Written Answers Nos. 91-110
91. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given that Ireland contributed over €150 million to global humanitarian crises in 2024, including responses in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Afghanistan; the way in which it is planned to safeguard and prioritise humanitarian funding in Budget 2026; and the assessment that has been made of the risks to Irish strategic interests should global crises continue to expand. [8701/26]
View answer126. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way Ireland intends to respond to the surge in global humanitarian needs reported in early 2026; whether additional funding will be allocated to priority crises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8621/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 126 together.
The scale of global humanitarian need remains enormous in 2026. The UN’s Global Humanitarian Overview sets out over 230 million people in need, whose basic humanitarian requirements are estimated at $33 billion. The situation is made more challenging by cutbacks in Official Development Assistance by some of the major international donors.
In 2026, the Government will continue to provide very significant levels of predictable funding to address growing humanitarian need. This means providing core, flexible funding that can support both life-saving responses and resilience for the most vulnerable populations. This support helps organisations on the ground to respond to situations as they arise. Ireland’s funding is directed through a range of trusted partners, primarily the UN, the International Red Cross Movements and NGOs. These partners have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations.
The ODA budget for the Irish Aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will increase again in 2026, to €866.4 million, the highest ever level. This will enable us to increase assistance for the crises in Gaza and Sudan but also to maintain humanitarian assistance for protracted crises that receive less international attention,, such as in Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria and Afghanistan. We will also continue to respond to respond to sudden onset crises or natural disasters, as we did last year, for example with immediate funding of €3 million in funding following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.
Ireland is also a leading contributor to vital global response funds, notably the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which is the world’s largest humanitarian fund. CERF supports the delivery of timely and effective humanitarian responses by providing immediate support to sudden-onset or protracted humanitarian crises. In 2025, CERF provided $440 million in life-saving assistance in 35 countries through UN agencies on the ground.
The Government remains clear in our commitments to working to reduce humanitarian need, and to reaching the furthest behind first in our humanitarian response.
92. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's position in relation to trade with China. [8732/26]
View answerIreland wants to see a balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial trading relationship with China. Along with our EU partners, we want to protect and grow our trade, within the rules-based multilateral trading system in which we operate. Ireland’s economy is one of the most open in the world and our approach is anchored in global trading norms. This very much informs how we approach our external economic engagement, including with China. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship with China, and our trade and economic relationship is not considered separately from our values and other priorities.
China and Ireland have significant economic ties and expanding people-to-people links. China is Ireland's largest trading partner in Asia, and we are interested in strengthening our engagement further in a number of areas. Ireland’s economic and trading relationship with China is informed by our support for accelerating the market diversification agenda as a means to encourage competitiveness and resilience. The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification, a joint initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, is an important element of Ireland’s response to the ongoing uncertainties in the global trading environment. On 23 January, I chaired a meeting of the Government Trade Forum and updated stakeholders on the implementation of the Action Plan, which is proceeding on a whole-of-government basis, and will be kept under review by the Government Trade Forum.
The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Ireland's exports and imports. The latest available data from 2024 shows that Ireland's goods exports to China were valued at €10.068 billion and goods imports at €11.843 billion. Services exports to China in 2024 are valued at €12.741 billion and services imports €4.670 billion. Ireland’s exports to China are driven by medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and computer services as well as agrifood and, increasingly, financial services.
In line with the Government’s commitment to build long-term, strategic relationships across the Asia Pacific region, the Taoiseach travelled to China in January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai. The programme included a series of engagements aimed at supporting the work of Ireland’s State Agencies in China. As part of the visit, the Taoiseach met with business leaders and investors, across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, further and higher education, and food and beverages. The Government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s important economic and trading relationship with China.
94. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will outline her engagements in international fora with a view to seeking reform of the United Nations system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8728/26]
View answer119. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the implementation of the UN80 Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7912/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 119 together.
The UN Charter and the United Nations, alongside our membership of the EU, lie at the heart of Ireland’s foreign policy and our engagement with the world. 80 years after the courageous and ambitious establishment of the UN, and 70 years after Ireland joined, the UN remains essential to the promotion of human dignity and well-being and to efforts to resolve and prevent conflict.
It is also nevertheless necessary to acknowledge that the United Nations is an organisation in need of reform and reinvigoration if it is to effectively address the grave challenges facing the world today including poverty, climate change, a growing disregard for international law and threats to democracy and human rights.
