Catherine Connolly
Ceist:41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the humanitarian situation in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3085/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is causing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Over 11.5 million people have been displaced form their homes in the country, and a further 3.4 million have fled to neighbouring countries. In late 2024, offensives by the two main armed groups involved in the civil war were marked by atrocities, including massacres in Gezira State in the east-central region. The war has crippled Sudan's economy, leaving over 24 million people in acute food insecurity. Over 500,000 people are experiencing famine conditions in Darfur, and this number is projected to grow to over 630,000 in the period to May 2025. Disease outbreaks are escalating, and women and girls are facing high levels of violence and exploitation.
We remain deeply concerned by this appalling humanitarian crisis in Sudan and continue to call for an immediate ceasefire. We have stated clearly that this hunger catastrophe is man-made, caused by conflict, forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid.
In 2024, Ireland provided over €14 million in humanitarian assistance for the Sudan crisis, which included €11.5 million within Sudan and €2.5 million in support of Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. This funding was channelled through UN agencies and International and Irish NGOs, working closely with local responders on nutrition, health, water and sanitation, shelter and cash support.
Recognising the disproportionate impact that this conflict has had on women and girls, part of Ireland’s humanitarian aid to Sudan in 2024 included a contribution to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to provide women and girls in Sudan and neighbouring countries with life-saving reproductive health and protection services. Ireland's partners have also provided funding for Sudanese-led action, in particular community kitchens and women's organisations, providing vital support to the most affected people in hard to reach areas.
The Government will continue to work with our European and multilateral partners to facilitate a scaled up humanitarian response, to work for a ceasefire and a civilian-led transition and to support accountability mechanisms that will bring peace and justice to the people of Sudan.
Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 29.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (43)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:43. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and-or service officer or security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3197/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department has outsourced both cleaning services and some security officer roles to private companies, for service provision in a number of our buildings. We have not outsourced Service Officer roles in any of our buildings.
|
Service Type |
Contract Length |
Average Annual Cost* |
Total cost** |
|
Cleaning Services |
Three years with one extension of one year |
€780K |
€2.34M |
|
Security Services |
Two years with two extensions of one year |
€130K |
€260K |
*Average annual cost is given since the number of hours provided in any year can vary depending on multiple factors
** Total cost is calculated on the average cost multiplied by the minimum number of years in the contract term
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (44)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:44. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of Cleaners and Services Officers employed by my department as at 27 January 2025 is provided below in tabular form.
|
Grade |
Number as at 27 January 2025 |
Contract Status |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Services Officer |
29 |
Permanent |
|
Night Watch-person |
3 |
Permanent |
|
Services Attendant |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Superintendent of Cleaners |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Cleaner |
10 |
Permanent |
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (45)
Ged Nash
Ceist:45. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024, respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Department is fully compliant with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform guidelines and circulars on official travel and also operates its own detailed internal travel policy and regulations. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.
The amounts claimed by each Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of mileage in 2023 and 2024 are set out below.
|
Minister of State |
Mileage 2023 |
Mileage 2024 |
|
Minister of State, Seán Fleming |
€18,632 |
€18,324 |
|
Minister of State, Peter Burke |
€16,004 |
€6,568 |
|
Minister of State, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill* |
N/A |
€5,072 |
* This Department has a cross-billing arrangement in place with Department of An Taoiseach for Minister of State travel and subsistence costs. The above represents the value of mileage paid for by this Department for 2024. The remaining balance, for the final 3 months of 2024, will be billed shortly.
The amount of overnight subsistence claimed by all civilian drivers in 2023 and 2024 are set out below:
|
2023 |
€20,207 |
|
2024 |
€28,520 |
|
Total |
€48,727 |
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (46)
Ged Nash
Ceist:46. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to his office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table indicates the number of civil servants employed in my Private Office in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Private Secretary to the Tánaiste is paid a private secretary allowance, which amounts to €24,952.76 annually.
