Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
170. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of governments , including most recently the government of the Netherlands have moved to accept that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution to the Saharan dispute; if in this regard the Government is reviewing its current position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71715/25]
View answerIreland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Ireland’s engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continuously keep any relevant developments under review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
On 31 October, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is considering the implications of the MINURSO mandate renewal following its adoption.
Officials at the Headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
