Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
130. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will support Taiwan’s accession to the World Health Organisation, even as an observer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44781/26]
View answerIreland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the One China Policy. This means we recognise the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China, and that we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, the absence of diplomatic of relations does not preclude the development of economic, cultural and people-to-people connections. Nor does it preclude consideration of support for the meaningful participation of Taiwan in relevant multilateral fora, provided statehood is not a prerequisite for participation. The subject matter under discussion is also relevant, and consideration is always given as to whether Taiwan's participation can bring significant added value. Such situations are judged on a case by case basis.
In coordination with our EU partners, Ireland has in the past supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in various multilateral fora dealing, inter alia, with public health, civil aviation safety, transnational crime, economic cooperation. On a general note, Ireland believes that multilateral organisations should be inclusive where appropriate.
The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of World Health Organization. It held annually in Geneva, Switzerland, and took place on 18-23 May this year. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States, as well as by observers, including the Holy See and Palestine, as well as 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 falls within the parameters of the One China Policy. Given this position and the nature of attendance as an observer at the World Health Assembly, Ireland has consistently 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 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, including this for the most recent World Health Assembly in May 2026.
