Neale Richmond
Dublin Rathdown · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I am grateful to Deputy Ó Murchú for raising this once again. I welcome the comments by his party leader this week when she declared that this is a great State and a great place to live in. It makes a welcome change from most other days of the week.”
“Another thing that must be looked at when discussing a united Ireland is that a lot of work has to be done to show example from political representatives on the base level of sectarianism that at least two other colleagues on these benches and I put up with every day.”
“They could not decide among themselves in the "Yes" campaign whether they would have a new form of sterling or a currency pegged to sterling or adopt the euro. That is not an issue for us. We join the European Union and we join the euro. It is simple as.”
“I will make a few concluding remarks to follow on from some of the points made by the Taoiseach in his opening iteration because in his 20 minutes he did not cover them all.”
“Over the coming months, we will act impartially serving as an honest broker among our fellow member states to progress many files in areas that were raised here today. Our work will respond to the overall interests and needs of the union, its member states and citizens across Europe.”
“More pertinently to the Deputy's questions, very real charges have been placed in The Irish Times and by other investigative journalists stating that the amounts of alumina being produced from Aughinish are going indirectly to the Russian war machine. If that is the case, it is completely unacceptable.”
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“The fragile ceasefire in place for almost five months has not delivered the surge of humanitarian aid expected and demanded. On Saturday, Israeli authorities announced the closure of all crossing points into the Gaza Strip. This exacerbates the humanitarian situation, further restricting supplies of essential goods and services. Israel subsequently announced that the Karem Abu Salem-Kerem Shalom crossing would reopen for the "gradual" re-entry of humanitarian aid. Rafah border crossing remains closed, however. "Gradual" is not enough. All border crossings to Gaza should be opened. Existing food stocks inside the Gaza Strip are insufficient. Palestinians in Gaza have suffered an inordinate amount in recent years. There is no logical reason to further curtail the entry of essential humanitarian supplies.”
“In addition to direct attacks on Hezbollah targets, Israel has issued what it says is an order to the people of south Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River once again. We have no hesitation in saying that it is wrong when Hezbollah try to drive people in northern Israel from their homes; it is equally wrong, therefore, for Israel to do this to people in south Lebanon. Ireland calls on both Israel and Hezbollah to cease their attacks, comply with the terms of Security Council Resolution 1701 and allow Lebanon to rebuild in a way that will bring peace to people on both sides of the border. When we think of the repercussions of this war on the wider region, we think of the most vulnerable. In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire.”
“They are intended to cause mayhem and destruction around the region whenever Iran is threatened and to distract attention, no matter what effect this has on the local people. We have seen this in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen. While, of course, Israel has a right to defend itself, Ireland regrets that it has chosen a wholly military response and not given Lebanon a chance to remove the threat by its own sovereign and more long-lasting means. Israel’s actions in south Lebanon had already been an obstacle to progress: retaining positions in Lebanese territory which it had pledged to vacate, overflying and bombing targets in Lebanon at will and even aerial spraying Lebanese farmland near the border with chemicals to prevent its use for agriculture.”
“The destructive war that followed was finally halted - not completely, but largely - by the ceasefire of November 2024. Since then, Lebanon has been making a real political effort to turn a new page, establishing a new Government, revitalising its security forces and tackling the huge challenges of political and legal reform and economic reconstruction. Much had been achieved. Now, for the second time in two and a half years, Hezbollah has gratuitously attacked Israel, knowingly embroiling Lebanon in a conflict that was not theirs. I condemn Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel. It has provoked the type of response from Israel we have, sadly, come to expect. This is the nature of Iran’s support to Hezbollah and other militant groups over many years, with money and weapons.”
“While we are all following the headlines from the Gulf states and the safety of our friends and family members there remains paramount, we must not lose sight of the situation in the wider region. In this regard, we are closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon. As the Minister mentioned, we have a strong connection with Lebanon honed through years of our Defence Forces' presence through UNIFIL. Our Minister has maintained daily contact with our Chief of Staff and with the troops on the ground. Those troops are contacted regularly by the family liaison officers and their families are kept well abreast, with good Wi-Fi connectivity making that possible. Hezbollah attacked Israel on 8 October 2023 in supposed solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.”
