Seán Haughey
Ceist:31. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how he is promoting North South cooperation and engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (31)
Freagraí scríofa
This year marks the 25th anniversary of North South cooperation under strand two of the Good Friday Agreement, which takes place through the vehicle of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the work of the six implementation bodies - Waterways Ireland; the Food Safety Promotion Board, Safefood; the Trade and Business Development Body, InterTrade Ireland; the Special EU Programmes Body; The Languages Body, which incorporates Foras na Gaelige and the Ulster Scots Agency; and the Loughs Agency.
Together with my Cabinet colleagues, on 8 April last I participated in the first in-person plenary meeting of the NSMC since 2020, held in NSMC Secretariat offices in Armagh. The NSMC, and the work of its implementing bodies, underpins practical, everyday cooperation between the two jurisdictions on the island, helping deliver better outcomes for all – including in health, in education, safer food and better infrastructure. The positive atmosphere of the plenary and subsequent sectoral meetings is demonstrative of the ambition for enhanced cooperation, which is being taken forward across Government.
The Shared Island Initiative, which I established as Taoiseach, is an integral part of the Government’s agenda for promoting dialogue and increased economic and social connectivity among communities North and South of the border. The Initiative aims to deliver investment of up to €1 billion up to 2030 in infrastructure and cross-border programmes.
In February the Government announced the largest ever contribution to cross-border initiatives. We made a €600 million commitment to the upgrading of the A5 and moved ahead with plans for the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge, a powerful symbol and physical connection between North and South. Just last week, I attended the opening of Phase Two of the restoration of the Ulster Canal.
The Shared Island Initiative is also investing in programmes to tackle educational underachievement and to empower entrepreneurs. My Department is currently inviting applications from civic society organisations for a third round of funding for cross-border projects under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (32)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:32. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his view of the recent agreement at the G7 summit to mobilise an extra $50 billion of aid to Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27279/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcomed the agreement reached at EU level last month to set aside the extraordinary revenue generated from immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets and to transfer this to support Ukraine, including through the European Peace Facility.
I have repeatedly stated that Russia should be held accountable for the appalling damage caused by its illegal invasion in Ukraine. The agreement reached at EU level is an important step forward. The focus now is on ensuring such funds are transferred to Ukraine as quickly as possible.
Discussions are also continuing at EU level to examine further possibilities for immobilised Russian assets being used to support Ukraine, in coordination with international partners and in accordance with international law.
Earlier this month, G7 leaders reached political agreement on the use of the extraordinary revenues from Russian sovereign immobilised assets to secure a loan of approximately USD 50 billion for Ukraine by the end of the year. Discussions are now taking place on the modalities of providing such support to Ukraine, including on how the revenue from those Russian sovereign assets held within the EU could be used.
EU Member States have immobilised approximately €210 billion of assets of the Central Bank of Russia as a result of sanctions. It should be noted that as Irish institutions do not hold any assets of the Central Bank of Russia, no such assets have been immobilised by Ireland.
European Court of Human Rights
Ceisteanna (33)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:33. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the inter-state case initiated against the United Kingdom under the European Convention on Human Rights on 20 December 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27589/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 17 January 2024, the Government filed an inter-State case against the United Kingdom with the European Court of Human Rights.
In its application, the Government argues that certain provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Convention, including Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment), Article 6(1) (the right of access to a court), Article 13 (right to an effective remedy), and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination).
The inter-State application has been communicated by the Court to the Government of the United Kingdom.
The 12-week period within which third parties may seek leave to intervene in this case expired on 2 May 2024. A relatively large number of intended third parties have sought leave to intervene in this case. The Court’s decision to grant this leave has not yet been made.
The first substantive step would be for the Court to consider the admissibility of the Government’s application. The Court will consult with the parties in due course with a view to fixing the procedure, which could be written or, by request, oral. The timing for this is a matter for the Court, but it will not be earlier than this autumn.
The parties will be informed in due course of the composition of the Chamber of the Court which will examine this case.
The decision to initiate an inter-State case was not taken lightly and was taken with regret, with the centrality of human rights, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights, to the Good Friday Agreement a consideration. It was the only viable course of action after other efforts to effect meaningful change in the British Government's approach were unsuccessful.
The Government’s application highlights the strong opposition to the Legacy Act within Northern Ireland, including by almost all groups representing victims, survivors, and their families since it was first introduced.
