Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has considered the diplomatic efforts undertaken (details supplied) to facilitate negotiations aimed at advancing the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Western Sahara issue; whether Ireland has engaged with these initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50052/26]
View answerOn 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.
The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.
Ireland's engagement on this issue will 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.