“Our priority is to bring this conflict to an end quickly. We need to see urgent de-escalation. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and for an end to hostilities. The level of death and destruction in the region in recent days is extremely worrying. Our primary concern is, of course, for the Irish citizens of the region but the economic impact that will be felt by every household as the conflict goes on is not lost on us. We have seen that before and inevitably will see it again. The Government will not be found wanting in terms of support for Irish citizens but the easiest way for that to be addressed is for this conflict to end. I will offer a word on the wider region.”
“The current military operations by the United States and Israel have no mandate or authorisation from the United Nations, nor has any attempt been made to seek such an authorisation. Ireland’s position on the use of force outside such a context is well established and known. Diplomacy and dialogue is the only viable option. It is not too late for those involved to come to the table. It is not too late for those with influence to use it constructively. All parties to the conflict must be aware of and abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, regardless of how abhorrent the Iranian regime has been. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and residential buildings, wherever they are, are violations of international law.”
“Ultimately, the future of Iran must be determined by the people of Iran and in a way that creates stability in the region. Iranians should be free to express their views without the fear of further violence. The attacks by Iran on Gulf states, Jordan and Türkiye are deeply concerning. These countries have not attacked Iran. Iran's attack on them is a violation of their sovereignty. Its attacks on civilian infrastructure are violations of international law. Our sympathy and solidarity is with our Gulf partners. All attacks must be halted. The escalating conflict unfolding across the region is unprecedented. The situation is fast moving and unpredictable, with reports of growing numbers of civilian deaths and casualties. Ireland’s position is clear and unwavering. The UN Charter and international law must be upheld by all countries.”
“Ireland supported new sanctions on Iran in response to the appalling repression, including the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation by the EU in February. The future of Iran remains uncertain following the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. That Iran has sustained its capacity to conduct and expand military operations indicates the regime was not dependent on one figure. Our sincere hope is that after this horrendous conflict has passed, the people of Iran can hope for and attain a better future. We will work with EU partners to support that in whatever way we can. We should not underestimate the determination of the current regime to cling to power, regardless of the cost to the Iranian people and the wider region.”
“The Irish Government has been equally clear Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Our view was the legitimate concerns of the international community could best be addressed through dialogue. We regret more time was not allowed for diplomacy; we now face conflict in its place. The brutal response of Iranian authorities to protests in January leading to the death of at least 7,000 Iranian people was horrendous and rightly condemned in the House by Members of all parties and none, although some did not. There has been a near-total communications blackout since then, making it impossible to verify what is really happening on the ground. Iran must restore telephone and Internet connectivity immediately. Ireland has consistently called on Iranian authorities to halt all violence, suspend executions and release those detained.”
“From talking to a number of Irish citizens who have family members in Iran, I am very aware that, due to the communications blockade, it is extremely difficult to make contact with family members. It is sketchy at best. The situation we are watching unfold across Iran and the wider gulf region and into the Middle East is unprecedented. The Government's position has been clear. Ireland has consistently condemned the Iranian regime for its violation of its citizens' human rights, for its malign role in the region and for its support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Many of us will have seen the exact same types of drones that have been besieging Ukraine for the last number of years now being activated. We note the request from the United States Government for assistance from the Ukrainian Government with regard to defence mechanisms.”
“I can only imagine everyone in the Chamber is getting the calls from family members here who are worried about their children and loved ones and who are looking for any sign of reassurance. The spirit within the diaspora is really strong and deserves acknowledgement in the Chamber. On that note, we are also aware that there is a small number of Irish citizens in Iran. The majority of these people have strong family ties and have been resident in Iran for many years. A number of Irish people have already left Iran over the past number of years for various reasons. While Irish diplomatic staff were temporarily relocated to Dublin a number of months ago, the embassy is functioning from the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and consular assistance is being provided to Irish citizens in Iran who have requested it.”
