Tithe an Oireachtais an Comhchoiste Um Ghnóthaí

Home , Helen McEntee, Mosab Hassan Yousef, Niall Collins, Noel Grealish, Paul Kehoe, Simon Coveney

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

AN COMHCHOISTE UM GHNÓTHAÍ EACHTRACHA AGUS TRÁDÁIL AGUS COSAINT

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2018

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HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE AND DEFENCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

32/JCFA&T&D/05 Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report 2. Establishment and Functions 2.1 Establishment of Select Committee 2.2 Establishment of Joint Committee 2.3 Functions of Joint Committee 3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Membership

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording 5. Number and Duration of Meetings 5.1 Joint Committee 5.2 Dáil Select Committee 5.3 Informal meetings/courtesy calls 6. Witnesses attending before the Committee(s) 7. Committee Reports Published 8. Travel 9. EU Mainstreaming 10. Report on Functions and Powers

APPENDIX 1 Orders of Reference a. Functions of the Committee – derived from Standing Orders [DSO 84A; SSO 70A] b. Scope and Context of Activities - derived from Standing Orders [DSO 84, SSO 70] APPENDIX 2: Membership List of Members (Joint Committee) List of Members (Select Committee) APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee APPENDIX 5: Meetings of the Dáil Select APPENDIX 6: Proceedings of the Select Committee (Imeachtaí) APPENDIX 7: List of Informal meetings and courtesy calls on the Chairman of the Joint Committee

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1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 89 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 75 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to- • undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally; • prepare an annual work programme; • lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses; • make an annual report to both Houses.

At its meeting on 19th September 2019 the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this report covering the period from January – December 2018.

2. Establishment and Functions

2.1. Establishment of Select Committee. The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann on 16th June, 2016 to consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services, Motions, and the terms of any international agreement involving a charge on public funds, which come within the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence. It may also consider Annual Output Statements, Value for Money Reviews and Policy Reviews prepared by the relevant Government Department.

2.2. Establishment of Joint Committee. The Dáil Select Committee, under the same Order, was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann on the 21st July 2016, to form the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.

2.3 Functions of Joint Committee Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider— • public affairs administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • public affairs administered by the Department of Defence • matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible • matters of policy for which the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence is responsible for ~ 2 ~

• legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department of Defence • EU legislative proposals • certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including Irish Aid.

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Dáil SO 93(2) provides for a proportion of Chairs to be allocated to each group by means of the D’Hondt System. Deputy Brendan Smith was appointed as Chairman of the Select Committee on 16th June 2016 by an Order of Dáil Éireann. The Chairman of the Select Committee is also the Chairman of the Joint Committee. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on the 22nd September 2016.

Membership of the Committee, including all internal changes within the reported period, is listed at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee and Select Committee and took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.

Committee proceedings were broadcast live within Leinster House and also made available to RTE, TV3 and TG4. Proceedings were also webcast making them available worldwide on the internet. Since September 2014 the proceedings of Committees in public session, typically recorded but occasionally live, are broadcast on the dedicated parliamentary channel Oireachtas TV which is available on these channels: • Saorview 22, Sky 517, Virgin Media 207, eir Vision 504 • Vodaphone Channels 217, 207 and 208

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An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committee may be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee are also available on the Oireachtas Committee website pages at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set out at paragraph 7.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

5.1 Joint Committee The Joint Committee met on 16 occasions during the period under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 26 hours.

The subject matter of each meeting of the Joint Committee, including the groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in Appendix 3. The Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee in public session are attached at Appendix 4.

5.2 Select Committee The Dáil Select Committee met 3 times during the period under report and the number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 5 hours.

The subject matter of each meeting, including the groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings of the Select Committee, is detailed in Appendix 5. The proceedings (Imeachtaí) of the Select Committee are attached at Appendix 6.

5.3 Informal meetings An important part of the Committee’s work is to meet with Ambassadors, incoming parliamentary delegations and interest groups in an informal setting. The subject matter of each informal meeting of the Joint Committee, including the groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in Appendix 7.

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6. Witnesses attending before the Committee(s)

During the period, the number of speaking witnesses for the Joint Committee was:

COMMITTEE NAME NUMBER OF WITNESSES Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and 35 Trade and Defence

7. Committee Reports Published

During the period under report, the Joint Committee published the following reports:

• Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Report on Visit to Chicago and Washington, 3rd-8th December, 2017 • Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Report on Visit to Vilnius, Lithuania, 10th-13th March, 2018 • Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Annual Report 2017

8. Travel.

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its Work Programme.

1. Purpose of travel: CFSP/CDSP Conference Destination: Sofia, Bulgaria Date: 13th – 15th February Members travelling: Brendan Smith TD (Chairman) Maureen O Sullivan TD (Vice Chairperson) Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy

2. Purpose of travel: To attend bi-lateral meetings with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament. Destination: Vilnius, Lithuania Dates: 10th – 13th March Members travelling: Brendan Smith TD (Chairman) Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy

3. Purpose of travel Meetings with Members and Committees of the House of Commons and to meet with members/groups of Irish Diaspora that receive funding under the terms of the Emigrant Support Scheme. ~ 5 ~

Destination: Westminster, London, UK Dates: 16th – 18th May Members travelling: Brendan Smith TD (Chairman), Sean Barrett TD & Noel Grealish TD. Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy

4. Purpose of travel: CFSP/CDSP Conference Destination: Vienna, Austria Dates: 11th – 13th October Members travelling: Brendan Smith TD (Chairman) Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy & Sara Turnbull

5. Purpose of travel: To attend an inter-parliamentary committee meeting on Human rights and external actions of the EU and Member States. Destination: Brussels, Belgium Dates: 19th – 20th November Members travelling: Maureen O’Sullivan TD, Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy

6. Purpose of travel: Meetings with US Irish Diaspora Groups Destination: New York & Boston, USA Dates: 2nd – 7th December Members travelling: Brendan Smith TD (Chairman), TD, Sean Crowe TD, Niall Collins TD, Senator Billy Lawless. Accompanying Officials: Noel Murphy

9. EU Mainstreaming.

In the period January to December 2018 the Joint Committee considered European Union matters at 5 meetings, involving consideration of 35 proposals. The Joint Committee decided that 1 proposal listed below should be further scrutinised

PROPOSAL NO. PROPOSAL TITLE Reasoned Proposal in Accordance with Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union Regarding The Rule Of Law In Poland - COM(2017)835 Proposal for a Council Decision on the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law

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The Committee further decided to refer this proposal to the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs given that the subject matter falls within the remit of that Committee.

10. Report on Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

______Brendan Smith T.D. Chairman 19th September, 2019

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APPENDIX 1: Orders of Reference

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE AND DEFENCE

TERMS OF REFERENCE a) Scope and Context of Activities of Committees (derived from Standing Orders – DSO 84, SSO 70)

1) The Joint Committee may only consider such matters, engage in such activities, exercise such powers and discharge such functions as are specifically authorised under its orders of reference and under Standing Orders;

2) Such matters, activities, powers and functions shall be relevant to, and shall arise only in the context of, the preparation of a report to the Dáil/and or Seanad;

3) The Joint Committee shall not consider any matter which is being considered, or of which notice has been given of a proposal to consider, by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to Standing Order 186 and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;

4) The Joint Committee shall not consider any matter which is being considered, or of which notice has been given of a proposal to consider, by the Joint Committee on Public Petitions in the exercise of its functions under Standing Order 111A; and

The Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session or publishing confidential information regarding any matter if so requested, for stated reasons given in writing, by—

(i) a member of the Government or a Minister of State, or

(ii) the principal office-holder of a body under the aegis of a Department or which is partly or wholly funded by the State or established or appointed by a member of the Government or by the Oireachtas:

Provided that the Chairman may appeal any such request made to the Ceann Comhairle, whose decision shall be final.

