International Relations

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Questions (152, 153, 156, 157)

Barry Ward

Question:

152. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views in relation to Taiwan's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35944/26]

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Barry Ward

Question:

153. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the merits of engaging at a Government level with Taiwan in relation to infectious disease prevention, digital health transformation, global population ageing and any other health topics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35945/26]

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Barry Ward

Question:

156. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position in relation to Taiwan's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35942/26]

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Barry Ward

Question:

157. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any discussion or debate at EU Council level in relation to Taiwan's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35943/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Helen McEntee)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 153, 156 and 157 together.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the One China Policy. This means recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China, and that we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, this does not preclude the development of economic, cultural and people-to-people connections with Taiwan; nor the meaningful participation of Taiwan in relevant multilateral fora, as appropriate.

Ireland believes that multilateral organisations should be inclusive where appropriate. In coordination with our EU partners, Ireland has in the past supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral fora dealing, inter alia, with public health, civil aviation safety, transnational crime, economic cooperation, and other issues. Our approach is always examined on a case-by-case basis. Support is only considered in relation to multilateral fora where participation does not imply statehood. Consideration is also given to whether the issues under discussion are ones where Taiwan can bring significant added value.

The World Health Assembly, which takes place this year from 18-23 May, is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States, as well as by observers. Observers currently include the Holy See and Palestine, international organisations (such as the International Committee of the Red Cross) and regional blocs.

Ireland’s position is that cooperation with Taiwan at a technical level on global health matters, including on topics such as surveillance, preparedness and response capabilities for future pandemics, and health capacity development, falls within the parameters of the One China Policy. On this basis, Ireland has been engaged with the WHO, as part of a group of EU Member States and other countries, on this matter. However, the question of Taiwan's participation as an observer at the World Health Assembly is ultimately a matter for decision by the wider membership of the WHO, and it has not been possible to reach consensus on the matter in recent years.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 152.