Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:31. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied). [36056/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (31)
Freagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was cancelled at the applicant's request and a refund will follow in due course. The Passport Service subsequently issued a passport to the applicant through the Urgent Appointment Service.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (32)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:32. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has a policy, or has issued guidance to staff on the use of artificial intelligence, large language model, natural language processing, generative or otherwise, or products based thereon in the course of their duties; if this has been communicated to staff; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36141/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs has a policy on use of Generative AI written in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. All ICT related policies are available to all staff. For security reasons it would not be appropriate to disclose details of the policy.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (33)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:33. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any agency under his auspices, has ever used any artificial intelligence software in the preparation of response to parliamentary questions, or in responses to any correspondence from outside the organisation; the details of same if applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36160/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is grounded in its Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Interim Policy. In line with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Policy states that GenAI systems should not be used to respond to correspondence such as Parliamentary Questions, or public representations.
My Department is actively exploring the opportunities and policy considerations presented by AI, while at the same time, taking measures to safeguard security.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (34)
Michael Ring
Ceist:34. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth registration application will be completed for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36182/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for the application were received on 17 July and 08 August 2024 following a request by the Passport Service. These documents are currently being processed. A member of the FBR team will be in contact with the applicant's parent if further clarification is required.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (35)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport can issue in time for travel on 21 September in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (36)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:36. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe in which he intends to file a notice of intervention following the submission of South Africa’s memorial in the case of South Africa v Israel, taken under the Genocide Convention and before the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36235/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would refer the Deputy to the answer which I furnished in relation to this matter on 27 June 2024. As I have outlined previously, 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 this case by filing an application with that Court on 29 December 2023. A contentious case before the Court 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 Court 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 the Government's intention to seek to intervene in this case under Article 63 of the Statute of the Court after South Africa has filed its memorial, and towards the end of 2024.
Air Navigation Orders
Ceisteanna (37)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:37. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with his Cabinet colleagues regarding reports of the illegal use of sovereign Irish airspace to transport weapons of war; if he has summoned the Israeli ambassador in response to such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36236/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Transport has confirmed that his Department is examining the recent media reports regarding civil aircraft flights and the carriage of munitions of war. The Department of Transport is continuing its examination of these reports, and its ongoing engagement with the air carriers concerned.
As I have said previously, it is important that the facts as to what has taken place are established, and this is the urgent work that the Department of Transport is currently taking forward.
It would not be helpful to speculate on what course the Government might take until the facts have been fully established.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (38)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on Ireland’s third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security; the progress made regarding the development of a fourth national action plan; the elements of consultation he intends to take in relation to the development of such an action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36255/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has made considerable progress in implementing its third National Action Plan (NAP) on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) (2019-2024). Through the NAP, Ireland commits to deliver on a holistic and comprehensive approach to conflict prevention as well as the adoption of both the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security and the conclusions of the 2015 UN Study on the implementation of the WPS Agenda. The National Action Plan also emphasises the importance of amplifying the voices of young people and commits to supporting organisations to build youth engagement, including a focus on intergenerational dialogue and the engagement and empowerment of young women and girls.
The Oversight Group, which oversees the implementation of Ireland’s NAP, continues to meet quarterly and is comprised of fifty percent government representatives and fifty percent civil society representatives. These meetings ensure Ireland remains accountable to its commitments outlined in the NAP. An annual report is published and is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. As part of the ongoing monitoring of the NAP’s implementation, a mid-term review commenced in late 2022 and was presented to the Oversight Group in early 2023, which led to improvements in reporting.
Ireland’s NAP is structured across four pillars - Prevention, Participation, Protection and Promotion – and has a dual focus on action in both domestic and foreign policy.
I would like to highlight two particular examples of Ireland’s progress implementing the NAP, both on a domestic and international level. On the national level, in 2022, the establishment of Cuan, Ireland’s first Domestic and Sexual Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) agency, was an essential step towards combatting DSGBV at home.
During our tenure on the UN Security Council (2021-2022), Ireland worked to mainstream the WPS Agenda, and to embed gender perspectives, across the work of the Council. Together with Mexico, Ireland co-chaired the UN Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on WPS. Ireland invited a record number of women civil society briefers to meetings during our Presidency of the Security Council.
The current National Action Plan is due to expire at the end of 2024. The development of Ireland's fourth National Action Plan (2025 - 2030) is currently under way, expected to be published early 2025, following broad based consultation. The new NAP will be informed by lessons learned and best practices on national action plans across the globe.
Humanitarian Aid
Ceisteanna (39, 40)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his engagements with his European counterparts regarding their efforts to bring an end to conflict and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36256/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on the humanitarian aid and assistance Ireland has provided in support of alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36257/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is devastating. 25.6 million people - over half the population of Sudan - face acute hunger. This includes more than 755,000 people already experiencing famine conditions. Sudan is now the world's largest hunger, protection and displacement crisis.