5) It shall be an instruction to all Select Committees to which Bills are referred that they shall ensure that not more than two Select Committees shall meet to consider a Bill on any given day, unless the Dáil, after due notice given by the Chairman of the Select Committee, waives this instruction on motion made by the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 28. The Chairmen of Select Committees shall have responsibility for compliance with this instruction.

~ 8 ~ b) Functions of Departmental Committees (derived from Standing Orders – DSO 84A and SSO 70A)

(1) The Select Committee shall consider and report to the Dáil on-

(a) such aspects of the expenditure, administration and policy of a Government Department or Departments and associated public bodies as the Committee may select, and

(b) European Union matters within the remit of the relevant Department or Departments.

(2) The Select Committee may be joined with a Select Committee appointed by Seanad Éireann for the purposes of the functions set out in this Standing Order, other than at paragraph (3), and to report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Select Committee shall consider, in respect of the relevant Department or Departments, such— (a) Bills, (b) proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 187, (c) Estimates for Public Services, and (d) other matters

as shall be referred to the Select Committee by the Dáil, and

(e) Annual Output Statements including performance, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public moneys, and (f) such Value for Money and Policy Reviews as the Select Committee may select. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Joint Committee may consider the following matters in respect of the relevant Department or Departments and associated public bodies:

(a) matters of policy and governance for which the Minister is officially responsible, (b) public affairs administered by the Department, (c) policy issues arising from Value for Money and Policy Reviews conducted or commissioned by the Department, (d) Government policy and governance in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department, (e) policy and governance issues concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by a member of the Government or the Oireachtas,

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(f) the general scheme or draft heads of any Bill (g) any post-enactment report laid before either House or both Houses by a member of the Government or Minister of State on any Bill enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas, (h) statutory instruments, including those laid or laid in draft before either House or both Houses and those made under the European Communities Acts 1972 to 2009, (i) strategy statements laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas pursuant to the Public Service Management Act 1997, (j) annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law, and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of the Department or bodies referred to in subparagraphs (d) and (e) and the overall performance and operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of such bodies, and (k) such other matters as may be referred to it by the Dáil from time to time.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Joint Committee shall consider, in respect of the relevant Department or Departments—

(a) EU draft legislative acts standing referred to the Select Committee under Standing Order 114, including the compliance of such acts with the principle of subsidiarity, (b) other proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues, including programmes and guidelines prepared by the European Commission as a basis of possible legislative action, (c) non-legislative documents published by any EU institution in relation to EU policy matters, and (d) matters listed for consideration on the agenda for meetings of the relevant EU Council of Ministers and the outcome of such meetings. (6) Where the Select Committee has been joined with a Select Committee appointed by Seanad Éireann, the Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee shall also be the Chairman of the Joint Committee.

(7) The following may attend meetings of the Select or Joint Committee, for the purposes of the functions set out in paragraph (5) and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to move motions and amendments: (a) members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland, including Northern Ireland, (b) members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and (c) at the invitation of the Committee, other members of the European Parliament.

(8) The Joint Committee may, in respect of any Ombudsman charged with oversight of public services within the policy remit of the relevant Department or Departments, consider—

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(a) such motions relating to the appointment of an Ombudsman as may be referred to the Committee, and (b) such Ombudsman reports laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas as the Committee may select.

~ 11 ~ c) Powers of Committees (derived from Standing Orders – DSO 85, 114 and 116 and SSO 71, 107 and 109)

The Joint Committee has:-

(1) power to take oral and written evidence and to print and publish from time to time minutes of such evidence taken in public before the Select Committee together with such related documents as the Select Committee thinks fit;

(2) power to invite and accept oral presentations and written submissions from interested persons or bodies;

(3) power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-Committees any matter comprehended by its orders of reference and to delegate any of its powers to such sub- Committees, including power to report directly to the Dáil;

(4) power to draft recommendations for legislative change and for new legislation;

(4A) power to examine any statutory instrument, including those laid or laid in draft before either House or both Houses and those made under the European Communities Acts 1972 to 2009, and to recommend, where it considers that such action is warranted, whether the instrument should be annulled or amended;

(4B) for the purposes of paragraph (4A), power to require any Government Department or instrument-making authority concerned to submit a Memorandum to the Select Committee explaining any statutory instrument under consideration or to attend a meeting of the Select Committee for the purpose of explaining any such statutory instrument: Provided that such Department or authority may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil;

(5) power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss policy for which he or she is officially responsible: Provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such policy;

(6) power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss proposed primary or secondary legislation (prior to such legislation being published) for which he or she is officially responsible: Provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such proposed legislation;

(6A) power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee and provide, in private session if so requested by the member of the Government or Minister of State, oral briefings in advance of meetings of the relevant EU Council of Ministers to enable the Select Committee to make known its views: Provided that the Committee may also require such attendance following such meetings;

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(6B) power to require that the Chairperson designate of a body or agency under the aegis of a Department shall, prior to his or her appointment, attend before the Select Committee to discuss his or her strategic priorities for the role;

(6C) power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State who is officially responsible for the implementation of an Act shall attend before a Select Committee in relation to the consideration of a report under Standing Order 164A;

(7) subject to any constraints otherwise prescribed by law, power to require that principal office-holders in bodies in the State which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by members of the Government or by the Oireachtas shall attend meetings of the Select Committee, as appropriate, to discuss issues for which they are officially responsible: Provided that such an office-holder may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil;

(8) power to engage, subject to the consent of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, the services of persons with specialist or technical knowledge, to assist it or any of its sub- Committees in considering particular matters; and

(9) power to undertake travel, subject to—

(a) such recommendations as may be made by the Working Group of Committee Chairmen under DSO 108(2)(a) and SSO 104(2); and

(b) the consent of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, and normal accounting procedures.

In accordance with Articles 6 and 8 of Protocol No. 2 to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Protocol on the Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality) as applied by sections 7(3) and 7(4) of the European Union Act 2009, the Joint Committee has the power to

consider whether any act of an institution of the European Union infringes the principle of subsidiarity;

form a reasoned opinion that a draft legislative act (within the meaning of Article 3 of the said Protocol) does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity.

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APPENDIX 2: Membership

List of Members (Joint Committee)

Chairman: Brendan Smith (Fianna Fáil)

Deputies: Maureen O’Sullivan (Independent) (Vice Chairperson) Seán Barrett (Fine Gael) Seán Crowe (Sinn Féin) Noel Grealish (Rural Technical Group) Tony McLoughlin (Fine Gael) Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) Darragh O’Brien (Fianna Fáil)

Senators: Ivana Bacik (Labour) Mark Daly (Fianna Fáil) Billy Lawless (Independent) Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael)

Notes: 1. Deputies appointed to the Committee by order of the Dáil on 16 June 2016. 2. Senators appointed to the Committee by order of the Seanad on 20 July 2016. 3. Deputy Niall Collins replaced Deputy Darragh O’Brien in April, 2018. 4. Senator Ned O’Sullivan replaced Senator Mark Daly in December 2018.

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APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Joint Committee which took place during the period under report.

