Written Answers Nos. 230-245
230. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of people employed in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU for each of the past five years; the number of vacant posts, for each of the past five years; and the average staffing level for each European country’s Permanent Representation office to the EU. [15376/25]
View answerThe number of staff serving at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union as of 1st January for each of the years 2021 to 2025 is set out below in tabular form.
The rise in the numbers serving from 2025 reflects preparations for the 2026 Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Vacancies in the Permanent Representation are kept to a minimum duration. There are currently no longstanding vacancies.
Further detail on the individual roles and functions of staff serving in the Permanent Representation is available on my Department’s website www.ireland.ie/en/eu/brussels/about/staff/
Details of the average staffing in the Permanent Representations to the European Union of other European countries are not held by my Department.
|
Year (1st January) |
Number of staff |
|
2021 |
98 |
|
2022 |
104 |
|
2023 |
99 |
|
2024 |
108 |
|
2025 |
126 |
231. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagements with the government of Pakistan and its embassy regarding the arbitrary detention of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15397/25]
View answerI am aware of a number of arrests that were made by authorities in the province of Balochistan, in south-west Pakistan, in recent days and of the ongoing unrest in this region which has witnessed violent insurgencies and political and ethnic conflict in recent years.
Ireland, through our Embassy in Islamabad, continues to monitor closely developments in the region and has engaged with both the EU Delegation and like-minded partners in Pakistan regarding the most appropriate response and representations to authorities.
Our commitment to the promotion and protection of universal human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process, remains clear. Ireland engages regularly with Pakistan on political and human rights issues in the country, at both bilateral and multilateral level.
Human rights is also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue. Various concerns were raised at the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights during the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in November 2024. Human rights also feature prominently in trade discussions, most notably ensuring the implementation of international human rights conventions linked to the trade preferences afforded to Pakistan under the GSP+ scheme.
My Department, through our Embassy in Islamabad, will continue to monitor the evolving situation, along with our like-minded Partners and the EU Delegation in Islamabad.
232. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagements with the government of Turkey and its embassy regarding the arbitrary detention of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15398/25]
View answerI am very concerned by recent events in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with many members of the press and civil society representatives. Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have in recent days raised these concerns directly at senior levels in Türkiye. We have emphasised the need for the Government of Türkiye to respect fundamental, democratic values.
As a member of the Council of Europe, and an EU candidate country, it is incumbent upon the Turkish authorities to respect the fundamental principles of democracy and rule of law. Restrictions on access to social media, and reported arrests of journalists covering the protests are very worrying, and contrary to the European values to which the Government of Türkiye has committed.
Officials in my Department are monitoring the situation in Türkiye closely, and keeping travel advice for Irish citizens under review.
233. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering that Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that civilian hospitals may in no circumstances be the object of attack, and considering the attack on Nasser Hospital and other healthcare centres, the actions the Government are taking in diplomatic engagements to ensure compliance with Article 18, to secure the safety of Irish medical personnel and hold accountable those violating this principle through international legal mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/25]
View answer234. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering Article 20 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that medical personnel must be respected and protected in all circumstances, and taking into account the very difficult position faced by medical and nursing personnel in the Palestinian Nasser Hospital, which was subject to bombardment, the specific diplomatic or legal measures Ireland is pursuing to demand adherence to Article 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15410/25]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the negative trajectory of the situation on the ground in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel over recent weeks. This remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, 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.
It is also central to my engagement with EU partners. I welcome that the HR/VP conveyed a clear message to both Israel and Arab partners during her recent visit to the region. In particular, the call for the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, including the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza was a timely and important message conveyed jointly by the HR/VP and Arab and Islamic partners following their meeting on 23 March.
Compliance with international law is also central to Ireland’s approach at EU and international level. 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. Under international humanitarian law, Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population there are met. Hospitals and health facilities, medical and humanitarian personnel, must be protected.
There must be accountability for all violations of international law, irrespective of the party, and this includes Hamas and the violations for which it is responsible.
235. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering that Article 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention requires that an occupying power ensure adequate food and medical supplies for civilians, and given that reports from Gaza describe a near-total blockade of medical aid, the steps Ireland is taking to demand full access for humanitarian and medical aid and support the establishment of a humanitarian corridor for safe medical evacuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15411/25]
View answerThe scale of humanitarian need in Gaza is enormous, and this has been accentuated by interruptions in the flow of aid and the wider disruption caused by the conflict. Ireland is engaging actively at Ministerial and official level with the EU and with UN partners, focusing on the need to continue to press for unhindered humanitarian access. At the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the Tánaiste expressed grave concern about the catastrophic situation and underlined the EU’s call for full access for humanitarian aid.