It is in this context that I very much welcomed the UN80 reform initiative launched by UN Secretary General Guterres in March 2025. The initiative is designed to be a system-wide process to reform the organisation across each of the three pillars of the organisation: Peace and Security, Sustainable Development, and Human Rights. Ireland has stressed that reform cannot come at the cost of UN core values and that each of the three pillars should be protected.
It is essential that the UN’s Members demonstrate the political will necessary to assist the UN Secretary General in this process, to enable the organisation to adapt and improve. With this objective, Ireland, through our Missions in New York, Geneva, and other UN centres, and also in cooperation with our partners in the EU, is actively engaging with the reform process across all three work-streams.
These work-streams are firstly, identifying efficiencies and improvements in the way the UN works, secondly, reviewing the implementation of mandates and thirdly, examining structural changes and programme realignments including potential mergers.
Ireland has called for transparency around the reform process and welcomes the proposal by the UN Secretariat to give monthly briefings on the process to members.
In addition to the work of the UN80 initiative, Ireland strongly believes that reform of the Security Council is long overdue and we have been clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council to ensure sufficiently wide geographical representation. The under-representation of Africa in particular must be addressed. For Ireland, the priority is to find a model for reform that is fair, commands consensus, and which allows the Council to be more representative.
The severe financial pressures that the UN is under are well-known and it is recognised that this will necessitate cuts to expenditure. However, it is also imperative on all Member States to ensure that they deliver on their commitments to fund the organisation. Ireland pays its contributions on time and in full and we call on all member states to do so too.
Finally, before the end of this year, the next secretary general of the organisation will be selected. Ireland believes the time is long overdue for the UN’s first female secretary general. At this time of challenge and reform, strong leadership has never been more important to prepare the UN to operate effectively and deliver for all the people in the world who depend on it.
95. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific commitments Ireland made at the Global Alliance meeting on the two-state solution; the way these commitments will be implemented and monitored over the course of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8620/26]
View answerIreland has been an active member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution since its establishment in the margins of UN High Level Week in New York in 2024 and has actively participated in all of the subsequent follow up meetings since then.
I was honoured to welcome special envoys, senior officials and diplomats from over 50 countries and international organisations to Dublin for the eighth meeting of the Alliance at Croke Park last week. I was struck by the determination, focus and pragmatism demonstrated by international partners at the meeting, in particular from partners in the region.
The Dublin meeting focussed on supporting the implementation of the two-State solution in three ways. Firstly, sharing relevant aspects of our experience of conflict and building a successful and lasting peace process in Northern Ireland. Secondly, engagement with stakeholders to the Israel/Palestine conflict on what actions the international community can take in support of the two-State solution at this time and thirdly, identifying concrete actions that Global Alliance members can take to progress key aspects of the New York Declaration.
Delegates had the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of individuals representing different communities that were involved in the process that lead to the Good Friday Agreement. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern provided a scene setting address. Much of the discussion was framed around how to build an inclusive peace process and considered the importance of ‘parity of esteem’ and an approach based on international law. The panels also touched on complex issues such as decommissioning, security, policing and governance structures.
The Dublin meeting was the first Global Alliance meeting to be convened since the UN Security Council passed UN Resolution 2803 endorsing the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and as such provided an import platform for exchange of information. Many delegates highlighted the importance of working closely with the US and harnessing complementarity between the US Plan and the New York Declaration.
The meeting reinforced consensus amongst the group that the West Bank must be a priority as work to implement the second phase of the peace plan progresses, given its centrality to agreement on a durable peace plan with the implementation of the two-State solution.
As Chair of this meeting, Ireland reiterated the indispensable work of UN, in particular UNRWA, in delivering life-saving assistance and essential services to the civilian population in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region.
96. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on any discussions she has had with the UK government in relation to legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8623/26]
View answer100. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her engagement with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8329/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 100 together.
I had an introductory call as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 19 November. It was a first opportunity to discuss legacy issues, as well as the work ongoing to strengthen and evolve relationships North-South and East-West.
Further to this call, I met with the Secretary of State at the British-Irish Council in Wales on 5 December. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss in further detail the implementation of the Joint Framework on the legacy of the Troubles, including progress on legislation in both jurisdictions.
At that meeting, I thanked the Secretary of State and his team for the speed at which they introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which passed second reading on 18 November. I also conveyed that my overriding priority is to ensure the Bill establishes the various mechanisms and processes in a manner that allows for the reciprocal cooperation that is at the heart of the Framework.