It is now a matter for the European Court of Human Rights to examine the Government’s application and to determine whether the Legacy Act violates the United Kingdom’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
There are also a number of cases challenging the Act being taken by individuals in courts in Northern Ireland. These are separate and distinct from the case being taken by the Government.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (34, 57)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:34. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that there are delays in passports due to issues with validating signatures. [27596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:57. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an overview of the passport service to date in 2024; the number of passports that have issued to applicants from Carlow; the number of outstanding applications for passports currently awaiting processing for Carlow applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27590/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 57 together.
The Passport Service has issued over 625,000 passports to date in 2024. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times and there are no backlogs.
The Customer Service Hub is responding to over 12,000 calls and 3,000 webchat queries per week and the average wait-time for a call is now under 2 minutes.
The Passport Service is well staffed with 840 staff and is in an excellent position to deliver on the demand forecast for the rest of this year.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries.
Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications. The witnessing of passport forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form. In the case of children, it is essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.
There are a number of reasons why a witnessed Identity form for a First Time adult applicant or a witnessed Identity and Consent form for a child might need to be resubmitted by the applicant. These include the witness or the guardians completing the form incorrectly, the correct guardians not being present when a child's form is being witnessed, the witness being unsuitable or the witness not being available to verify their signature when the Passport Service seeks verification. It is Passport Service policy to contact the witness three times before an application is rejected due to the witness being unavailable.
For each application that requires a Garda witness, the Passport Service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the Garda witness recorded the witnessed form in the station logbook. Passport Service staff will call the relevant Garda station up to three times to verify the Garda's signature. Where the Passport Service cannot reach the Garda station, there is a system in place whereby the Passport Service contacts the relevant Superintendent’s Office to verify the details. There is no requirement for the Passport Service to speak to the witnessing Garda as long as the Garda Station can confirm the record of the form being witnessed in the station logbook.
If the Passport Service cannot contact the witness, we will request a new Identity and Consent Form from the applicant. When an additional document is requested, the application will be processed within 15 working days of receipt of the additional document.
An online video guide that provides tips to ensure that witnessed consent forms for children are correctly submitted is available on the Passport Service website and social media channels. I encourage applicants to watch this video before they submit their application.
The number of passports issued to applicants residing in County Carlow to date in 2024 is 4,796. There are currently 831 applications in the system from Carlow residents. 365 of these are awaiting action by the applicant and 466 are being processed by the Passport Service.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 17.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 22.
Question No. 37 answered orally.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 26.
Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 20.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (40)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:40. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that total global military expenditure reached $2,443 billion in 2023; that this is the highest military spending on record; that this military spending means vast numbers of badly needed homes, schools and hospitals are forgone to fund warfare; if he will urge world leaders to end this dangerous escalation of militarisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the security situation in Europe. The direct threat posed by Russia against neighbouring countries, including the increasing use of hybrid activity, has led to a much greater focus on security and defence in many EU Member States.
More broadly, Ireland and our EU partners find ourselves in an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile global security environment, marked by growing instability and conflict across the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
At EU level, this deteriorating security situation has seen Member States therefore commit to increasing and developing their own national capabilities to meet these growing threats and security challenges. This in turn reflects the very real dangers that many of our EU partners face today.
While militarily neutral, Ireland is not immune from such threats. Having progressed a national conversation on these issues in 2023 through the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, the Government is now advancing a range of measures to meet the challenges of the future, including through the ongoing transformation of the Defence Forces.
At international level, Ireland remains resolutely committed to the core principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter, to the rules-based international order and international law, and to the maintenance of international peace and security.
In this context, we continue to work with our international partners to build peace, to strengthen conflict prevention and to ensure accountability. This international engagement is based on our own experience of conflict in Ireland, the leading role we have played in the promotion of disarmament, and our strong tradition of peacekeeping. In addition, our own international development programme is focused on addressing the needs of those living in the poorest or most climate-exposed countries, as well as those whose lives are affected by war and conflict.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (41, 62)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:41. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on the €1.5 million in funding for civic society organisations which he recently announced under the Government’s shared island civic society fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Smith
Ceist:62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the funding that will be made available by his Department under the shared island initiative for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 62 together.
