Written Answers Nos. 183-201
183. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department has had any contact from the US administration or the White House on a political level seeking the removal or dissolving of the triple lock in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15086/25]
View answerHigh-level political engagement with the US administration continues to be a priority for the Government and many topics of interest are raised in bilateral meetings. However, there has been no contact from the US administration or the White House at a political level with me or my Department on the question of the Triple Lock.
184. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of funding provided by his Department for organisations and community groups working with the Irish diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15150/25]
View answerThe Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas.
This work is underpinned by the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Since it was established in 2004, the ESP has provided over €250 million in grants to more than 900 charitable and Irish community organisations in 51 countries.
This year the Department of Foreign Affairs will allocate €16.5 million under the Emigrant Support Programme.
Caring for the elderly and most vulnerable Irish emigrants remains at the heart of our programme.
The majority of the funding - some 60% - is granted to frontline welfare service providers. We support counselling and outreach services, and projects, which address social isolation and actively improve the wellbeing of Irish people.
We are also engaged with groups working with the travelling community, survivors of institutional abuse, and, in the US, with those impacted by changes in immigration policy.
The Emigrant Support Programme also invests in projects that foster a sense of community, nurture our identity and culture overseas and deepen our trade, business and education links.
The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants. In support of this, the ESP funds the very informative Returning to Ireland portal on the Citizens Information website as well as a number of organisations such as Crosscare and Safe Home Ireland who provide information and support to returning Irish emigrants.
Details of all groups funded by the Emigrant Support Programme can be found on our website Ireland.ie.
185. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on any work his Department is undertaking to comply with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the illegal occupation by Israel of Palestinian Territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/25]
View answerOn 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
The Court’s principal conclusion was that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory was unlawful and that it must be brought to an end as rapidly as possible. The Court also identified a range of legal obligations for all states arising from that situation. These include a duty not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the illegal situation created by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory. In particular, the Court stated that all states have a duty to distinguish in dealings with Israel between its own territory and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion, while not in itself legally binding, represents an authoritative statement of applicable international law, which is binding on all states and international organisations, including the EU and its Member States.
My Department is continuing its follow-up to the Advisory Opinion, including through pressing for action at EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion and through follow-up at a national level on issues within its remit. In this regard, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories following the July 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.
186. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details on any engagement he or his officials have had with the Israeli government following Israeli bombardment of a hospital in Gaza where Irish medical personnel were working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/25]
View answerThe situation in Israel and Palestine is a priority for this Government.
The immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate end and for all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. I condemn the resumed Israeli airstrikes and ground operation in Gaza, which have brought fresh suffering to the people of Gaza and have breached the ceasefire. A return to hostilities is disastrous for the people of Gaza, and for the hostages and their families. Our focus must also be on the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale, and the release of the remaining hostages.
The attack carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on 23 March targeting the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza’s largest remaining functional hospital, was deeply concerning. As noted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in his report of 31 December 2024, the pattern of Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals throughout the conflict in Gaza raises grave concerns about serious crimes under international law.
Ireland has both bilaterally and at multilateral level, repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law. All parties must respect international humanitarian law at all times. Hospitals and health facilities, medical and humanitarian personnel, must be protected.
Through our Embassies in the region, my Department is in contact with many of the humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza. In most cases, the parent organisation provides arrangements for their security and rotation from Gaza. However, the Department stands ready to provide consular assistance if requested.
My Department has been providing consular assistance and advice to Irish citizens and their immediate families in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict in 2023. In this period, my Department has assisted the departure of 120 Irish citizens and dependents of Irish citizens from Gaza.
Ireland is using all the tools at its disposal- political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian- in response to this dreadful conflict.
187. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in light of the current conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15544/25]
View answerThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced conflict over many decades, particularly in the mineral-rich areas of the east of the country. In July 2024, the Africa-led Luanda mediation process resulted in a ceasefire, but in January 2025 the M23 rebels began a major offensive, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force. There have been thousands of killings and huge displacement of people from their homes as a result of the violence.
Ireland and our EU partners have stressed our deep concern. In January, the EU urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately. The EU has made clear that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw. In February, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773, condemning the offensive by the M23 and calling on the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from the DRC without preconditions.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 February, Ireland expressed strong concern at the offensive and the dire humanitarian situation, underlining the risk of a regionalisation of the conflict. On 17 March, the EU adopted restrictive measures in respect of five senior leaders of M23 and several Rwandan military and other figures.
The EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region has been visiting the region and this month met in DRC with the President and the Foreign Minister The EU has conveyed concern to the Ambassador of Rwanda to the EU. Here, the Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed Ireland strong concerns to the Ambassador of Rwanda to Ireland, who is based in London, emphasising that Rwanda’s security concerns should be addressed through the established mediation processes. We welcome the deliberations at regional African summits in February and March and the meeting of the Presidents of Rwanda and DRC on 18 March. We will continue to support and encourage Africa-led peace initiatives on the conflict.
Since 2023, Ireland has provided over €17 million in development and humanitarian assistance for DRC. This is in addition to €8 million provided to address severe child malnutrition in DRC. We intend to provide at least as much assistance this year.
189. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent cancellation of the election in Romania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/25]
View answerThe re-scheduled Presidential elections in Romania will take place later this year, with the first round to be held on Sunday, 4 May 2025, and the second round to be held two weeks later on Sunday, 18 May 2025. The results of the first round of the original Romanian Presidential election, held on 24 November 2024, were annulled by Romania’s Constitutional Court on 6 December, following allegations of illegal voter manipulation and interference.
On 26 February 2025, Romanian authorities arrested Calin Georgescu, who is accused of a number of violations, including incitement to actions against constitutional order; dissemination of false information; repeated false statements; involvement in or support of fascist, racist, or xenophobic organizations; publicly promoting individuals guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes; and advocating for fascist, legionary, racist, or xenophobic ideologies.
I am very conscious that the rescheduled elections will take place in the coming weeks and I do not wish to intervene in this political process. Ireland supports Rule of Law and the independence of the judiciary in Romania and, equally, I do not wish to intervene or comment in an ongoing judicial or policing process.
The threat posed by foreign information manipulation and interference in Europe is real. Ireland will continue to work together with our EU counterparts to counter these malicious hybrid activities.
190. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has raised the serious matter of sustained attacks on citizens of Hungary, and consequently the EU, who are LGBTQ+ by the actions of the Hungarian government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15426/25]
View answerIreland strongly advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people throughout the world, including in our relations with Hungary. Ireland has consistently raised our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors. We also regularly support and engage with Hungarian civil society organisations that work to protect the rule of law, civil society space and minority (including LGBTQI+) rights in Hungary.
Ireland has supported legal efforts taken by the European Commission to ensure that Hungary abides by its obligations as a member of the European Union. In 2023, Ireland intervened in support of the Commission in Case C-769/22 in relation to Hungary’s so-called “Child Protection Act” which represented a flagrant form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. In February 2025, we also intervened in support of the Commission in Case C-829/24 in relation to Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Law, which seriously threatens civil society space and independent media in Hungary.
Through our Embassy in Budapest, Ireland is working locally on a collective response with likeminded partners, whose strong joint statements in support of Budapest Pride the Embassy led in coordinating in 2021 and 2024. We will continue to closely monitor developments and raise our concerns with relevant interlocutors, as well as continuing to support civil society organisations working to defend the Rule of Law and protect minority rights in Hungary.
191. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an overview of the overseas aid that Ireland is providing to Nepal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15469/25]
View answerIreland works globally to support the furthest behind first, focusing the majority of our Official Development Assistance on the worlds Least Developed Countries.
Through the Government's principal funding mechanism for large development and humanitarian NGOs, Ireland's Civil Society Partnership for A Better World, Ireland supports Action Aid Ireland’s work in Nepal, which aims to prevent violence against women and girls, while also improving their economic wellbeing.
In addition, through the Civil Society Fund we support the important work of smaller NGOs, which in Nepal include the Irish Red Cross, The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland, Nepal Leprosy Trust, and Social Health and Education Project. These organisations are working to enhance socio-economic conditions, health, well-being and the dignity of people affected by disability, and to provide capacity-building supports, including for, and with, local government.
Through the Embassy in New Delhi we also work with local organisations in Nepal on empowering women and girls and people with disabilities, and on fostering local economic growth through environmentally sustainable projects.
In 2024 total Irish assistance to Nepal, through these channels, amounted to €720,000.
192. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reaffirm Ireland’s continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/25]
View answerIreland's commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against ongoing Russian aggression remains steadfast. We have consistently reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence, and the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity outlined in the UN Charter.
Ireland’s total committed support to Ukraine since the launch of the full-scale invasion is approximately €480 million. This includes €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian supports, and commitments of approximately €250 million of non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility and €100 million bilaterally in non-lethal military support to Ukraine.
In 2024, Ireland announced a significant package of supports for Ukraine and its neighbours to the value of €36 million. This funding is providing essential humanitarian assistance, and support to rehabilitation and early recovery efforts, while contributing to longer term stability and reconstruction efforts. Ireland will maintain steady support in 2025.
