Written Answers Nos. 142-162
142. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the significance from an EU perspective of recently reported chat group conversations by members of the US administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15191/25]
View answerI am aware of reports of the discussion by senior US administration officials via a commercial messaging app of sensitive information in respect of US military action in Yemen. The US administration has confirmed that these reports are accurate.
I know that this incident is the subject of ongoing engagement by the relevant Congressional committees in the US and those discussions continue.
This is a time of complexity in the EU-US relationship, including in respect of trade and tariffs and in relation to wider transatlantic security cooperation. Ireland has consistently supported a close transatlantic relationship, across all areas of cooperation between Europe and the US, including around international security policy.
143. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the allegations of human rights abuses being suffered by workers from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, and the immense damage being done to the surrounding areas and its indigenous people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/25]
View answerIreland has a longstanding and excellent relationship with Colombia. Support for the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is central to Ireland’s engagement, alongside our role as guarantor in the talks with FARC dissidents Estado Mayor (EM) under the Colombian Government’s Total Peace policy.
Ireland has provided over €25 million to support peacebuilding and the promotion of human rights in Colombia since 2016. Our support focusses on dialogue and participation, human rights and gender, environmental protection and achieving peace dividends.
I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by the Deputy and by some civil society organisations around the operation of this mine. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of Ireland in Bogotá have had regular contact with all relevant stakeholders in order to gain a greater understanding of the circumstances, recognising that the issues at play are complex.
The Embassy has visited the region where the mine is located, as well as the mine itself, on several occasions. Officials have interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, local authorities, and the management of the mine.
Ireland plays an active role in supporting the promotion and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in Colombia, engaging with the country’s vibrant civil society organisations on a regular basis. Addressing social, land-related and environmental issues is an essential component of Colombia’s peace process.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department and the Irish Embassy in Bogotá will continue to monitor the human rights situation in La Guajira region and across Colombia.
147. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict put forward by former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Authority foreign minister Nasser al-Kidwa, and if he will make a statement on measures for the long-term stability of the region. [15192/25]
View answer197. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with EU counterparts in relation to the Peace Plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict put forward by former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Authority foreign minister Nasser al-Kidwa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15333/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 197 together.
Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.
We are especially conscious of the need to build support from the ground up in both Israel and Palestine, in addition to advancing a political track at international level. Ireland is fully engaged on both fronts.
We continue to support the peace-building and reconciliation efforts of organisations focused on the Israeli-Palestinian context, including through sharing Ireland's experience of peace and reconciliation with relevant partners.
With regard to the plan for a two-State solution put forward by former Prime Minister Olmert and former Minister al-Kidwa, officials from my Department have been engaging with their respective offices in relation to this initiative. In addition, a senior official from my Department engaged directly with Mr Olmert and Mr al-Kidwa in Brussels in advance of the Foreign Affairs Council in November last year and we remain open to further engagement.
In parallel, Ireland is working with international partners to step up our efforts to implement the two-State solution, including through meetings of the ‘Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’. Ireland is centrally involved in the work of the Global Alliance, the most recent meeting of which took place in Cairo in February.
Ireland is committed to using all the tools at our disposal - political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian - in response to this dreadful conflict.
148. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update in relation to the Government’s Trade Forum and the efforts that are underway to preserve Ireland’s two-way relationship in trade between the United States and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15527/25]
View answer169. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if will report on the most recent meeting of the Government Trade Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15335/25]
View answer182. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the frequency of meetings of the Government Trade Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15211/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 169 and 182 together.
As a small, highly globalised economy, it is of the utmost importance that we maintain a strategic focus on the international trading environment.
In February, the Government agreed to my proposal to establish the Trade Forum, with the aim of providing a vehicle to directly engage with key stakeholders across Government and business, on the latest and emerging trade and investment developments.
In line with transfer in responsibilities for trade policy to my Department in the Programme for Government, I chair the Forum. Officials from my Department provide the Secretariat. We have had two meetings of the Forum to date.
The Forum will meet regularly, at least every eight weeks, and more frequently as required in response to current issues. The inaugural meeting took place on 26 February. A second meeting took place 21 March to consider recent developments in the EU – US trading relationship. A further meeting will take place in April.