Meeting No. Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals and Date who attended J28 Private Meeting N/A 18th January J29 How to Make Brexit • Eoin O’ Neill – President, British-Irish 1st February Work for All: Big Chamber of Commerce Principles for a Strong • Katie Daughan – Head of Brexit Brexit Partnership Policy, British-Irish Chamber of Commerce J30 Teagasc’s role in in • Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc 14th February reducing hunger and • Dr Lance O’Brien – Head of Strategy malnutrition in under and International Relations, Teagasc developed countries.

J31 Discussion on matters Meeting Cancelled. 1st March raised at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council and other matters relating to foreign affairs and trade.

J32 Bilateral meeting with • Ms. Sophia Katsarava, Chairperson of 29th March members of the Foreign the Joint Committee of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Relations Committee, Parliament of Republic of Georgia. Georgia • Mr. Sergi Kapanadze, Deputy Chairman, Parliament of Georgia

Church in Chains report on • Mr. David Turner, Church in Chains the persecution of • Ms. Pamela Coulter, Church in Chains Christians in India. • Pastor Baiju George, Church in Chains

J33 To discuss matters • Mr. Paul Kehoe TD – Minister of 26th April considered by the Foreign State at the Department of An Affairs Council-Defence Taoiseach and the Department of and other matters Defence with special responsibility for concerning the Defence Defence Forces.

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Meeting No. Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals and Date who attended J34 The current situation in • Dr Annie Sparrow, Irish Syria 10th May Syria, with particular Solidarity Movement focus on the delivery of humanitarian aid and the systemic impacts of conflict on children.

The current situation in • Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Palestine and the growing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions non-violent civil society movement movement that opposes Israel’s occupation

J35 A presentation regarding • Helen Keogh - Chief Executive, 24th May the work of World Vision World Vision and their recent visit to • Niall McLoughlin – CEO, World South Sudan. Vision Ireland • Niamh Cooper – Head of Communications and Advocacy, World Vision Ireland • Andrea Finnegan - Humanitarian and Emergency Programmes Officer, World Vision Ireland • Sheila Garry – Director Programmes, World Vision Ireland J36 Discussion on matters • Simon Coveney TD – Tánaiste and 31st May raised at meetings of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Foreign Affairs Council and other matters of responsibility relevant to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

J37 The recent Christian Aid • Sorley McCaughey – Christian Aid 21st June Ireland Tax Report Ireland • Dr. Sheila Killian – Associate Professor, School of Finance and Accounting, University of Limerick

• Jennifer Higgins – Christian Aid Ireland

The current political • Mr. Fernando González Llort M.P. – situation in Cuba. Member of the Cuban Parliament

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Meeting No. Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals and Date who attended J38 Search and rescue • Sam Taylor, Director, Médecins Sans 5th July missions in the Frontières Mediterranean and the • Hassiba Hadj-Sahraoui, Humanitarian migration crisis. Affairs Advisor, Médecins Sans Frontières J39 The Funding of the UN • Patrick Costello, Advocacy Co- 20th agency supporting ordinator, Ecumenical September Palestinian refugees Accompaniment Programme in (UNRWA) and the Palestine and Israel (Ireland) demolition of the West Bank, Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar.

J40 The implementation of the • Suzanne Keatinge- CEO Dochas Sustainable Development • Dr. Róisín Hinds- Oxfam Goals post United • Niamh Garvey- Head of Policy and Nations’ High Level Advocacy, Trócaire Political Forum 2018 in New York and the future of EU Development Funding.

J41 Matters considered by the • Paul Kehoe TD – Minister of State at Foreign Affairs Council- the Department of An Taoiseach and Defence and other matters the Department of Defence with concerning the Defence special responsibility for Defence Forces

J42 Priorities for the Irish • Vice Admiral Mark Mellett - Chief of Defence Forces Staff of the Irish Defence forces • Major General Kevin Cotter, Deputy Chief of Staff, Irish Defence Forces • Brigadier General Peter O’Halloran, Assistant Chief of Staff, Irish Defence Forces J43 The challenges and • Karen McHugh – Safehome Ireland barriers facing returning • Orlagh McHugh - Safehome Ireland Irish emigrants. • Danielle McLaughlin – Crosscare • Ciara Kirrane – Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas

J44 An update on Brexit and • Simon Coveney TD – Tánaiste and matters considered at Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.

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APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 18th January, 2018 In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith (Chairperson), Seán Crowe, Noel Grealish and Darragh O’Brien. Senators: Mark Daly and Ivana Bacik Apologies: Deputy Tony McLoughlin

The meeting commenced in private session at 10:04 a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private 6. Item discussed in private

7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:39a.m. until Thursday 1st February 2018.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 1 February 2018.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes ~ 18 ~

Thursday, 1ST February, 2018 In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith (Chairperson), Séan Barrett, Seán Crowe, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan and Darragh O’Brien. Senators: Ivana Bacik, Mark Daly and Billy Lawless Apologies: Deputy Noel Grealish

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:05 a.m.

1. Meeting with Representatives of British Irish Chamber of Commerce

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting: • Mr. Eoin O’Neill – President, British-Irish Chamber of Commerce. • Ms. Katie Daughan – Head of Brexit Policy, British-Irish Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. O’Neill commenced the engagement with an opening statement regarding their recently published paper, How to make Brexit work for all: Big Principles for a Strong Brexit Partnership. A questions and answers session with members of the committee followed.

At 11:14 a.m. Deputy O’Brien substituted for Deputy Smith as Chairman.

The meeting went into private session at 11:22 a.m.

2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private 6. Item discussed in private

7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:42 a.m. until Thursday 14th February, 2018.

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______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 14 February 2018.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 14th February, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith (Chair), Noel Grealish and Maureen O’Sullivan. Senators: Billy Lawless and Gabrielle McFadden. Apologies: Deputy Darragh O’Brien

The meeting commenced in public session at 09:38a.m.

1. Meeting with Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc.

The Chairman welcomed Professor Gerry Boyle of Teagasc to the meeting to discuss Teagasc’s role in reducing hunger and malnutrition in under developed countries.

An opening statement was provided, followed by a question and answer session with members of the Committee.

The meeting went into private session at 10:30 a.m.

2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private 6. Item discussed in private

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7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10.52 until Thursday 1st March, 2018.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 1st March, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 29th March, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Séan Barrett, Séan Crowe, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Darragh O'Brien, Maureen O’ Sullivan and Pat Buckley. Senators: Ivana Bacik and Billy Lawless. Apologies: Senator Gabrielle McFadden.

The meeting commenced in public session at 09:53 a.m.

2. Part 1: Meeting members of the Georgian Parliament

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.

Ms. Sofia Katsarava – Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Foreign Relations Committee, Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Sergi Kapanadze – Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Kakhiani – Chairman of the Procedural Issues and Rules Committee, Mr. George Mosidze - Member of the Committee on European Intergration and Mr. George Zurabashvili, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Georgia to Ireland.

Ms. Katsarava commenced the engagement with an opening statement. A questions and answers session with members of the committee followed.

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The meeting suspended at 11:11a.m. and recommenced in public session at 11:18 a.m.

Part 2: Meeting with representative from Church in Chains

The chairman welcomed the following witness to the meeting:

Mr. David Turner, Ms. Pamela Coulter and Pastor Baiju George

Mr. David Turner commenced the engagement with an opening statement followed by Pastor George and Ms. Coulter. A questions and answers session with members of the Committee followed.

