Written Answers Nos. 69 to 88
69. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will inform US President Biden that he condemns the force used by police against students in US universities protesting recently against US military support for Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of countries globally are witnessing protests over the conflict in Gaza. Ireland is strongly committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression and defending the rights of freedom of assembly and association.
The rights to assemble peacefully and associate freely are essential to ensuring the full enjoyment of civil and political rights, and the economic, social and cultural rights of all individuals. As well as constituting important human rights, these fundamental freedoms are an essential component of a healthy democracy.
There are of course examples where initial peaceful protests can evolve in a negative way and result in violence, intimidation and hate speech. In parallel to protecting fundamental freedoms, democratic societies must also guarantee peoples right to safety. This is a challenge that many democratic nations around the world are facing.
70. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on plans to recognise a Palestinian state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the progress being made to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20537/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will recognise the State of Palestine; the work being carried out by the State in the European Union to promote Palestinian statehood. [12763/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the discussions taking place with other European countries on a joint declaration of recognition of the State of Palestine; the timeframe within which Ireland will give formal recognition to the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20901/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on when the Government will recognise the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in announcing formal recognition of the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20729/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a timeline for the recognition of Palestine. [20748/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 83, 85, 91, 99, 107 and 114 together.
As I stated in Dáil Éireann on 9 April, it is my intention to bring a formal proposal on recognition to Government following the completion of discussions with international partners.
These discussions are ongoing. The manner in which Ireland and like-minded partners could support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution was a central focus of my meetings with Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Jordan during my most recent visit to the region in April.
At a recent meeting convened in Riyadh by Saudi Arabia and Norway, which was attended by Ireland as well as several European and regional partners, the importance of taking concrete steps towards the realisation of a Palestinian State in the context of the two-State solution was emphasised.
This is a perspective that I have also shared in detail will all EU partners, including most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council in April. I also remain in frequent contact with key like-minded partners and most recently spoke with my Spanish counterpart on 1 May.
It is clear from these engagements, that both our European and regional partners support the need for early, credible and irreversible steps to implement a two-State solution. In this regard, it remains my firm view – and the view of our partners – that recognition is a step that should be carefully calibrated to best advance the peace process. I will be remaining in frequent contact with key partners on this issue in the coming period.
71. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to Russia's continued air and missile attacks against Ukraine's civilians and civilian and critical infrastructure, including the recent intensified targeting of the energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20574/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain extremely concerned about the situation on the ground in Ukraine. We have witnessed in recent months how Russia has sought to intensify its aerial bombardment of Ukraine, with ongoing drone and missile strikes against Kyiv and other major cities and ports, including widespread targeting of critical infrastructure. We now know that more than 80% of Ukrainian coal, gas and power plants have been hit by Russia.
These attacks, which have resulted in the large-scale destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, are aimed at breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people. The relentless targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by Russia amplifies fears of prolonged disruptions to critical services and underscores the need for multifaceted international support.
In the context of these ongoing attacks, it is more important than ever that the EU continues to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.
In recent months, EU support for Ukraine has shifted to a more consistent, long-term and predictable basis, including through the adoption of the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility” to cover macro-financial needs in the period 2024-27. Ireland strongly supported the establishment of this new Facility, which also focuses on supporting Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation, including the restoration of critical infrastructure that has been damaged by Russia’s war.
Ireland has also provided over €90 million to Ukraine in stabilisation and humanitarian funding since February 2022. This includes budgetary support via the World Bank Multi-Door Trust Fund to support critical infrastructure and public services. In addition, my Department works with our colleagues across Government to assess Ukrainian requests for materials which support the maintenance of critical infrastructure through the dedicated EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and to provide this much needed support wherever possible.
Ireland will continue to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine in 2024, with a view to addressing the most immediate needs of the population.
72. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he believes his advocacy on Palestinian issues is now having a real impact at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to encourage a peaceful resolution in the conflict in the Middle East along with his other EU and UN partners; the extent to which he remains satisfied that measures can be put in place whereby agreed parties can submit their issues to an authoritative body capable of making a serious contribution to a permanent and peaceful settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20836/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out his actions of recent times to end the Israeli assault on Gaza; the discussions he has had with governments in the region; the contacts he has had with the US government; the attitude of other EU foreign ministers to the ongoing tactics being employed by Israel; the efforts made to secure an immediate ceasefire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20908/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 80 and 109 together.
I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners, including the US, since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. During all of these engagements I have conveyed the same message: there is an urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, with a significant and sustained scale-up of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. All of Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these core needs.
It is also important that our efforts aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for a pathway towards a sustainable peace in the long term. Ireland’s focus is on seeking to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution.
Some of my more recent actions include intensive discussions with senior members of US Congress, EU counterparts, Arab partners, and the core provider of aid in Gaza, the UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA). I also visited the region on 23-24 April; my visit to Egypt included the Rafah crossing, Al Arish Humanitarian Hub and Al Arish Hospital, where I saw first-hand the dire need to increase access for humanitarian aid. I will continue to advocate at every level for an immediate sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of safe, unimpeded and effective humanitarian access.
74. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring forward a Bill to enable a constitutional referendum on neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments over many decades, means Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
As I have said in this House on many previous occasions, the Government has no plans to alter our long-standing policy of military neutrality, join a military alliance or enter into a mutual defence arrangement. As such, a referendum enshrining Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution is not necessary or appropriate.
Furthermore, the Constitution already establishes the framework within which Ireland conducts its international relations. Article 29.1 provides that "Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality."
Article 29.4.9 sets out that the State “shall not adopt a decision taken by the European Council to establish a common defence pursuant to Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union where that common defence would include the State”.
In the context of an increasingly challenging international security environment, a referendum enshrining Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution would significantly constrain the Executive’s ability to exercise its policy-making authority in respect of the conduct of external relations, as outlined in Article 29 of the Constitution.
Accordingly, the Government has no plans to bring forward legislation to hold a constitutional referendum on neutrality.
Finally, while I would once again underline that there are no plans to change our policy of military neutrality, we must be cognisant of the changed geopolitical context and wider threat environment in Europe. For this reason, the Government is committed to broadening and deepening Ireland’s international security engagement as well as our domestic efforts to ensure the security of our country.
76. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on the measures/initiatives his Department is taking to support less-developed countries with climate change mitigation and adaptation; the progress that has been made to scale up climate financing through existing channels; the new funding initiatives planned and/or underway; the plans to enhance reporting on the gender responsiveness of Ireland's climate financing; if official 2023 figures have been submitted to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20812/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has made significant progress in scaling up Ireland's international climate finance in recent years. Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap sets out how we will deliver on the target of providing at least €225 million annually in climate finance by 2025. We are on track to meet this target.
In 2022, Ireland provided €120.8 million in climate finance, our highest amount to date. In line with Ireland’s priorities, 80% of this went to programmes that support adaptation either as a whole or as one component. 84% of our bilateral climate finance in 2022 was channelled to Least Developed Countries.
In 2023, we estimate that Ireland provided at least €147 million in climate finance. In line with the EU Governance Regulation, Ireland will submit 2023 data to the EU by 30 September 2024. Following verification by the OECD, a finalised figure for Ireland’s 2023 climate finance will then be published.
Ireland’s climate finance is channelled through our Embassies, multilateral organisations, and NGOs. Last year, for example, the Department of Foreign Affairs provided over €2.1 million to the Special Climate Change Fund to support Small Island Developing States. In terms of new initiatives, at COP28 in December 2023, we pledged €25 million to the Loss and Damage Fund. Ireland has also provided €5 million to the new Climate Action Account of the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund. Both these initiatives support vulnerable countries affected by climate disasters.