In recent weeks, I announced the allocation of €100 million to provide non-lethal military support to Ukraine. The support will be provided through partnerships with EU Member States already procuring from Ukraine and through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Coalitions on De-mining and ICT. These mechanisms will ensure that Ireland’s support can reach Ukraine quickly, at a critical moment for the country. It is fully in line with the government’s position of providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine, and our support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter.
In September 2024, Ireland signed a bilateral ‘Agreement on Support and Cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland.’ This 10-year agreement is an important political and practical declaration of Ireland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in the coming years.
Ireland also remains a strong supporter of Ukraine’s EU perspective. We believe that EU accession is an important element of the longer term guarantee to Ukraine's security and prosperity.
193. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the importance of supporting initiatives that encourage connectivity and engagement with European Union partners, particularly for school students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15427/25]
View answerThe development and implementation of initiatives that encourage connectivity and engagement with the European Union, particularly for school students, is clearly of significant value. Such initiatives provide students with unique opportunities for personal and academic development while creating greater awareness and understanding of the EU and Ireland's role in it. These initiative also reinforce Ireland’s role as an active and engaged Member State. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade promotes several initiatives to engage young people with the EU.
At primary school level, the Blue Star programme informs students about Ireland’s engagement with Europe, through classroom projects and activities. Schools are encouraged to organise an event to celebrate Europe Day on or around 9 May.? The programme is available through Irish, as Clár na Réalta Goirme. Some 351 schools, with over 23,000 pupils are participating in this year’s programme.
The Communicating Europe Initiative provides financial support, including to schools, to raise awareness of the EU’s role and its impact on everyday life. The initiative encourages schools to integrate EU-related themes into their curricula, engage in project-based learning, and connect with the EU institutions. This funding plays a crucial role in ensuring that students gain a deeper understanding of the EU and its values, helping to foster an informed and engaged generation of future EU citizens.
The Careers for EU Strategy includes awareness-raising at second level; ensuring that students are informed about the opportunities available to them within the EU, both in terms of education and employment. Highlighting the benefits of EU engagement and early awareness of EU career pathways, empowers young people to make more informed decisions about their futures and to see themselves as active participants in the EU.
These initiatives not only enhance educational outcomes, but also play a crucial role in helping to build a future generation of well informed and engaged European citizens.
194. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that a person (details supplied) and Jewish Holocaust survivors, experts and over 100 civil society groups urge world leaders against the adaptation of the IHRA’s definition due to blurring of the distinction of criticisms of the state of Israeli and antisemitism; and if he will scrap the adaptation of the IHRA definition of antisemitism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/25]
View answerThe decision to endorse the non-legally binding IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism followed detailed consideration over a number of years within the Department of Foreign Affairs and consultation with relevant Government Departments. All relevant information was taken into account in making this decision, including voices critical of the definition.
We have viewed with concern, the well-documented rise in antisemitism, which has been taking place globally, online and offline, in recent years. The decision to endorse the IHRA definition was taken in this context and in response to concerns raised by Ireland’s Jewish communities. The decision also fulfils commitments in this respect set out in the EU Council Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combatting Antisemitism, adopted in October 2024. Endorsement of the IHRA Definition brings Ireland in line with all other EU member states in this regard.
Ireland’s longstanding commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the protection and promotion of human rights will not be affected by this endorsement.
The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism is a non-legally binding working definition that explicitly states that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic. This initiative is a guidance tool intended to address genuine antisemitism and not political or policy positions critical of the actions of the Government of Israel. Ireland’s position on this is clear.
195. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the possible impact of US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15337/25]
View answerSince taking office, I have met and spoken with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, and we have established a very cordial and productive working relationship.
Officials from my Department are also in ongoing contact with officials in the NIO and in the Northern Ireland Executive, and we have a number of channels of communication for discussing any issues that arise.
On the specific issue of US tariffs, as the Deputy will be aware, US global tariffs have already been levied on aluminium and steel products, and further global tariffs on cars and car parts have just been announced. Given that these are global tariffs, they apply equally to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and to the EU.
The situation as regards any additional tariffs which may be imposed by the US administration, however, remains unclear. It is not possible at this juncture to say where, and how, they would impact.
Officials from my Department remain in ongoing contact with the NIO and with the Executive Office and we will continue to monitor developments very closely and to consult with other concerned parties as appropriate.
196. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to provide more effective services to and build relationships with the diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15504/25]
View answerThe Government remains committed to supporting Irish people abroad and maintaining strong relationships with the Irish diaspora.