The meeting went into private session at 12:11 a.m.

3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12:31a.m. until 26th April, 2018.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 26th April, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 26th April, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

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Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Seán Crowe, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jack Chambers and Aengus Ó Snodaigh. Senators: Mark Daly and Gabrielle McFadden Apologies: Senator Ivana Bacik and Senator Billy Lawless.

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:06 a.m.

1. Meeting with Minister Paul Kehoe T.D.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D. – Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Defence with special responsibility for Defence.

Minister Kehoe commenced the engagement with an opening statement. A questions and answers session with members of the committee followed. The purpose of this engagement was to discuss matters raised at the Foreign Affairs Council – Defence, particularly regarding the Common Security and Defence Policies, PESCO and other relevant EU proposed initiatives with regard to Defence

The meeting went into private session at 12:11 a.m.

2.Item discussed in private 3.Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private

Members were made aware of the consideration of the Irish Aid Report in the Dáil.

5. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12:20 a.m.

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Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 10th May, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 10th May, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Tony McLoughlin and Niall Collins. Senators: Mark Daly, Ivana Bacik and Pádraig MacLochlainn. Apologies: Deputy Seán Crowe, Deputy Noel Grealish, Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan, Senator Billy Lawless and Senator Gabrielle McFadden.

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:05 a.m.

1. Meeting with Dr. Annie Sparrow The Committee met with Dr. Annie Sparrow, Irish Syria Solidarity Movement, to discuss the effect of the Syrian conflict on children.

Dr Sparrow commenced the engagement with an opening statement. A questions and answers session with members of the Committee ensued.

The meeting suspended at 11:05 a.m. to allow witnesses to take their seats.

The meeting recommenced in public session at 11:09 a.m.

3. Meeting with Mr. Omar Barghouti The committee met with Mr. Omar Baghouti, co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to discuss the current situation in Palestine and the growing non-violent civil society movement that opposes Israel’s occupation. ~ 24 ~

A questions and answers session with members of the committee followed.

Deputy Seán Barrett substituted as Chairman at 11:42 a.m.

The meeting suspended at 11:49 a.m.

4. Adjournment

The meeting recommenced for adjournment at 12:27 p.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 24th May, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 24th May, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin and Maureen O’Sullivan Senators: Billy Lawless and Gerry Horkan Apologies: Deputy Niall Collins and Senator Ivana Bacik Substitutions: Deputy Kathleen Funchion for Deputy Séan Crowe

The meeting commenced in private session at 10:06a.m.

1. Item discussed in private ~ 25 ~

2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private

The meeting suspended at 10:13a.m. to allow witnesses to take their seats.

The meeting commenced in public at 10:18 a.m.

5. Meeting with Representatives of World Vision Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting

• Ms Helen Keogh – Chief Executive • Mr Niall McLoughlin – CEO • Ms Niamh Cooper – Head of Communications • Ms Andrea Finnegan – Humanitarian and Emergency Programmes Officer • Ms Sheila Garry – Director of Programmes

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss the work of World Vision Ireland, and to gain insight into their recent visit to South Sudan.

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:32 a.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 31st May, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes ~ 26 ~

Thursday, 31st May, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Crowe, Tony McLoughlin and Niall Collins Senators: Mark Daly and Billy Lawless Apologies: Deputy Séan Barrett, Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan, Senator Ivana Bacik and Senator Gabrielle McFadden

The meeting commenced in public session at 14:05 p.m.

The meeting went into private session at 14:05 p.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private

The meeting went into public session at 14:09 p.m.

4. Meeting with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade The chairman welcomed Mr. Simon Coveney, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the meeting. He was accompanied by officials from the department.

Tánaiste Coveney commenced the engagement with an opening statement. A questions and answers session with members of the committee followed. The purpose of this engagement was to discuss matters that have arisen at Foreign Affairs Council and other matters relevant to foreign affairs and trade.

The meeting suspended at 15:20 p.m.

The meeting recommenced in public session at 15:37 p.m.

5. Adjournment ~ 27 ~

The meeting adjourned at 16:05p.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 21st June, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 21st June, 2018

In Public session The following members were present:

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Crowe, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Niall Collins, Maureen O’Sullivan Senators: Ivana Bacik and Mark Daly The meeting commenced in public session at 09:03 a.m.

The meeting went into private session at 09:04 a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private

The meeting returned to public session at 09:07 a.m.

4. Motion proposed in the names of Deputies Maureen O’Sullivan, Sean Barrett, Niall Collins and Noel Grealish,: Expressing support on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.

Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan moved the motion. ~ 28 ~

That the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence:

Congratulates the people of Georgia on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the declaration of independence; Welcomes the growth of political relations and cooperation in a variety of fields between Ireland and Georgia, including intensifying the inter-parliamentary cooperation Encourages further development of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation between Ireland and Georgia for the mutual benefit; Reaffirms Ireland’s unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders; Expresses concerns at the decision recently taken by the Syrian regime to recognize the so- called independence of the indivisible regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. Commends the people and Government of Georgia for their successful reforms in recent years towards consolidating democracy, ensuring human rights protection, rule of law, media freedom and good governance as well as strengthening government transparency and judicial independence; Welcomes Georgia’s substantial progress on its EU integration path, including successful implementation of the Association Agreement, and reaffirms its strong support to this process. Notes that abolishment of the visa requirements for the Georgian citizens stands out as an important milestone achieved on the EU-Georgia cooperation agenda. Expresses concern that after 10 years of the Russia-Georgia war and occupation of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation the security and human rights situation on the ground has been further aggravated. Supports the Geneva International Discussions as an important format to address the security and humanitarian challenges stemming from the Russia-Georgia conflict and underlines the need for tangible results on core issues of the negotiations, including the non-use of force, establishment of the international security mechanisms in Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, with the aim to achieve lasting peace and security on the ground; Underlines the necessity of implementation of the EU mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement by Russia; Recommends, that Ireland and Georgia continue close cooperation with the aim to further deepen Georgian-Irish partnership both in bilateral and multilateral formats and work together towards an open Europe of unity and solidarity, to contribute to the global peace and security.

The motion was agreed. A copy of the motion was reported to both Dáil and Seanad Éireann. It was agreed that a copy of the agreed motion be forward to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and also to the Oireachtas Permanent Representative in Brussels for the information of other EU member States.

Session A: Meeting with representatives of Christian Aid ~ 29 ~

The chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.

• Mr. Sorley McCaughey – Christian Aid Ireland • Dr. Sheila Killian – Associate Professor, School and Financing, University of Limerick • Jennifer Higgins – Christian Aid Ireland

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss the Christian Aid Ireland tax report.

Following an opening statement, a question and answer session with members of the Committee ensued.

The meeting suspended at 10:03 a.m. to allow witnesses to take their seats.

The meeting recommenced in public session at 10:12 a.m.

Session B: Meeting with Mr. Fernando González MP, Member of the Cuban Parliament

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.

• Mr. Fernando González Llort M.P. – Member of the Cuban Parliament • H.E. Mr. Hugo Ramos Milanes – Ambassador of Cuba • Soraya Torres Jaime - Consul in the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba • Kevin O´Hara - Interpreter

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss the current political situation in Cuba.

Following an opening statement, a question and answer session with members of the Committee ensued

7. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:07 a.m.