“As the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora, I visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai a number of months ago to carry out a diaspora consultation. There are now over 14,000 Irish people living in Dubai alone. There are another 2,000 or so in Abu Dhabi and over 2,000 in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is a large, vibrant and engaged community. The authorities in the UAE have been particularly to the fore in covering accommodation costs for those stuck in transit and in providing clear information and reassurance to the local community. We have a wonderful Irish network, particularly in the UAE, who are providing very important reassurance to each other. We are seeing the collective come together through WhatsApp groups, online channels and phone calls home.”
“We all know that disrupted travel, delays and cancelled flights are stressful. At a time of conflict, it is hard to fathom the level of stress, fear and concern, particularly among those travelling with young children or those who are a long way from home and who may be isolated. This is a highly complex and unanticipated situation. Our teams in the Department of foreign affairs are working around the clock. Since Saturday, the consular crisis team has responded to over 2,300 queries. The capacity of that team has been steadily increasing in recent days and will be kept under close review. Department of foreign affairs officials are also working closely with the airlines. As I have said, another commercial flight from Dubai has been confirmed for tomorrow. There has been a considerable amount of engagement with the local authorities.”
“A first charter flight for that cohort of vulnerable citizens will depart tomorrow. Until such time as it is no longer needed, the Government's approach will be to plan for further assisted departures while remaining in close contact with airlines on commercial flight options. Those departures are largely from Muscat in Oman. Up to 300 people can be accommodated. We saw the first flight from Italy land last night and a flight from Germany the day before. The British authorities have also started flights. We are working in concert with European partners. I understand that many Members will have received correspondence from citizens frustrated that they do not have the answers they want. We are extremely grateful to those in that position for their patience and understanding.”
“There are approximately 24,000 citizens across the region registered on the citizens registration platform. The vast majority of these, about 16,000, registered since Saturday. Many of those are permanently resident in the UAE, Qatar and elsewhere and have no desire to journey home at this time. We ask those people to heed the advice of the local authorities, wherever they are situated. Our embassies in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh will amplify those messages so I ask people to follow their social media channels and regularly check updates from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at ireland.ie or on its social media channels. We are conscious that, of the more than 24,000 citizens in situ in the region, a certain cohort are deemed vulnerable. They are caught in transit or have complex needs and requirements.”
“Our staff in embassies and at the consular crisis centre are working around the clock to respond to those in the region and to concerned family members here at home. It is positive that, as the Minister has laid out, we yesterday saw one commercial Emirates flight from Dubai to Dublin. There will be an additional flight tonight. We hope and expect that further direct commercial options will become available in the coming days. In the past number of days, we have seen a number of Irish people succeed in taking indirect flights to Ireland from Abu Dhabi or Dubai through destinations such as London and Paris. The latest report from the UAE Government is that it is able to get 48 flights per hour out of Dubai airport through the air corridor it has established.”
“As the Minister has outlined, the Government's highest priority in the current conflict is the safety of Irish citizens in the region. This is a priority and concern shared by all here in this House. I am grateful to those Deputies and Senators who have been in contact with my office to raise individual cases. The profile of the Irish community in the region is diverse. It is a mixture of those who are ordinarily resident there, those who were in transit to other destinations and those who were on holidays, visiting loved ones or travelling on business. It is a large population of Irish abroad. Dubai is the third largest transport hub in the world and it is a very popular destination in the region. The consular situation is unique and complex.”
“It will further enhance the protection of employees where their employer becomes or is deemed insolvent. I am extremely grateful to the Senators for their time and their contributions. I appreciate their statements of support for this Bill and I look forward to progressing it to Committee Stage.”
“It will ensure that new cohorts of workers are protected under the insolvency payments scheme. The Bill will provide for a new statutory process for an employee to seek to have their employer deemed insolvent. The officials in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment have worked carefully to ensure that this process is as streamlined as possible. The Bill is necessarily complex, but the Department aims to ensure that the process it underpins will not be. The Department has been very careful to ensure that workers are not burdened with an onerous process to navigate. It has balanced a straightforward process with safeguards to protect both employers who are still trading and, crucially, the taxpayer. While the Bill itself is quite technical, its intention is clear.”