The meeting on 21 March was convened in light of developments in the EU-US trading relationship. I updated the Forum, including on my recent engagements with the EU Trade Commissioner and other EU Trade Ministers. The Minister for Finance presented a comprehensive economic analysis that underscored the effects that tariffs could potentially have on Irish economic growth, the Multinational Enterprise sector, and employment levels. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss relevant aspects of the Saint Patrick’s Day engagements undertaken by both Government and many of the stakeholders.
It was also an opportunity for those of us in Government to listen to views of the business sector on latest developments as all parties take stock of recent developments and consider next steps.
Membership of the Forum includes Ministers and senior officials from other relevant departments, and senior business and sectoral representatives, including from relevant business representative groups and organisations, and senior leadership from the state agencies.
I have directed officials in my Department to develop a comprehensive work programme to be elaborated in close consultation with the Forum members and this work is currently underway. The work programme is likely to include sectoral, regional and thematic items, considering the entirety of Ireland’s trading relationships.
Alongside engagement with domestic stakeholders, the Government has actively engaged with senior political and business figures in the US in recent months.
Over St. Patrick's Day nine Government Ministers participated in official Saint Patrick’s Day programmes across 15 States, including my own visit to Pennsylvania and New York. I have also spoken with both U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, I have also established a US-based Strategic Economic Advisory Panel. This Panel is bringing together a small number of very senior US-based business people, to provide their analysis and perspectives to the Government regarding the challenges and opportunities in our economic relationship with the US. They can also assist us in ensuring that our message, on the mutually beneficial Ireland-US economic relationship, is well understood and communicated.
In these discussions, we have highlighted the mutually beneficial two-way nature of the Ireland-US and EU trade and investment relationship which creates prosperity and jobs for large numbers of people on both sides of the Atlantic. We have also made clear our strong view that disrupting this deeply integrated relationship with tariffs benefits no-one.
152. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if artificial intelligence innovation will be a key theme of Ireland’s EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15526/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are progressing across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department in close cooperation with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with input from all Departments across Government.
My Department is currently taking forward initial work, in consultation with other Government Departments, to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This will be developed against the background of the Strategic Agenda for the Union for 2024-29, adopted by the European Council in June 2024, and the initial work programme of the new European Commission, published in February 2025. Both documents highlight the value of building improved EU capacity in key future technologies.
The development of our policy programme will also, of course, be shaped by our own priorities in relation to the EU. We are consulting with other EU Member States and the EU institutions as the process of programme development continues. We will also ensure that relevant stakeholders in Ireland, including both business and civil society representatives, are consulted. This will help to ensure that the programme addresses issues of national importance.
The evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through successive upcoming Presidencies will also have a bearing on the definition of specific priorities to be taken forward by the Irish Presidency in 2026, and our programme and priorities are expected to be finalised shortly before the start of the Presidency in mid-2026.
Overall, our policy priorities for the Irish Presidency will reflect the areas in which it is judged by the Government that Ireland can make the most significant and effective contribution to the advancement of a positive policy agenda for the Union and its citizens. This principle will also inform our work with partners to develop the overarching 18-month Trio Presidency programme covering the Presidencies of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece.
153. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements with the EU-Israel Association Council, following the recent meeting of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15545/25]
View answerThe EU-Israel Association Council took place in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 February. The Association Council provided an opportunity for full and frank engagement with Israel on issues of concern, on the wider EU-Israel relationship and for the delivery of key messages at a critical moment for Israel, Palestine and the region. The meeting was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar.
I welcome that, following intensive discussions at working level, an EU statement was agreed for this meeting, enabling the EU to speak with once voice on urgent and pressing issues, such as calling for the ceasefire and hostage release deal to be fully implemented to allow all the hostages to be released, and to ensure a permanent end to hostilities; rejecting any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in Gaza; condemning the further escalation in the West Bank; calling for full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip; condemning any attempt to obstruct UNRWA’s capacity to operate its mandate and; reaffirming the EU’s unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace on the basis of the two-State solution.