On 20 June, I launched the call for applications to the third round of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, which will make €1.5 million available to civic society and community organisations for projects enabling practical North South cooperation and engagement, thereby fostering new cross-border links and deepening existing ones. Demand for this Fund was identified through the Shared Island dialogue series.
First round grants through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund were awarded in September last year, providing €500,000 to twenty cross-border projects. That first round revealed strong demand, and funding for the second round was doubled to €1 million. 35 projects were awarded second round grants in May. Among those successful are organisations in community development, disability services, the arts and sport, bridging potential gaps in cross-border partnerships. Details of the successful projects are set out in tabular form below, and are also published on my Department's website.
Building on experience to date and what we have heard from partners, the funding available for the third round was further increased, to €1.5 million. The closing date for this round is 2 August, and full details are available at gov - Shared Island Civic Society Fund (www.gov.ie) .
As a whole-of-government initiative, each Department is expected to respond to the ambitions of the Shared Island Initiative. The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is one part of the Department of Foreign Affairs response to the Shared Island Initiative, and I look forward to further developing the Department’s work in enhancing North South cooperation on this island in the period ahead.
Shared Island Civic Society Fund Round 1 Organisations
|
Applicant |
Partner |
Project title |
Amount |
|
Active Disability Ireland |
Disability Sport NI |
Shared Island collaborations to supporting active and healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities |
€24,000 |
|
Angel Eyes NI |
FEACH |
Education Access in Ireland |
€9,988 |
|
Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) |
N/A |
Creating an All-Island Forum to Develop Expertise amongst the Visitor Experience and Attractions Sector, North and South |
€4,500 |
|
AwakenHub |
N/A |
The Awakening – AwakenHub’s inaugural in person all island of Ireland Summit & Launch of 'AwakenTribe' Community Platform |
€35,500 |
|
Axis Ballymun |
East Belfast Mission |
Rising Tide: Ballymun & East Belfast |
€25,000 |
|
Burrenbeo Trust |
Nature Friendly Farming Network |
Farming for Nature Ambassadors Northern Ireland |
€25,100 |
|
County Down Rural Community Network |
Irish Men’s Shed Association |
Shared Learning – Men’s Shed project |
€25,000 |
|
Fórsa |
Unison NI |
North-South Health and Social Care Professionals Conference |
€25,000 |
|
Irish Environmental Network |
Northern Ireland Environment Link |
Linking the Environment North and South (LENS): All-island Civil Society Forum on the Environment |
€34,950 |
|
Irish Heritage Trust |
Newpoint Players |
Shared Island Heritage Forum: North and South |
€19,520 |
|
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project (Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo) |
Newry Mourne and Down District Council (Mourne Gullion Strangford) |
Growing Our Shared Island Geoparks |
€17,320 |
|
LGBT Support and Advocacy Network Ireland |
Rainbow Health |
All Ireland LGBTQIA+ Forum |
€25,000 |
|
Linking Generations NI |
Fingal County Council |
Removing Barriers of Geography and Age |
€9,920 |
|
Midlands Science |
Goliath Trust |
Sharing Accessible Science Outreach |
€25,000 |
|
National Women’s Council of Ireland |
Women’s Aid Federation NI |
Practical North South Cooperation to tackle Violence Against Women from a Civic Society Perspective |
€37,790 |
|
Newry Credit Union |
Crossmaglen, Dundalk, and Lurgan Credit Unions |
MY-CU Financial Education Program |
€24,000 |
|
Rural Action |
Irish Rural Link |
Synergy Rural Collaboration Project |
€37,385 |
|
Spraoi agus Spórt Family Centre |
Sólás |
Families Reaching Out Group |
€20,251 |
|
The Wheel |
NICVA |
iCommunity: Continuing the Conversation |
€49,872 |
|
Volunteer Ireland |
Volunteer Now |
Building Better Systems: Leadership Innovation Lab |
€24,850 |
Shared Island Civic Society Fund Round 2 Organisations
|
Applicant |
Partner(s) |
Project title |
Amount |
|
Accidental Theatre |
Smock Alley Theatre & An Grianán Theatre |
Shared Cultures Across Borders |
€50,000.00 |
|
All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care |
Foyle Hospice & Irish Hospice Foundation |
Compassionate Communities in Palliative and End of Life Care – inaugural in person island of Ireland community-centred conference |
€26,698.00 |
|
Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) |
Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) |
Importance of Leadership at Local Level and Civility In Public Life |
€15,000.00 |
|
Centre for Democracy and Peace Building |
IMMA |
Arts and Culture Collaboration Lab |
€15,250.00 |
|
Common Purpose Ireland |
Common Purpose Charitable Trust |
All-island Legacy |
€49,994.00 |
|
Compass Advocacy Network Ltd (CAN) |
Ability West |
Best Buddies Beyond Borders |
€9,000.00 |
|
Cooley Connect Well |
Yellow Road Wellbeing Centre and Social Farm & New Town Together Mens Shed |
Growing Social Garden for Nature / Gardening South Gardening North: |
€14,500.00 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
N/A |
Connecting for Change: Promoting Sustainable Community Engagement on an All-Island Basis |
€21,485.00 |
|
County Donegal Railway Restoration CLG |
North West Learning Disability Centre |
Railway Connections |
€8,100.00 |
|
Create |
ArtsEkta |
Intercultural Dialogues |
€25,000.00 |
|
Development Trusts NI |
Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups |
Community: Enterprise, Ownership, Wealth Building & Well-Being in Ireland (North & South) |
€50,000.00 |
|
Falls Community Council |
Youth Work Ireland |
Civic Visions: Inspiring North-South Cooperation |
€28,508.00 |
|
Falls Women's Centre |
Ronanstown Women’s Community |
Constitutional Challenges: A Voice for Grassroots Women (pilot project) |
€9,663.00 |
|
Feasta |
North West Play Resource Centre T/A The Playhouse |
Cultural Creatives - Transformation Catalysts for a Well-being Economy |
€25,000.00 |
|
Football Association of Ireland |
NI Football League |
2024 All-Island Cup |
€50,000.00 |
|
Girl's Allowed |
Belturbet Hens' Shed |
Women on the Border |
€10,000.00 |
|
Humanist Association of Ireland |
Northern Ireland Humanists |
Shared Island Humanist Conference |
€9,000.00 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
The Rural Area Partnership in Derry |
Networking Community Collaboration for Environmental Stewardship |
€24,000.00 |
|
Irish Association for Cultural, Economic and Social Relations |
N/A |
A Vision for the Future of North South Cooperation? |
€30,000.00 |
|
Irish Youth Opera (t/a Opera Collective Ireland) |
Newry Chamber Music |
The Walk from the Garden by Jonathan Dove- A Church Opera in One Act |
€42,800.00 |
|
Lifestyle Development Group CLG |
Rural Health Partnership |
SHARED ROOTS and ROUTES |
€31,075.00 |
|
Meitheal an Iarthair |
Dún Uladh |
Ceol na nÓg Folk Orchestra |
€9,990.00 |
|
Mother Tongues |
ArtsEkta |
Exchanging intercultural practices: a journey for change |
€25,000.00 |
|
National Forum of Family Resource Centres |
Healthy Living Centre Alliance |
Suicide Prevention and Chronic Pain Knowledge, Skills and Leadership Exchange |
€31,050.00 |
|
Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment |
Kare |
Mind the Gap - Employment Gap of Disabled People on the Island of Ireland |
€48,550.00 |
|
Portlaoise Family Resource Centre |
Colin Neighbourhood Partnership |
Stepping Stones to Resillience |
€44,900.00 |
|
Redemptorist Community |
Scala |
Justice and Peace Animators |
€15,250.00 |
|
Royal British Legion ROI District |
Royal British Legion NI District |
The RBL 'Battle of Somme' Ceremony is a highlight of the Irish commemorative year. A shared-island event. |
€6,000.00 |
|
Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) |
Social Enterprise NI |
Capacity Building for Income Generation (C-BIG) |
€25,000.00 |
|
St. Patrick’s Festival |
Belfast Summer School of traditional music t/a Belfast TradFest |
Belfast – Dublin St. Patrick’s Festival Partnership |
€50,000.00 |
|
The John Hewitt Society |
Irish PEN |
Freedom to write |
€33,240.00 |
|
The Nerve Centre |
Spraoi Agus Sport |
Film Skills NW |
€47,950.00 |
|
The Wheel |
NICVA |
iCommunity Amplifying Youth Voices and New Partnerships for a Shared Future |
€49,886.00 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Queens University |
Shared Island Innovation Challenge |
€25,000.00 |
|
University College Dublin |
Queens University |
A Shared Island Forum for Nurturing Secure Climate Futures through Cybersecurity and Environmental Resilience Education |
€25,000.00 |
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (42)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list the occasions on which he has met with the British secretary of state for Northern Ireland since he took office. [27025/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since taking up the role of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in December 2022, I have had over 20 meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
These engagements have taken place within the structures established under the Good Friday Agreement, and outside those structures, with meetings in Dublin, Belfast and London.