“On a human level, of course we are very concerned for the large number of members of the Irish community not only living in the region but caught in transit and those coming back from holiday or travel. We are also concerned about the very real economic consequences this will have. We have seen this in other conflicts, be it in this region or the war in Ukraine, where there is a knock-on effect. Increases to energy prices, be it gas or oil, are inevitable but increases of the like we have seen this week, so quickly and to the extent that we have seen, are abnormal and quite worrying. That is why that piece of work has to be done and the Government awaits that piece of work. Of course, if anyone is found to be profiteering, there are very clear sanctions. This Bill will make a positive impact.”
“There are bad actors and people who perhaps go insolvent without consideration, but sometimes cases are taken where a businessperson has passed away without winding up or getting their affairs in order. That is just an element of balance. I do not disagree with the wider point the Senator makes but it is important to provide that clarity for the Chamber. In relation to the two wider issues Senator Murphy raised, as he is aware, the Minister, Deputy Burke, instructed the CCPC to commence a piece of work yesterday on accusations of profiteering or gouging, or whatever you want to call, it by energy companies. This is a vital piece of work to provide that clarity and peace of mind for consumers. The events in the Middle East are ridiculously worrying, to be frank.”
“I fully accept the point Senator Murphy makes about it being a long time. The Minister is keen to get this legislation in place, see how it is working and see how it is amended, but he said to Deputy Conway-Walsh on Committee Stage that he would keep it under review. It remains under review, and I think we have to get the legislation fully enacted before we can conclude any sort of review process. I will address the two other remaining points before I conclude my intervention. Senator Crowe is dead right that this is a relatively small cost to the State and to the public body, but the protections are significant. I absolutely agree with Senator Murphy that it is vital that we enhance and enshrine workers' rights. I will sound just a small note of difference, that employers do not always walk away. We have to be fair and considered.”
“Therefore, the test for sole traders is that they are no longer acting as an employer to any employee. An issue raised also by Senator McCarthy is related to the issue Senator Murphy raised in relation to the €600-per-week limit, which has not been increased, as a matter of fact, for 21 years. A €600-per-week salary ceiling applies to both redundancy and insolvency payments. The salary ceiling for both purposes of redundancy and insolvency payments has been aligned since the creation of insolvency payment schemes in the 1980s. Therefore, the Minister cannot accept any suggestion that would have two different salary ceilings in operation. A range of factors must be carefully balanced in consideration of any increase to the ceiling, the same as in relation to the issue of the eight-week period.”
“I thank the Senators for their considered contributions. I am aware of the very real experience of all those contributors and indeed you, a Leas-Chathaoirleach, in the corporate world as employers and as Ministers with relevant responsibility. This was a particularly informed and particularly useful debate, and it is really important that we stress that. A few issues were raised that I would like to address briefly, where possible, in the interest of being helpful. I am very grateful to Senator Nelson Murray for her very practical example of Linda's Florist. The Senator is a businesswoman of some renown. I did not know she was going into floristry next. Even if it is hypothetical, it is a very practical example. On two of the issues Senator McCarthy raised, the Bill refers to natural process.”
“It will ensure the salary limit applies to all payments under the insolvency payments scheme in the same way, ensuring certainty of outcome and consistency of treatment for all applicants. It will ensure that there are reasonable limits on taxpayers’ liability to cover pension contributions and that My Future Fund contributions are protected under the scheme in the same manner as any other pension. I look forward to debating the merits of this important Bill and to working with Senators from all parties and none to ensure its swift enactment. I commend this Bill to the House.”
“It ensures the amount the taxpayer is required to pay via the Social Insurance Fund is not determined by an individual pension scheme’s rules. These changes do not affect other types of pension schemes such as defined contribution pension schemes or PRSAs. This is set out in section 8 of the Bill. To conclude, while the Bill itself is quite complex and technical, its objectives are clear. The Bill will further enhance the protection of employees when their employer becomes or is deemed insolvent. Most importantly, it will expand the protections of the insolvency payments scheme to employees of employers who cease trading without formally winding up their business. It will deliver a time-limited historical deemed insolvent process allowing people to claim entitlements which arose prior to this Bill.”
