Written Answers Nos. 57-77
57. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she supports further restrictive measures against those responsible in the Iranian regime for the violence and repression against the Iranian people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50095/26]
View answerThe Government condemned the horrific violence perpetrated by the Iranian government in January to suppress widespread legitimate public protests. We have in addition over many years expressed our deep concerns at ongoing violations of human rights in Iran.
The EU has for some years maintained sanctions against persons or entities in Iran engaged in these violations. Following the violent repression in January, additional persons or entities were named and added to those sanctions. This included the designation of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Ireland supported these measures.
The EU sanctions lists are frequently reviewed, as evidence becomes available, to include or in some cases remove specific persons or entities from those lists. Ireland has been and will continue to be ready to support such additional designations, where sufficient evidence exists. It would be for the EU Council as a whole to adopt such measures.
58. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the opportunities that forthcoming EU trade agreements will present for Irish businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50034/26]
View answer73. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to ensure Ireland’s priorities, particularly rural development and regional trade, are represented in EU negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49866/26]
View answer78. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps her Department has taken at EU level to secure investment and trade opportunities for the more rural areas of counties such as Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50190/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 73 and 78 together.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I support an ambitious EU trade policy agenda that promotes new Free Trade Agreements, and secures provisions that supports economic activity and trade in all our regions, as well providing enhanced market access supporting 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 companies from right across the country. That network of agreements is being continuously strengthened. Since the start of the year the EU has concluded trade deals with India and Australia.
The EU-India FTA is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side and will deliver real opportunities for Irish businesses, offering improved market access with lower or eliminated tariffs in a broad range of sectors including spirits, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and technology, as well as machinery and equipment. Furthermore, the agreement with Australia provides for market access on preferential terms in a number of strategically important sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals and engineering with mechanical and electrical machinery manufacturers set to benefit.
These trade deals will also deliver real opportunities for Irish farmers, and the wider agrifood sector and will help to support market diversification, build economic resilience and boost our competitiveness.
There are also several ongoing negotiations, including with the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the UAE. During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union we will seek to promote this diversification agenda. In a turbulent international trading environment this is critical as we look to secure our critical supply chains, increase our trade flows and open up export markets for Irish companies including businesses and manufacturing firms that are based in our regions.
Furthermore, 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.
61. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to establishing full diplomatic relations between Ireland and Palestine, when an ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50288/26]
View answerOn 28 May 2024, the Government decided to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State, within the territory defined by the 1967 borders referenced in UN Security Council resolution 242 (1967).
Since the announcement of Ireland’s decision to formally recognise Palestine, an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.
Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid presented her Letter of Credence to President Higgins on 17 December 2024, and, at that point, formally assumed the role of Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland.
Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah is treated as a full diplomatic mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the position of Head of Mission is an Ambassador-level post that – in common with other such appointments – is approved by Government decision. It has been the practice of other States that have recognised the State of Palestine and that have diplomatic missions there to maintain the title of Representative Office following the establishment of diplomatic relations.
62. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on protecting the rights of the Tibetan people, including the right to select the next Dalai Lama. [49863/26]
View answer63. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is supporting the Council of Europe's engagement with members of the Russian opposition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50134/26]
View answerFollowing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe on 16 March 2022. Consequently, direct dialogue between Council of Europe and Russian authorities has all but ceased. The Council of Europe has, however, engaged with the Russian opposition, primarily through the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Following the adoption of resolution 2540 (2024), PACE established a Contact Group in late 2024 and instituted a Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces in January 2026. With the establishment of this Contact Group, PACE committed to pursuing dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces which ‘share values of the Council of Europe and recognise the rules-based international order, including the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine’. Participants in the Platform for Dialogue can attend meetings of PACE’s committees, sub-committees, and networks during part-sessions, facilitating dialogue on issues of common concern.
I consider exchanges with anti-war and pro-democracy groups and individuals important to maintaining an open dialogue and advancing the core values of the Council of Europe. As such, I welcome this continued engagement with Russia’s opposition by PACE and the wider Council of Europe.
Notwithstanding its expulsion from the Council of Europe, Russia remains bound by its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights concerning events that occurred up until its withdrawal from the Convention on 16 September 2022, both generally but also specifically in relation to the human rights of members of its domestic opposition and vis-à-vis Ukrainians under its temporary occupation. Furthermore, the country must fully implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights that emanate from events that occurred prior to its withdrawal from the Convention, including the inter-state case of Ukraine and Netherlands v Russia in which Ireland has intervened as a third-party.
64. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action being taken with regard to the mistreatment of detainees, including European citizens, following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and with regard to the behaviour of extremist ministers inciting and promoting human rights abuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50096/26]
View answerI was appalled by the treatment of illegally detained participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Irish citizens. I condemned the interception of the Flotilla vessels in international waters, and called on the Israeli authorities to release all Irish citizens detained, and to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and welfare of all those on board the Flotilla.
The Taoiseach wrote to the President of the European Council on 20 May to express his grave concern about the shocking treatment of EU citizens.
Ireland has also been clear over many months on the need for action at EU level in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and international law.
In that same letter, the Taoiseach reiterated Ireland’s position on EU trade with Israel ahead of the discussion of these issues at the June European Council. Following the June FAC, and as noted in the June European Council Conclusions, the Commission undertook to bring forward a list of options for consideration at the next Foreign Affairs Council, including measures aimed at preventing trade with Israeli settlements.
At the EU level, Ireland has consistently supported consideration of additional sanctions, including proposals brought forward by the Commission President in September 2025 concerning extremist Israeli ministers, and believes that further measures are required.
I can confirm that at the national level, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has instructed immigration officers to refuse entry to Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister for National Security of Israel, and Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance of Israel, should they seek to enter Ireland.
66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagement with the UK government regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50027/26]
View answerOnly a few weeks ago, on 17 May, we marked the 52nd anniversary of the Dublin Monaghan bombings and my Department was represented at the commemoration. My thoughts remain with the families that have sought the truth of what happened to their loved ones on that day.
The Government has long-standing requests in place to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents held by the British Government relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. These requests arise from successive all-party motions adopted by this House.
I raised the Dublin Monaghan bombings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, at the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle on 30 April.
The delay in the publication of the full report of Operation Denton, a review of the Glenanne gang cases, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which was expected last year, is disappointing. The delay in publication is due to legal proceedings currently under way in Northern Ireland.
Officials from my Department remain in contact with the Operation Denton team. They will continue to follow up on the publication of the full report. We hope the report can be published within a reasonable timeframe and that its findings may shed light on what happened on that awful day.
The publication of the final report of Operation Denton would also help to maintain momentum on our broader work on legacy, particularly in the context of the implementation of the Joint Framework agreed last year by the two Governments.
Reciprocal co-operation is at the heart of the Joint Framework, which commits the British Government to provide "cooperation to Ireland for investigations, inquiries and inquests" in this jurisdiction. It is my hope that these measures, once implemented, could further help to shed light on the events of 17 May 1974 and provide information to families.
67. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is supporting Ukrainian membership of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50099/26]
View answerIreland strongly supports EU enlargement which is a priority of our EU Presidency. In the next six months, Ireland will aim to advance the candidacies of all candidate and potential candidate countries, provided that necessary reforms are implemented.
Ten countries currently hold either EU ‘candidate’ status or ‘potential candidate’ status (Kosovo). Iceland will hold a referendum on 29 August on whether to resume EU accession negotiations.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and opened accession negotiations in June 2024. Last year's European Commission annual Enlargement report described as remarkable Ukraine's progress for the reporting period. The Commission also confirmed that Ukraine is technically ready to open all six negotiating clusters.
Following the lifting of Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s candidacy, on 15 June an Intergovernmental Conference agreed to open Cluster 1 on Fundamentals with Ukraine and Moldova. This decision, which Ireland strongly supported, represents a positive and concrete step forward on Ukraine's accession path. Ireland will seek to facilitate the opening of all remaining negotiating clusters for both Ukraine and Moldova during our Presidency. This will depend on the agreement on all 27 EU Member States.
In order to support their efforts to align their laws with the EU acquis, Ireland is providing technical support to all candidate countries, including Ukraine, through our “Ireland for EU Enlargement” capacity-building programme, which was launched last year by my Department. I am pleased that officials from Ukraine have participated in the first two years of the programme.
Ireland will maintain full support to all candidate and potential candidate countries – including Ukraine – and will continue to encourage them to implement necessary reforms to advance in their EU accession process.
68. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland has raised concerns with countries that continue to have the death penalty for any person believed to be or who identifies as LGBT; and the further actions Ireland may take. [49864/26]
View answerIreland is strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances.