In April this year at the High Level Pledging Conference for the Sudan crisis, I announced Ireland's continued support. I pledged €12.3 million in humanitarian assistance in 2024, an increase of €2 million on our 2023 assistance to Sudan. Over €10.5 million has already been released in humanitarian aid to Sudan through our trusted partners, including Irish NGOs. Another €2.5 million is being provided in support of the neighbouring countries who host Sudanese refugees. In addition, Ireland provides humanitarian support to the people of Sudan through prepositioned funding to United Nations Agencies such as the World Food Programme, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Red Cross.
I am deeply concerned by the disproportionate impact that this conflict has on women and girls. As part of the package of funding in 2024 Ireland provided a specific grant of €2 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for protection and support for services for gender based violence and reproductive health for women and girls in Sudan and neighbouring countries.
Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, together with the EU we have consistently emphasised the need to protect civilians, maintain humanitarian access, stop the fighting and put civilians at the centre of Sudan’s political future. During his recent visit to the Horn of Africa the Tánaiste undertook to raise the crisis whenever possible internationally, in particular at the EU and at the United Nations.
Last year, Ireland championed the establishment of a new EU autonomous sanctions regime for Sudan. The first set of targeted sanctions were announced in January this year against six companies affiliated with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). In June the EU endorsed an additional package of measures against six individuals responsible for undermining peace and security in Sudan, including attacks against civilians.
The EU will continue to take action against persons or entities fueling the conflict.
Ireland has consistently prioritised support for accountability mechanisms at the Human Rights Council, including calling for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-finding mission for Sudan.
We will continue to work with the EU and international partners to promote an end to the conflict, persuade the parties to come back to the negotiating table, permit humanitarian access and end attacks on civilians.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 39.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (41)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:41. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will liaise with the Minister for Justice to resolve a problem whereby laminated certificates of naturalisation issued by the citizenship division are not acceptable in the Passport Office in connection with passport applications; if he will review an application for a passport (details supplied) in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36369/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service understands that the document in question is a Post-Nuptial Declaration. The Passport Service is aware that some Post-Nuptial Declarations were issued laminated by the Department of Justice and will accept same.
The Passport Service is awaiting supporting documents from the applicant and will contact her directly.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (42)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to review the case of a person (details supplied); the reason they were turned down for a passport despite documents being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended. The Passport Service requires the submission of a long-form birth certificate as a key supporting document in all first-time passport applications. The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously.
The documentary requirements for a first-time passport application for a naturalised Irish citizen are outlined below:
• Identity verification form
• Original Naturalisation Certificate
• Full original civil birth certificate (version that includes the name(s) of the parent(s))
• Original Civil marriage or Civil Partnership certificate (if applying for a passport in married name)
• Proof of address such as Government correspondence such as a letter from the Department of Social Protection or the Revenue Commissioners
• Proof of name such as Government correspondence such as a letter from the Department of Social Protection or the Revenue Commissioners
• Photographic identification such as PSC Card, driver's licence or passport from another country
With regard to the application about which the Deputy has enquired, no birth certificate was submitted by the applicant; the applicant submitted a birth affidavit, but this cannot be accepted on its own merits, and this was communicated to the applicant. We recommend that the applicant contact the Embassy of the country of their birth to inform them that they are a first time applicant of an Irish passport, and as such, the applicant is required to provide their birth certificate to Passport Services. If the Embassy cannot supply the birth certificate, the applicant should ask the Embassy to write a letter stating (i) a birth certificate has been asked for in application of an Irish Passport and (ii) the reasons why a birth certificate cannot be provided.
The applicant does not need to re-apply for a passport; the applicant can mail in their supporting document, in this case the aforementioned letter from the Embassy, to the Passport Office.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (43)
Michael Ring
Ceist:43. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail any funding allocated to sporting bodies for events or facilities outside the State in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36434/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has a rich tradition of sporting heritage, both at home and abroad. Sport and sporting events create opportunities for the strengthening of political, economic, and people-to-people links, as well as support the Irish diaspora. They also offer opportunities for Team Ireland to work together to celebrate Ireland’s people and culture, and to promote Ireland as a great place to work, study, trade and invest. My Department provides supports to facilitate sporting bodies through several programmes.
The Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding and relations between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain. The key focus of the Reconciliation Fund is to support projects and organisations that seek either to repair those issues which lead to division, conflict, and barriers, or to build a strong civil society that encompasses all communities. To this end, The Reconciliation Fund supports a wide variety of organisations in the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities in Northern Ireland and border counties as well as organisations working on a north-south basis along with a small number of organisations based in Britain.
The Emigrant Support Programme provides financial support specifically for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish diaspora and other communities abroad to connect and create a sense of Irish community between the global Irish and their local communities. The Global Games Development Fund (GGDF) is a jointly funded initiative since 2012 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA. The aim of the fund is to support GAA projects abroad, which deliver and promote meaningful developmental games opportunities. This is in line with the Department’s commitments under the Global Ireland: Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. Funding of €200,000 per year is provided to the GGDF from the Emigrant Support Programme, with the GAA contributing matched funding. Funding has also been allocated from the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to support the 2024 All-Island Women's Cup.
My Department also provided funding to facilitate travel to promote Irish sport and culture in Colombia in 2023, in line with the commitment in the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America to promote cooperation and exchange on sport and encourage further development across the region through our work with our diaspora and partnerships with the GAA and other national sporting organisations.