Under OECD rules, Ireland reports all Official Development Assistance that supports climate action and gender equality separately. However, as both are core priorities for Ireland, we have included a gender/climate analysis of bilateral climate finance in Ireland’s Climate Finance Reports for 2021 and 2022. In 2023, we will further enhance this reporting through the provision of case studies.
77. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the contacts he has had with UK ministers to address the issue of asylum seekers crossing the border from Northern Ireland; the views of the UK government on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20909/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday 29 April, I co-chaired the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting in London with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. Matters related to migration and asylum were not on the agenda of the meeting.
However en marge of the BIIGC, I had the opportunity to discuss recent reporting on the issue with the Secretary of State. I also subsequently had a constructive call with the Secretary of State on 01 May.
Both the Secretary of State and I strongly agreed on the importance of our two governments continuing to work together at political and official level on the many operational aspects that safeguard the Common Travel Area.
We also agreed on the vital importance of protecting the open border on the island of Ireland, which is essential in facilitating the cross-border aspects of lives as envisioned in the Good Friday Agreement. I confirmed that - contrary to media reporting - Gardaí will not be assigned to physically police the border north-south. We both recognised the long-standing, excellent police cooperation that exists north-south, with the PSNI and the Gardaí working together to maintain the integrity of the Common Travel Area in both directions.
In my discussions with the British government, as with other international partners, I am clear that the challenges presented by irregular migration cannot be effectively addressed by any state acting alone. We must focus our work to ensure we have fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedures, with full respect for fundamental rights. Coupled with this, we need to focus on addressing the root causes of migration - particularly when it comes to issues of conflict, and food, economic and climate insecurity globally.
78. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the increasing use of anti-extremism laws to prosecute reporters in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe leveraging of anti-extremism laws to target reporters in Russia is greatly concerning. This is part of a broader deterioration in the domestic human rights situation, which has been severely undermined by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
I share the concerns raised by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on 7 May that Russia’s legislative framework to combat terrorism and extremism is being used to criminalise independent journalism.
The World Press Freedom Index released on 3 May describes a crusade against independent journalism in Russia. 30 journalists are currently detained under criminal charges, including terrorism, extremism, and violating the law on foreign agents.
In October, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia found that laws on anti-terrorism and anti-extremism are being used to limit freedom of expression. These measures have had such a silencing effect that more than 1,500 journalists have fled abroad since 2022.
Since March, seven journalists have faced charges, including for criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine or for alleged links to the late Alexei Navalny, and his anti-corruption foundation, itself labelled as ‘extremist’ in 2021.
Ireland has welcomed the adoption of sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Regime, in view of the deterioration of the situation in Russia, including the listing in March of a number of individuals and entities linked to Mr. Navalny’s death. Ireland will support any further EU measures targeting those directly responsible for human rights violations in Russia.
Ireland is committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression. At Russia’s Universal Periodic Review and the Human Rights Council, Ireland called on Russia to end acts of intimidation, prosecution and violence against journalists. Journalists must be able to work without fear of reprisals – in line with Russia’s international human rights obligations.
79. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he regards the outcome of the Russian Federation's presidential election in March as legitimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees that the Russian Federation under Vladimir Putin is now a de facto dictatorship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20737/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 94 together.
The presidential elections held by Russia on 15-17 March took place in a highly restricted environment exacerbated by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
These elections were neither free nor fair and ultimately reflect a wider deterioration in human rights and democracy in Russia under Vladimir Putin. They took place in an ever-shrinking political space, which has resulted in an alarming increase of violations of civil and political rights, with many candidates precluded from running. This deprived Russian voters of a real choice and heavily limited their access to accurate information.
Russian authorities continue to increase systematic internal repression by cracking down on opposition politicians, civil society organisations, independent media and other critical voices with the use of repressive legislation and politically motivated prison sentences. The shocking death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny in the run-up to the elections is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia.
Ireland condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempts by the Russian Federation to illegally annex the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Accordingly Ireland does not recognise as legitimate the results of polls held in these regions of Ukraine under the temporary occupation of the Russian Federation.