“The Bill's fourth policy objective relates to how pension contributions are covered under the scheme. This was introduced on Committee Stage. This section ensures that contributions to My Future Fund, the new auto-enrolment retirement savings scheme, are covered under the scheme in the event of the employer’s insolvency. This removes any doubt about whether such contributions are covered. This section also changes how employer contributions to defined benefit pension schemes are protected under the scheme. The Bill sets out limits to the amount that may be paid in respect of employer contributions to a defined benefit scheme. This change puts in place reasonable limits to ensure the Social Insurance Fund is not liable for excessive defined benefit pension debts or the entire deficit of defined benefit schemes.”
“The change is set out in sections 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Bill. A salary ceiling of €600 per week applies to most payments under the insolvency payments scheme. The Bill’s third objective is to standardise the application of this salary limit to all payments. This change gives a statutory basis for the previous long-standing practice governing scheme payments which was found to be ultra vires in the Court of Appeal judgment in the Brady case. This change will ensure all applicants are treated consistently. It will ensure minor differences in the wording of adjudications for employees receiving similar awards in comparable situations will not give rise to significant differences in their entitlements under the scheme. This change is set out in section 7 of the Bill.”
“A further extension of two years is possible in exceptional circumstances outside the employee’s control. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will run a comprehensive communications campaign to ensure affected employees are aware of this process before the Minister commences this historical deemed insolvent process. The Bill’s second policy objective is to align the scheme with broader personal insolvency policy. Several new types of insolvency arrangements were introduced in 2013 as an alternative to bankruptcy. The Minister is expanding access to the scheme to cover employees of sole trader employers who avail of these arrangements. I expect the number of employees and employers affected by this change to be very low. However, it is important that the State’s broader policy on insolvency is in alignment.”
“A representative such as a trade union or trusted family member can also apply on the employee’s behalf. We have put safeguards into this process both for employers continuing to trade and for taxpayers’ money. I am also providing for a separate historical deemed insolvent process. This is to ensure any employees in this situation before this Bill is enacted and commenced are not disadvantaged by the previously incomplete transposition of the directive. It will cover historical cases where an employee was owed money by an employer who failed to formally wind up their business. This covers claims spanning from the original directive transposition date of October 1983 up to the commencement of this Bill. The historical deemed insolvent process will be open for two years following the Bill’s commencement.”
“The employee will first have to serve notice on their employer and give them the opportunity to repay any moneys owed. If the employer fails to pay, the employee can activate the deemed insolvent process. Officials will examine whether the employer has ceased trading, drawing on the employee’s application, existing State data and any input from the employer. If the evidence shows an employer has ceased trading, the employer will be deemed insolvent solely for the purpose of that application. The employee will then be able to obtain moneys owed to them under the insolvency payments scheme. The new deemed insolvent process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible for employees. This will include straightforward application forms using plain English and clear step-by-step instructions.”
“Part 1 contains three sections and deals with preliminary and general matters. Part 2 contains nine sections. It amends the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act 1984. Part 3 contains one section, which amends the Employment Equality Act 1998. This change ensures awards of the Circuit Court for gender discrimination are covered by the scheme. This corrects a 2015 amendment that inadvertently omitted such awards from the scheme’s scope. The Bill’s first policy objective is to deliver a new deemed insolvent process. This is primarily set out in section 6 of the Bill with consequent changes arising in the remaining sections of Part 2. I have explained why the new deemed insolvent process is required. I will now outline how it will work in practice.”
“To address this gap, the Bill provides for a new deemed insolvent process. Using this new process, an employee can apply to have their employer deemed insolvent for the sole purpose of enabling the employee to access the insolvency payments scheme. The Bill has four main policy objectives. The first is to address the Glegola Supreme Court decision and ensure Directive 2008/94/EC is fully transposed into Irish law. The second is to align the scheme with broader Government policy on personal insolvency. The third is to provide policy certainty in how the salary ceiling applies to payments under the scheme. Finally, the Bill was also amended on Committee Stage to clarify how certain pension contributions are protected under the scheme. I will outline the main provisions of the Bill. The Bill consists of 13 sections divided into three Parts.”