Most recently, I spoke with the Secretary of State on 23 January, during which I provided an update on the progress the government has made on the implementation of our commitments, notably: the establishment of the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit within An Garda Síochana; the inclusion of our implementing legislation, the Legacy of the Troubles Bill, in the Spring Legislation Programme; and our ongoing assistance to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.
I look forward to welcoming the Secretary of State to Dublin later this month.
97. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the Coalition of the Willing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8289/26]
View answerI welcome the ongoing efforts of the United States and others to achieve a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
It is crucial that any agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.
Ireland will continue to support these efforts as part of the EU and through our participation in the Coalition of the Willing.
On 6 January 2026, I joined a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, hosted by President Macron, with President Zelenskyy also present.
The meeting was part of ongoing efforts of the Coalition aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to work with the US to guarantee Ukraine’s security for the long term and to intensify coordination on support for Ukraine, both now and in the future.
The ‘Paris Declaration’ published after the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris is a strong signal of support for Ukraine and recognises that a lasting peace agreement will require robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
This is not just vital for Ukraine, it is also vital for European security.
That is why our participation in groups like the Coalition of the Willing is important for us and why we welcome ongoing discussions on how the EU and its partners can contribute to security guarantees as part of a ceasefire agreement, in keeping with the Government's established policy on the provision of support for Ukraine.
The Government will continue to provide financial and non-lethal military support for Ukraine, and we are contributing to training the Ukrainian armed forces through the EU’s Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.
98. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider broadening the criteria for appointing high level diplomats, including ambassadors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8245/26]
View answerIreland has a successful tradition of a non-political civil service whose mission is based on the principles of integrity, impartiality, effectiveness, equity and accountability.
Assignments as Ambassador abroad and to other senior diplomatic roles are drawn from existing officials and I believe it would be a mistake to change a system that has contributed to Ireland’s very strong international reputation.
Ireland has consistently demonstrated its capacity to exert influence and make a distinctive contribution on pressing issues such as peace and reconciliation on this island, leadership within the European Union and UN multilateral bodies, services for our diaspora and consular care as well as in the delivery of an excellent programme of international development. The women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that are appointed as senior diplomats, including Ambassadors, acting under the direction of the Minister and government of the day, have played a decisive role in these efforts.
Irish Ambassadors to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In considering nominations as Ambassador, a range of factors are taken into account including political, economic and trade priorities as well as skills and experiences required.
My Department will continue to work closely with Publicjobs to build diversity in recruitment to ensure that the Department is representative of the people we serve. Generally, positions in my Department are filled following recruitment through Publicjobs or competitions administered by my Department in accordance with the Code of Practice as set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Open recruitment competitions are held to join the diplomatic service at Third Secretary, First Secretary and Counsellor levels which offers opportunities for individuals outside the Department to join the diplomatic service at junior, mid-career and senior levels.
99. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the specific actions Ireland is currently taking in response to the significant expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including at EU and United Nations level; the way in which Ireland is raising concerns regarding breaches of international humanitarian law and the impact of settlement expansion on the viability of a two state solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8756/26]
View answer131. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has made, or plans to make, any representations at European Union level, through international fora on sports, or to the Israeli minister responsible for sport to demonstrate opposition to the proposed demolition of the football pitch at a location (details supplied). [4125/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 131 together.
While international attention is understandably focused on preserving the ceasefire in Gaza and the need to urgently scale up humanitarian access, Ireland has not lost sight of the situation in the West Bank. Unprecedented Israeli military operations have caused widespread displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes. Such operations have also included, as the Deputy has pointed out, demolition orders imposed on important community and recreational facilities, such as the football pitch at Aida Refugee Camp.
I am deeply concerned by these orders and by the illegal settlement construction. I am also concerned about increasing and escalating extremist settler violence, which continues in an environment of impunity, restricting life for Palestinians across the West Bank. The number of settlement plans and tenders advanced by Israel in 2023 and 2024 represents a 250% increase over a period of seven years since 2018.
Ireland, alongside our EU partners, is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy and activities, including in and around East Jerusalem. Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. This is the long-standing position of the European Union. Ireland has repeatedly called on Israel to immediately halt these activities and welcomes strong US statements clearly opposing annexation of the West Bank.