Similarly, Ireland does not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, and therefore does not recognise the so-called elections held in the occupied Crimean peninsula.
More broadly, the political situation in Russia has increasingly descended into authoritarianism in recent years, and has deteriorated further since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. There are ongoing examples of mass arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as harassment of peaceful anti-war activists, human rights defenders, journalists, cultural figures and ethnic minorities. Domestic opposition leaders have been arrested and prosecuted on politically motivated charges. Legislation has been introduced to essentially shut down civil society in Russia.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation has described a so-called legal carousel whereby victims are put through a series of arbitrary detentions until a fabricated criminal charge is raised against the victim. Confessions are frequently obtained through the use of torture or other coercive practices. There is no independent oversight, reporting, or investigation mechanisms, which perpetuates impunity for such serious crimes.
Ireland remains deeply concerned at the shocking erosion of human rights in Russia, and the persecution of individuals for exercising their personal freedoms, including rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. Ireland will continue to highlight these issues at the Human Rights Council, the OSCE and other relevant international fora.
Russia is currently subject to the most comprehensive and far-reaching sanctions ever imposed by the European Union. The European Union adopted additional sanctions on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion and continues to keep its sanctions under review, including in response to the increasing erosion of human rights and civil liberties in Russia.
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to interact with his EU and UN colleagues, with a view to highlighting security threats to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20837/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRussia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the security situation in Europe. Together with wider global instability, this has led to a renewed focus at EU level on issues relating to security and defence.
Against this backdrop, I regularly engage with leaders at the EU, UN and in our bilateral relationships on these topics, including on the evolving security challenges we face both collectively and at national level. At the monthly EU Foreign Affairs Council, security issues are now routinely part of our agenda.
In this context, the Strategic Compass, published in 2022, reflects the major shifts in the EU’s strategic environment and outlines the way forward for the EU in the field of security and defence, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and hybrid threats, maritime security and emerging and developing technologies.
In recognition of these evolving security threats, Ireland has, in recent years, also become a member of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) in Helsinki as well as the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCoE) in Tallinn. Our engagement with partners in this context helps us in many ways, including by allowing us to share knowledge, best practice and develop the capabilities necessary to strengthen our cybersecurity as well as the resilience of our critical infrastructure. It is more important than ever that we take our own security and our responsibility towards our partners seriously, and the Government is committed to broadening and deepening Ireland’s international security engagement and work with partners.
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 at a domestic level through the ongoing transformation of the Defence Forces, and updating the 'Triple Lock' policy.
In a UN context, during Ireland’s recent term on the UN Security Council, our work was underpinned by the core principles of building peace, strengthening conflict prevention, and ensuring accountability. Our work at UN level continues to be focused on the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter.
84. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call on US President Biden to stop providing military aid and support to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20887/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile Ireland and the United States have differing perspectives on aspects of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, both governments are committed to working towards an end to the violence as soon as possible, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The Government engages with the US on an ongoing basis as a close partner. The involvement of the United States is essential to finding a solution to the current conflict and restoring a political pathway to a two-State solution.
Earlier this year, I visited Washington DC and Chicago for a range of high-level political meetings. I met with Congressional leaders, including members of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, and with Senators Chuck Schumer, Chris Murphy, Jon Ossoff and Lindsey Graham, and Democratic Minority Whip Katherine Clark. I also met with senior figures in the Biden Administration, the Deputy National Security Advisor, Jon Finer, and USAID Administrator, Samantha Power. In all of these meetings, I gave Ireland’s clear position on the war on Gaza, including in relation to the importance of support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). I also took part in a public event with the Atlantic Council in Washington, where I made clear Ireland’s position on the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive scaling up of humanitarian aid.