“This protection stems from European law, currently Directive 2008/94/EC. Access to the protections of the insolvency payments scheme is contingent on the employer being insolvent. Insolvency is currently defined in the Act as where the employer is in liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy, has died and their estate is insolvent or is insolvent under the laws of another EU member state or the United Kingdom. There are gaps in the legislation that this Bill will address. In rare cases, a business may cease trading but fail to fully wind up, sometimes referred to colloquially as informal insolvency. When this happens, former employees are unable to recover moneys owed to them under the insolvency payments scheme. The Supreme Court found in the case of Glegola that this does not meet the directive’s requirements.”
“I am pleased to present the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 for consideration on Second Stage. I do so on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, who unfortunately has had a family bereavement but this not unfamiliar legislation as I was the Minister of State responsible when the general order of the scheme was presented. This Bill makes changes to the insolvency payments scheme. This scheme fulfils the vital function of protecting workers if their employer becomes insolvent. It covers certain pay and pension-related entitlements an employee may be owed by their insolvent employer. Payments under the scheme are made from the Social Insurance Fund. This scheme is governed by the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act 1984, as amended.”
“To leave the legacy of the Troubles unresolved is to hold back the essential work of reconciliation. It is to allow trauma to pass down the generations. The Kenova team has shown us that there is a way forward. It means placing victims, survivors and families, from all communities, at the centre of our work. This is what the joint framework aims to do. It gives us a chance to end this cycle. It lays the ground for a profound transformation, one that will facilitate greater truth, accountability and, where possible, justice for victims and their families.”
“As laid out by the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, the families of those killed in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings have waited more than 50 years for answers, and the Denton report can be an important contribution. The joint framework on legacy announced by the two Governments last September was a significant moment - the first agreement of its kind in over a decade. With it, we now have an agreed way forward on legacy, with reciprocal co-operation on investigations, inquiries and inquests at its core. Implementation will be key in both jurisdictions. Legislation is currently making its way through the House of Commons, and we are working hard, at pace, on our own implementation. This Government will not be found wanting. The findings from Operation Kenova bring to the fore the dark and violent events of our past.”
“However, the idea that members of the security forces have faced disproportionate investigation or prosecution is divorced from the facts on the ground. The vast majority of those prosecuted for Troubles-related offences to date - tens of thousands of loyalists and republicans - have been members of paramilitary groups. Between 250,000 and 300,000 British soldiers served in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. Only 29, or 0.01%, were prosecuted for murder or manslaughter. We must continue to discuss the past on the basis of objectivity and evidence, just as Operations Kenova and Denton have done. In relation to Operation Denton specifically, I am disappointed that publication of the full report has been delayed by legal challenges. It is my hope that we will see the publication of the full report as soon as possible.”
“Although Operation Denton does not provide evidence of collusion occurring at a political or strategic level, there is clear evidence that “paramilitary groups were regularly supplied with intelligence by members of the security forces”. This is deeply shocking and disturbing. I am conscious of the debate currently taking place in Westminster on legacy. This debate must, first and foremost, be about victims. Some try to make it only about veterans. Whether paramilitary groups or individual members of the security forces, when you commit a crime, you should face the consequences of your actions. Let us also recall that there are many among the community of victims, survivors and families who themselves are veterans, having served in the British Army or the RUC during the Troubles.”
“As recommended by Kenova, it is time those responsible acknowledge and accept, finally, that these crimes were wrong, and apologise to the victims and the families who have suffered at their hands. Kenova also raises serious questions about the activities of British state forces in the running of agents, finding “clear evidence of collusion with loyalist paramilitaries by state actors.” For Jon Boutcher to conclude that it is probable that Stakeknife’s continued operation as an agent “resulted in more lives being lost than saved” is a damning indictment of a state apparatus that was meant to protect people at a time of conflict.”
