Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
89. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagement with EU counterparts in relation to the situation in Iran; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22519/26]
View answer105. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action taken by the Government to make public their opposition to the killing of over 170 school children in a primary school in Iran. [22433/26]
View answer137. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the efforts being made by the Irish Government, including through the United Nations and the European Union, to seek de-escalation of the war and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Iran. [22802/26]
View answer142. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will condemn the illegal attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and Lebanon, including the bombing of a girls’ school killing more than 170 civilians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21344/26]
View answer152. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department’s position on the illegal US and Israeli war on Iran; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22942/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 105, 137, 142 and 152 together.
Responding to the crisis caused by ongoing conflict in the Gulf and the wider Middle East following military action by Israel and the United States against Iran and Iran's military action in response is a priority for the Government. We remain in close contact with our EU partners.
I attended emergency video meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council on 28 February and 5 March, the latter including Foreign Ministers from Gulf countries. The situation was further discussed at the regular Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March and the European Council on 19 March.
I have also spoken with counterparts in the region including the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The Taoiseach has spoken with the President of the United Arab Emirates.
The priority must be de-escalation and efforts to end this conflict quickly. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and on those with influence to use it constructively, in the interest of peace.
Ireland with other Member States has expressed concern about breaches of international law and the need for solidarity with Gulf States who are the subject of direct attacks. Member States expressed concern at the risk of further widening and escalation of the conflict.
EU Member States have also expressed concern at the situation in Lebanon and on the impacts for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Ireland's position is clear. Current military operations do not have an authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. It is more important than ever that all UN Member States uphold their commitments under the UN Charter and international law. It is regrettable that more time was not allowed for dialogue and diplomacy.
Ireland recalls that all parties to conflict must abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We support the call by the UN Secretary-General for all UN Member States to strictly uphold their obligations to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The beginning of this conflict was marked by an appalling loss of young lives in the bombing of the school in Minab. Any killing of children is utterly unacceptable. The growing numbers of civilian deaths and casualties, in all the countries involved, is of grave concern. Widespread airspace closures and communications disruptions are compounding humanitarian and economic challenges, affecting people throughout the region.
We remain convinced that the best way to address the legitimate concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, and other areas of real difficulty, is through dialogue and diplomacy. President Trump’s recent statement signaled the possibility for diplomatic engagement. We must hope that any contacts between the parties may lead to de-escalation and an end to the conflict.
Ireland has condemned Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel. We must also condemn the disproportionate military response by Israel. Israel’s aerial bombardment, ground operations and widespread evacuation orders undermine the fragile progress in Lebanon and efforts to disarm Hezbollah. It is unacceptable that members of the Israeli Government state intentions to destroy villages in the area to prevent the possibility of return.
The increased IDF presence in Southern Lebanon is in disregard of UNSCR 1701. I have called on Israel to halt its military operations and allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to assert their role in providing security for Lebanon. We support calls for a diplomatic solution.
We also condemn all attacks against UNIFIL personnel, who must be protected under international law. I am in regular contact with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and am pleased that Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon are safe and accounted for.