The death penalty constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and is contrary to the fundamental right to life. The final and irreversible nature of the death penalty means that it is unfit for use as a criminal punishment. In countries where the death penalty is still in use, Ireland is particularly concerned by the execution of minors, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. In addition, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides that, where the death penalty remains in use, it should only be used for the most serious crimes, an obligation which death penalty retaining States frequently do not observe.
Ireland continues to seek the universal abolition of the death penalty and calls on states which still retain it to introduce a moratorium on its use, as a first step towards abolition. Ireland raises the issue of the death penalty bilaterally, and also regularly joins EU statements in the event of an execution taking place or moratoria being lifted. Ireland also regularly highlights the death penalty in its recommendations to other States under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
Ireland supports resolutions on the death penalty at both the General Assembly’s Third Committee and at the Human Rights Council (HRC) and is a member of the UN Interregional Taskforce (IRTF) on the Moratorium of the Use of the Death Penalty.
Ireland is also a member of the Support Group of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) and is supporting the 9th World Congress Against the Death penalty, taking place in Paris.
The promotion of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland. The universal nature of human rights cannot be fulfilled without respecting the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Globally, LGBTIQ+ persons continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and systemic discrimination in many countries. It is unacceptable that LGBTIQ+ people continue to face discrimination, harassment, violence – including death – for being who they are, and I view with deep concern that recent years have seen a growing number of States criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adults.
Ireland regularly makes recommendations to other States under the UPR mechanism concerning the decriminalization of same-sex relations and the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions. In 2025 alone, Ireland made 16 UPR recommendations calling for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, including four distinct recommendations to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations.
At the 59th Session of the HRC, in 2025, Ireland delivered a statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on SOGI, condemning the use of the death penalty to criminalize LGBTQI+ people as a gross violation of human rights.
The protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people is a key priority area in our ongoing campaign for membership of the Human Rights Council, and will be a focus for Ireland if elected.
69. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the progress made to date in relation to the ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49804/26]
View answerThe ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU (‘CETA’) is a priority for Government. The 2025 Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to ratify this important free trade agreement.
Ratifying CETA is a priority for the Government against the background of today’s volatile international trading environment. Such agreements are vital for Ireland’s credibility as a trading nation and as a favourable destination for foreign investment, supporting the growth of Irish businesses including small and medium-sized businesses, and creating jobs. The ratification of CETA is also a key priority for Canada, which has been repeatedly raised with Ireland by Canadian partners.
On 17 June 2026, the President signed the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill into law. The Arbitration (Amendment) Act 2026 is a key part of ongoing efforts to take forward the ratification of CETA and other international agreements containing similar investment dispute resolution provisions.
The Act amends the Arbitration Act 2010, introducing a new procedure in Irish law for the enforcement in Ireland of awards made by tribunals established under CETA and similar international agreements, in order to address concerns identified by the Supreme Court in the Costello judgments.
With respect to the recent High Court challenge to the ratification of CETA, the Government is engaged with the Office of the Attorney General on next steps. The Government remains committed to the ratification of CETA as soon as possible, as set out in the programme for Government. In this context, the Government will seek to ensure that this case proceeds as efficiently as possible.
70. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her Department's engagements regarding facilitating easier return to Ireland for emigrants. [50266/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants.
Delivering on this will be taken forward through the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, which I launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park in April.
The strategy is a result of this extensive consultation process with Irish communities overseas and includes a specific commitment to facilitate the transition for those who are moving home to Ireland.
Central to our work will be the continued support for the Returning to Ireland (RTI) portal on citizensinformation.ie, which is funded by the Emigrant Support Programme. Since 2022, over 700,000 people have used the hub which provides useful information on administrative issues such as welfare supports, taxation, education and visas.
I will continue to engage with Government departments with responsibility for issues such as PPS numbers, habitual residence, matters relating to non-EEA spouses, driving license exchanges and the recognition of qualifications.
We will also strengthen our engagement with those who advocate on behalf of those returning to Ireland, particularly groups working with marginalised communities and vulnerable returnees. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we continue to support the work of organisations such as Safe Home and Crosscare to ensure appropriate supports are in place.
Returning emigrants bring with them new skills and perspectives. Our Back for Business programme provides mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs returning with the intention of setting up a business.
