Written Answers Nos. 1-5
1. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Taoiseach his Department’s engagement on the preparation of a national security strategy; when he expects this strategy to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52270/25]
View answerThe Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.
The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues and it will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats, and including implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Earlier this year, I established the Ministerial National Security Council, which comprises me as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments over the coming months, including the finalisation of the draft National Security Strategy.
2. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the protocols, guidelines or legislation in place to govern the use and display of the national flag; and his views on whether amendments are needed [52313/25]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has general responsibility in relation to the National Flag. This responsibility is primarily concerned with the guidelines for the flying of the National Flag. The Department’s role, therefore, is an advisory one.
Guidelines to assist individuals in giving due respect to the National Flag are published on gov.ie. The guidelines include comprehensive information on the history and design of the National Flag as well as advice on flying and displaying the National Flag, including appropriate occasions and times for flying the National Flag and the protocol for half-masting and displaying the National Flag during times of mourning. The guidelines also include instructions for folding, hoisting, lowering, and general care and respect for the National Flag.
There are no statutory requirements, so observance of these guidelines is a matter for each individual. It is expected that the National Flag will be treated at all times with appropriate respect by those who use it. The guidelines are kept under review and are updated as needed.
3. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 10 June 2025, his views on whether the principle lesson of the Good Friday Agreement applies equally to Palestine as to Ireland, namely, that militant and paramilitary groups can come to form part of a civilian administration provided they mostly, or partially, decommission their arms, or come to some other settlement that ends a phase of violence; and, if so, to clarify his remarks that an organisation (details supplied) has ‘no place’ in a future Palestinian state on grounds that the Irish Government disapproves of its present militant activity. [52199/25]
View answerIn my previous answer, I spoke about the sharing of lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process as forming part of our international engagement, including with Israel and Palestine, on bringing about a sustainable peace based on the two-State solution.
Ireland has consistently argued that the only just and sustainable 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.
Hamas is a terrorist organisation which offers the people of Gaza no future. Hamas is listed by the European Union as a terrorist organisation, unanimously agreed by all Member States. Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas and its terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, and has consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.
The New York Declaration, the outcome document of the International Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York in July, states clearly that "In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State." The New York Declaration was endorsed by 142 UN member states in a vote at the UN General Assembly on 12 September, including Ireland which was a Co-Chair of one of the International Conference Working Groups.
Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for a revitalised Palestinian Authority. This includes regular discussions on democratic and political renewal. I was pleased to attend the first ever EU-Palestine High Level Dialogue in Luxembourg in April. The Dialogue provided an opportunity for the EU to engage directly with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. At the meeting, I welcomed the programme of reform being undertaken by the Palestinian Authority and commended progress made to date in what is an extremely challenging environment.
The importance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and democratic legitimacy, including elections, was discussed during the meeting between my predecessor, then Tánaiste Micheál Martin, when he met with President Abbas during his visit to the oPt in September 2023.
Ireland engaged actively on the issue of the conflict at the UN High Level Week in New York last week. In my remarks at the Global Alliance for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, I underlined Ireland’s support to the Palestinian Authority and our intention to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Palestine.
4. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to send observer boats to the Global Sumud Flotilla given the presence of 22 Irish citizens. [52272/25]
View answerI remain deeply concerned by reports of attacks on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and reiterate that no unlawful or violent act should be taken against those involved.
Earlier this month I issued a statement alongside 15 other Foreign Ministers to express my concern about the security of the flotilla. Alongside my counterparts, I called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
While my Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, my clear priority, and that of my Department, is to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens.
We will continue to raise our concerns in that regard through diplomatic channels. While in New York last week, I spoke directly with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and to EU counterparts about expressing our concerns in Tel Aviv and to consider what can be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those on board the flotilla. I also raised the matter publicly in my intervention at the United Nations during the Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting.
This week, I once again contacted the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas to urge the EU to collectively raise our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of all those on board.
I remain in contact with EU and international partners, including my Spanish counterpart, regarding assistance for Irish citizens affected, should that become necessary.
My officials remain in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Please be assured, Deputy, that my Department will provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.
5. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of all instances when a Head of State or Government of an EU member state visited Ireland but was not formally received by the President, the Taoiseach or the Minister for foreign affairs from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52315/25]
View answerVisits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State and Government provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests and values internationally. They contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States.
A State Visit is the highest level of official visit by a Head of State from one country to another. Invitations to foreign Heads of State to pay a State Visit to Ireland are formally extended by the President of Ireland. A State Visit includes engagement with the President and typically includes engagement with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, although the exact nature of each State Visit can vary according to circumstance.
A limited number of Official or Working Visits to Ireland by Heads of State or Government may also take place in any given year. Such visits typically do not include the same formal ceremonial elements as a State Visit, are shorter in duration, and may include a courtesy call on the President, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with variations again arising according to circumstance.
In certain other circumstances, a Foreign Head of State or Government may choose to visit Ireland in a private capacity. It is at the discretion of the foreign country concerned whether or not to formally notify the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of such a visit through their accredited Embassy. While the Department does not maintain specific records of visits of this nature, it has been made aware of four such visits to Ireland by EU Heads of State or Government since 2020. In light of their private nature, the Department is not in a position to offer further information on the visits in question.