______~ 30 ~

Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 5th July, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 5th July, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Noel Grealish and Maureen O’Sullivan Senators: Mark Daly, Gabrielle McFadden and Alice Mary Higgins. Substitutions: Aengus O’Snodaigh in substitution for Sean Crowe Apologies: Senator Ivana Bacik

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:05a.m. The meeting went in to private session at 10:06a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private 6. Item discussed in private

The meeting returned to public session at 10:16 a.m.

7. Meeting with Representatives of Médecins Sans Frontières - Doctors Without Borders

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting

• Sam Taylor Director of Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders • Ms. Hassiba Hadj-Sah-rao-ui, Humanitarian Affairs Advisor on Migration

~ 31 ~

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean and the migration crisis.

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

8. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:32a.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 20th September, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 20th September, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Niall Collins and Maureen O’Sullivan, Gino Kenny, Richard Boyd Barrett Senators: Ivana Bacik and Gabrielle McFadden Substitutions: Senator Paul Gavan in substitution for Deputy Séan Crowe Apologies: Senator Billy Lawless

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:04a.m. The meeting went in to private session at 10:05a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private

~ 32 ~

The meeting returned to public session at 10:36a.m.

5. Meeting with Representatives of Médecins Sans Frontières - Doctors Without Borders

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting

• Mr. Patrick Costello of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel(Ireland) • Ms. Lesley O’Connor of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programmes in Palestine and Israel (Ireland)

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss the decision by the US administration to withdraw funding to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and also the decision by the Israeli supreme court to authorise the destruction of the west bank village of Khan-al-Ahmar.

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

Deputy Séan Barrett took the Chair at 10:58 a.m. Deputy Brendan Smith resumed the Chair at 11:21 a.m.

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 4th October, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 4th October, 2018

In Private session ~ 33 ~

The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Séan Crowe, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Niall Collins and Maureen O’Sullivan Senators: Gabrielle McFadden, Billy Lawless and Anthony Lawlor. Apologies: Senator Gabrielle McFadden

The meeting commenced in public session at 10:02a.m.

4. Meeting with Representatives of Dochas, Oxfam and Trocaire

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Ms. Suzanne Keatinge • Dr. Róisín Hinds of Oxfam • Ms. Niamh Garvey of Trócaire.

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss (i) the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals post United Nations’ High Level Political Forum 2018 in New York and, (ii) the future of EU Development Funding.

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

The meeting suspended at 11:10 a.m. The meeting resumed in public session at 11:14 a.m The meeting went in to private session at 11:15 a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 5. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m. until Thursday 15th November, 2018

~ 34 ~

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 18th October, 201

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 18th October, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Seán Barrett, Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin and Maureen O’Sullivan Senators: Gabrielle McFadden, Gerry Craughwell, Mick Wallace Substitutions: Deputy Jack Chambers for Deputy Niall Collins and Aengus O’Snodaigh for Séan Crowe. Apologies: Senators Ivana Bacik and Billy Lawless

The meeting commenced in public session at 09:33a.m.

5. Meeting with Minister of State Paul Kehoe

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Deputy Paul Kehoe - Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach with responsibility for Defence

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss matters raised at Foreign Affairs Council – Defence, particularly regarding the Common Security and Defence Policies, PESCO and other relevant EU proposed initiatives in regards to Defence

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

The meeting went in to private session at 11:46 a.m.

~ 35 ~

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:53 a.m.

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 15th November, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 15th November, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Noel Grealish, Niall Collins, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jack Chambers, Aengus O’Snodaigh, Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. Senators: Gabrielle McFadden, Ivana Bacik and Mark Daly

The meeting commenced in public session at 09:31a.m. The meeting went in to private session at 09:32a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private

~ 36 ~

4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private

The meeting resumed in public session at 09:48a.m.

5. Meeting with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett - Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Vice Admiral Mark Mellett • Major General Kevin Cotter, Deputy Chief of Staff • Brigadier General Peter O’Halloran, Assistant Chief of Staff

The purpose of this engagement was for members of the Committee to discuss with the witnesses matters relevant to the role of Chief of Staff and to gain an insight into the priorities for the Defence Forces over the coming years

A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed. 6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12:16p.m. until Thursday 29th November,2018

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 29th October, 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 29th November, 2018

In Private session The following members were present:

~ 37 ~

Deputies: Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan, Séan Crowe,Niall Collins, and Séan Barrett. Senators: Ivana Bacik and Mark Daly Apologies: Deputy Noel Grealish, Senator Billy Lawless and Senator Gabrielle McFadden

The meeting commenced in public session at 09:35a.m. The meeting went in to private session at 09:35 a.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private 5. Item discussed in private

The meeting resumed in public session at 09:42 a.m.

5. Meeting with Crosscare, SafeHome Ireland and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Danielle McLoughlin – Crosscare • Richard King-Crosscare • Karen McHugh – SafeHome Ireland • Orlagh McHugh - SafeHome Ireland • Ciara Kirrane – ICPO

The purpose of this engagement was to examine and hear expert witness on the many and varying barriers and challenges to those wishing to return to Ireland from overseas A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m. until 13th December 2018

~ 38 ~

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 13th December , 2018

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence Minutes Thursday, 13th December, 2018

In Private session The following members were present: Deputies: Brendan Smith, Sean Crowe, Sean Barrett, Tony McLoughlin, Niall Collins and Maureen O’Sullivan

Senators: John Dolan

The meeting commenced in public session at 14:29p.m. The meeting went in to private session at 14:29p.m.

1. Item discussed in private 2. Item discussed in private 3. Item discussed in private 4. Item discussed in private

The meeting suspended at 14:32 p.m. to allow witnesses to take their seats. The meeting resumed in public session at 14:35 p.m.

5. Meeting with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D.

~ 39 ~

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

• Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. - Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The purpose of this engagement was to discuss the latest developments in Brexit and matters that have arisen at Foreign Affairs Council and other matters relevant to foreign affairs and trade. . A question and answer session with members of the Committee followed.

The meeting suspended at 15:52p.m. The meeting resumed in public session at 16:14p.m.

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 16:28 p.m. until 24th January 2019

______Brendan Smith TD, Chairman, 24th January, 2019

~ 40 ~

APPENDIX 5: Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

~ 41 ~

Meeting No. Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals who and Date attended S15 Session A: 2018 Revised • Paul Kehoe TD – Minister of State at the 8th March 2018 Estimates for Public Services – Department of An Taoiseach and Defence Votes 35 (Army with special responsibility for Defence Pensions) and 36 (Defence). • John Coughlan – Assistant Secretary, DoD • Des Dowling – Assistant Secretary, DoD • Gerry Groarke – Principal Officer, DoD • Michael O’Boyle – Principal Officer, DoD

Session B: UN Motion re: • Paul Kehoe TD – Minister of State at the Proposal that Dáil Éireann Department of An Taoiseach and Defence approves the report by the with special responsibility for Defence Taoiseach and Minister for • Ciaran Murphy – Assistant Secretary, DoD Defence, regarding service by the • Bernie Maguire – Principal Officer, DoD Defence Forces with the United

Nations in 2016.

