Written Answers Nos. 19-30
23. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department's official position on accession to the EU via the territorial expansion of a member state (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38207/26]
View answer24. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department's official position on accession to the EU via internal enlargement in which new member states arise from the break-up of an existing member state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38210/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
With respect to the two scenarios outlined in the questions the following situation applies, and Ireland has given its agreement to the understandings involved.
The 1990 reunification of Germany provides a precedent whereby additional territory has been integrated into an existing EU Member State and thereby enters the EU via this unification process, rather than through an accession process.
At a special session of the European Council held in Dublin in April 1990, it was agreed that, upon its integration into the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) would likewise be integrated into the then European Economic Community (EEC) without the need for an accession treaty or an amendment to the EEC Treaty. The European Commission was mandated to draw up the necessary transitional measures that were to permit a balanced integration based on the principles of cohesion and solidarity and on the need to take account of all the interests involved, including those resulting from the European acquis. The transitional measures had to be confined to what was strictly necessary and aim at full integration as rapidly and as harmoniously as possible
This precedent informed the approach of the special European Council held on 29 April 2017, when, in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, EU leaders expressly acknowledged that the Good Friday Agreement provides for an agreed mechanism whereby a united Ireland may be brought about and that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union.
Regarding accession to the EU by a state which comes into existence from the break-up of an existing member state, the new state would be required to apply for EU membership as a new third country. In such circumstances, the applicant country would apply in line with Article 49 of the Treaty of European Union which outlines the conditions and procedures for any European country to apply and become a member of the EU.
Under Article 49 an application for membership is submitted to the Council which must approve the application unanimously, following consultation with the European Commission and the European Parliament. In order to be approved, an accession treaty must be signed by all existing EU member states, including the member state from which the applicant country has seceded. It must then be ratified by each of these states according to their respective constitutional requirements which could include a parliamentary vote of a national referendum.
25. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding Irish and EU humanitarian and development funding for the Sahel; the steps Ireland is taking at EU level to advocate for increased long-term investment in agricultural development in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38255/26]
View answerWe are very concerned about the deteriorating security situation and the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa.
The situation remains unstable. Since 2020, there has been a series of military coups across the region, which is now estimated to account for over half of all global terrorism deaths. The UN estimates that over 24 million people across the Sahel will require humanitarian aid in 2026.
Ireland has been responding, providing over €61 million in development and humanitarian assistance across the region between 2021 and 2025. This includes a total of some €17.8 million in 2025.
Last year, the EU provided over €541 million in humanitarian, development and peace assistance to respond to the needs of displaced populations and others directly affected by the insecurity across the region.
At EU level, Ireland has actively supported the renewed approach to the Sahel adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2025. It focuses on political and diplomatic engagement; human security; and social cohesion, economic opportunities and people-to-people ties. The approach has been led by the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, João Cravinho, whom I met with during his visit to Ireland. Ireland has been calling for a long-term EU approach to the region, with investment in human capital and essential service delivery central to addressing the root causes of violence, instability, and migration. We strongly support an integrated approach to food security, nutrition, and resilience -building. I have discussed with the EU Special Representative how Ireland can play a role in support of the renewed approach during our EU Presidency.
We have stepped up our engagement in the Sahel in recent years, not least with the opening of a new Embassy in Senegal in 2023. Our work there includes support for food security, climate action, the empowerment of women and youth, and civil society. We are supporting the International Fund for Agricultural Development, which promotes climate resilient agriculture practices, and a programme by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, co-financed by the EU, to strengthen community resilience, with a focus on the Great Green Wall area of Senegal. At multilateral level, Ireland also contributes to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environmental Facility for their work across the Sahel region.
26. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if the passport application could be expedited given the imminent travel date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38261/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific application raised by the Deputy, the application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
27. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her plans to change the current photograph acceptance process for online passport applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38293/26]
View answerThe Passport Service complies with the photo regulations and passport guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO is a UN agency that defines in detail the required format for a passport.
There are a variety of reasons why an applicant may be required to submit a new photo for their passport application. These may include issues with the photo background, closed eyes or incorrect size.
