keep the State and basic services running for its population.
Following the Council’s decision in December 2023 to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, the holding of the first Inter-governmental Conference on 25 June was yet another historic milestone in EU-Ukraine relations. Ireland has consistently supported Ukraine’s EU candidacy. We view EU membership for Ukraine as a key long-term security guarantee, and we are committed to supporting Ukraine as they commence negotiations.
In March 2024, Ireland supported the political agreement reached to establish the €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) as a dedicated envelope under the European Peace Facility to ensure the continued provision of military assistance to Ukraine. It remains critical that the EU moves forward now and without further delay to implement and operationalise this agreement, as well as the subsequent decision to use the profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine.
I welcome the EU agreement this week on a 14th package of targeted sanctions against Russia. These are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history, with 2,200 individuals and entities now subject to EU restrictive measures. Ireland supports further measures to maintain this pressure, and in particular to limit Russia’s access to sensitive items and battlefield goods.
The pattern of momentum generated from these recent agreements sends a strong signal to Ukraine, Russia and the wider world that the EU is steadfast in its long-term support to Ukraine. The abhorrent attacks carried out by Russia in recent weeks against Ukraine’s critical civilian and energy infrastructure show that Putin is determined to continue to escalate this war. Ireland is committed to working with our EU partners to take any further action needed as a tangible sign of our clear, strong and resolute support for Ukraine.
19. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the response from the European Commission to the joint request from Ireland and Spain for an ‘urgent review’ of the EU-Israel Association Agreement; if the EU-Israel Association Council has recently been convened or if there is a date for it to be convened to review Israel’s compliance with the measures in that agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra30. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress Ireland has made in helping to ensure the suspension and review of the EU/Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27458/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 30 together.
In February 2024, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 18 March and by the Taoiseach in a meeting with President von der Leyen on 11 April.
At the FAC on 27 May, I called for an urgent convening of an EU-Israel Association Council to review Israel’s compliance with measures of the agreement. This was agreed, and the EU's High Representative / Vice President (HRVP) Josep Borrell wrote to the Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz requesting his participation. The Israeli Ambassador to the EU subsequently responded to the request, noting that Israel would only participate on the basis of an agreed agenda that covered the full spectrum of the EU's relationship with Israel.
Ireland, along with many other Member States, has made clear that this is not acceptable; any discussion between the EU and Israel, whether in the format of the Association Council or in another format, can not be a 'business as usual' meeting. HRVP Borrell will now follow up with Israel on this basis. I have also emphasised in EU discussions that, if Israel continues to fail to comply with the Provisional Orders of the International Court of Justice, then the EU should consider all options to ensure the upholding of international law.
Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is just one element our efforts to shape EU policy. The European Union can, and should, continue to do more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This will remain a priority for my continuing engagement at EU level.
20. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the latest engagements with the EU that his Department has been involved in regarding the Israeli onslaught in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26976/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives within the European Union to achieve a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and a lasting settlement in the Israeli/Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues, unilaterally or through the aegis of the EU/UN, to influence the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to the setting up of a permanent peace process to which Israeli and Palestinians can refer their grievances on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 39 and 52 together.
Since the beginning of this crisis, I have been in regular contact with my counterparts in European Union Member States and the EU institutions, pressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Ireland has also consistently pushed for the EU position to evolve in line with developments on the ground, including by requesting a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and an urgent meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council to raise our concerns with Israel directly, as well as the introduction of sanctions against violent West Bank settlers. Additionally, along with other Member States, I have called on the EU to urgently release funding for the Palestinian Authority and for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
I share the assessment that the European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. Full consideration must be given by the EU to all the options available. This remains a priority for our continuing engagement at EU level.
On Monday, 24 June, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU where I shared these perspectives with other EU Member States and the Commission. I welcome that there was political agreement at that meeting to introduce additional sanctions against violent West Bank settlers - both individuals and organisations.
At the May Foreign Affairs Council, Arab partners presented their ‘Vision for Peace’ proposal, which Ireland supports. I discussed the EU's active engagement with that proposal with the EUSR for the Middle East, Sven Koopmans, during the most recent FAC meeting in Luxembourg on Monday and underlined Ireland's view that we should fully support the principles underlying this plan. I also attended a meeting hosted by Norway and Saudi Arabia last month in Brussels to discuss ongoing international peace efforts and held constructive discussions with EU and regional partners.
I will continue my intensive engagement with EU partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to the restoration of a political horizon in the region and realisation of the two-State solution.
21. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the current situation with respect to the printing of passports in the Cork Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27427/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This award-winning service has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing and has resulted in greater efficiencies for our citizens and for the Passport Service. Passport Online is a user-friendly, efficient service that is currently issuing the vast majority of adult renewal passports within 2 to 4 days.
95% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online which is available to 99.9% of all applicants globally.
The Passport Offices in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applications. The Cork office offers over 1,000 four day appointments per month. Throughout this year, an average of only 29% of appointments available in Cork were booked.
The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. However, this year only 0.7% of all passport applicants availed of this one-day service.
The Cork office does not currently have a passport printer. The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of purchasing and installing a new printer and mailing machine in Cork to be approximately €6 million. In addition to the capital investment, the annual cost of running and maintaining these machines in Cork is estimated to be €600,000 per year.
For these reasons, the Department would need to seriously consider whether a business case can be made to invest this level of funds to facilitate the very small proportion of applicants who wish to have their passport renewed within one day in Cork.
I am satisfied that the current Passport Online service and production capacity meets the needs of passport applicants. The Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance this essential citizen service.
22. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call on President Biden to stop providing military aid and support to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest engagements that his Department has been involved in with the United States in regard to the Israeli onslaught in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26977/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had, or plans to have, any discussions with the US president or his counterparts in the US with regard to their financing and arming of Israel while it continues its assault on Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27577/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 36 and 59 together.
As we approach the tenth month of the conflict in Gaza, the utmost priority remains the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
I welcome the three-phase ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden at the beginning of this month. This has since been endorsed by the UN Security Council in UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The need for the international community, including the European Union, to exert meaningful pressure on all parties to accept and implement the terms of UNSCR 2735 was a key focus of my discussions with my EU counterparts earlier this week.
Ireland’s engagement with all partners, including the United States, has consistently focused on the obligation all states to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. This was a key message conveyed by the Taoiseach to President Biden in March of this year and remains a central focus of our ongoing engagement with the United States.
Consistent with concerns that I have been raising for several months, there is a growing body of reporting and evidence indicating that breaches of international humanitarian law, by both Hamas and Israel, are continuing with impunity. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. The ICJ has also ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing to allow for the entry of humanitarian aid.
It is, incumbent upon all of our partners, including the United States, to consider their obligations and responsibilities under international law.
23. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to consider establishing an investigative taskforce to establish if the Holy See are in the possession of the crown of Brian Boru, former High King of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27299/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will liaise with relevant authorities in Ireland in the first instance to review the current circumstances, or existence, of the crown of Brian Boru, former High King of Ireland. This matter is unconfirmed at present and a question of some dispute among historical experts.
24. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times he has met with his British counterpart since he took office. [27026/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have met in-person with the British Foreign Secretary on three occasions.
The Deputy will be aware that this position was held by the Home Secretary James Cleverly from September 2022 to November 2023. The then Foreign Secretary and I first met in-person at the Munich Security Conference in February 2023, following a call earlier that month. At that time, we discussed finding agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol, developments in Northern Ireland and international challenges.
I met bilaterally with Foreign Secretary Cleverly again when I visited London in June 2023 for the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Our discussions focused primarily on agreement on the Windsor Framework and matters relating to Northern Ireland, including the importance of the restoration of the Executive and the Assembly. We also shared perspectives on a wide range of foreign policy issues.
In mid-December 2023, I travelled to London to meet with David Cameron following his appointment as Foreign Secretary in November. We discussed the importance of the relationship between Ireland and Britain. We had a good exchange on developments in Northern Ireland, including a discussion regarding the UK's Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act. We shared views on several pressing foreign policy matters, including the international community's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. This latter point was particularly salient as both of us had recently visited the Middle East region. We also discussed our respective international development programmes.
In addition to meetings with my British foreign affairs counterpart, I have also met regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. This has included bilateral engagements, as well as meetings through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and the British Irish Council - both institutions under Strand III of the Good Friday Agreement.
The relationship between Ireland and Britain remains deeply important. I am conscious that a general election in the UK will take place on 4 July. Given the importance of the bilateral relationship between our two countries, I look forward to working closely with the next British Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in a spirit of friendship and partnership.
25. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, with reference to “Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for the US and Canada 2019 to 2025”, he will report on progress made in respect of Canada; his further plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27426/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra"Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for the US and Canada 2019 – 2025" was launched in 2019, part of the Government's Global Ireland programme. The Strategy aims to strengthen Ireland's unique relationships with the United States and Canada, building upon our existing deep ties based on ancestral links, embedded trading relationships and ongoing people-to-people links. Ireland and Canada this year celebrate 85 years of diplomatic relations.
