Cormac Devlin
Question:123. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her visit to Ukraine on 16 March 2026. [22511/26]
View answerOfficial Travel
Questions (123)
Written answers
Ireland remains steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine. Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression is now in its fifth year and we are witnessing first-hand the strength and endurance of Ukraine’s leaders and people in fighting for their future.
Minister Thomas Byrne visited Kyiv on 16th March as part of a St Patrick’s Day programme that also included visits to Poland and Moldova. This was the first visit by a Government Minister to mark St Patrick’s Day in Ukraine.
Ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year, Minister Byrne engaged with Ukrainian counterparts on preparations for the Presidency, outlined Ireland's continuing support and solidarity with Ukraine, and underlined the importance the Government places on shaping EU policy and decision-making.a
During his visit, Minister Byrne also met with leaders of civil society organisations working across a range of issues including human rights, rule of law, anti-corruption, democratic governance, and electoral reform.
Minister Byrne also addressed the inaugural Saint Patrick's Day reception hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv, which was attended by Ukrainian political leaders, by members of the diplomatic corps, by the Irish community and other guests.
Question No. 124 taken with No. 88.
Middle East
Questions (125)
Martin Daly
Question:125. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government’s assessment of the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran, on Irish trade; the potential risks to key export sectors and supply chains; the measures being taken to mitigate any disruption to trade flows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22803/26]
View answerWritten answers
Beyond the political, security, consular and humanitarian consequences, the Government is carefully monitoring the overall economic impact of the current Gulf crisis. This conflict is the latest in a series of geopolitical and geo-economic events that has had the overall impact of heightening uncertainty.
The primary impact of the conflict so far has been the sudden and large scale interruption to oil and natural gas shipments from the Gulf region, which includes some of the world’s major producers. This has caused sharp rises in prices which potentially affect every country, and may also affect supplies of fertilizers, petrochemicals, and vitally important byproducts.
There has been some disruption to general trade due to reductions in flights and unavailability of the Gulf ports, but commercial flights have in many cases now resumed, albeit with some disruptions, and there are ports still free outside the immediate conflict zone.
The most important factor for long-term trade and economic prospects will be the duration of the conflict. A continuing war in the region – and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz – would likely impact the global economy and affect the prospects for growth in many countries. I am conscious that the economic effects of this crisis my be felt most in countries that are least prepared to respond, including vulnerable communities that will be most impacted by shortages of fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
My focus therefore, in concert with our European partners, has been to try and work for de-escalation and an end to the crisis. This has been a key theme in my many conversations with Foreign Ministers across the region since 28 February and in my engagement with EU counterparts.
More detailed analysis of the specific effects on the Irish economy is a matter for other Departments.
Question No. 126 taken with No. 97.
International Relations
Questions (127)
Sean Fleming
Question:127. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the recent call by Belgium’s prime minister for the normalisation of relations with Russia. [22518/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Russia’s aggression enters its fifth year, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine. While Russia can choose to end this war at any time, instead, Russia’s response to peace efforts has been more missiles and destruction. Russian attacks continue to cause civilian deaths and target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The continued attacks on Ukrainian energy systems throughout a bitter winter are absolutely reprehensible. These are not the actions of a country interested in peace.
Ireland has consistently supported robust targeted sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. In discussions with EU partners, Ireland will continue to emphasise the need to maintain pressure on Russia through the adoption of strong, targeted sanctions. Ireland also supports full accountability for breaches of international law, in particular for acts that may constitute international crimes, arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
We have also worked consistently with partners to isolate Russia diplomatically. We have supported action at the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora, to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to work with Ukraine and with like-minded partners in these and other bodies in calling for States to condemn Russia’s invasion of another sovereign State and for Russia to be held to account for their actions.
EU Bodies
Questions (128)
Catherine Ardagh
Question:128. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22530/26]
View answerWritten answers
As I was undertaking an official Saint Patrick’s Day visit to Boston, Ireland was represented at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 16 March by Ireland's Permanent Representative to the EU Aingeal O’Donoghue. There were three main items on the FAC agenda: Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; and the relationship between the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood.