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.
71. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is working to support the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50025/26]
View answerThe Government has been consistent in the pursuit of accountability for Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. This includes the accountability of the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression. Ireland has been one of more than 40 members of the “Core Group” involved in drafting the legal instruments necessary for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The Special Tribunal will be established by a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, which was signed on 25 June 2025. Ireland is engaging with members of the Council of Europe, the European Union and other supportive states to ensure the fulfilment of a number of criteria necessary for entry into force of this bilateral agreement, including bringing into operation an Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) on the Special Tribunal’s financing and management, and the conclusion of the requisite number of cooperation agreements with the Special Tribunal.
To this end, on 15 May 2026, Ireland was among the 36 states, and the European Union, to adopt the EPA on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal. The EPA now requires the finalisation of internal procedures by a number of participating states, including Ireland, and a subsequent formal decision by adopting States for its entry into force, subject to there being sufficient financial resources for the operation of the Special Tribunal.
Ireland will continue to positively engage at the Council of Europe to ensure that the Special Tribunal is established and operational as soon as reasonably possible.
72. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on a digital strategy that works towards digital passports for those who want to avail of them in the future, as part of better digital public services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40753/26]
View answerThe Irish Passport Services continues to be at the forefront of modernisation globally. In 2025 a new passport processing software was successfully released, replacing legacy software and creating efficiencies and more secure processing of applications. In the next two years, the Passport Service will launch a new passport book and passport card, as well as new passport integrity systems and a new online application service for both passport and foreign birth registration applications.
Alongside the above programme, the Passport Service is committed to researching and working towards the development of a digital passport, as stated in Goal 2 of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2028, and in the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future.
The Passport Service is currently engaging in discussions with European partners to complete an EU-funded pilot for digital passport use cases, which will trial use cases for a digital passport in conjunction with the physical passport. Previous pilots in Europe have been focused within the Schengen area, and as Ireland is a non-Schengen member of the EU, the Passport Service is uniquely positioned to contribute richly to further pilots and development in both Europe and globally.
Ireland works closely with partners in numerous fora, including the Passport 6 group and the UN’s ICAO subgroups to ensure digital passports are developed collaboratively and securely. Currently, the focus of these groups is on a type of digital passport that is linked with the holder’s physical passport, which would make immigration and other processes faster. Work is also ongoing to create a fully digital passport that is secure enough for use without a physical passport being present, but this is anticipated further in the future.
74. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will end the use of Shannon Airport by the US military; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50247/26]
View answerUnder 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 of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, 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 of diplomatic clearance is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners.
Successive governments have made landing facilities available at a number of Irish airports to the United States and other foreign militaries for well over 50 years. Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, as I have outlined. These conditions are applicable to foreign military aircraft from all other countries seeking to land in Ireland or overfly Irish airspace.
The permission given by Ireland to foreign military or state aircraft to overfly or land in the State is in full compliance with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy.
75. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the increasingly aggressive, reckless and irresponsible Russian behaviour towards EU Member States, including foreign information manipulation and interference, and threats against the European diplomatic presence in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50133/26]
View answerI strongly condemn the recent escalatory action undertaken by the Russian Federation against EU Member States. These are not the actions of a country interested in peace.
Failing on the battlefield, Russia's belligerence towards Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and others is particularly egregious.
The Russian drone strike on an apartment block on 29 May in Galati, Romania, also constitutes a serious violation of Romania's sovereignty. Ireland and the EU both issued statements of condemnation. Russia cannot be allowed to continue violating European airspace with impunity.
On 25 May, Russia issued a call for foreign citizens, including the personnel of diplomatic missions and international organisations, to evacuate Kyiv due to Russia's intent for further strikes on the city. These blatant threats and attempts to intimidate diplomats and civilians in Kyiv are completely unacceptable. I reject them entirely.
Threats against diplomats and international organizations are not a sign of strength. They are a sign of desperation.
Further, through its sustained pursuit of hybrid campaigns, including foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), Russia represents a major threat to stability, democracy and social cohesion throughout Europe and beyond.
Ireland continues to work together with our EU counterparts to counter these activities. This work includes implementation of the EU’s hybrid, cyber and FIMI toolboxes. We support the full use of all tools available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities, including through sanctions.
During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will work to progress the EU agenda on hybrid and cyber threats and focus on strengthening the EU response to FIMI.