Session C: 2018 Revised • Simon Coveney, Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence. Estimates for Public Services - Vote 27 (International Co- • Niall Burgess – Secretary General, DFA operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign • Ann Derwin - Director General, Global Irish Affairs and Trade Services Division, DFA • John Conlan - Chief Financial Officer, DFA • Paul Gleeson - Director, Policy Co-ordination, DFA • James McIntyre - Director, Finance Division, DFA

• Ciaran Cannon TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Diaspora and Overseas Aid. • Niall Burgess – Secretary General, DFA • John Conlan - Chief Financial Officer, DFA • Nicola Brennan - Director, Policy Unit, Development Co-operation Directorate, DFA • Michael Tiernan – Accountant, Finance Division, DFA S16 The Enhanced Partnership and • Helen McEntee, Minister of State for 23rd October Cooperation Agreement between European Affairs 2018 the European Union, and the • Caitríona de Búrca – Department of Foreign Republic of Kazakhstan Affairs and Trade • Eoin Bennis – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • David Lea – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • Paul Fox – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

~ 42 ~

S17 Supplementary Estimates for the 29th November service of the year ending on 31st • Paul Kehoe – Minister of Defence 2018 December, 2018: • Des Dowling – Assistant Secretary, DoD • Michael O’Boyle – DoD Vote 35 - Army Pensions; Mr • Gerry Groarke – DoD Paul Kehoe TD, Minister of State • Breffni O’Rourke – DoD at the Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence with special responsibility for Defence. • Ciarán Cannon - Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development.

• Ruairí de Búrca - Director General Vote 27 – International Co- Development Cooperation and Africa operation; Mr. Ciaran Cannon Division, DFA TD, Minister of State with special • Nicola Brennan - Head of Policy Unit responsibility for the Diaspora Development Cooperation and Africa and Overseas Aid Division, DFA • Michael Tiernan - Financial Accountant, DFA • Sarah McGrath - Head of UN and IFI Unit Development Cooperation and Africa Division

APPENDIX 6: Proceedings of the Select Committee and Select sub-Committees (Imeachtaí)

~ 43 ~

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE UM AIRGEADAS, CAITEACHAS POIBLÍ AGUS ATHCHÓIRIÚ, AGUS TAOISEACH

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM, AND TAOISEACH

______

Dé Déardaoin , 8 Márta 2018

Thursday, 8 March, 2018 ______

1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 14:05p.m. 1. The Committee met at 14:05p.m.

2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR1. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT2.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i láthair: The following Members were present:

An Teachta Breandán Mac Gabhann (i Deputy Brendan Smith (in the Chair), gCeannas), Síomón Ó Cómhanaigh (An Simon Coveney (Tánaiste and Minister Tánaiste agus Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha for Foreign Affairs and Trade), Paul agus Trádála), Pól Mac Eochaidh (Aire Kehoe (Minister of State at the Stáit ag Roinn an Taoisigh agus freagracht Department of An Taoiseach and Defence speisialta air maidir le Cosaint), Ciarán Ó with special responsibility for Defence), Canáin (Aire Stáit agus freagracht Mr Ciaran Cannon (Minister of State with speisialta air maidir leis an Diaspóra agus special responsibility for the Diaspora le Cúnamh Thar Lear). Na Teachtaí Seán and Overseas Aid). Deputies Sean Ó Bairéad, Lisa Nic Ambróis, Seán Mac Barratt, Lisa Chambers, Sean Crowe, Concradha, Nollaig Ó Griallais, Antoine Noel Grealish, Tony McLoughlin, Mac Lochlainn, Darragh Ó Briain, Aengus Darragh O’Brien, Aengus Ó Snodaigh Ó Snodaigh, Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin and Maureen O’Sullivan.

3. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN I 3. CONSIDERATION OF ESTIMATES FOR GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ POIBLÍ. PUBLIC SERVICES.

Bhreithnigh an Coiste na Meastacháin seo The Committee considered the following a leanas i gcomhair Seirbhísí Poiblí don Estimates for Public Services for the year bhliain dar críoch an 31 Nollaig, 2018 – ending 31st December, 2018 –

Vóta 27 (Comhar Idirnáisiúnta) Vote 27 (International Cooperation) (Meastachán Athbhreithnithe). (Revised Estimate).

1 Ghlac an Teachta Eoin Ó Briain ionad an Teachta Piaras Ó Dochartaigh (ar feadh cuid den chruinniú) [B.O. 95(2)]. Bhí an Teachta Alan Ó Ceallaigh i láthair [B.O. 95(3)].

2 Deputy Jonathan O'Brien substituted for Deputy Pearse Doherty (for part of the meeting) [S.O. 95(2)]. Deputy Alan Kelly attended [S.O. 95(3)].

~ 44 ~

Vóta 28 (Ghnóthaí Eachtracha agus Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) Trádáil)(MeastachánAthbhreithnithe). (Revised Estimate).

Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Estimate was Meastachán. concluded.

Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála de Message sent to the Dáil in accordance réir Bhuan-Ordú 90 á chur in iúl di gur with Standing Order 90 acquainting it chríochnaigh an Coiste a bhreithniú ar an that the Committee had completed its Meastachán. consideration of the Estimate.

4. AN CRUINNIÚ AR FIONRAÍ. 4. MEETING SUSPENDED.

Ordaíodh: An Cruinniú a chur ar fionraí Ordered: That the Meeting be now anois go dtí 16:03pm. (An Teachta suspended until 16:03p.m. (Deputy Brendan Mac Gabhann). Brendan Smith).

Cuireadh an Cruinniú ar fionraí dá réir sin The Meeting was accordingly suspended ar 16.03p.m. at 16.03 p.m.

______

Ar 4.10 p.m. athchromadh ar an The Meeting was resumed at 16:10p.m. gCruinniú.

5. Breithniú ar Mheastacháin i gComhair 5. Consideration of Estimates for Public Seirbhísí Poiblí. Services.

Vóta 35 (Arm-Phinsin (Meastachán Vote 35 (Army Pensions). (Revised Athbhreithnithe). Estimate).

Vóta 36 (Cosaint (Meastachán Vote 36 (Defence) (Revised Athbhreithnithe). Estimate).

Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Estimate was Meastachán. concluded.

Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála de Message sent to the Dáil in accordance réir Bhuan-Ordú 90 á chur in iúl di gur with Standing Order 87 acquainting it that chríochnaigh an Coiste a bhreithniú ar an the Committee had completed its Meastachán. consideration of the Estimate.

~ 45 ~

6. ATHLÁ. 6. ADJOURNMENT.

Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 17:57p.m. The Committee adjourned at 17:57p.m. sine die. sine die.

Brendan Smith TD Chairman Date

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

______

Dé Máirt, 23 Deireadh Fomhair 2018

Tuesday, 23 October 2018 ______

1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 13:34p.m. 1. The Committee met at 13:34p.m.

2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR3. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT4.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i láthair: The following members were present: An Teachta Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin (i Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan (in the gCeannas), An Teachta Eiléana Nic an Chair), Deputy Helen McEntee (Minister tSaoi (an tAire Stáit um Ghnóthaí of State for European Affairs) Eorpacha ) Deputies Sean Barrett and Aengus na Teachtaí Seán Ó Bairéad agus Aengus Ó’Snodaigh. Ó Snodaigh. 3. BREITHNIÚ AR THAIRISCINT. 3. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION.

Bhreithnigh an Coiste an tairiscint seo a The Committee considered the following leanas arna tarchur ag Dáil Éireann an25 motion referred by Dáil Éireann on 25 Meán Fomhair, 2018: September, 2018:

“Go ndéanfar an togra go gceadaíonn Dáil “That the proposal that Dáil Éireann Éireann téarmaí an Chomhaontaithe

3 Ghlac an Teachta Aengus O’Snodaigh ionad an Teachta # [B.O. 95(2)]. .

4 . Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh substituted for Deputy Sean Crowe [S.O. 95(2)]..