The Council discussed Russian aggression against Ukraine. There was an exchange of views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who joined by VC. Ministers discussed the potential impacts of the war in the Gulf for Ukraine, including on peace talks, the supply of critical military equipment, and rising oil prices. Ireland joined other Member States in emphasising the need to maintain the focus on support for Ukraine, including through the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. We stressed the need to secure agreement on the 20th package of sanctions, and welcomed the additional individual sanctions listings which were adopted during the meeting. Ireland's intervention also recognised the progress Ukraine has made towards EU accession, which will be an important priority for Ireland in the coming months and during our EU Presidency.
The discussion on the Middle East focused on the current conflict in the Gulf and the wider region. Ireland expressed solidarity with Cyprus and all those directly impacted by the conflict in the region. Ireland's intervention emphasised the importance of respect for international law including international humanitarian law, and called for restraint and de-escalation by all parties. Ireland also expressed concerns regarding the situation in Lebanon in light of Israeli military operations, the further tightening of restrictions on access for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and ongoing Israeli actions in the West Bank which threaten the viability of the two State solution. Support for the repatriation of EU citizens stranded in the region was also discussed. The Commission announced almost €500 million in new humanitarian funding for Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood were also discussed. The HR/VP Kaja Kallas and the Commission updated Ministers on the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean ahead of a Leaders' discussion at the Informal European Council in Nicosia at the end of April. This was welcomed by Member States who stressed the need to progress the associated Action Plan.
An informal exchange took place over breakfast on the European Security Strategy. Ministers also met over lunch with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, for an informal discussion on bilateral relations and international developments. This included consideration of progress on the implementation of key deliverables arising from the EU-India Summit in January.
Question No. 129 taken with No. 84.
Foreign Policy
Questions (130)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:130. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the need for international pressure to vindicate the right of the Western Sahara to self-determination, and the Government’s relations with the SADR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23099/26]
View answerWritten answers
On 31 October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is not currently a member of the United Nations Security Council but has taken note of Resolution 2797.
Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Ireland’s engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination.
It is in this spirit that Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Officials at the Headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard.
Any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.
Official Travel
Questions (131)
Cormac Devlin
Question:131. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her visit to Poland on 13 March 2026. [22512/26]
View answerWritten answers
I paid a three-day visit to Poland as part of my St Patrick’s Day outreach before continuing on to Ukraine and Moldova. My programme in Poland involved a series of engagements in Warsaw and the city of Lódz, including political meetings, as well as community and cultural events.
In Warsaw on 13 March, I met with my Polish counterpart, the Secretary of State for European Affairs and discussed major files on the EU agenda of shared interest, including enlargement of the Union. Both Ireland and Poland support advancing the accession process for candidate countries. During Ireland’s EU Presidency, I will chair the EU General Affairs Council, and EU enlargement will be a significant priority on the agenda.
In Warsaw, I also met with the Polish Association of Irish Studies and with the Chair of the Polish Parliament’s EU Affairs Committee. On the evening of 13 March, I delivered remarks at the well-attended National Day Reception.
My programme continued in Lódz where I attended a concert given by Irish musician, Ruth Dillon. I also met with the Mayor of Lódz and attended the opening of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival and parade.
Ireland and Poland are strong partners in the EU and the UN, as well as close bilateral partners. My programme of engagements in Warsaw and Lódz reflected the breadth of the relationship, providing the opportunity to further deepen our political, trade, cultural and people-to-people links, and to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with our dynamic Irish community across Poland.
Question No. 132 answered orally.
Military Aircraft
Questions (133)
Paul Murphy
Question:133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will end the use of Shannon Airport by US military aircraft in light of its illegal war of aggression against Iran; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21343/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is only provided where the conditions set out by my Department are fully met, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation. This policy is well known and is fully understood by international partners.
The permission given by Ireland to foreign military or state aircraft to overfly or land in the State is fully compatible with our policy of military neutrality, which, as practised by successive Governments, means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy.