Our current diaspora strategy expires at the end of this year. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, work is already underway to develop a new Diaspora Strategy. This will include an extensive consultation process to hear the views of Irish communities overseas and key stakeholders both at home and abroad.
The primary tool for the implementation of the Strategy is the Emigrant Support Programme, which, since its establishment in 20024, has seen more than €250 million in grants awarded to 850 charitable and Irish community organisations in 51 countries.
In 2025, €16,493,000 will be granted in support of strengthening ties with the diaspora and our communities overseas.
The majority of the funding - some 60% - is granted to frontline welfare service providers working with elderly Irish emigrants, and others who are marginalised. We fund counselling and outreach services, and projects that address social isolation and actively improve the wellbeing of Irish people.
We also support groups working with members of the travelling community and survivors of institutional abuse. In the US, we work with communities and the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres to support those impacted by changes in immigration policy.
In addition to our vital community care work, the Emigrant Support Programme also supports initiatives that promote ties to Ireland, assist newly arrived immigrants, nurture our culture and heritage and deepen sporting, trade and education links.
All of these programmes makes a real difference every day.
The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad coordinates and oversees the implementation of diaspora policy. The Committee also focusses on supporting Irish people abroad who wish to return to Ireland.
As Chair of the Committee, I will drive work across Government to ensure our relationship with the global Irish is a dynamic one that responds to their needs.
199. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements with the government of Turkey in relation to the escalating situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15546/25]
View answerI am very concerned by recent developments in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with other public figures, members of the press and civil society representatives. Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have raised these concerns directly with senior Turkish officials.
As a member of the Council of Europe, and an EU candidate country, it is essential that Turkish authorities respect the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Ireland has consistently made clear our concerns about human rights backsliding in Türkiye, including in relation to the implementation of rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. We have raised the topic at both bilateral meetings and in multilateral fora.
Reports of restrictions on the press and social media are an on-going concern; the right to freedom of expression should not be compromised. We also take note of the sizeable protests that are taking place across Türkiye. The ability to protest peacefully is a fundamental right, and we urge all parties to avoid escalatory actions and refrain from acts of violence. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is keeping its travel advice for Türkiye under review, in light of the potential for further protests.
We continue to monitor the situation, and reiterate the importance of fundamental rights for all democratic societies in our engagements with the Government of Türkiye.
200. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has been briefed regarding ReArm Europe plans following the European council recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15459/25]
View answerRussia’s aggression against Ukraine has changed the European security environment dramatically. Considered analysis of existing threats by our European partners is based not only on the experience of Ukraine in Europe, but of recent hybrid attacks on EU countries. These include attacks on critical infrastructure like transport and energy, cyberattacks and electoral interference.
In this context, Ireland needs to take our own security and defence, and our responsibility towards our like-minded partners seriously, and it is very clear that no state acting alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging security challenges.
While there are no plans to alter our policy of military neutrality, the new Programme for Government, recommits to the major transformation and modernisation programme underway for the Irish Defence Forces, which includes urgent capability development. Ireland has already seen significant increases in our own national defence spending in the past few years, which has allowed us to procure much needed capabilities.
Proposals from the EU such as those in the EU White Paper for European Defence, as well as those set out by President von der Leyen under the ReArm Europe Plan, may provide assistance to Ireland in achieving further progress.
The ReArm Europe Plan is part of the White Paper on European Defence - “Readiness 2030”, which was published on 19 March. Under its proposals, Member States will be able to boost defence spending through a new EU financial instrument, SAFE (Security and Action for Europe), which will provide Member States with up to €150 billion of loans guaranteed by the EU budget headroom. This will help Member States to boost their defence capabilities through common procurement. It will also activate the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, and also support the European Investment Bank Group in widening the scope of its lending to defence and security projects and accelerating the Savings and Investment Union to mobilise private capital.
Since its publication, Member States have had the opportunity to discuss the White Paper/ReArm Europe at the European Council on 20 March, and also at official level in Council Preparatory bodies.
Whilst a decision on formal proposals is not yet required, Ireland plans to take a constructive approach to the proposals outlined in the ReArm Europe initiative, which we believe will assist Member States to fund White Paper objectives. It is a further opportunity for the EU to demonstrate a credible and unified approach in taking responsibility for our own defence, whilst also stepping up our collective efforts to support Ukraine in the short term, and ensure its strategic autonomy to defend itself in the long term.
I will engage with our European partners to progress this discussion over the coming months, as we work together to ensure that our collective decision on the way ahead respects the security and defence policies of all Member States - including those, like Ireland, who are militarily neutral - whilst addressing our critical and pressing capability gaps.