With the Secretary of State, I co-chaired four meetings of the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference in that period, and also attended with him summit meetings of the British Irish Council.
I have also held regular informal meetings with him and had a number of phone calls. Such regular contact with contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has been crucial; the Government is committed to maintaining a good working relationship with the British Government in our shared role as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
I have had open and frank discussions with the Secretary of State. I highlighted the importance of restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly, Executive and North South Ministerial Council to full operation. This year we welcomed back those institutions, bringing a degree of stability back to Northern Ireland that has been absent for too long. Both governments recognise the importance of regular engagement to support the institutions and maximise the opportunities for North-South and East-West cooperation.
I have also used these meetings to highlight the Government’s serious concerns in relation to the UK Government’s legislation on dealing with the legacy of the Troubles, as well as individual legacy cases. Our views have differed in this regard. I have always maintained that the Government’s approach to legacy issues is that it must be victim centred and compliant with international human rights standards.
With UK elections around the corner, I look forward to working closely with the new Secretary of State to make progress on the shared challenges across these islands.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (43)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which this country continues to respond to the needs of poorer communities, often beset by war, famine and national disasters; the extent to which Ireland’s membership of the UN Security Council is being used as a means of accelerating help that is needed in such challenging situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27529/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The United Nations estimates that over 305 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across 71 countries. Conflict, climate change and economic shocks are combining to drive increasing levels of need. Disasters, often induced by climate, are increasing in intensity and frequency.
Ireland has stepped up and responded to support communities in need. Our humanitarian assistance has increased consistently over the last five years. In 2023 Ireland's humanitarian spend reached a record €300 million. Already in 2024 Ireland has responded to multiple crises including to the suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza. Since 7 October, the Government has provided €40 million in humanitarian assistance to support people in need in Gaza.
In the last few months Ireland has also responded through trusted partners on the ground to natural disasters in a number of countries including flooding in Somalia and Kenya and drought in Zimbabwe.
Ireland's humanitarian assistance is focused both on the most severe humanitarian crises such as in Syria, Sudan and Ukraine and those crises that often do not receive the same level of international attentions, such as in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Yemen.
During our tenure at the UN Security Council, in 2021 and 2022, Ireland advocated for urgent action to address humanitarian crises across the globe and we continue to do this, including as Co-Chair of the UN Group of Friends on Conflict and Hunger.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 17.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (45)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:45. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his Greek counterpart in response to reports of the Greek coastguard having deliberately drowned migrants. [27494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The loss of life by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean is a great tragedy. Such tragic events highlight the urgent need to deal with migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Ireland regularly engages with Greek officials, as well as officials from all EU Member States, working in partnership to ensure humanitarian and international legal obligations are upheld. The protection of life and safety at sea remains paramount, irrespective of the circumstances that lead to people being in a situation of distress.
With respect to the specific allegations pertaining to the Greek coast guard, I note that Greece's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy has said these allegations are being investigated by the country’s independent National Transparency Authority. It is important that Greek authorities take the necessary steps to ensure the delivery of justice in any instance where wrongdoing is found to have been committed.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (46)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:46. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to provide for self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. [27492/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process, including the MINURSO Mission, and the efforts of Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to achieve a political solution to this long-standing dispute. I hope that these efforts will help achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
UN Security Council Resolution 2703, adopted on 30 October 2023, extended the mandate of the MINURSO Mission by one year, until 31 October 2024. As per this, and previous Resolutions, I call on all parties to the dispute, and on the wider international community, to support and assist the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara as he continues his engagements with the parties to the dispute. I welcome the visits and consultations he has undertaken to the region.
I also support the call in the UNSC Resolution on all parties to cooperate fully with MINURSO in carrying out its important mandate.
