Written Answers Nos. 14-33
14. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of Ireland's advocacy at EU level for a durable ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza; and whether the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Act 2026. remains on course for enactment. [69262/26]
View answer31. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given that Ireland has presidency of the EU, if she will do everything possible to end the conflict and genocide in Gaza. [69363/26]
View answer44. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on efforts to increase aid supplies crossing the border into Gaza. [69232/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 31 and 44 together.
Ireland continues to use every opportunity at the EU level and internationally to stress our grave concerns about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and ongoing Israeli operations in both Gaza and the West Bank. During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, we are working to maintain this focus at EU level. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank was discussed at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers that I hosted in Wicklow last month. Ireland continues to press for appropriate EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of international law, human rights and democratic principles.
The situation in Palestine was a central focus of my engagement with EU and other international partners during High Level Week at the UN last week. Ireland participated in a number of events focused on Israel and Palestine, including the meeting jointly organised by France, the UK and Canada one year on from the New York Declaration. I attended the High-Level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two State Solution, as well as a High Level event on International Humanitarian Law.
At the Global Alliance meeting, I reiterated Ireland's concern about the appalling situation for people in Gaza, who continue to endure intolerable hardships. The entire population of Gaza is confined to an overcrowded and insecure area comprising just one third of the territory, where they face a deepening health, food security and shelter crisis as winter approaches. Massive ongoing constraints on the flow of humanitarian aid are the result of Israeli-imposed import restrictions. I witnessed this first hand when I visited the Rafah Crossing in January. There remains an urgent need for Israel to immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip. This is critical for immediate humanitarian needs, as well as to meet the huge challenge of recovery and reconstruction.
It is crucial that any such aid be provided, without interference, through the UN and its agencies, and other international institutions that are not associated with either party to the conflict. The work of the UN, in particular UNRWA, together with other humanitarian organisations and NGOs, is essential to confront the catastrophic humanitarian situation and to deliver life-saving assistance and essential services to the civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, and in the wider region.
Ireland has provided over €134 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes new funding of €42 million for 2026, of which over €31 million has been paid to date.
Ireland has provided €78 million in support to UNRWA specifically since January 2023, of which our 2026 commitment of €20 million was provided by June this year. Ireland has condemned Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA and also called for any deregistration of international NGOs to be halted. We are closely following the issue and have called for the reversal of this measure. Ireland has also raised this issue at EU level. We continue to encourage our fellow EU and UN Member States to increase their support to UNRWA, including at the UN last week.
Together with EU colleagues, we remain ready to work with the US and other international partners on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan which was signed in October last year, with a Board of Peace carrying out its mission as a transitional administration, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and other relevant UN resolutions. I have acknowledged the consistent efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye with regard to implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. We continue to call on all parties to meet their obligations and deliver on the commitments in the Comprehensive Plan.
The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Act 2026 came into effect on 15 September, fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment.
I welcome the recent announcement by the UK, France, Canada and others that they will also act on the issue of trade with Israeli settlements. As the first EU country to announce measures prohibiting trade with Israeli settlements, Ireland is proud to have led the way on this issue, closely followed by Spain.
Throughout our Presidency, Ireland will continue to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-State solution that guarantees the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and to live in peace and safety within secure borders.
And we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal – political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian – to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people, and for peace, accountability and an end to the Israeli government’s devastating policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
15. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the mobile maternity unit fundraised for by an organisation (details supplied). [69230/26]
View answerThe situation in Palestine remains a key priority during our EU Presidency, and the Government is working to ensure that focus is maintained on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. The situation in Gaza was discussed at an Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Wicklow on 1-2 September, hosted by Minister McEntee.
Our Embassy in Cairo met Medics World Wide in April this year to discuss the delivery of assistance to Gaza, including elements funded through Irish donations. A number of mobile maternity clinics are currently located in that organisation's warehouse as they await permission from the relevant authorities for their transfer to partners in Gaza. Three of those mobile maternity clinics were purchased with funds raised by Gaeil ar son Gaza. The Embassy in Cairo is in touch with the organisation on an ongoing basis, including as recently as last week, and is providing all assistance possible in the current difficult circumstances.
The primary difficulties are those associated with broader restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on all goods seeking to enter Gaza. At present only two crossings into Gaza are in use, but with significant restrictions. The Kerem Shalom crossing is open for limited entry of approved cargo while Rafah, which is the crossing from Egypt, is open only for the limited movement of people.