The amount of funding allocated over the past five years has been broken down into a tabular format for the information of the Deputy.
Funding allocated to sporting bodies
|
Year |
Total |
|
2019 |
€272,100 |
|
2020 |
€244,800* |
|
2021 |
€318,970 |
|
2022 |
€422,335 |
|
2023 |
€868,135# |
|
2024 to date |
€210,936 |
* Of this amount, €4,000 was allocated but not drawn down due to Covid-19 restrictions
# Of this amount, €500,000 was allocated to the redevelopment of Gaelic Park in New York
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (44)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount collected in passport fees in each of the months of June, July and August in 2024. [36494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 840,000 passports to date in 2024. All turnaround times are at or ahead of target.
Passport fees collected during the months of June, July, and August 2024, are set out below in tabular form.
Passport Fees Collected
|
Month |
2024* |
|
June |
€4,232,161 |
|
July |
€4,366,678 |
|
August |
€3,979,365 |
|
Total |
€12,578,204 |
*2024 figures have not yet been audited and are subject to revision.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (45, 48)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36538/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date in the determination of an application for a passport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36685/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 48 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passports to the applicants.
Consular Services
Ceisteanna (46)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:46. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated relocation costs of the Irish Consulate General office in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Consulate General of Ireland, along with our Team Ireland partners, has been based in Ireland House at 345 Park Avenue, New York for more than 30 years. The lease is due to expire at the end of 2024.
After a property search, a lease for a new Ireland House was signed for the 17th floor of the MetLife Building at 200 Park Avenue. A 24 year lease has been agreed which will give Team Ireland a long term base in the business centre of Manhattan.
Following a tender competition, a design team and general fit out contractor were engaged to deliver a quality fit out that promotes the best of Irish creativity, innovation, design and culture, which will provide this new base for Team Ireland in New York.
The Consulate General, together with our Team Ireland partners in New York moved into these new premises on September 9, 2024.
The budget for the relocation costs of the Consulate General, including design and fit out, is €3.5 million. As this is an Ireland House our Team Ireland Partners - Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Tourism Ireland, CIÉ Tours International and the Ireland Funds – share the overall project budget of €11.9 million.
While the project is in the final stages of delivery and final costs are not yet available, it is expected to be delivered within this budget.
Economic Sanctions
Ceisteanna (47)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:47. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will propose at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting that additional severe sanctions be applied by the EU to Iran due to its export of ballistic missiles to Russia. [36664/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Iran has played a destabilising role in the Middle East and wider region for many years. This is especially evident in their transfer of missiles and drones to Russia and other advanced weapons to various non-State groups in the wider Middle East region. The transfer now of ballistic missiles to Russia directly threatens European security.
I have noted, with interest, the statements by the new Iranian government that they would seek a more constructive international engagement. This missile transfer flies in the face of that. Many EU leaders have warned Iran against the transfer of such weapons, which Russia was known to be seeking. I conveyed this message in a recent phone conversation with Foreign Minister Araghchi.
We must respond to this development. As noted in the statement on the issue by EU High Representative Borrell on 13 September, the issue of further EU sanctions is now being considered.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 45.
Departmental Meetings
Ceisteanna (49)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:49. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to visit Germany during Quarter 4 this year. [36806/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Germany is a valued Partner with whom we have excellent bilateral relations. Our countries are engaged continuously in a range of high level political and official visits; including two that I took part in this year, in January to open Zeitgeist Irland 24 in Berlin, a year long celebration of Irish culture in Germany, and in February for the Munich Security Conference.
Last year we had 13 Ministerial visits to Germany reflecting the importance of our bilateral relationship and the Joint Plan of Action agreed between our two countries have been an extremely successful project leading to greater coordination and information sharing between our countries.
While at this time I have no plans to visit Germany during Quarter 4 of this year, I look forward to visiting Germany again in the future and I will ensure that we continue to engage with our German counterparts, including Foreign Minister Baerbock, on various EU and international issues in our common interest.
Departmental Meetings
Ceisteanna (50)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:50. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the government of Mexico. [36807/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I travelled to Mexico from 7-10 January 2024 for a range of meetings aimed at strengthening Ireland’s political relationship with Mexico, underlining Government support for the development of trade and investment and connecting with the active Irish diaspora there.
During the visit, I had a rich exchange with Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena. We discussed: bilateral relations, including our deepening economic relations and the consistent growth of our trade and investment relations over recent years; shared priorities for sustainable development and peacebuilding in the Latin America region, notably Central America and Colombia. We also had an exchange on key foreign policy issues and on our continued close bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
I also met with high-level representatives of various Irish companies with significant investments in Mexico and members of the Irish community who all play an important role in building links between Ireland and Mexico.
In March of this year, then-Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions, and Insurance, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, visited Mexico as part of the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Programme. During her visit, the Minister met with the Minister for Finance, Rogelio Ramírez de la O, and the Deputy Minister for the Economy, Alejandro Encinas Nájera.
These visits reinforce Ireland’s bilateral relations with Mexico, allow us to promote Ireland and Irish interests and values and to strengthen our links with the diaspora and business leaders.