Tuesday, 5 Nov 2024

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (1, 2, 3)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

1. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of his Department's shared island unit. [43250/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

2. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of his Department's shared island unit. [43252/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

3. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of his Department's shared island unit. [45002/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

The Government continues to prioritise and progress the Shared Island initiative, working with all communities and political traditions for a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

I nclusive dialogue with all communities and political traditions is central to our approach. Last month, I launched a new Future Takes online interview series as part of our Shared Island Dialogues. Across this series, 15 artists and civic leaders from across this island and beyond, give their view on how, at this moment of opportunity and potential, we achieve more fully the promise of the Good Friday Agreement.

Also, on 20 September, I launched the Shared Island Youth Forum’s statement of vision and values for a shared future on the island. The Youth Forum’s work will inform and inspire how the Shared Island initiative develops further as we work for a shared, and more reconciled society on this island. I want to thank all of the Forum members for participating, and the National Youth Council and Youth Action Northern Ireland for their partnership with the Shared Island Unit in my Department in supporting the Forum’s programme of work.

My Department’s Shared Island Unit is also continuing its research programme to deepen understanding of the island as a whole in economic, social, cultural, and political terms. The most recent Shared Island research by the Economic and Social Research Institute was published on 18 October on Drivers of Income Inequality in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

On 16 September, I visited Derry and, as part of my programme, I highlighted a number of the projects that we are supporting in the North-West.

In meeting with the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, I affirmed the Government’s contribution of €600m to the A5 upgrade. I look forward to its planned commencement as a vital safer connection for the North West.

During my visit to Ulster University’s Derry campus, I viewed the site of the new teaching building that the Government is funding with €44.5m from the Shared Island Fund, to help expand student numbers in the city, from both sides of the border in the region and beyond.

I also, with the CEOs of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland, launched a €3m funding call for the ‘Coast to Coast investment scheme’ as part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project to align and connect the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route.

Finally, over recent weeks and months, I and Government colleagues have announced progress with a number of Shared Island Fund projects:

- On 29 October, the launch of an hourly Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast;

- On 14 October, a call was made by the Higher Education Authority for proposals under the second round of our North-South Research Programme, supported with a €10m contribution through the Shared Island Fund;

- On 16 September, €15m was announced for installation of Electric Vehicle charging points at 227 eligible sports clubs, across every county on the island; and

- On 9 September, €3m in support was confirmed for over 40 new cross-border projects that will contribute to climate and energy targets on the island, under our Community Climate Action Programme.

Question No. 2 answered with Question No. 1.

Question No. 3 answered with Question No. 1.

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

4. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Government co-ordination will next meet. [42937/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

5. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Government co-ordination will next meet. [43253/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mick Barry

Ceist:

6. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Government co-ordination will next meet. [44034/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

7. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Government co-ordination will next meet. [44169/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

8. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Government co-ordination will next meet. [44998/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 8, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Co-ordination will meet again in advance of the next Government meeting.

Question No. 5 answered with Question No. 4.

Question No. 6 answered with Question No. 4.

Question No. 7 answered with Question No. 4.

Question No. 8 answered with Question No. 4.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

9. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent visit to Washington D.C. [41649/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

10. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [42938/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mick Barry

Ceist:

11. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [44035/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

12. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [44170/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

13. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent visit to Washington D.C. [44966/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

14. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [44967/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

15. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [45003/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 15, inclusive, together.

I visited Washington D.C. on 8-10 October to mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States. This is an especially important landmark, as the United States was the first international partner to recognise the fledgling Irish State.

My planned programme included a meeting at the White House and a reception to mark the anniversary, as well as several other engagements including a meeting with USAID Administrator, Samantha Power, an address at Georgetown University to mark 100 years, an economic engagement with the US Chamber of Commerce, and a number of political and related meetings.

Unfortunately, the reception in the White House had to be cancelled as the President was naturally and rightly focussed on the immediate risk to a number of States posed by Hurricane Milton. My meeting with the President, however, went ahead as planned, as did other elements of my programme.

The meeting with President Biden was substantial. Our discussions focussed on the strong connections between our two countries, and the continuing importance of the relationship.

We discussed developments in Northern Ireland, and I thanked the President for his strong personal commitment to the peace process throughout his career.

I raised the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States, which is a priority for our Embassy in Washington.

On international issues we discussed the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

We agreed the need to continue to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, can be secured.

On the Middle East, and especially the desperate situation in Gaza, I conveyed to the President the strong views of the Irish people and Government, and the need to see an immediate end to the indiscriminate death and destruction. I expressed to him my view that while Israel has the right to self-defence, it must always exercise it in keeping with international law.

I thanked the President for his efforts and those of his Administration to bring about a ceasefire that can facilitate the return of hostages and the surging of aid into Gaza.

We also discussed the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect the civilian population.

I expressed my concern about the safety of our UN peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, especially given the unprecedented attacks by Israel on UNIFIL installations. President Biden shared my concern in that regard.

Question No. 10 answered with Question No. 9.

Question No. 11 answered with Question No. 9.

Question No. 12 answered with Question No. 9.

Question No. 13 answered with Question No. 9.

Question No. 14 answered with Question No. 9.

Question No. 15 answered with Question No. 9.

European Council

Ceisteanna (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

16. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach to provide an update following his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and European Council. [42872/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mick Barry

Ceist:

17. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach to provide an update following his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and European Council. [44036/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

18. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to provide an update following his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and European Council. [45001/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach to provide an update following his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and European Council. [45241/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

20. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on his meeting with the incoming president of the European Council, António Costa. [45244/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 to 20, inclusive, together.