|
Role |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary to the Tánaiste |
First Secretary |
|
Deputy Private Secretary to the Tánaiste |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Diary Secretary |
Executive Officer |
|
Cabinet and Oireachtas Secretary |
Executive Officer |
|
Administration Secretary |
Clerical Officer |
The following table indicates the number of civil servants employed in the Tánaiste's Correspondence Office in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
|
Role |
Salary Scale |
|
Correspondence Office Secretary |
Clerical Officer |
|
Correspondence Office Secretary |
Clerical Officer |
|
Correspondence Office Secretary |
Clerical Officer |
|
Correspondence Office Secretary |
Clerical Officer |
As of 30 January 2025 there are no civil servants in my constituency office employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (47)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:47. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the move by the US Administration to add the Republic of Cuba to its state sponsors of terrorism list; if he is concerned that this move may lead to a strengthening of the US blockade against Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3412/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Together with our European Union partners, Ireland has consistently opposed the inclusion of Cuba on the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism and the associated measures, which the EU has stated are in violation of commonly accepted rules of international trade.
Ireland and the EU’s position on the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba is clear. Ireland has expressed this view consistently on various occasions in recent years. Along with our EU partners, Ireland consistently votes in favour of the UN resolution calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba.
I can confirm that Ireland voted again in favour of this resolution when it was last brought before the United Nations General Assembly in October 2024. The comprehensive EU statement delivered at the General Assembly during this vote again highlighted the damaging impact the embargo has on the lives of the Cuban people and the economy. It also addressed other concerns, including in relation to the human rights situation in the country and re-stated the EU’s commitment to engagement with Cuba.
Ireland will continue to raise these issues together with our EU partners and to support continued engagement between the EU and Cuba through the various dialogue mechanisms that are provided under the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA).
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (48)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:48. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what plans are in place to upgrade the representative office of Ireland in Palestine to full embassy status and to appoint an ambassador, in light of the recognition by Ireland of the State of Palestine last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 28 May 2024, the Government decided to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State, within the territory defined by the 1967 borders referenced in UN Security Council resolution 242 (1967). Norway and Spain made similar announcements on the same date. Slovenia recognised Palestine shortly afterwards.
Ireland’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine was an expression of our clear view that it is time Palestine takes its full place amongst the nations of the world and our belief in the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The aspirations of both peoples must be afforded equal legitimacy, based on a two-State solution that delivers a just and sustainable peace.
An exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.
Ms Jilan S.S. Abdalmajid presented her Letter of Credence to President Higgins on 17 December 2024, and, at that point, formally assumed the role of Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland.
Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah is treated as a full diplomatic mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the position of Head of Mission is an Ambassador-level post that – in common with other such appointments – is approved by Government decision. It has been the practice of other states that have recognised the State of Palestine and that have diplomatic missions there to maintain the title of Representative Office following the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (49)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:49. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of honorary consuls appointed by Ireland, by country; the basis on which honorary consuls are recruited and appointed; their terms of reference; what diplomatic privileges they enjoy, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland currently has 94 Honorary Consuls operating in 55 countries across the globe, (see below list of countries where our Honorary Consuls are based). Our global network of Honorary Consuls offers vital support to the Government across a range of priorities, including providing a means of meeting the needs of Irish citizens in regions where we do not have a resident diplomatic Mission.
The services provided by the network include responding to enquiries in relation to passports, visas and travel to Ireland, as well as providing vital assistance in emergency consular assistance cases. Our Honorary Consuls also have an important role in promoting the broader interests of the State overseas. They support Irish diplomatic missions and the relevant State Agencies in establishing connections to key local stakeholders, in areas such as business, politics, culture and education.
The position of an Honorary Consul is honorary in nature - unsalaried and non-pensionable. An appointment to the role is generally made upon the recommendation of the relevant accredited diplomatic mission, for an initial period of 3 years, with the potential for renewal thereafter.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade operates a comprehensive and robust system for managing appointments to Ireland’s Honorary Consul network. In order to identify a pool of potential candidates, expressions of interest are sought through public advertising of the position, before a selection process is undertaken to find the most suitable candidate to fill the role. Once the successful candidate has been identified, the agreement of the host country must be obtained before the new Honorary Consul can be officially appointed.
The functions, privileges and immunities of Honorary Consuls are set out in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. The Diplomatic and Consular Relations Act, 1967 gave the Convention the force of law in the State and enabled Ireland to ratify the Convention the same year.
The position of Irish Honorary Consuls is covered under Irish law by the Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Provision of Services) Act, 1993.