Trade Agreements
Questions (134)
Brian Stanley
Question:134. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions are taking place with other European States on curtailing the Israeli trade agreement due to their illegal war with Palestine, Lebanon and Iran; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22963/26]
View answerWritten answers
In September 2025, following a review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which found that actions taken by the Israeli government represented a breach of essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles, the European Commission put forward a number of proposals, one of which was to suspend the core trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement. This would have the effect of removing the preferential tariffs afforded to goods from the State of Israel under the terms of the Association Agreement.
Ireland welcomed the Commission proposals and encouraged fellow Member States to support them.
I have continued to make our position clear in meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council that the proposals, including the suspension of the core trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement and the partial suspension of Israel's participation in Horizon Europe, must remain on the table. In her State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission was clear on the rationale for tabling the package of proposals, which remains valid.
I most recently addressed this at the February Foreign Affairs Council and will continue to raise this issue in my engagements at EU-level.
Question No. 135 taken with No. 82.
Question No. 136 taken with No. 112.
Question No. 137 taken with No. 89.
United Nations
Questions (138)
John Connolly
Question:138. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the process of selecting the next secretary general of the United Nations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22793/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the UN Charter, the Secretary General is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the UN Security Council. Deliberations are expected to begin in the Security Council in July with the aim of the General Assembly adopting a resolution appointing the Secretary-General in October. The new Secretary-General will take office on 1 January 2027.
In November 2025, the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council jointly invited Member States to nominate candidates for the position of UN Secretary General. To date, five candidates have been officially nominated. They are Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, Macky Sall, Rebeca Grynspan and Virginia Gamba.
Ireland has actively supported a range of reforms aimed at improving the transparency of the selection process which include inviting candidates to present vision statements, CVs and campaign financing disclosures, all of which is shared on a public UN website. A series of webcast interactive dialogues will be convened with all candidates in April, with the President of the General Assembly in the chair and during which candidates will present their vision statements and field questions from Member States. Ireland looks forward to active participation by all Member States in the interactive dialogues.
For Ireland, it is important that all candidates commit to the delivery of the UN80 reform process and to supporting all three pillars of the UN: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. It is essential that the UN has a Secretary-General capable of leading a strong, multilateral system at a time of growing geopolitical challenges, attacks on multilateralism and decreased funding. I note that the UN has never had a female Secretary General and I welcome the calls, including by the Presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly, for the nomination of female candidates.
Question No. 139 answered orally.
International Relations
Questions (140)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:140. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has examined the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Bhutan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23026/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan at present. Engagement with Bhutan does, however, take place within an EU framework with our Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, joining 18 other EU Ambassadors as well as the Head of the EU Delegation to India in visiting Bhutan last October to mark 40 years of partnership and friendship between the EU and Bhutan. During the visit, Ambassador Kelly met and had discussions with the King of Bhutan while meetings alongside EU counterparts also took place with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other senior government figures in Bhutan.
The issue of Ireland's diplomatic network is kept under regular review by my Department in close collaboration with other Government Departments and this will continue as we seek to build on the progress achieved under the Global Ireland 2025 Strategy and in the development of the Global Ireland 2040 strategy.
Question No. 141 taken with No. 97.
Question No. 142 taken with No. 89.
European Union
Questions (143)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:143. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the core policy priorities identified for Ireland’s forthcoming EU Presidency; the way in which these priorities will shape Ireland’s strategic positioning within the Union during the Presidency term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23019/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and will the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Our policy priorities for the Presidency are currently being developed, against the backdrop of the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and the legislative work programme set out by the European Commission for 2026, and taking account of Ireland's own priorities in relation to the EU. In defining our priorities, we will also be taking account of the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda as the Cypriot Presidency progresses.
Work on the development of our Presidency priorities is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the EU's Strategic Agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda in a way that responds to the overall interests and needs of the Union and its Member States.
We will finalise and publish our Presidency priorities and policy programme in June 2026, shortly before the Presidency begins.
The success of our Presidency will be particularly important given the current complex geopolitical and economic background for the work of the EU. Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and I am confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.