I attended a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 17 October. On 16 October, I participated in the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. The situation in the Middle East was high on the agenda in both meetings while Ukraine and migration featured heavily in the meeting of the European Council.

At the European Council, we also took stock of preparations for COP29 on Climate in Baku, Azerbaijan, and COP 16 on biological diversity in Cali, Colombia. We discussed a number of foreign policy issues including Georgia, Moldova, Sudan, Venezuela, Morocco, and Haiti as well as hybrid threats. Europe’s Competitiveness and energy prices were also addressed.

Leaders were joined by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine who presented his Victory Plan.

The European Council reaffirmed our continued support for Ukraine and its people, reiterating the importance of reaching a just and lasting peace.

On the Middle East, leaders expressed our deep concern on the recent military escalation and called on all parties to exercise restraint acknowledging the risks posed for the entire region. We affirmed our commitment to helping to deescalate the situation and reduce tensions while providing needs-based assistance to civilians.

On Lebanon, the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire and full implementation on UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which calls for the full cessation of hostilities.

The European Council condemned in the strongest terms the unacceptable attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against UNIFIL which must stop immediately.

The European Council again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a hostage deal, and a surge in unhindered humanitarian assistance. I reiterated the need to use all levers at our disposal to bring about this, repeating my call for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement which has only become more pressing in light of the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July.

Leaders reiterated their unwavering support for a just and last peace based on a two-state solution.

Leaders had an in-depth discussion on migration in all its dimensions. The European Council called for work to be stepped up on external action and strengthening control of the EU's external border, on enhanced cooperation with countries of origin and transit to address root causes, fight trafficking and smuggling, and to prevent loss of life and irregular departures. Leaders also called for determined action to increase and speed up returns from the EU.

We also agreed that new ways to prevent and counter irregular migration should be considered. I emphasised that any potential new approaches would need to be effective, practical and in keeping with the EU’s values and EU and international law.

We also affirmed our solidarity with Poland, which is facing the instrumentalisation of migration by Russia and Belarus as a form of hybrid warfare aimed at destabilising society and undermining our values.

On 29 October, I welcomed the President-elect of the European Council, Antonio Costa, to Dublin in advance of him taking up his position on 1 December. I congratulated him again on his election and looked forward to working with him at what is a critical time for Europe as we face numerous and serious challenges. We discussed matters relating to the working methods of the European Council as well as the main items currently on the Council’s agenda including competitiveness, security and defence, the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), enlargement, Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. We also discussed EU-UK relations.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 16.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 16.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 16.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 16.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (21)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

21. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on any recent discussions he has had with other world leaders in connection with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [44965/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I have had a number of recent engagements with Leaders at which the situation in the Middle East was discussed.

On 25 October, I welcomed the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Government Buildings.

The Prime Minister briefed me on the situation on the ground in Lebanon and the very significant challenges faced by his government. We agreed on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, and I stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon. The targeting of peacekeepers is a violation of international humanitarian law, and Israel and Hezbollah have an obligation to secure the safety of peacekeepers.

The situation in the Middle East was also discussed at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit held in Brussels on 16 October, and at the meeting of the European Council on 17 October.

The European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a hostage deal and a surge in unhindered humanitarian assistance. I reiterated the need to use all levers at our disposal to bring about this, repeating my call for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement which has only become more pressing in light of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of July on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territories.

The European Council also condemned in the strongest terms the unacceptable attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against UNIFIL, called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for all sides to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

I spoke with President Herzog of Israel on 14 October to convey our condolences to the Israeli people on the anniversary of 7 October and to raise with him directly our concerns about the situation in Gaza and in Lebanon, including the need to respect the role and mandate of peacekeepers at all times.

I visited Washington D.C. on 8-10 October to mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States. During my visit, I met with President Biden. Our discussions included the Middle East, and especially the desperate situation in Gaza.

I conveyed to the President the strong views of the Irish people and Government, and the need to see an immediate end to the indiscriminate death and destruction. I expressed to him my view that while Israel has the right to self-defence, it must always exercise it in keeping with international law. I thanked the President for his efforts and those of his Administration to bring about a ceasefire that can facilitate the return of hostages and the surging of aid into Gaza.

The situation in the Middle East was a particular focus during my visit to New York and attendance at the United Nations High Level week on 22-25 September, where I had meetings with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas; King Abdullah II of Jordan; and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

I have also spoken to the Secretary General Guterres in the period since, including with regard to the safety of peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL.

The issue also came up in my meeting with President of Vietnam, T Lm, on 3 October during his State Visit to Ireland.

Citizens' Assembly

Ceisteanna (22)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

22. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the commitment given in the programme for Government to hold a citizens' assembly on the future of education. [44829/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Programme for Government commits to establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education ensuring that the voices of young people and those being educated are central. The establishment of the Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education and its Terms of Reference will be the subject of a Government decision and resolutions of the Dáil and Seanad at the appropriate time. Citizens’ Assemblies operate independently of the Government with secretariat support provided by the Department of the Taoiseach.

The commitment in the Programme for Government also states that the voices of young people and those being educated will be central to this Assembly. The impact that children and young people have on shaping their own learning experiences is a focus of the work of the Department of Education. The meaningful participation of children and young people in this process is extremely important, and has my support. The Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education has great potential to enhance the ongoing consultative work of my Department and aid future development and planning.