List of locations of Honorary Consuls of Ireland
|
Country of Accreditation |
City |
|
Armenia |
Yerevan |
|
Australia |
Perth |
|
Bahamas |
Nassau |
|
Bahrain |
Manama |
|
Bangladesh |
Dhaka |
|
Belgium |
Antwerp |
|
Bermuda |
Hamilton |
|
Bolivia |
La Paz/Santa Cruz |
|
Botswana |
Gaborone |
|
Canada |
Calgary |
|
Canada |
Halifax, Nova Scotia |
|
Canada |
St John's |
|
Canada |
Québec City |
|
Canada |
Edmonton |
|
Colombia |
Barranquilla |
|
Croatia |
Split |
|
Ecuador |
Guayaquil |
|
Egypt |
Alexandria |
|
France |
Cherbourg |
|
France |
Roscoff |
|
France |
Toulouse |
|
Georgia |
Tbilisi |
|
Germany |
Cologne |
|
Germany |
Hamburg |
|
Germany |
Stuttgart |
|
Ghana |
Accra |
|
Greece |
Corfu |
|
Greece |
Heraklion |
|
Greece |
Rhodes |
|
Greece |
Thessaloniki |
|
Guatemala |
Guatemala City |
|
Iceland |
Reykjavik |
|
India |
Bengaluru |
|
India |
Chennai |
|
India |
Kolkata |
|
Iran |
Tehran |
|
Jamaica |
Kingston |
|
Japan |
Sapporo |
|
Lebanon |
Beirut |
|
Lesotho |
Maseru |
|
Mexico |
Cancun |
|
Mexico |
Guadalajara |
|
Mexico |
Monterrey |
|
Moldova |
Chisinau |
|
Monaco |
Monte Carlo |
|
Morocco |
Agadir |
|
Morocco |
Casablanca |
|
Namibia |
Windhoek |
|
Nepal |
Kathmandu |
|
New Zealand |
Auckland |
|
Nigeria |
Lagos |
|
Norway |
Bergen |
|
Oman |
Muscat |
|
Pakistan |
Karachi |
|
Panama |
Panama City |
|
Paraguay |
Asuncion |
|
Peru |
Lima |
|
Poland |
Poznan |
|
Portugal |
Almancil |
|
Romania |
Oradea |
|
Romania |
Cluj -Napoca |
|
Serbia |
Belgrade |
|
Spain |
Alicante |
|
Spain |
Barcelona |
|
Spain |
Bilbao |
|
Spain |
Gran Canaria |
|
Spain |
Lanzarote |
|
Spain |
Mallorca |
|
Spain |
Seville |
|
Spain |
Tenerife |
|
Spain |
Vigo |
|
Sri Lanka |
Colombo |
|
Sweden |
Gothenburg |
|
Switzerland |
Zurich |
|
Syria |
Damascus |
|
Thailand |
Chiang Mai |
|
Tunisia |
Tunis |
|
Turkey |
Antalya |
|
Turkey |
Izmir |
|
USA |
Charlotte |
|
USA |
Denver |
|
USA |
New Orleans |
|
USA |
Pittsburgh |
|
USA |
San Diego |
|
USA |
Charleston |
|
USA |
Cleveland |
|
USA |
St. Louis |
|
USA |
Orlando |
|
USA |
Buffalo |
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (50)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:50. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of honorary consuls of other countries in Ireland, broken down by country, the basis on which they are accredited, what diplomatic privileges they enjoy, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3416/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A table containing the information requested by the Deputy is set out below.
The functions, privileges and immunities of Honorary Consuls and their legal status in Ireland derives from the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, as given effect in Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967.
Consular functions as performed by Honorary Consuls on behalf of foreign nominating states are governed by Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Chapter III of the Convention governs the facilities, privileges and immunities of Honorary Consuls.
In Ireland, Honorary Consuls as appointed by foreign states are typically Irish nationals or nationals from the foreign state concerned who are permanently resident here. They carry out important work in support of nationals of the foreign state concerned who may require consular or other forms of practical assistance in a range of scenarios, and frequently operate in liaison with Irish State authorities as necessary.
In this context, and in accordance with the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967, Honorary Consuls are only eligible for immunities from civil jurisdiction in respect of official acts performed in the exercise of their official functions. In particular, Honorary Consuls do not enjoy personal inviolability and are subject to criminal jurisdiction. Privileges for which they are eligible are limited to tax exemptions on their official emoluments as paid to them by the foreign state concerned and exemption from public duties such as jury service.