“I thank all of the Kenova team for their work. Over the past decade, they have shown that, almost 28 years since the Good Friday Agreement, legacy investigations and reviews can work. It is clear that the Kenova team has gone about this complex and sensitive work with care, placing victims and families at the heart of its endeavours. That is as it should be. In both the interim and final reports, the Kenova team is unsparing in its criticism of both the Provisional IRA and the failings of the British state. In Jon Boutcher’s own words, the actions of the Provisional IRA were the most “shameful and evil” he has ever encountered. Kenova found evidence that the Provisional IRA “took violent and punitive action against women and children in their family homes while detaining and torturing loved ones suspected of being agents”.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, was at a European Council meeting in Larnaca this week alone. Other Ministers will continue to raise it at every opportunity, at Council level and bilateral level and, crucially, directly with commissioners and directors general in the European Commission.”
“The Deputy's point is well made. He knows as well as I do the complexities of EU law and the right of the European Commission to negotiate a trade deal and of the European Council to give it the power to implement something in reflection of a vote passed by absolute majority or qualified majority voting, QMV, as was decided. The Irish Government is clear that it does not back the Mercosur deal. We are against it. We voted against it. We lobbied against it for an intense period, building an alliance with many member states. We recognise the vote of the European Parliament and think there is absolute cause to pause everything relating to the Mercosur deal until that judgment is made. We will continue to work at a bilateral level with other EU member states, particularly those like-minded ones. Our Ministers have been in discussions.”
“Unfortunately, the deal it secured was not acceptable to Ireland, France, Austria or Poland. Belgium abstained and the Hungarians also opposed it. We will continue to provide that level of engagement throughout the process, bearing in mind the European Parliament had an impactful vote two weeks ago, referring the deal. We made quite clear that we have very serious concerns about the trade deal in its current format and we are not in favour of its implementation or application. Hence we voted against it.”
“Officials engaged in meetings with the relevant Directorates-General of the Commission to advance Ireland's interests in a wide range of areas, including development co-operation, trade and competitiveness. Trade is the key part of the Deputy's question and his secondary point. Ireland's extensive engagement is not just tied to the fact we assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July. Ireland has very real concerns, however. We made our concerns clear not just over the last year but over the last five or seven years, since there was a Sinn Féin motion in this House in relation to Mercosur and its impact on the beef and poultry sectors and its very real environmental impacts. We lobbied and negotiated with the Commission, which is the trade negotiating entity of the European Union throughout that process.”
“I will address the generality of the Deputy's point and then get to the specifics. Ireland's engagement with the European Union is comprehensive and deep, reflecting our commitment to the European project. Since the Minister, Deputy McEntee, assumed office in November, she has participated actively in all three formal Foreign Affairs Council meetings that have taken place, including most recently in Brussels. These meetings are vital for co-ordinating our response to international challenges. The Minister also participated in the Foreign Affairs Council in trade format last November. The totality of Ireland's relationship is further evidenced by our consistent representation across all Council formations and our engagement at all levels with Commissioners here and abroad.”
“I will make a particular reference to peacebuilding and the work of Irish Aid in Columbia and in the very fragile peace process in Liberia. That was a peace process that started with Irish peacekeepers and is going from strength to strength. The fact that people are willing to remove resources from that is just creating a recipe for potential disaster.”
“Absolutely. As I said, I have no issue with European member states or the Union investing in security and defence. It is sensible, but I do not think you can make the argument that money can be taken from development and not expect to end up spending more on security and defence as a result. The Deputy mentioned early intervention and the source of the conditionality of aid. Something I am concerned about is the notion of tied aid. We do not believe in tied aid. We believe in development being the right thing to do and being an investment. It is an investment in people that will be paid off, not in our terms but perhaps on their terms. That is the empowerment of people, including making sure that women and girls have the same opportunities for human rights, dignity and education that we take for granted, but there is a regression on that.”
“It is a complete misnomer and false argument to say we are taking money from development to put into security. By taking money from development, you are forcing yourself to put more money into security. It is why the Government has not only not cut our development budget but is committed to increasing our security budget. The two are absolutely interlinked. You cannot do one by cutting off the other.”