Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
157. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on trade relations with countries involved in ongoing human rights concerns; the criteria for imposing sanctions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7861/26]
View answerThe EU's common commercial or trade policy is an exclusive EU competence. Ireland supports the efforts of the EU to promote values-based trade, linking trade to sustainability issues such as climate change, labour standards and human rights.
The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for trade and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
The Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland: Values for the World emphasises trade as a powerful driver of prosperity, well-being and improved living standards while recognising in parallel that civil society demands an increased focus on environmental, social and governance dimensions of trade.
Ireland does not impose unilateral sanctions. It implements UN and EU sanctions. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime was adopted in 2020 and targets individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, no matter where they occurred. It applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations or abuses. Other human rights violations or abuses can also fall under the scope of this sanctions regime, if they are widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU common foreign and security policy.
The restrictive measures consist of travel bans applying to individuals, and freezing of funds applying to both individuals and entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are prohibited from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. Derogations to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid.