My officials, at HQ and in our Mission network, are in ongoing contact with all relevant and interested parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Nuclear Proliferation
Ceisteanna (47)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:47. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work with the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to continue the tradition of working against nuclear proliferation and use the upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency general conference to address the issue of Israeli nuclear weapons, which given Israel's history of aggression, are as much a threat to the peace and stability of the region as the Iranian nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27522/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Nuclear non-proliferation is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is central to global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation, playing an indispensable role in ensuring that nuclear material is used and held in accordance with the appropriate international safeguards. My Department works closely with the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications on nuclear safety and radiological issues relevant to the IAEA.
This Government’s position is clear: nuclear weapons offer neither security nor safety, and we must make urgent progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons. We will continue to uphold that position at the upcoming IAEA General Conference. At the Conference, as in other engagements, the Government will call on all states who are not members of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, including Israel, to join as non-nuclear weapons states without delay and without precondition.
We continue to call for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue. We strongly support the ongoing work of the IAEA Director General and his staff in seeking to engage with Iran on its nuclear obligations. As a matter of priority, this Government will continue working with partners for progress on a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East, which Ireland has consistently supported, through voluntary arrangements agreed upon by all states in the region. It is crucial that the international community works together to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and to reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (48)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:48. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to claims that up to 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly moved to Russian detention camps since the Russian invasion of their country in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has been unequivocal that the deportation or forcible transfer of children may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The large-scale deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus is part of a coordinated effort to erase Ukrainian identity. These children face Russian “re-education,” vilification of their nationality, forced adoption, and coercion to accept Russian citizenship.
At the Summit on Peace in Ukraine on 15-16 June, the Taoiseach joined fellow leaders in calling for the return of these children as part of any future peace settlement for Ukraine.
In February, Ireland joined the ‘International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.’ We are engaging in discussions on the future work of the Coalition, and how it can support efforts to ensure the return of Ukrainian children to their families and communities.
The European Council has condemned in the strongest terms Russia’s unlawful deportation and transfer to Russia and to Belarus of Ukrainian children. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions against Russia in response to its aggression in Ukraine, including a range of measures targeting individuals and entities involved in the forced transfer, deportation, and military indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
We note that such alleged crimes as they concern Ukraine are the subject of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court. Ireland has raised this issue in our statements in multilateral forums in our national capacity and as part of the European Union. We co-sponsored a resolution of Human Rights Council establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights, violations of international humanitarian law in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to engage with our partners to insist that Russia and Belarus immediately ensure the safe return of all children unlawfully deported in the course of this brutal invasion.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (49)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:49. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with Brazil, India, or South Africa over their failure to sign up to a joint communique issued at the end of a Ukraine peace conference in which more than 80 countries and international organisations endorsed Ukrainian territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27270/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which took place in Switzerland on 15-16 June, was an important first step toward building support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Taoiseach represented Ireland, delivering the national statement, and participating in a working group on the return of deported Ukrainian children.
I welcome that 101 delegations from all continents attended the Summit, and that the Joint Communiqué re-affirmed that the UN Charter must be at the core of any future peace process.
It is positive that participants identified practical next steps on a number of key elements of the Peace Plan – food security, nuclear safety, and the return of civilians, including Ukrainian children.
It is clear that Russia’s invasion has consequences globally. Ireland and the EU were actively engaged on outreach ahead of the Summit to encourage high level participation and engagement by third countries. On 4th June, I held a productive call with Foreign Minister Pandor of South Africa, where we discussed the Summit along with a number of other issues. I also held a number of meetings with Middle East partners in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 26-27 May at which I raised the issue.
Unfortunately, in the lead up to the Summit, we saw statements on the settlement of the war that did not reflect the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We have been clear that any peace proposal must be based on the UN Charter and its key principles, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
In our upcoming bilateral discussions with global partners, Ireland will continue to raise this issue in order to build consensus around the key principles that should underpin a future peace.
We will continue to make the case that, as they defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their own country, Ukrainians are also defending fundamental and universal freedoms, including the right to live in peace and security.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (50)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 9 May 2024, the details of his engagement to date, both at bilateral level with his Israeli counterpart, and at EU level, with regard to the designation in October 2021, which remains in place, of six Palestinian human rights organisations as terrorist groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27143/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 9 May and Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 7 March 2024.
Ireland remains fully committed to supporting and funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people.
As I previously stated, Ireland repeatedly expressed serious concern on the matter of the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations by Israel in October 2021, including in bilateral contacts with Israel. This decision included organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. As previously stated, no substantial information was received from Israel to justify reviewing our policy towards the six NGOs.
