Written Answers Nos. 51-59
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail the information missing from the passport application by a person (details supplied) to conclude that the application was incomplete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor data protection reasons, the Passport Service cannot share the requested details of an individual’s application. The applicant was contacted on 12 March and 28 June 2024 and informed of what documents were required to progress the application. The required documents were not received in time to process the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired. The applicant is welcome to reapply and further details on the required documents for first time applicants can be found on the Passport Services website www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/adult/#First%20time%20applicant%20born%20abroad.
Our Customer Service Hub agents are available through phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. They can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/contactpassportservice/ .
A Passport Online application is valid in the Passport Service system for a period of 6 months from when the application is made. From the time that the required supporting documents are received, the Passport Service works with the applicant to process the application and ensure all required documents have been submitted to prove the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship, to verify their identity, and in the cases of children, to ensure that consent of guardians is provided.
In some cases, the required supporting documents are not received from the applicant during the 6 month validity period. In such cases, the application will expire and a refund will issue to the applicant.
Reminder emails are sent to applicants who have not submitted the required supporting documents at 6, 12 and 16 weeks after they make the initial online application. The applicants are requested to complete their applications and submit supporting documents.
Passport applications are valid for six months for a number of reasons including International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the requirement for a recent photograph. The ICAO is a UN agency that defines in detail the required format for a passport. This six-month timeframe also ensures that a refund of the fees can be processed electronically if required. If the refund is not made electronically within six months then a bank transfer is required which can take significantly longer.
52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to refurbish the embassy of Ireland based in Singapore; and if not, the last time this embassy was refurbished. [36818/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, together with Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, moved into a newly refurbished Ireland House premises in June 2024.
Singapore Ireland House will support a joined-up Team Ireland approach, maximising the impact of our international engagement by ensuring strong synergies and value for money. It will showcase our cultural heritage, creativity and innovation through excellence in design.
The Global Ireland Strategy outlines the Government’s commitment to developing and expanding the Ireland House network across key markets, as a means of maximising the collective impact of Team Ireland. Ireland Houses involve the co-location of diplomatic missions and State Agencies in one premises, working under one roof, sharing services and facilities, and adopting collaborative work practices.
53. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36883/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 12 September 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
54. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his predecessor’s welcoming the passage of the Yazidi female survivors’ law in March 2021, if he has engaged with the Iraqi government in order to ensure that the legislation’s mandate is funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36916/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland’s efforts to assist in locating the more than 2,000 women enslaved by ISIS who remain unaccounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36917/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to engage with the Dutch government regarding its programme for government commitment to establish an international tribunal to prosecute members of ISIS/Da’esh; if he intends for Ireland to support these efforts; the manner in which he would envisage such support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36918/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that members of the Yazidi community across the European Union must travel to Iraq in order to provide DNA samples to assist in the identification of their loved ones' remains once exhumed from mass graves; if he will engage with his European counterparts to develop an efficient mechanism that would allow them do so in their country of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements he has had and the support Ireland has provided to the Iraqi and Kurdish regional government regarding the exhumation of mass graves and identification of remains therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36920/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will support the establishment of an enhanced database of the evidence and testimony gathered by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL; the engagements he has had in support of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36921/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 together.
My Department last week hosted an event specifically to focus attention on the situation of, and issues relating to, the Yazidi community in Iraq, marking ten years since the beginning of the appalling attacks on the whole Yazidi people by the fanatics of Da'esh/ISIL. The seminar brought together representatives from the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, the EU and a number of Member States, non governmental organisations and Yazidi advocacy groups and survivors in order to engage on the various topics that surround the situation of the Yazidi community. This event came at a opportune moment, giving those present an opportunity to refocus attention on and discuss the issues faced by the Yazidi community, given the ending this month of the UNITAD mandate. During the event many of the issues raised in your question were discussed, including cooperation with European Union Member States and also both the Iraqi and Regional Kurdish Governments. I also met with Yazidi representatives and discussed these issues with them.
While Ireland does not have a resident embassy in Iraq, my Department and the Irish Embassy in Amman, is liaising with our European Union partners and with the Iraqi government on how to continue the vital work previously undertaken by the UN missions present in Iraq. This includes the preservation of the evidence database collated by UNITAD, the continued search for those missing and further work on recovery and identification of the remains of those killed by ISIS. I am well aware of the various practical, technical and political challenges involved in such actions. My Department is examining the best way to ensure the accountability of those responsible for the atrocities, including the establishment of a mechanism for fair trials in line with the UN Charter, and the support of the Yazidi community in its quest for justice.