In my intervention, I underlined that each of the EU’s bilateral relationships must be grounded in respect for international law and our fundamental principles. I reiterated Ireland's condemnation of Hamas and its terror attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, and urged that the ceasefire and hostage release deal be implemented in all its phases. I welcomed the release of hostages to date, and called for all hostages to be returned to their families. I expressed grave concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and underlined the EU’s call for full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. I made clear that the EU rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip and stresses the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. I called attention to the EU’s strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and activities, and to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-State solution, including extremist settler violence. I also underlined that UNRWA is indispensable to the provision of services in the immediate term and expressed concern about legislation that has the effect of preventing UNRWA fulfill its vital mandate and undermining fundamental rights and freedoms, including the proposed NGO Taxation Bill.
154. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues surrounding triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15538/25]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Bill which will govern overseas deployments of members of the Defence Forces was agreed by Cabinet on 4th March last, and the pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) process will commence once the Oireachtas Committees are established. That scrutiny process takes approximately eight working weeks (excludes Easter and other holiday periods) and will provide the Oireachtas Committee with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders. Any amendments to the legislation will be in keeping with our values and policy of military neutrality.
155. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action that is planned to step up pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions and by strengthening the enforcement of existing measures, including further means and measures to counter its circumvention, in order to weaken its ability to continue waging its war of aggression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/25]
View answerIreland has consistently supported strong sanctions against Russia in response to its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The scale and speed of the sanctions adopted by the EU in response to Russia’s brutal aggression has been unprecedented, with over 2,400 individuals and entities now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. A broad range of sectoral sanctions have been put in place, including measures targeting Russia’s military, technology, transport and energy sectors. These measures are having an impact, making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and generate revenue to pay for its illegal war.
I welcomed the adoption of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia last month. The 16th package includes further sectoral restrictive measures and actions to combat circumvention and limit Russia’s energy revenues, including measures targeting the Russian shadow fleet.
It is critical that the sanctions we have adopted remain in place to exert maximum pressure on Russia. The lifting of sanctions should not occur while Russia continues its war of aggression.
We will continue to work closely with EU partners to support further sanctions measures that can exert maximum pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression.
156. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken in response to Israel denying a European Union delegation access to the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15505/25]
View answerI am aware that members of a European Parliament delegation undertaking an official programme were refused access to Israel. Lynn Boylan MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Palestine, has written to me about the experience of the delegation and is in contact with my officials.
My officials have raised the experience of the European Parliament delegation with the EU Delegations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It will be important to ascertain more details about what happened, including clarifications from the Israeli authorities.
I reiterate that diplomatic and political contacts are essential at this critical time in the region.
Members of the European Parliament are directly elected representatives of the citizens of the EU, and it is essential that democratic institutions are seen to reflect citizens’ concerns. This includes carrying out official travel on fact-finding missions or other visits which contribute to shaping the European Parliament’s external relations. MEPs as well as Parliament officials should therefore, where possible, be facilitated in undertaking such travel.
158. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement that has taken place with the British government in relation to the repeal of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15429/25]
View answer179. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagement to date with his UK counterparts in relation to legacy issues in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15458/25]
View answer180. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussion with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland in relation to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15454/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 179 and 180 together.
I have been clear that the UK Legacy Act, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. At the same time, in addressing the legacy of the Troubles, I know there is a need to develop fit-for-purpose mechanisms to seek truth and justice for victims and their families. We have committed to work towards this in the Programme for Government.
Intensive and constructive work has been ongoing since last autumn, at both official and political level, between the two governments to determine if we can find adequate common ground to move forward together.
On 24 January, in my first call with the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, on taking office, we expressed our shared commitment to making progress on legacy. I had a positive and substantive meeting with the Secretary of State in Dublin on 26 February, primarily focused on legacy issues. This was followed by a further discussion with the Secretary of State on legacy on the margins of the Ireland-UK Summit in Liverpool on 7 March.
I have also emphasised the need to develop a framework that is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and commands the confidence of survivors and victims’ families. On the latter point, I met in February with Northern Ireland victims’ and survivors’ groups to hear their perspectives on legacy matters. I would like to express my gratitude to them and to all who continue to advocate on behalf of those who suffered terrible trauma and loss during the Troubles.