There are currently 72 Honorary Consuls in Ireland representing 51 foreign states. A full list of these Honorary Consuls is also available on the Diplomatic List as maintained by my Department via the www.ireland.ie website.
|
Country |
Number of Posts |
|
ARMENIA |
1 |
|
AZERBAIJAN |
1 |
|
BELARUS |
1 |
|
BELGIUM |
3 |
|
BELIZE |
1 |
|
BOTSWANA |
1 |
|
BRAZIL |
3 |
|
CAMEROON |
1 |
|
CHILE |
1 |
|
CÔTE D’IVOIRE |
1 |
|
CROATIA |
1 |
|
DENMARK |
1 |
|
ESTONIA |
3 |
|
FINLAND |
3 |
|
FRANCE |
3 |
|
GERMANY |
1 |
|
GHANA |
1 |
|
GUATEMALA |
1 |
|
ICELAND |
1 |
|
INDONESIA |
1 |
|
ITALY |
2 |
|
JAMAICA |
1 |
|
JORDAN |
1 |
|
KAZAKHSTAN |
1 |
|
LATVIA |
1 |
|
LITHUANIA |
2 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
1 |
|
MALAWI |
1 |
|
MALTA |
2 |
|
MEXICO |
4 |
|
MOROCCO |
1 |
|
NETHERLANDS |
1 |
|
NORWAY |
1 |
|
OMAN |
1 |
|
PHILIPPINES |
1 |
|
POLAND |
2 |
|
PORTUGAL |
1 |
|
RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
1 |
|
SAN MARINO |
1 |
|
SIERRA LEONE |
1 |
|
SINGAPORE |
1 |
|
SLOVENIA |
1 |
|
SPAIN |
4 |
|
SRI LANKA |
1 |
|
SWITZERLAND |
2 |
|
THAILAND |
1 |
|
TIMOR-LESTE |
1 |
|
UNITED KINGDOM |
1 |
|
UGANDA |
1 |
|
URUGUAY |
1 |
|
VIETNAM |
1 |
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (51)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:51. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of relations and engagement between the State and Western Sahara’s Polisario Front; if the Government recognises the Polisario Front as interlocutors for the Sahrawi people; and if this Government will commit to recognising a sovereign Sahrawi state. [3417/25]
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. It is our 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 2756, adopted on 31 October 2024, extended the mandate of the MINURSO Mission by one year, until 31 October 2025. As per this and previous Resolutions, I have called 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, discuss the conflict as part of our ongoing political engagement with the involved regional actors, including the Polisario Front. Ireland views the Polisario Front as a party to an ongoing conflict.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (52)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:52. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement, if any, his Department has had with Spain regarding the status and conditions of political prisoners in that country, in particular the status of Basque political prisoners and the campaign for their repatriation to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3418/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The placement of a State’s nationals within its prison system is a matter for the Government and the relevant competent authorities of that State, in accordance with domestic, European and international law. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter in question.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (53, 54)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:53. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call on the Iranian government to intervene to save the life of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3419/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:54. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the urgent diplomatic actions the Government is taking to prevent the execution of a person (details supplied), a Kurdish humanitarian worker and civil society activist sentenced to death in Iran; and whether he will publicly condemn this sentence while engaging with his Department to apply diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government to halt this execution and end the persecution of activists. [3520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.
I am deeply concerned by the continued use of arbitrary detention and the use of the death penalty as a means of suppressing political dissent and human rights activism in Iran. This is a principal focus of Ireland's engagement with Iran on human rights issues. Ireland is strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. The final and irreversible nature of the death penalty underlines the impropriety of its use as a criminal punishment. Accordingly, Ireland continues to seek its universal abolition.
Most recently, In January Ireland raised the death penalty at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. We highlighted Iran's use of the death penalty and harassment and imprisonment of human rights defenders, especially women. We called for the end of all executions in Iran. Ireland also raises the issue of the continued use of the death penalty and other human rights abuses in Iran, both directly in bilateral discussions and in international fora such as the Human Rights Council and the United Nations Third Committee on Human Rights.
I will ask my officials to look into the circumstances of the case raised by the Deputy. I regret however that there is at present little sign of Iran responding positively on these issues. Ireland will continue to call on Iran to cease the use of the death penalty.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 53.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 23.