~ 46 ~

Comhpháirtíochta agus Comhair Feabhsaithe approves the terms of the Enhanced idir an tAontas Eorpach agus a Bhallstáit, de Partnership and Cooperation Agreement pháirt, agus Poblacht na Casacstáine, den between the European Union and its Member pháirt eile, arna shíniú in Astana an 21 Nollaig States, of the one part, and the Republic of 2015, ar leagadh cóip de faoi bhráid Dháil Éireann an 6 Iúil 2018, a tharchur chuig an Kazakhstan, of the other part, signed at Astana Roghchoiste um Ghnóthaí Eachtracha agus on 21stDecember, 2015, a copy of which was Trádáil, de réir Bhuan-Ordú 84A(3)(b), agus laid before Dáil Éireann on 6th July, 2018, be go ndéanfaidh an Coiste sin, tráth nach déanaí referred to the Select Committee on Foreign ná an 23 Deireadh Fómhair, 2018, Affairs and Trade, in accordance with teachtaireacht a chur chuig an Dáil ar an modh Standing Order 84A(3)(b), which, not later a fhorordaítear i mBuan- Ordú 90, agus go than 23rd October, 2018, shall send a message mbeidh feidhm dá réir sin ag Buan-Ordú to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in 89(2).” Standing Order 90, and Standing Order 89(2) shall accordingly apply”

Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an tairiscint. Consideration of the motion was concluded. Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála de réir Bhuan-Ordú 0 agus Ordú an 25 Meán Message sent to the Dáil in accordance with Standing Order 90 and the Order of Fomhair, 2018 ón Dáil, á chur in iúl di th gur chríochnaigh an Coiste a bhreithniú ar the Dáil of 25 September, 2018, an tairiscint. acquainting it that the Committee had completed its consideration of the motion.

4. ATHLÁ. 4. ADJOURNMENT.

Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 14:04pm The Committee adjourned at 14:04p.m.

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

______~ 47 ~

Dé Déardaoin, 29 Samhain, 2018

Thursday, 29 November, 2018 ______

1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 11:36am 1. The Committee met at 11:36am

2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i láthair: The following Members were present:

An Teachta Breandán Mac Gabhann (i Deputy Brendan Smith (in the Chair), gCeannas), An Teachta Pól Mac Paul Kehoe (Minister of State at the Eochaidh, (Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Department of Defence) Deputy Ciaran Cosanta), An Teachta Ciarán Ó Canáin Cannon (Minister of State with special (Aire Stáit agus freagracht speisialta air responsibility for the Diaspora and maidir leis an Diaspóra agus le Cúnamh Overseas Aid) (for part of the meeting) Thar Lear)(ar feadh chuid de’n chruinniú), Deputies Sean Barrett, Sean Crowe and na Teachtaí Seán Ó Bairéad, Seán Mac Niall Collins. Concradha agus Niall Ó Coileáin.

3. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN 3. CONSIDERATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY FORLÍONTACH I GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. POIBLÍ.

Tá an Roghchoiste um Ghnóthaí The Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Eachtracha agus Trádáil agus Cosaint tar and Trade and Defence considered the éis a bhreithniú ar na Meastacháin following Supplementary Estimate for Forlíontach seo a leanas i gcomhair Public Services for the year ending 31st Seirbhísí Poiblí le haghaidh sheirbhís na December, 2018 – bliana dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2017 a chríochnú –

Vóta 35 (Arm-Phinsin) (Meastachán Vote 35 (Army Pensions) Forlíontach). (Supplementary Estimate).

Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Supplementary Meastachán Forlíontach. Estimate was concluded

Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála de Message sent to the Dáil in accordance réir Bhuan-Ordú 87 á chur in iúl di gur with Standing Order 90 acquainting it that chríochnaigh an Coiste a bhreithniú ar an the Committee had completed its Meastachán. consideration of the Estimate.

4. ATHLÁ. 4. ADJOURNMENT. Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 11:58am The Committee adjourned at 11:58am Ar 12:38p.m. athchromadh ar an The Meeting was resumed at 12.38p.m. ~ 48 ~ gCruinniú.

5. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN 5. CONSIDERATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY FORLÍONTACH I GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. POIBLÍ.

Vóta 27 (Comhar Idirnáisiúnta) Vote 27 (International Co-operation) (Meastachán Forlíontach). (Supplementary Estimate).

Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Supplementary Meastachán Forlíontach. Estimate was concluded

Brendan Smith, T.D. Chairman Date:

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APPENDIX 7: Informal Meetings 2018

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled informal meetings and courtesy calls which took place during the period under report.

Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and Individuals who No. and attended Date • Donal Crónin – Director, Multilateral Unit, 1. 17.01.18 EU development aid Development Cooperation Division • Nicola Brennan – Director, Policy Unit, Development Cooperation Division • John O’Grady – Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU • Derek Hannon – EU Division • George Hegarty – Mulitlateral Unit, Development Cooperation Division

2. 13.02.18 Colombia – Post conflict • Rafael Pardo – Colombian Minister Post- Conflict • Nicolás Avila – PA to the Minister

3. 22.02.18 The Israeli-Palestinian • Mosab Hassan Yousef conflict • H.E. Ze’ev Boker – Ambassador of Israel • Daniel Burger – Chief Executive of Magen David Adom 4. 7.03.18 Bi-lateral discussions with • James Moloney-Head of Delegation and Chair of visiting Canadian the Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group parliamentary delegations • Scott Simms, M.P. • David Wells, Senator • René Cormier, Senator • Ziad Aboultaif, M.P. • Irene Mathyssen, M.P. • Guyanne Lalande Desforges, Secretary to the Delegation • Laura Barnett, Analyst • Frank Baylis, M.P. • Patricia Bovey, Senator • Donald Plett, Senator • Daniel Blaikie, M.P. • Kerry Diotte, M.P. • John McKay, M.P. • Jean- François Pagé, Association Secretary • Sonya Norris, Analyst

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5. 20.03.18 Update on developments • Eugene Gargan – Chairperson, RDFRA in the Reserve Defence National Executive Committee Forces Representative • Neil Richardson – RDFRA General Secretary Association • Martin Cooney – Member, RDFRA National Executive Committee • James Scanlon – Member, RDFRA National Executive Committee 6. 22.03.18 The current human rights • Rommel Duran Castallanos - Human rights situation in Colombia lawyer • Chris O’Connell - Latin America Solidarity Centre • Sean O’Reilly - Solicitor • Mary Henderson - Solicitor 7. 10.4.18 The current human rights • Chris O’Connell – Latin America Solidarity situation in Honduras Centre • Gustavo Castro - Environmentalist • Karina Flores - Platform for Social and Popular Movements • Fionuala Cregan – Co-ordinator, Land Rights Now 8. 25.04.18 The whole-of-Government • Aidan Cronin – Americas Unit DFA Strategy for the Americas • Alan McCabe - Americas Unit DFA • Jack McCormack - Americas Unit DFA • Gerard McCoy - Americas Unit DFA 9. 15.05.18 International election • Orla Mc Breen - Director Civil Society & monitoring Development Education Unit • Pat McLoughlin – Desk Officer, Election Observation Roster • John Crowe – Civil Society and Development Education Unit 10. 25.05.18 Irish Aid Report • Jorge Moreira Da Silva – Director of the discussion Development Cooperation Directorate, OECD • Brenda Killen – Deputy Director of the Development Cooperation Directorate, OECD • Nicola Brennan – Head of Policy Unit, DFA • Vincent Maher – Deputy Director, DFA • Ciara Begley – Ireland delegate to the OECD, DAC. • Erin Cordell, OECD 11. 13.06.18 The situation for human • Khalid Ibrahim – Gulf Centre for Human rights defenders in the Rights Gulf and Neighbouring • Marie Flynn – Barrister Countries and the work of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights

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12. 14.06.18 The situation for the • Iarfhlaith Watson – Bahá'í Office of Public Baha'i community in Affairs Yemen. • Brendan McNamara – Bahá'í Office of Public Affairs • Patricia Rainsford - Bahá'í Office of Public Affairs 13. 21.06.18 Bi-lateral discussions with • Shuaib Shabab Al-Muwaizri - Kuwaiti MP visiting Kuwaiti • Adbullwahab Mohammed Al-Babtain - delegation Kuwaiti MP • Majed Musaad Al-Mutairi - Kuwaiti MP • Osama ALshaheen MP – Kuwaiti MP • Saoud Al-Showaier MP – Kuwaiti MP 14. 28.06.18 Bi-lateral discussions with • Minister Pavlo Klimkin – Minister of Foreign Ukrainian Minister of Affairs of Ukraine Foreign Affairs • Vasyl Khymynets – Director of the MFA First European Directorate General • Vladyslav Kanevskyi – Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister • Olena Shaloput – Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Ukrainian Embassy, counsellor • Roman Sishchuk – First Secretary of the Ukrainian Embassy • Yakiv Peresada – Security Officer 15. 4.07.18 Trócaire’s humanitarian • Birke Herzbruch - Trócaire's Country and protection work in Director in Myanmar Kachin and Shan State. • Selina Donnelly – Policy Advisor, Trócaire Concerns of international • Niall O’Keefe – Regional Manager, Middle humanitarian law and East and Asia human rights abuses in Myanmar 16. 5.07.18 International Committee • Loukas Petridis, ICRC Head of Delegation in of the Red Cross’s Niger operations in Niger. • Teresa Plana, ICRC Senior Programme Manager for Ireland • Seán Ó hAodha, Humanitarian Unit, DFA • Elizabeth Keogh, Humanitarian Unit, DFA

17. 12.07.18 The Michael Dwyer Case • Catherine Heaney – DHR Communications • Caroline Dwyer • Ciara Gilvarry – DFA 18. 24.07.18 The situation in Sialkot, • Anwar Malik - Ahmadiyya Muslim Pakistan. Association Ireland • Farooq Aftab • Humayon Malik • Rabeeb Mirza

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19. 25.09.18 Bi-lateral discussions with • Ali Abdel Aal, Speaker of the Egyptian visiting Egyptian House of Representatives. (Head of delegation. Delegation). • Ahmed Saad Eldin Mohamed, Secretary General of the Parliament • Tarek Mohamed Abdel Hameed Radwan, MP and Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee. • Alaa El Saeid Ibrahim Abed, MP and Chair of Human Rights Committee. • Sahar Talaat Moustafa, MP and Chair of Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee. • Abdel Hameed Badawi Demerdash Ahmed, MP and Member of the Committee of Agriculture, Irrigation, Food Security and Livestock. (Chair of the Egyptian/Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group). • Mohamed Abdel Rahman Mohamed El Shahawy, MP. • Fakhry Abdallah Tayel, MP. • Alaa Eldin Nagy, Head of the Speaker’s Office. • Major Islam Ashour, Private Guard. 20. 27.09.18 The situation faced by • Karen Jeffares - Peace Brigades Ireland human rights defenders • Carlos Fernandez – Peace Brigades Ireland and peace activists in • Val Roche – Peace Brigades Ireland Colombia. • Evan O’Reilly 21. 14.11.19 The political situation in • Sarah Roare – Christian Aid Brazil • Sorley McCaughey – Christian Aid • Jennifer Higgins – Christian Aid 22. 22.11.18 • Ophir Kariv, Ambassador of Israel 23. 12.12.18 Bi-lateral discussions with • Mostafa Kavakebian - Member of the Iranian visiting Iranian delegation. Parliament • Alireza Rahimi - Member of the Iranian Parliament • Zahra Saei - Member of the Iranian Parliament • Elias Hazrati - Member of the Iranian Parliament 24. 13.12.18 The human rights and • Ebrahim Demestani - Americans for political situation in Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain Bahrain • Damian McCormack - Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain • Brian Dooley - Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain • Alexis Henning - Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

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APPENDIX 8: Courtesy Calls 2017

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled courtesy calls which took place during the period under report.

1. 17/01/18 • Pierre-Emmanuel De Bauw – Ambassador of Belgium

2 8/02/18 • Kang-Il Hu – Ambassador of South Korea • Samju Kwak – Counsellor 3. 8/02/18 • Levent Murat Burhan – Ambassador of Turkey • Derin Ersavci – Counsellor

4. 21.02.18 • Ahmad Abdelrazek – Ambassador of Palestine • Jilan Abdal Majid – Deputy Head of Mission

5. 21.03.18 • Paolo Serpi – Ambassador of Italy

6. 22.03.18 • Javad Kachoueian – Ambassador of Iran • Mohammad Ali Eskandari – Second Counsellor 7. 22.03.18 • Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Ambassador of Kuwait • Ahmed Abdelrazek, Ambassador of Palestine • Abdulaziz Abdullah Zahir Al Hinai, Ambassador of Oman Amar Abba, Ambassador of Algeria • Soha Gendi, Ambassador of Egypt • Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of Morocco • Salih Husain Ali Al-Tamimi, Ambassador of Iraq • Sultan Al Ali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates • Ali Al-Fadhala, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Qatar • Marwan Francis, Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of Lebanon • Daifallah Alfayez, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Jordan • Hussain Mohamed Alam, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Bahrain • Ali Aldosari, Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of Saudi Arabia • Mohamed Elkoni, Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of Libya 8. 24.04.18 • Cristian Streeter – Ambassador of Chile

9. 24.05.18 • Alexandre Holroyd – Member of the French Parliament • Stéphane Crouzat – Ambassador of France • Margot Provot – Political Advisor to Mr Holroyd • Lionel Paradisi-Coulouma - Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France 10. 13.06.18 • Javad Kachoueian – Ambassador of Iran • Mohammad Ali Eskandari – Deputy Ambassador and Political Counsellor 11 14.06.18 • Olena Shaloput, Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of Ukraine • Roman Sishchuk, First Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine

12. 21.06.18 • Sultan Mohamed Al Ali – Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates 13. 27.06.18 • Ahmad Abdelrazek – Ambassador of Palestine • Jilan Abdal Majid – Deputy Head of Mission

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14. 18.07.18 • Paolo Serpi – Ambassador of Italy

15. 16.10.18 • Woon -Ki Lyeo - Ambassador of Korea • Mr. Samju Kwak – Deputy Head of Mission

16. 16.10.18 • Yue Xiaoyong - Ambassador of China • Huang He – Political Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission • Wei Yang – Personal Assistant to the Ambassador 17. 25.10.18 • János Magdó – Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Hungary

18. 25.10.18 • Patricia Cortés Ortiz – Ambassador of Colombia • Andres Echeverri – Embassy of Colombia 19. 15.11.18 • Tamar Khulordava MP - Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Georgia. • Irakli Kovzanadze MP, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee of the Parliament of Georgia • George Zurabashvili - Chargé d’Affaires of Georgia • Ekaterine Mrelashvili - Counsellor

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