I have also discussed the Omagh Bombing Inquiry with the Secretary of State. I have emphasised the Government’s commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. This includes facilitating and supporting the work of the Inquiry.
On reform of the UK Legacy Act, differences remain. However, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, Hilary Benn and I agree that we make the greatest progress when our two governments work together, and we are both eager to try to find a workable way forward.
I look forward to meeting the Secretary of State again later this month at the upcoming British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and continuing this work.
159. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his engagement to date, and the details of further engagements planned with the United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick; if the trade imbalance between the US and Ireland were and will be discussed in the future given the escalating tariff risks between the EU and the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15500/25]
View answer171. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent conversation with the US secretary of commerce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15452/25]
View answer229. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his phone call discussion with US Commerce Secretary (details supplied) on 24 March 2025; whether the Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 was mentioned during that phone call; and, if so, the discussions regarding the bill. [15356/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159, 171 and 229 together.
I had a productive first call with United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday 24 March. This was an important opportunity to engage with Secretary Lutnick, a key figure in the administration with wide responsibility for matters of trade and commerce. This conversation was focused on the approach of the new US Administration, in advance of the anticipated introduction of further tariffs on the EU by President Trump on 2 April.
I took the opportunity to update the Secretary on developments in relation to Ireland’s economy, including taxation policy. I underlined the mutually beneficial nature of the economic relationship between the U.S and Ireland, including for US companies using Ireland as a gateway to the European market. We discussed the 200,000 Americans now directly employed by Irish companies across all 50 States and Ireland’s status as the 6th largest source of foreign direct investment into the U.S. We exchanged views on trade policy and tariffs, and we agreed to engage further.
Just before I spoke to Secretary Lutnick, I had a useful exchange with Commissioner Sefcovic, who was in Washington last week for meetings with senior figures in the US administration with responsibility for trade. The EU stands ready to find a negotiated solution with the US and I fully support Commissioner Sefcovic's efforts in this regard.
My view on tariffs is clear. They are economically counterproductive, disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains, drive inflation, and hurt consumers. Intensive discussions are underway at EU level on a potential response. While the Commission has confirmed its intention to publish a list of possible counter measures immediately upon the imposition of tariffs, there will be a further period of discussion amongst member states before a final decision on countermeasures is made. In addition there will be a further period between a decision on countermeasures being taken at EU level and the implementation of these measures, providing further space for negotiation and discussion.
In an uncertain global economic environment, Ireland and the EU will continue focus on factors that we can control, including improving our competitiveness and investing in infrastructure as well as reacting strongly in European interests.
160. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the meetings he has engaged in with international organisations, including the United Nations and the European Union, concerning the appalling atrocities inflicted on innocent people in Gaza. [15576/25]
View answer201. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his Department’s engagements following the recent breaking of the ceasefire by the Israeli government. [15548/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 201 together.
Both I and my officials interact with a wide variety of international partners on the Middle East which remains a priority for this Government.
Ireland’s engagement is guided by our longstanding and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution.
The situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East formed an important part of my engagements at the Munich Security Conference in February, where I met with a number of global leaders and policy makers including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, the Foreign Minister of Jordan and the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini.
In the current context, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a standing agenda point on the Foreign Affairs Council enabling me and my officials to exchange with our EU partners on this key priority on a monthly basis. At the Foreign Affairs Council in March, Ireland reiterated our call for the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and the further release of hostages. Ireland also called attention to the extremely concerning situation in the West Bank.
In this context, I welcome that the EU’s High-Level Dialogue with the Palestinian Authority will be held directly after the Foreign Affairs Council in April. The dialogue will provide a high-level forum for political exchange and an opportunity to express the EU's support for the Palestinian Authority.
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. Our focus must also be on the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale, and the release of the remaining hostages.
Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.
We are working with international partners to step up our efforts to implement the two-State solution, including through meetings of the ‘Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’, which was founded at UN High Level Week last year and has met several times since then. It most recently met last month in Cairo.
Ireland is using all the tools at our disposal - political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian - in response to this dreadful conflict.