The Government has substantially delivered on its commitment to significantly strengthen Ireland's diplomatic presence in Canada. A new Consulate General in Vancouver opened in 2018 followed in 2022 by a new Consulate General in Toronto, trebling Ireland's diplomatic footprint in Canada.
Complementing this full-time diplomatic presence Ireland has a number of honorary consuls in Canada, in the Provinces of Alberta (Calgary), Newfoundland and Labrador (St Johns) and Nova Scotia (Halifax). I this year appointed another two honorary consuls, in the Provinces of Alberta (Edmonton) and Quebec, announcing these appointments during my visit to Canada last March for St Patrick's Day.
Ireland's diplomatic presence is further strengthened by the presence of State agencies in Canada. Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Tourism Ireland have offices in Toronto and Enterprise Ireland is also present in Montréal.
This strengthened State presence has allowed significant high level political engagement between Canada and Ireland. For St Patrick’s Day this year, I travelled to Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. I had significant community and political engagements, including meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau.
While in Toronto, I announced an Irish Government investment of CA$2 million in the Corleck Centre, a major new venue for arts and heritage programming also supported by the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto and other donors. I also announced that the new Consulate General and the State agencies in Toronto will operate from a single Ireland House premises.
Since provisional application of CETA provisions in September 2017, Irish businesses have benefitted from the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers, and more transparent rules for market access. Provisional application of CETA has seen a quantum growth in trade with goods exports to Canada increasing from €936 million in 2016 to €4.1 billion in 2023 (+438%), while services exports grew from €1.44 billion in 2016 to €3.4 billion in 2022 (+236%, latest available figures). Ireland and Canada now boast an important, two-way economic relationship valued at €10 billion each year, generating significant employment opportunities. Here in Ireland, around 75 Canadian companies employ an estimated 15,000 Irish citizens, while 400 Irish companies employ approximately 6,000 Canadians.
26. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27281/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the continuing erosion of human rights in Russia, and the persecution of individuals for exercising their personal freedoms, including rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27278/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 38 together.
Ireland remains deeply concerned at the ongoing erosion of human rights in Russia, and the persecution of individuals for exercising their personal freedoms, including rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly.
The domestic political situation in Russia has descended into authoritarianism in recent years and has deteriorated even further since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. There are ongoing examples of mass arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as harassment of peaceful anti-war activists, human rights defenders, journalists, cultural figures and ethnic minorities.
Domestic opposition leaders have been arrested and prosecuted on politically motivated charges. Legislation has been introduced to essentially shut down civil society in Russia.
The presidential elections held by Russia on 15-17 March took place in a highly restricted environment. The shocking death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny in the run-up to the elections is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in the country. Russia systematically represses opposition politicians, civil society organisations, independent media and other critical voices with the use of repressive legislation and politically motivated prison sentences.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation has described a so-called legal carousel whereby victims are put through a series of arbitrary detentions until a fabricated criminal charge is raised against the victim. Confessions are frequently obtained through the use of torture or other coercive practices. There is no independent oversight, reporting, or investigation mechanisms, which perpetuates impunity for such serious crimes.
Lawyers are also targets of political pressure, including legal harassment and prosecution, and physical violence amounting to torture and ill-treatment.
Ireland shares international concern at the situation of current political prisoners, as Russia continues its tactics of oppression against those it views as threats, including Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin.
Ireland is also concerned at the ongoing arbitrary detention of a number of foreign nationals, without due legal process. In May, the 2024 World Press Freedom Index noted that Russia is pursuing a crusade against independent journalism. The list of media and journalists branded as “foreign agents” has lengthened every year and journalists continue to be jailed arbitrarily.
The latest report of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Russian Federation highlights that laws on anti-terrorism and anti-extremism are being used to limit freedom of expression. In addition to criminal prosecutions, extrajudicial harassment, arrests and use of administrative fines are being employed to silence Russian journalists.
In our national statements and as part of the EU, Ireland will continue raise the situation of human rights in Russia at the Human Rights Council and across various international fora.
In our statements at Russia’s Universal Periodic Review in November and the 54th Human Rights Council in September, Ireland called on Russia to immediately end acts of intimidation, prosecution and violence against journalists, human rights defenders and civil society more broadly.
Russia is currently subject to the most comprehensive and far-reaching sanctions ever imposed by the European Union. The European Union continues to keep its sanctions under review, including in response to the increasing erosion of human rights and civil liberties in Russia.
27. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will commit to a referendum on enshrining neutrality in the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to his previous Question on this issue (reference number 20884/24).
