Séamus McGrath
Question:69. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland accepts the legitimacy of the current government in Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8281/26]
View answerThursday, 5 February 2026
Questions (69, 108, 121, 125)
Willie O'Dea
Question:108. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she believes that recent events will have any impact on the serious violations of human rights in Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8283/26]
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:121. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action she is taking with EU colleagues with regard to Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8279/26]
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Shay Brennan
Question:125. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action she is taking with regard to the crisis in Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8624/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 108, 121 and 125 together.
The Government, in coordination with our EU partners, has been closely following the situation in Venezuela as it has evolved in recent weeks.
Immediately following the U.S. action on January 3, 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.
On January 7, at the Coalition of the Willing meeting on Ukraine in Paris, Minister Mc Entee met with her EU counterparts and discussed the situation in Venezuela to shape a unified EU response.
Ireland, together with the EU, has been consistent in advocating for a restoration of democracy by means of peaceful and inclusive dialogue as the only durable resolution to the crisis in Venezuela.
Our focus remains on support for a peaceful transition to democracy that reflects the will of the people of Venezuela. There is an opportunity here not to be missed to encourage a move towards democracy and elections.
While our Government has been clear that Nicolás Maduro lacked any democratic legitimacy, Ireland's policy with regard to recognition is that we recognise States, rather than Governments. Ireland's position in relation to Venezuela reflects this policy, and aligns fully with the position of the EU.
Our Ambassador in Bogotá is in close contact with his EU counterpart in Caracas. We are aware of positive early engagement between the EU Head of Delegation and acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
It is vitally important that we engage with all actors and interlocutors in the Venezuelan context with a view to an inclusive process of dialogue and negotiation. A fully representative process must also be open to all sectors of the opposition.
At discussions of EU Members States in Brussels, Ireland supported any constructive role the EU may have the opportunity to take in facilitating a future transition.
The human rights situation in Venezuela remains of serious concern.
While the release of political prisoners over the past few weeks has been a welcomed and positive step towards respect for human rights in the country, it is important that we retain a focus on the human rights situation on the ground.
In that regard, Ireland, together with the EU, will continue urging for the unconditional release of all political prisoners and the full respect of human rights by all actors in the country, including respecting the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
I am also deeply concerned by the risks of exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis.
My Department stands firm in supporting the EU’s humanitarian response to the crisis, in addition to providing direct and much-needed support to the people of Venezuela through the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNHCR Regional Migrant and Refugee Plan for Venezuela.
Question No. 70 answered orally with Question No. 65.