The Passport Service has extensive public education materials, including video tutorials on taking a passport photo and detailed instructions on the application process, available on my Department’s website: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/photo-guidelines/
In addition, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Customer Service Hub can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/
The Passport Service continually works to enhance the service and provide efficiencies for customers.
The Passport Service's programme of reform will continue throughout this year and into next year, with the delivery of a number of highly complex and transformational projects that are necessary to future-proof service delivery, enhance the customer experience, ensure business continuity, and safeguard the integrity of the Irish passport. Successful delivery of these projects will ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of passport processing worldwide. The Reform Programme includes improvements to the Passport Online website including the submission of passport photos.
28. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to establish a one-stop shop to assist returning Irish citizens in addressing practical issues such as driver's licence changes, Revenue matters and record transfers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38294/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to reducing the barriers for returning Irish Emigrants and this commitment is underpinned by the Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, which I launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park on the 30 April 2026.
As part of the development of this strategy, I led the largest ever consultation with the Irish abroad, including over 27 in-person meetings both in Ireland and overseas, and the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer of 2025.
The result of this extensive consultation process is a strategy that sets out 23 commitments built around the challenges and opportunities shared with us, including specific recognition of the particular challenges facing those who are looking to return.
The Returning to Ireland (RTI) portal on citizensinformation.ie provides a wealth of information on administrative issues such as welfare supports, taxation, education and visas. The portal is funded through the Emigrant Support Programme and we will work with the Citizens Information Board to enhance the site and ensure it continues to provide to provide accessible and relevant information for those returning to Ireland, including those considering retiring here.
I will continue engage on behalf of our diaspora with other Government departments with responsibility for issues such as PPS numbers, habitual residence, matters relating to non-EEA spouses, driving license exchange agreements and the recognition of qualifications.
Over the lifetime of this strategy, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also strengthen its engagement with those who advocate on behalf of those returning to Ireland and work with them to oversee the commitments set out in our new strategy.
Progress continues to be made in respect of concluding driving license exchange agreements with US states with a focus initially on New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
29. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland is engaging at EU level to secure investment and trade opportunities that benefit rural regions; the steps being taken to ensure that areas like Laois can maximise the economic benefits of EU programmes and external trade agreements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38295/26]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I support an ambitious EU trade agenda that promotes new Free Trade Agreements, and secures provisions regarding the protection of our agricultural sector and rural communities.
As a member of the EU, Ireland has access to the largest trade network in the world, with individual agreements covering trade relations with over 70 countries which allow preferential market access for Irish companies. That network of agreements is being continuously strengthened, with several currently under negotiation, including with the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the UAE. This is critical as we look to diversify our critical supply chains, increase our trade flows and open up export markets for Irish companies. This includes argifood exporters, but also agribusinesses and manufacturing companies that are based in our regions.
In addition, I welcome the recent conclusions of the EU-India and EU-Australia Free Trade Agreements. These trade deals will deliver real opportunities for Irish farmers and will help to support Irish market diversification, build economic resilience and boost our competitiveness. At the same time, my Department is working to ensure that the concerns of Irish farmers and SMEs are understood at the EU level so that they can avail of these opportunities.
Our enterprise agencies work to ensure that the opportunities available under the network of FTAs are pursued. Enterprise Ireland works to ensure that rural regions maximise the economic benefits of EU programmes and external trade agreements. Under its 2025-2029 Strategy, EI is leveraging EU structural funding to support growth in regional areas. 69% of new jobs created in EI-supported companies in 2025 were located outside of Dublin, demonstrating a strong regional impact.
Additionally, IDA Ireland’s client companies directly employ more than 165,000 people in regional locations across the country. This regional strategy has a proven track record of success and IDA Ireland is committed to building on this in the years ahead.
30. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's position in relation to the UN General Assembly Resolution on the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States with respect to Climate Change; whether Ireland will co-sponsor the resolution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38299/26]
View answerOn 20 May, the United Nations General Assembly is expected to take action on a resolution on the ‘Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change’. Ireland supports the current text of the draft resolution. By way of background, the International Court of Justice delivered its landmark Advisory Opinion on 23 July 2025. The questions on which the Court gave its Advisory Opinion were set forth in resolution 77/276, adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 March 2023. Ireland co-sponsored the 2023 resolution.