Ireland has provided over €84 million in support of the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023. The most efficient way to support the people of Gaza has been through UNRWA which has been the backbone of the humanitarian response.
With our core funding of €20 million for 2025, UNRWA continues to deliver assistance in accordance with its mandate, including psychological support to over 300,000 children, as well as other health and education interventions. We have also been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross. We have also supplied over 116 tonnes of relief goods through our Rapid Response Initiative.
Government approval was secured in 2024 for Ireland to evacuate up to 30 sick children from Gaza for treatment and care. December saw the arrival of 8 children, and their family members, for treatment in Ireland having been evacuated via Egypt, under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Department of Health and the HSE continue to engage with the World Health Organisation and EU to provide for further missions.
The Government has repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. Under international humanitarian law, Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population are met.
We need an urgent end to hostilities and urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
236. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering that a disproportionate number of children have been injured and killed in Gaza due to airstrikes, the specific measures the Government is pursuing to protect injured children and ensure their access to medical care, and push for an immediate halt to actions that result in mass child casualties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15412/25]
View answerAt the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, I attended and opened an event hosted by Save the Children in my capacity as Taoiseach. The event was addressed by a number of children from Gaza, who shared shocking and heart-breaking stories of the situation on the ground.
I can assure the Deputy that the plight of children in Gaza and across Palestine remains a key priority for me and for my Department, including in light of the resumed Israeli airstrikes and ground operation, which have brought fresh suffering to the people of Gaza and have breached the ceasefire.
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, including the release of remaining hostages and the resumption of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
A further pillar of the Government’s response is our support to the immediate humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, as well as working with the Palestinian Authority to support its efforts to reform and build its institutional capacity. Ireland has provided over €84 million in support of the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023. The most efficient way to support the people of Gaza has been through UNRWA which has been the backbone of the humanitarian response.
With our core funding of €20 million for 2025, UNRWA continues to deliver assistance in accordance with its mandate, including psychological support to over 300,000 children, as well as other health and education interventions. We have also been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross. In addition, we have supplied over 116 tonnes of relief goods through our Rapid Response Initiative.
Our response also includes practical supports and solutions. Government approval was secured in 2024 for Ireland to evacuate up to 30 sick children from Gaza for treatment and care. December saw the arrival of 8 children, and their family members, for treatment in Ireland having been evacuated via Egypt, under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Department of Health and the HSE continue to engage with the World Health Organisation and EU to provide for further missions.
Compliance with international law is also central to Ireland’s approach at EU and international level. 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.
On 6 January, Ireland filed a Declaration of Intervention at the International Court of Justice in South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention. A Declaration of Intervention was also filed in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar on 20 December 2024. The purpose of both interventions is for Ireland to set out the factors it considers relevant in assessing whether a State has properly fulfilled its obligations under the Convention. The situation of children and young adults was a key focus of both interventions.
237. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to confirm that his Department are in contact with Irish medical professionals and other volunteers in Gaza; how often this contact is made; the measures in place to ensure the safety of these citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15413/25]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides assistance to Irish citizens overseas in line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter.
Through our Embassies in the region, my Department is in contact with many of the humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza. In most cases, their 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.
238. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recourse open to Ireland should a review of Israel's human rights obligations under the EU Israel Association Agreement not be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/25]
View answerThe EU-Israel Association Agreement provides that the relations between the parties will be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which constitute an 'essential element' of that Agreement.
In principle, if the EU and its Member States formed a view that there is a serious and persistent violation of the requirement to respect human rights as an essential element of the Association Agreement and that the situation is one of special urgency, it could seek to rely on Article 79 to suspend the agreement in whole or in part.
In doing so, there is a requirement to prioritise those measures which least disturb the functioning of the agreement. A Council Decision would be required to suspend an Association Agreement, with unanimity likely to be the applicable voting rule.
In November 2024, then High Representative, Josep Borrell, updated the Council on a legal assessment of Israel’s respect of human rights and international law. Against this background, Foreign Ministers discussed the proposal of the High Representative to suspend the political dialogue between the EU and Israel under the Association Agreement. This proposal did not achieve political consensus.
Ireland will continue to advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I welcome that at the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the European Union clearly recalled Article 2 of the Association Agreement at the outset of its statement.
