Written Answers Nos. 268-287
269. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps she will take to inspect US military aircraft landing in Ireland to verify the veracity of their manifest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1333/26]
View answer270. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of US military aircraft that landed in Ireland in 2023, 2024 and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1334/26]
View answer271. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of US military aircraft, that have landed in Ireland 2023, 2024 and 2025, that have been inspected in any way by her Department, or any Irish official; if she will give details of any such inspection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1336/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 to 271, inclusive, together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes monthly statistics in relation to overflights and landings of foreign military and state aircraft on the gov.ie website. The current information on the website covers the period from 2015 until December 2025. The information sought by the Deputy is included in this information on the gov.ie website. My Department will continue to publish details relating to overflights and landings on a monthly basis.
Foreign military aircraft which are given permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection in this regard. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a state may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect to another state or its property, including state and military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.
272. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps she will take to prevent ships using Irish waters, including the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, for transit, en route to Russian ports in breach of international sanctions against Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1337/26]
View answerThe Russian shadow fleet vessels present a growing risk to the environment, maritime safety and sanctions circumvention. These vessels are transporting Russian oil while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices, or supporting Russia’s energy sector, including through Irish maritime zones. Ireland supports sanctions to target the shadow fleet and limit their ability to raise revenue to fund Russia’s war.
In the 19th package of sanctions the EU introduced additional measures across the shadow fleet value chain. Specifically, the 19th package included the listing of a number of maritime registries providing false flags to shadow fleet vessels, allowing their continued operation by creating a fraudulent impression of compliance with certification requirements. An additional 117 vessels were made subject to a port access ban and a ban on the provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport, bringing the total number of designated vessels to 557. The 19th package also introduced a ban on reinsuring vessels belonging to the shadow fleet, further constraining their ability to operate. In December, Ireland welcomed the adoption of restrictive measures on a further 41 Shadow Fleet vessels. This brings the total number of vessels subject to a port access ban in the EU to over 600. A number of shadow fleet enablers were also listed at this time.
Pursuant to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the sovereignty of Ireland and all coastal states extends beyond its land territory to its territorial sea (which extends 12 nautical miles from the State’s baselines).
The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is an area of international waters beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea (extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baselines). Within the EEZ, Ireland as the coastal state has limited sovereign rights and limited jurisdiction, which relate to living and non-living resources. In the EEZ, the vessels of all states enjoy the right to freedom of navigation.
While sanctioned vessels generally continue to have the right to freedom of navigation, my officials continue to engage regularly with our partners on efforts to counter the operation of sanctioned vessels in a manner compatible with international law. In this regard, the Foreign Affairs Council at its meeting in December 2025 adopted a Declaration of the European Union and its Member States on making full use of the international law of the sea framework relating to threats from the “shadow fleet” and to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific operational matters, however, the Naval Service and Air Corps carry out ongoing Maritime Defence and Security Operations within Ireland’s territorial sea and the Irish EEZ. Any vessels transiting through these maritime zones must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps, without their innocent passage being infringed. In addition to at-sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
273. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an emergency meeting of both the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly will be called so that a ceasefire and a plan for cooperation can be put in place without delay for the people and nation of Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1376/26]
View answerThe United Nations was quick to respond to events in Venezuela on 3 January. An emergency session of the Security Council was held on 5 January where the Secretary General reiterated the need for respect, by all, for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security, the full respect of human rights, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people.
Ireland shares this view. The political future of Venezuela should be decided by the people of Venezuela alone, based on peaceful and inclusive dialogue. This is what Ireland and EU partners have consistently supported, and what we continue to support.
Ireland, working through our Embassy in Colombia, will continue to support Venezuelan refugees through the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNHCR Regional Migrant and Refugee Plan for Venezuela.
274. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to confirm if US Navy aircraft flew over Irish sovereign airspace this year; if it is still Irish policy that foreign military aircraft are not permitted to use Irish airspace while on active military operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1436/26]
View answerSpecific arrangements for the US were established in 1959, where overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements.
With regard to the specific aircraft in question, I can confirm that it did fly through Irish sovereign airspace on that date. My Department has received assurances from the US Embassy that the overflight fully met the requirements of the 1959 arrangement, and was not involved in any military operations in Irish sovereign airspace.
275. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the overflight of Ireland by a US military P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft on an active military operation on 5 January 2026 was given permission by her Department for the overflight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/26]
View answer276. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to a US military aircraft, which is reported to have flown through Irish airspace (details supplied), whether permission was granted by Irish authorities for this; if so, on what basis; if not granted the actions taken as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1587/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
Specific arrangements for the US were established in 1959, where overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements.
With regard to the specific aircraft in question, I can confirm that it did fly through Irish sovereign airspace on that date. My Department has received assurances from the US Embassy that the overflight fully met the requirements of the 1959 arrangement, and was not involved in any military operations in Irish sovereign airspace.
277. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions she will take to raise the ongoing intervention in Venezuela by the United States at EU Council level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1672/26]
View answer278. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any bi-lateral meetings she has held with her EU counterparts in relation to the ongoing intervention in Venezuela by the United States at EU Council level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1673/26]
View answer279. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any ongoing efforts to come to a united EU position in relation to the ongoing intervention in Venezuela by the United States at EU Council level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1674/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 279, inclusive, together.