When the then Taoiseach travelled to Washington for St Patrick’s Day this year, he highlighted to President Biden those same priorities. Recently, the Taoiseach also met with former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, who has herself called for a halt of weapons transfers to Israel, in a recent letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
My officials meet regularly with representatives from the US Embassy in Ireland and the Government will continue to engage intensively with the US on this crisis in bilateral and multilateral settings at official and political levels.
86. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the average waiting time for the issuing of new passports; for the renewal of passports; the issuing of passports to newborn children; the number of staff currently working in the passport office; if he believes that there will be an increase in wait times as we approach the summer season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20910/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on passport applications and processing times presently; how many applications were processed so far this year; how many are outstanding and currently in waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 112 together.
The Passport Service has issued 450,000 passports to date this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or ahead of advertised turnaround times and the majority of online adult renewal applications are processed within two working days.
There are currently 156,000 passport applications in the system. However, 43% of these applications are pending further action by the applicant. The number of applications in the system varies on a daily basis as applications are received by the Passport Service and passports are dispatched to citizens.
Passport turnaround times are:
• 10 working days for simple adult online renewals
• 15 working days for complex or child online renewals
• 20 working days for first time online applications
• 8 weeks for Post Passport (paper) applications
It is important to note that processing times do not begin when the applicant applies online. Processing time is calculated once the Passport Service receives any supporting documents that are required to complete the application.
My Department ran an extensive communications campaign last winter to encourage passport applicants to apply early and to apply online. This campaign was very successful in increasing the numbers of applications received early in the year which will help to ensure that those citizens who need to renew their passport this year or apply for a passport for a child will have their passports well before the traditional holiday season peak.
The Passport Service is well staffed, with a total of 830 staff currently, and is in an excellent position to deliver the demand forecast, even with the busy summer season approaching.
In situations where applicants have booked travel and need their passport renewed urgently, the public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. Information on Urgent Appointments is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment
Applicants who have already submitted a passport application and find themselves needing their passport more urgently, can book an urgent appointment in order to renew their passport at the public offices in Dublin or Cork. Once their new passport has been issued, the original application will be cancelled and the fee refunded.
We encourage everyone to apply online through the Passport Online service which offers citizens the ability to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times over 4 times faster than paper-based passport adult renewal applications. The online service is now available to 99.9% of all applicants around the world, including babies, children and first time applicants.
The Passport Service remains committed to offering a range of application channels, including a paper-based service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport Online service. Paper applications, by their nature, will always be a slower process. Therefore, the turnaround time for all paper applications is 8 weeks. Passport Service figures show that only 5% of applicants now use the Post Passport channel.
If there are documents missing from an application, the Passport Service will request these from the applicant. Once the additional documents are received and the application is completed correctly, the turnaround time for approving the application is 15 days.
Applicants can track their passport application using their application number on the online Passport Tracker which is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/tracking
Should assistance be required with an application, our Customer Service 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/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/#webchat.
87. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 7 March 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. [20841/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, 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.
88. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his recent visit to Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20767/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to UNRWA projects in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 97 and 102 together.
I travelled to Egypt and Jordan from 23 – 25 April 2024 as part of the Government’s continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian situation and resume progress towards a meaningful political pathway.
My meetings with the Egyptian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers, as well as with King Abdullah of Jordan, focused on our collective efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. We discussed how Ireland can support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution, including through building support for the Arab Peace Plan with European partners, advocating for full membership of the United Nations for Palestine, and encouraging a collective decision by a number of European partners to recognise the State of Palestine.
I travelled to the Rafah crossing at the border of Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where I met with representatives of humanitarian partners, including UN OCHA, UNRWA and the Egyptian Red Crescent, and witnessed first-hand the unacceptable restrictions Israel imposes which impede a comprehensive humanitarian response in Gaza.
My engagement on the ground with UNRWA, both in respect of Gaza and during my visit to the Al Talbieh camp in Jordan, made clear its irreplaceable and indispensable role, not only for the humanitarian response in Gaza, but in ensuring regional stability by providing for the human and economic development of almost 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.