Ireland has strongly supported the sanctions adopted by the EU against both individuals and entities involved in settler violence. Ireland welcomes further proposals from the European Commission to sanction extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers.
In December 2025, I cosigned a statement with thirteen of my counterparts condemning the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Such unilateral actions not only violate international law but also risk fuelling instability. I call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.
I am also deeply concerned by Israel's attempts to dismantle and undermine the work of UNRWA in the West Bank and across the oPt. On 5 January, I joined Iceland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain in a joint statement condemning the latest Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA. On 28 January, I joined ten counterparts in a statement condemning the demolitions by Israeli authorities of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem. UNRWA's mission to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians across the oPt, including in the West Bank, is indispensable.
At the Foreign Affairs Council last week in Brussels, I called on my fellow EU Foreign Ministers to take action to counter the continuing settlement expansion, rising settler violence and mass displacement in the West Bank.
The West Bank must be centrally considered as work to implement the next phase of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza progresses, given its centrality to a durable peace plan with the implementation of the two-State solution as its central goal. Ireland continues to advocate for this at EU and international level. Ireland was active in preparing the UN High-level Conference on the Two-State Solution, held in New York from 28 - 30 July and the outcome document from the meeting – the New York Declaration – has been endorsed by 142 countries. Ireland is also an active member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and hosted a meeting of the Global Alliance in Dublin last week, where we shared elements of our own experience of a successful peace process in Northern Ireland with a view to identifying concrete actions that can support the implementation of the two-State solution.[]
101. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on recent engagements of her Department, and of the Government, with the government of the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8652/26]
View answer132. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s current diplomatic, political and economic engagement with the United States; the way in which Ireland is advancing its foreign policy priorities and values within that relationship, including on international law and conflict prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8757/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 132 together.
The Programme for Government reiterates our commitment to strengthen our political, cultural, economic and trade relationship with the United States at all levels. Regular, high-level engagement with the U.S. is a priority for the Government.
I am visiting Washington this week, to meet a range of senior U.S. interlocutors, in the Administration and on Capitol Hill, as well as media, business, academic and diaspora contacts.
The Tánaiste recently undertook a visit to California where he met with Governor Gavin Newsom, underscoring Ireland's economic partnership with the region which has been driven by close collaboration in sectors such as technology, life sciences and pharmaceuticals.
In recent months we have opened our new Embassy building in Washington, D.C., a new Ireland House in Chicago, and strengthened our diplomatic team in the U.S. These investments underscore our commitment to the importance of this relationship. The up-coming St. Patrick's Day programme will provide further opportunity to engage at the highest levels across the U.S.
On foreign policy matters and values, the Government continues to engage and constructively advocate for Irish positions. Ireland has welcomed the contribution of the U.S. to end the conflict in Gaza and efforts to implement the Gaza Peace Plan.
The Government, together with our EU partners, has responded to recent events, including regarding Greenland and tariff threats—by demonstrating unity behind our fundamental principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
102. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in light of the record number of consular assistance cases handled by her Department in 2025, including deaths abroad, mental-health-related emergencies, and complex long-running cases, the additional staffing, resources, or operational changes that are being introduced to strengthen Ireland’s consular capacity and ensure that Irish citizens overseas continue to receive timely and effective support. [8700/26]
View answerProviding consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister. As the Deputy notes, demand for consular assistance has grown steadily in recent years, with almost 2,000 new cases recorded by our teams in 2025.
Staff in our Embassies and Consulates around the world, alongside the team based in the Department's headquarters in Dublin, provide round-the-clock assistance to our citizens. This year we are adding two new Consulates in Malaga and Melbourne to our Mission network, in order to strengthen our consular capacity and ensure our services are aligned to the locations where Irish citizens are travelling and living.
We will also grow our Honorary Consul network in 2026. As of today, we have 91 Honorary Consuls in 53 countries around the world, who provide vital consular assistance and services to Irish citizens, particularly in areas where there is no resident mission.
In recognition of the changing caseload, in 2025 targeted Mental Health First aid training was also rolled out to staff working on consular services. The aim of the training was to empower and equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support somebody experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Further training in that area is planned for 2026.
As part of Ireland’s Consular Strategy, published in 2023, the Department has committed to strengthening how we work, including by investing in the technology and systems that facilitate consular assistance. This will ensure our services remain responsive to changing and increasing demand, including in complex crisis situations.
103. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any projected economic return on Ireland’s investment in hosting President Zelenskyy, including the strategic value of enhanced bilateral trade, Ireland–Ukraine economic forum initiatives, foreign direct investment and potential exports or reconstruction contracts, relative to the public funds expended. [73042/25]
View answerIreland welcomed President Zelenskyy to Ireland on 2 December 2025 for the first official visit to Ireland by a President of Ukraine and First Lady.
The visit demonstrated and underpinned the very close and warm relations between Ireland and Ukraine; Ireland’s steadfast support as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s illegal war of aggression; and our recognition of the valued contribution the Ukrainian community that has sought refuge here is making to communities throughout the country.
President Zelenskyy undertook a number of engagements during his visit, including a bilateral meeting with the Taoiseach, a courtesy call on President Connolly, and I hosted President Zelenskyy in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum.
The economic forum provided an opportunity to highlight the opportunities for closer economic relations between the two countries, including those areas identified in the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, signed by the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy during his visit.
This forum served to strengthen Ireland’s economic connections with Ukraine, building on already strong government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people links between our two countries. This includes ensuring the relationships are in place, and opportunities identified, in relation to the recovery of Ukraine’s economy and its reconstruction following Russia’s brutal, illegal and unprovoked invasion. It also includes supporting Ukraine as it prepares for accession to the European Union. The Government, our State agencies and businesses here in Ireland all have an important role to play in this endeavour.
104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagement with the political parties in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8622/26]
View answerIn recent weeks I had a number of engagements with political parties in Northern Ireland.
On 5 December 2025, at the British-Irish Council, I met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
On 7 January in Belfast, I met with Alliance Party deputy leader, Eóin Tennyson; with the then-UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt; with the SDLP Leader of the Opposition at Stormont, Matthew O’Toole; and paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots.
All of these meetings provided valuable opportunities for engagement on the political situation in Northern Ireland, including the work of the Assembly and Executive, and respective priorities for the year ahead.
I raised the positive work and strong commitment across government to constructive North-South cooperation, noting in particular the centrality to this work of the Shared Island Initiative and the North-South Ministerial Council.
On legacy, the I reiterated the Government’s commitment to the Joint Framework published by the two governments last year. In all of these engagements, I emphasised the need for timely and faithful implementation in order to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Shared Island Initiative, the operation of the Windsor Framework, reform of the devolved institutions, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island were also discussed.
105. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is providing any support for the International Fund for Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8287/26]
View answerThe IFI was established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986, and it works to promote economic and social progress and to foster dialogue, contact, and reconciliation between Nationalist and Unionist communities in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. Over almost 40 years, the Fund has delivered transformative peace-building outcomes and strengthened community resilience.
The Irish Government committed €20 million to the IFI under its Connecting Communities strategy (2021–2024), and a further €4 million in 2025. In early 2025, following the cessation of funding from United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade \also agreed to underwrite project funding for the year in respect of a number of projects that would otherwise have ended abruptly in spring 2025.
This investment reflects the priority Ireland places on reconciliation, cooperation, and sustaining the gains of the Good Friday Agreement, and complements the Government’s broader Shared Island Initiative. The IFI’s work remains relevant and impactful, with some communities feeling that the benefits of the peace process have not fully reached them. The IFI’s independence enables it to operate in sensitive environments, ensuring engagement with and support to marginalised communities.
At present, the IFI is developing a new strategy which will guide its mission in the years ahead. The development of a new strategic framework provides an important opportunity to ensure the Fund remains responsive to evolving challenges. My Department looks forward to supporting its work into the future and, to that end, the Irish Government has committed continued support to the IFI for 2026.
We continue to engage with international partners in respect of support for the IFI, and to advocate for sustained and enhanced support. Such backing can allow the Fund to continue its unique and effective role in consolidating peace, promoting reconciliation, and supporting communities across the island.
107. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plans the Government has in terms of reforming the institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement; the engagement undertaken by her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8690/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government reiterates our belief that the Good Friday Agreement remains the blueprint for unlocking the full potential of our island, and this Government's steadfast commitment to its implementation in full.
We will soon mark the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Agreement. Northern Ireland has not stood still in that time. It is undeniably a better place than it was 28 years ago.
It is also a more diverse place. More people have sought a political home that is not primarily defined by the constitutional question.
As we move further from the experience of conflict on this island, many people expect more from politics, including an end to the cycle of instability that has seen the Executive not working for extended periods over the last decade.