Immediately following the U.S. action in Venezuela, Ireland joined 25 other EU Member States in endorsing the statement issued by the High Representative calling for the principles of international law and the UN Charter to be upheld, under all circumstances.
Together with the EU, Ireland has been consistent in our position that the only resolution to the crisis in Venezuela is through a restoration of democracy by means of peaceful and inclusive dialogue, respecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
On January 7, I met with my EU counterparts in Paris at the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, where I discussed Venezuela with my colleagues. It important that the EU can reach a united and impactful response in what is a moment of international uncertainty. The EU and its Member States will continue to prioritise discussions on the situation as it evolves.
The EU Ambassadors discussed Venezuela on two occasions last week. In addition to confirming our commitments, Ireland’s Ambassador underlined that we would be supportive of any constructive role the EU may have the opportunity to take in facilitating a future transition process and to contribute to the EU’s humanitarian response.
Ireland will continue to support the people of Venezuela and Venezuelan refugees through the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNHCR Regional Migrant and Refugee Plan for Venezuela.
At present the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain. My Department will continue to work in close coordination with our EU partners in monitoring developments and in our response.
280. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date on which a supplementary estimate or supplementary estimates was sought in respect of her Department’s Vote for each of the past ten years, and to the date in 2026; the gross and net amount involved in each case; and the Vote subheads to which each supplementary estimate related. [1795/26]
View answerBelow is a table listing all supplementary estimates from 2015 to date, by Vote:
|
- |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Year |
Vote |
Supplementary Gross |
Supplementary AinA |
Supplementary Net |
|
2018 |
27 |
15,350 |
NIL |
15,350 |
|
2022 |
27 |
30,000 |
NIL |
30,000 |
|
2023 |
27 |
25,000 |
NIL |
25,000 |
|
- |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Year |
Vote |
Supplementary Gross |
Supplementary AinA |
Supplementary Net |
|
2019 |
28 |
14,000 |
- 13,999 |
1 |
|
2022 |
28 |
84,000 |
NIL |
84,000 |
|
2023 |
28 |
53,000 |
- 7,000 |
46,000 |
|
2024 |
28 |
98,300 |
- 10,000 |
88,300 |
|
2025 |
28 |
155,000 |
- 10,000 |
145,000
|
The supplementary estimates for Vote 27 related to the following subheads:
2018:
€10.200m – Subhead A3 – Bilateral co-operation and humanitarian assistance
€3.500m – Subhead A4 – Contributions to international funds for the benefit of developing countries
€3.300m – Subhead A5 – Contributions to United Nations and other development agencies
-€1.650m – Subhead A2 – Administration non-pay
2022:
€30.000m – Subhead A3 – Bilateral co-operation and humanitarian assistance
2023:
€1.000m – Subhead A2 – Administration non-pay
€24.000m – Subhead A3 – Bilateral co-operation and humanitarian assistance
The supplementary estimates for Vote 28 related to the following subheads:
2019:
€12.000m – Subhead C3 – Contributions to international organisations
€2.000m – Subhead E3 – Information Services
-€13.999m – Subhead F1 – Passports, visa and other consular services
2022:
€0.795m – Subhead A1 – Administration pay
€11.600m – Subhead A2 – Administration non-pay
€1.500m – Subhead A5 – Support for Irish emigrant services
€0.688m – Subhead B1 – Administration pay
€0.217m – Subhead B2 – Administration non-pay
€0.373m – Subhead C1 – Administration pay
€0.217m – Subhead C2 – Administration non-pay
€67.000m – Subhead C3 – Contributions to international organisations
€0.601m – Subhead D1 – Administration pay
€0.243m – Subhead D2 – Administration non-pay
-€1.000m – Subhead D3 – Promoting Ireland
€0.543m – Subhead E1 – Administration pay
€1.223m – Subhead E2 – Administration non-pay
2023:
€2.242m – Subhead A2 – Administration non-pay
€3.200m – Subhead A5 – Support for Irish emigrant services
€2.000m – Subhead A7 – International Fund for Ireland
€0.518m – Subhead B2 – Administration non-pay
€0.520m – Subhead C2 – Administration non-pay
€35.900m – Subhead C3 – Contributions to international organisation
€0.589m – Subhead D2 – Administration non-pay
€8.031m – Subhead E2 – Administration non-pay
€7.000m – Subhead F1 – Passports, visa and other consular services
2024:
€3.000m – Subhead A1 – Administration pay
€12.000m – Subhead A2 – Administration non-pay
€4.300m – Subhead A3 – Reconciliation and North-South Cooperation
€74.000m – Subhead A6 – Contributions to multilateral organisations
€1.000m – Subhead B1 – Administration pay
€4.000m – Subhead B2 – Administration non-pay
€2.982m – Subhead C1 – Passports, visa and other consular service fees
-€7.018m – Subhead C5 – Miscellaneous
2025:
€45.000m – Subhead A6 – Contributions to multilateral organisations
€100.000m – Subhead A15 – Ukraine Assistance
€10.000m – Subhead B2 – Administration non-pay
-€10.000m – Subhead C1 – Passports, visa and other consular service fees
281. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the value of expenditure originally allocated in the Estimates to specific programmes or staffing measures that could not be spent as planned within the year for each of the past five years; and whether such underspends were surrendered, carried forward, or reallocated to other areas within the Vote. [1816/26]
View answerThe information requested is contained in the Table at the following link.
282. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total number of diplomats posted abroad; the number of those that are posted to the US, India and China respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1830/26]
View answerMy Department has 105 diplomatic missions abroad, including Embassies, Consulates as well as missions to multilateral organisations, such as the European Union and the United Nations. During 2026, new Consulates General will open in Malaga and Melbourne. These missions are staffed by posted Irish civil servants and locally recruited staff.
There are 462 officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade posted abroad, and a further 180 officers posted from other Government Departments and organisations.[]
There are 7 staff from my Department posted in India. Ireland is committed to increasing our bilateral engagement and cooperation with India. Government strategies such as the Action Plan for Enhanced Engagement with India, the Action Plan on Market Diversification and the Asia-Pacific Strategy support this commitment.
There are 15 staff from my Department posted in China. The allocation of our staffing resources across our three diplomatic missions in China is reflective of the Government’s commitment to build long-term, strategic relationships across the Asia Pacific region. Ireland and China share an overall constructive relationship, marked by significant growth in economic ties and expanding people-to-people contacts over the last decade. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship based on our interest, values and other priorities.
There are 48 staff from my Department posted to missions in the United States of America. The Government is committed to further strengthening our political, cultural, economic and trade relationship with the United States, at all levels, recognising the unique significance and value of the transatlantic relationship.
The Department continues to enhance our diplomatic presence across the U.S., to ensure we are well-positioned to respond to emerging opportunities. In December 2025, I announced that additional officers will be posted to Consulates General in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, as well as increased human resources in Embassy Washington DC.
284. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether she agrees with the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro by the US authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1950/26]
View answerWith regard to the situation in Venezuela, Ireland, together with our EU partners, has clearly underlined that full respect for international law and the UN Charter is essential.
While we have been clear that President Maduro lacks any democratic legitimacy, Ireland has consistently advocated for a peaceful and negotiated transition to democracy in Venezuela. We have supported all international efforts to that end.
Along with 25 EU Member States, I endorsed the EU HRVP statement of 4 January recalling that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. Members of the United Nations Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold those principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.
The UN Secretary General has made clear he is deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January military action. His view was reiterated an an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on 5 January. I share those concerns.
Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for a restoration of democracy in Venezuela. Ireland will continue to support the people of Venezuela and Venezuelan refugees through the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNHCR Regional Migrant and Refugee Plan for Venezuela.
285. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any product or service purchased from Israel or the Occupied Territories by her Department in 2025, broken down by description and amount paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1981/26]
View answer286. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will commit to an overall ban on the direct purchase of any product or service from Israel or the Occupied Territories by her Department at any level; if this proposal has been assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1999/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.
The Department does not have any record of any direct purchases of goods or services in Ireland from Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territory over the past two years.
The acquisition of goods and services by my Department complies with all relevant legislation, including EU Directives, and with Office of Government Procurement (OGP) guidelines.
The Department publishes tenders on both the government procurement platform (e-Tenders website) and also on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEC) site. In addition, the Department publishes details of procurement related payments for both frameworks and contracts over €20,000, on a quarterly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/organisation-information/payments-over-20000/
Procurement procedures are kept under constant review to ensure that they are line with best practice, guidance and the legal framework.
287. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department, or any body under its aegis, has funded, or is funding, other than where legal costs were awarded against the employer by a court or tribunal, the legal costs of any current or concluded litigation taken by an employee or former employee against that Department or body, in each of the past five years; if so, to provide details of the number of such cases, the bodies involved, and the total costs incurred in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2021/26]
View answer288. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the basis on which her Department, or a body under its aegis, may fund the legal costs of an employee or former employee in litigation where that employee is in dispute with, or taking proceedings against, the same body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2039/26]
View answer289. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the funding of employee legal costs in disputes against her Department, or a body under its aegis, is standard practice; if not, the circumstances in which such funding may be permitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2057/26]
View answer291. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the funding of employee legal costs in litigation against the employing body could give rise to governance, accountability, or value for money concerns; whether her Department has issued any guidance in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2093/26]
View answer292. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has reviewed, or intends to review, the practice of Departments, and bodies under their aegis, funding legal costs in employment disputes involving those same bodies; and if so, the outcome or timeline for such a review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2111/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 287 to 289, inclusive, 291 and 292 together.
With regarding to the funding of legal costs for civil servants employed by the Department in employment disputes involving the Department, it is not the practice of my Department to fund these costs. I can confirm that there are no current plans to review this practice. My Department has no agencies or bodies under its aegis.
In line with the above, the Department has not funded the legal costs of any current or concluded litigation taken by a civil servant or former civil servant against this Department, in each of the past five years.