As noted previously, we have made clear to Israel, as well as in discussions with EU partners, that no evidence has been provided to support these claims and that Ireland's support, including financial support, to Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders will continue.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (51)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:51. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the work to divest from companies involved in the arms trade in Israel. [27597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is gravely concerned by the situation in the Gaza Strip. We are calling for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
I have repeatedly called for Israel to adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law. The Government has been clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount and that it is essential that there is accountability for civilian deaths.
On Monday, I attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and am pleased that there has been progress on additional sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers. This Government shares the assessment that the European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. Ireland's voice has been instrumental in moving the discussion at EU level, and we continue to advocate strongly for more action.
Responsibility for Ireland's investments is a matter for the Department of Finance.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 20.
Child Abduction
Ceisteanna (53)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:53. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a case (details supplied), whose two sons are being held in Egypt by their father without her consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27576/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance. A senior official has been appointed as her dedicated case manager and is in very regular contact with her.
I have met with the citizen in November 2023 to discuss their case and I continue to engage with my officials on the case. I have raised the case on a number of occasions with my counterpart in the relevant jurisdiction, most recently in April of this year. I have expressed my keen desire to see a timely resolution to the case, one that is grounded in the best interests of the children.
Additionally, there has been sustained engagement at a local level with the relevant authorities. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, have regularly engaged with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other missions to gather advice and expertise on how best to support the Irish citizen.
I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The country in question is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As a result, in cases of dispute or unlawful removal, there is no international system in place containing a practical mechanism for the return of children from that State to Ireland.
The clear advice from all of our engagements on this case is for the citizen to appoint a local lawyer and to engage with the local legal system and I welcome her decision to do so.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters in another jurisdiction, but I can assure you that my officials will continue to provide appropriate consular assistance to the citizen concerned.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 18.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (55)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:55. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the United States government is seeking to establish a closer relationship with the regime in Saudi Arabia and that an organisation (details supplied) has stated that Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman has effectively quashed all dissent in the state; if he will call on the US Biden administration to end its close relationship with the Saudi regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27527/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been following the developments in the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia closely, and especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However I would note that the bilateral relations of the United States with other countries are a matter for the Government of the United States.
Ireland has a constructive relationship with Saudi Arabia and discusses a wide range of issues with the Saudi Arabian authorities through the usual diplomatic channels. In particular, my discussions with the Saudi Foreign Minister in recent months have focused in the crisis in Gaza and wider efforts by regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, to take forward a comprehensive peace initiative for the Middle East, which has at its core support for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Ireland also regularly discusses human rights issues with Saudi Arabia, including our concerns on Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
Cybersecurity Policy
Ceisteanna (56)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:56. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he is taking with his EU counterparts in relation to threats of hybrid and covert operations by Russia within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27272/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Russia’s hybrid campaign targeting the EU and Member States, including through malicious cyber activity and the deliberate spreading of disinformation, is completely unacceptable.
The Government takes the risks posed by Russia’s hybrid activity extremely seriously. In this context, Ireland has actively supported agreement on a range of measures set out in the EU Strategic Compass to enhance the EU’s capability to effectively counter hybrid campaigns. This includes the development of a new EU Hybrid Toolbox in 2022, a new Toolbox to counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference agreed in 2023, and the recent agreement to establish EU Hybrid Rapid Response Teams, implementation of which is ongoing.
The cumulative impact of these and other complementary measures at EU level, including the implementation of the Digital Services Act and the new AI Act, will significantly enhance the EU’s capacity to identify, mitigate and counter Russia’s hybrid campaigns.
The Government is also implementing a range of relevant measures at national level including increased investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, an inward investment screening mechanism and legislation on relevant vendors in the Communications Regulations and Digital Hub Agency Act. We have also taken measures to safeguard the electoral system and to address disinformation through the Electoral Reform Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act respectively. The forthcoming National Security, Maritime Security and Counter Disinformation strategies will further enhance our national approach on hybrid issues.
Ireland also works closely with EU and other partner countries on hybrid issues through the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki. This work is coordinated through my Department, working in close cooperation with relevant Government Departments and Agencies, which have responsibility for hybrid threats within their own areas of responsibility.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 34.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (58)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:58. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government intends to lodge a declaration of intervention in the case before the International Criminal Court taken by South Africa concerning the application on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip against Israel. [27493/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I set out in response to a similar question from the Deputy last month, the Government intends to file a Declaration of Intervention in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice after South Africa has filed its Memorial.