Those are some of the key drivers for the debate around reform.
The institutions have now been up and running again for almost two years. That has presented important opportunities for political leaders to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland and this island, but also to consider the issue of reform.
The Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC) at Stormont is currently conducting a review into reform. I welcome that review and my Department is following it closely.
We remain open to a meaningful conversation about reform of the institutions. Any such discussions must be open to all parties, civic voices, and, ultimately, both governments.
However, I am under no illusions about how difficult such a conversation would be, given the careful balances that were reach in the Good Friday Agreement and in subsequent, implementing agreements. I discussed the issue of reform in my meetings with Northern Ireland political leaders during my recent visit to Belfast. There are a range of different views across the political parties in Northern Ireland. I intend also to discuss this issue with the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, when we next meet in person.
I also want to highlight in this context the importance of giving effect to outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement, such as the re-establishment of the Civic Forum, which is a specific commitment in the Programme for Government. Both the Bill of Rights and the Civic Forum are key parts of the overall architecture of the Agreement.
109. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps her Department is taking to support the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in northern Syria; the action being taken diplomatically to protect the Kurdish population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8706/26]
View answerThe situation in north and north-east Syria has evolved with great speed and complexity in recent weeks.
There have been long-standing tensions between the new Syrian authorities and the autonomous Kurdish forces, however we welcome the political efforts to address these, notably in the agreement of March 2025. There was an important agreement in Damascus on 18 January between the Syrian Government and the Kurdish SDF, which included provision for humanitarian access. However, we remain concerned about reports of localised unrest and note that a number of local ceasefires have broken down.
I attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January and discussed the situation in Syria with my EU counterparts. Civilian protection and humanitarian access were key issues for discussion.
We welcome that the Syrian Government established a humanitarian corridor in the north west in the early days of the conflict. A clearer picture has yet to emerge, however it appears that all out conflict has been avoided with large areas passing from SDF to Government control. At this stage its unclear if further humanitarian corridors are required however significant numbers of people have been displaced.
We welcome all ongoing efforts to achieve a reconciliation of the new Government and the SDF call for permanent arrangements that work towards creating stability and unity for all Syrians. I note that President al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognising Syrian Kurds as an essential part of the Syrian people and the country's diverse national identity. Kurdish will be recognised as a national language and Nowruz as a national holiday. These are important steps in Syria's transition and the broad acceptance of the diversity of ethnicity, religion and culture in Syria.
110. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will call for Israel to admit all waiting humanitarian assistance to Gaza now that the Israeli hostage situation has ended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8714/26]
View answerIreland welcomes ongoing efforts to implement phase two of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We welcome the contribution of the US and other members of the international community in this regard. Moving forward on phase two is important for the people of Gaza, as well as for peace and security in the region. We are now at a point where we must assess progress on key phase one issues. In advance of the December Foreign Affairs Council meeting, I wrote to EU HRVP Kaja Kallas along with five of my EU counterparts to formally convey our growing concern about the lack of progress on addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The people of Gaza continue to endure the most appalling conditions. The improvements in humanitarian access have not materialised to the extent set out in the Comprehensive Plan. At this moment, the people of Gaza still do not have enough to eat, they do not have adequate shelter from the winter weather, they do not have sufficient access to medicines and they do not have access to sanitation.
I visited the Rafah Crossing last month as part of my ongoing efforts to assess and respond to the situation on the ground. During that visit, I saw first-hand the impact that restrictions on aid are having on the ability of humanitarian aid workers to deliver badly needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The volume of aid entering Gaza is nowhere near sufficient and Israel’s highly-restrictive controls continue to obstruct an effective humanitarian response.
At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting last week in Brussels, I expressed again Ireland’s concerns regarding access restrictions and shifting regulations, and the targeting of UNRWA, other UN bodies and international NGOs.
Ireland stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the realisation of the two-State solution. We reaffirm that humanitarian aid and reconstruction must be directed throughout all parts of the Gaza Strip.
Ireland is a core member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and I am pleased that we hosted a meeting of the Alliance in Dublin on 28 January, during which we shared Ireland’s experience of a successful peace process in Northern Ireland with a view to identifying concrete actions in support of the implementation of the two-State solution.
It is Ireland's long-standing view that Palestinians should be able to vindicate the full rights of a state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, and our recognition of the State of Palestine is a concrete expression of this view.