Furthermore, the EU-Israel Association Agreement must, in the Government’s view, be interpreted and applied in accordance with the obligations of the EU and its Member States under international law. These obligations have been clarified by the International Court of Justice in its recent advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
239. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions have begun on the appointment of the new Irish Ambassador to the United States. [15476/25]
View answer240. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has ever been given around political appointees as Ambassadors. [15477/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
The legislative framework for diplomatic relations is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, an international treaty that provides a framework for diplomatic relations between States. The Vienna Convention was ratified by Ireland in 1967 and incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.
Irish ambassadors to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Ireland has a successful tradition of a non-political civil service whose mission is based on the principles of integrity, impartiality, effectiveness, equity and accountability.
Ireland has consistently demonstrated its capacity to exert influence and make a distinctive contribution on pressing issues such as peace and reconciliation on this island, leadership within the European Union and UN multilateral bodies, services for our diaspora and consular care as well as in the delivery of an excellent programme of international development. The women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that are appointed as ambassadors, acting under the direction of the Minister and Government of the day, have played a decisive role in these efforts.
Assignments as ambassador are drawn from existing officials and I do not propose to change a system that has contributed to Ireland’s very strong international reputation.
In considering the nomination of ambassadors, a range of factors are taken into account including current political, economic and trade priorities as well as an official’s skills and experience for the role. These factors will all be considered when considering the nomination of all ambassadors, including the next Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.
241. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to appoint special envoys to the US for trade, culture and other shared interests between Ireland and the US. [15478/25]
View answerOngoing and strategic political engagement with the United States is a top priority for this Government. This is reflected in my Department’s ‘Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025’ which aims to consolidate, deepen and expand the partnership between Ireland and the United States.
The Programme for Government published earlier this year also places emphasis on the unique significance of the transatlantic relationship. It commits to enhance our diplomatic presence, with particular attention to Southern States. It aims to build connections with State legislatures. Other actions include boosting our EI and IDA staffing levels, and ensuring we have the expertise to maximise opportunities in strategically important sectors.
We have a very strong diplomatic network across the United States. The opening of our Consulate General in Miami in 2022 brought our diplomatic footprint to nine missions. In recent weeks, this network supported 9 members of the Government, myself included, in leading and delivering highly impactful Saint Patrick’s Day Programmes across the United States. All year round, they work to support the remarkable political and economic links between Ireland and the U.S.
Our States agencies also have a strong presence, working closely with the diplomatic network. In Austin, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, they do so under one roof as part of an Ireland House. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Screen Ireland, Culture Ireland and Tourism Ireland all play an important role in deepening our transatlantic partnership. Team Ireland is complimented by two specialist Cultural Officers, one on the East Coast and one on the West.
I am pleased that our new Talent and Innovation Attachés are taking up duty in Boston and San Francisco shortly. This is an important aspect of the Governments Global Citizens 2030 Strategy which I launched when I was Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
We are ambitious about deepening our relationship with the United States, even at this moment of economic uncertainty, and will ensure that our network has the resources necessary to meet this task.
I have no plans to appoint Special Envoys to the US. The appointment of any Special Envoys in my Department would of course be subject to the process for the approval of Special Envoys approved by Government in November 2021.
242. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport application (details supplied) can be escalated as the application has passed the target issue date and the applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15573/25]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this is a paper application which was received on 27 January 2025. The Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 7 March 2025. The final set of further supporting documents were received from the applicant on 13 March 2025. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
244. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is considering prohibiting the use of Shannon Airport by the United States military given the recent threats by President Trump to remove Palestinians from Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6082/25]
View answerSuccessive governments have made landing facilities available at a number of Irish airports to the United States and other foreign militaries for well over 50 years. Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation. This policy is well known and fully understood by the United States and other international partners.
The United States made an important contribution to securing the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Together with the other mediators Egypt and Qatar, the US remains a key player in pressing the parties to return to the table to resume the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
Ireland, the European Union and international partners have been consistently clear that there can be no forced displacement of the civilian population of Gaza, nor occupation of the strip by Israel.
Any move to relocate the population of Gaza against its will would be contrary to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 of 10 June 2024, which rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip.
Ireland’s position on the Middle East is clear and will always form part of our foreign policy dialogue with the United States, as it does with other partners.
Ireland's approach at EU and international level remains grounded in the belief that the only just and sustainable peaceful solution, for both Palestinians and Israelis, is a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
245. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 11 February 2025, the actions taken arising from his follow-up to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/25]
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.