South Africa initiated its ICJ case by filing an Application with that Court on 29 December 2023. South Africa also sought a number of Provisional Measures pending the outcome of the case. A contentious case before the ICJ proceeds by way of an exchange of written pleadings, beginning with the filing of a detailed Memorial by the Applicant state, before oral hearings on the substantive issues can take place.
On 5 April, the ICJ made an Order setting time-limits for the filing of written pleadings by the parties. It fixed 28 October 2024 for South Africa to file its Memorial, and 28 July 2025 for Israel to file its Counter-Memorial. It remains our intention to seek to intervene in this case under Article 63 of the Statute of the ICJ after South Africa has filed its Memorial. This will, therefore, be towards the end of 2024.
It is important to note that by making a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, states do not ‘join’ one side or another in the case; rather, they submit a statement that sets out their interpretation of one or more provisions of whatever Convention is at issue before the Court. This Declaration of Intervention must then be deemed admissible by the Court. Waiting until South Africa has filed its Memorial will ensure that we have a good understanding of what provisions of the Genocide Convention South Africa intends to rely on, which we can then in turn address, making it more likely that the Court will deem our intervention admissible.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 22.
EU Bodies
Ceisteanna (60)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:60. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report the discussion relating to recent developments in Georgia at the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27280/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I regularly discuss the situation in Georgia with my EU counterparts. Most recently, at the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week, we discussed Georgia’s current trajectory and the European Union’s response.
Ireland deeply regrets the Georgian government’s decision to pass the ‘On Transparency of Foreign Influence’ law. The law is a clear attempt by the Georgian government to limit Georgian civil society, and freedom of expression. The European Commission and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe have assessed that the law is not in line with core EU principles.
Ireland and its European Union partners have repeatedly communicated to the Georgian government concern over the effect this law will have on Georgia’s vibrant civil society and independent media. We have condemned the disproportionate police response to peaceful protestors, and are concerned by evidence of targeted attacks against opposition politicians and media officials.
This is part of a wider pattern of democratic backsliding in Georgia in recent months. We have been clear in our engagements with Georgia that the European Union is a union of values, and the best way to secure Georgia’s progress towards EU membership is by demonstrating genuine commitment to European values and to the human rights of all citizens.
At this week's Foreign Affairs Council, discussion focused on finding the best avenue to communicate to the Georgian government that its recent actions are incompatible with an EU perspective. While Ireland is fully supportive of EU enlargement, Georgia cannot continue along the path to EU membership based on its current trajectory.
The Foreign Affairs Council also discussed increasing support for Georgian civil society and independent media, including ahead of the October 2024 elections. The EU will also review its financial support to Georgia in light of the situation.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation and will respond to any further deterioration. We will continue to urge the Georgian government to change course and to implement the necessary reforms to ensure Georgia’s future in the EU.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (61)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:61. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, recently established by the UK government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27584/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The UK Legacy Act, including its provisions establishing the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery, represents a unilateral departure from the shared approach to dealing with the past agreed by the two British and Irish governments and most political parties in Northern Ireland in the Stormont House Agreement. Notably, it was drafted without any reference to cross border cooperation
The Government believe that the Legacy Act and the ICRIR will not draw a line under legacy issues, but will instead ensure that the past remains a source of contention, suspicion and mistrust, undermining the reconciliation which we have worked so hard to progress.
I spoke to the Secretary of State on 1 May, the day that the ICRIR became operational. I emphasised the Government’s view that the establishment of the ICRIR is a profoundly retrograde step which will damage reconciliation and highlighted the impact that cutting off of investigations will have on individual families, who have fought for decades to have their voices heard in a court. That engagement was in line with my consistent approach to this issue: since taking office, when the UK legacy legislation was still a bill before Westminster, I was clear that it was not and is not fit for purpose.
In addition, I have made it very clear that we believe certain provisions of the Legacy Act, including those which give the ICRIR the right to grant immunity for gross human rights violations, is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Government has initiated an inter-State case at the European Court of Human Rights on this issue. In those circumstances, it is very difficult to see how we can engage with the newly established Commission.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 41.