Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
28. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions being taken or anticipated against Belarus in relation to an aircraft (details supplied) that was grounded in Minsk in May 2021 [72730/25]
View answer29. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the conclusion of Irish complaints in relation to the detention of an aircraft (details supplied) that was grounded in Minsk in May 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72731/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
The Government strongly condemned the coercive forced landing of Ryanair flight FR4978 en route from Athens to Vilnius by Belarusian authorities on 23 May 2021 to enable them detain a Belarusian journalist and another passenger.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) investigated the incident and concluded in July 2022 that the Government of Belarus had committed an act of unlawful interference in breach of international aviation law concerning the forced landing of Flight FR4978 in Minsk on 23 May 2021.
The EU and its Member States, together with other international partners, took measures in response to this serious and irresponsible act, banning Belarusian carriers from European airspace and airports. The EU also adopted sanctions against the individuals and entities involved in the forced landing of the aircraft and a substantial package of sectoral measures in this context.
The Government continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the OSCE and at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine.