There is an urgent need for further humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The Government has made it clear that Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip.
Ireland has provided over €134 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes €78 million to UNRWA, with Ireland’s 2026 commitment of €20 million in core funding provided by June this year. Our total assistance for the Palestinian people will be over €42 million this year, of which over €31 million has been provided to date.
16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussions she has had on legacy issues with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. [69041/26]
View answerImplementation of the measures announced in the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles is a key priority for this Government.
I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Bryant, since his appointment in July. I discussed the implementation of the Joint Framework with him in detail during his first visit to Dublin in his new role on 24 August and again at our next in person meeting at the British Irish Association Conference in Oxford on 4 September.
These engagements were positive and constructive. I welcomed the progress being made on the implementation of the commitments made by both governments in the Joint Framework, in particular the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill moving forward to Committee Stage in the House of Commons next month.
The Government's objective is to ensure that legacy mechanisms are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and can secure the confidence of victims and survivors of the Troubles. I look forward to working with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland over the coming weeks and months to ensure we achieve this shared goal and both of us - and our teams - and in regular contact on this and a range of issues relevant to Northern Ireland.
Unfortunately, one area where agreement was not possible under the Joint Framework relates to the murder of Seán Brown.
The Government has made clear our support for the Brown family in their calls for a public inquiry into his murder and I also raised the matter with the Secretary of State when we met in Dublin.
The Government will continue to support the Brown family in their calls for a public inquiry and I will continue raise this case with the British government.
17. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the European Forum Alpbach 2026. [69011/26]
View answerI participated in the high-level political sessions of the European Forum Alpbach 2026 in Austria on 31 August and 1 September. The annual forum brings together policy makers, academics, business leaders, civil society and young people to discuss the major themes of the day and to reflect on Europe’s place in the wider world. Among those attending this year’s forum were the former Prime Minister of Italy, Enrico Letta, author of the ‘Letta Report’, and the former Director General of the WTO, Pascal Lamy. The Alpbach Forum provided a valuable opportunity to meet informally with them as well as with other senior Ministers and business leaders. During the course of my engagements at the forum, I highlighted Ireland's Presidency priorities and outlined the work we are doing to move this agenda forward.
The theme of this year’s forum was "How Europe Wins”, with a particular focus on competitiveness. This resonates strongly with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During these six months, we are working with full commitment to ensure that Europe prospers economically and is a place where its people can build a strong future for their families and communities.
During my attendance at the Alpbach Forum, I participated in a round table discussion titled “Competing in a Changing World – What's Next for Europe?” with my counterparts from Austria, Poland and the UK. My fellow Ministers and I had a very useful and comprehensive exchange of views on a wide range of issues including EU enlargement, competitiveness and the future of Europe, all priority areas for the Irish Presidency. With outreach to young people being a particular focus of our Presidency, it was very encouraging and positive that so many students were in attendance.
I also took part in a discussion on European competitiveness with an audience of senior CEOs and executives from Austria as well as having a constructive meeting with my UK counterpart where we discussed EU-UK relations.
18. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland intends to support the deepening of EU-Canada trade and economic relations, including through CETA, in advance of the forthcoming EU-Canada summit. [69319/26]
View answerThe EU-Canada relationship is strong and based on a long history of close cooperation and shared values. Ireland greatly values Canada’s leadership and support across a broad range of political, foreign, and security policy issues, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Ireland has a strong history of supporting closer EU-Canada relations. The signature of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Canada in October 2016 – together with the CETA Trade Agreement – marked the beginning of a new, dynamic chapter in the European Union's long-standing partnership with Canada. This relationship, alongside new security agreements, and participation in EU programmes means that Canada enjoys one of the most advanced bilateral relationships of any third country with the EU.
CETA is also a part of Ireland’s diversification story, in line with the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. Almost a decade on from their signature, it is important – now more than ever – to get the EU-Canada Agreements ratified by the Member States. Ireland must play its part.
During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland has sought to promote closer EU-Canada relations. This has included Canadian Ministers attending Informal Ministerial Council meetings, including the recent informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers or Gymnich held in Ireland. In addition, in June the Taoiseach welcomed Prime Minister Carney on a visit to Ireland promoting continued strong ties between our two countries.
As the Deputy highlights in his question, the trading relationship is such an important part of the EU-Canada relationship, and will be central to the upcoming Informal Trade Council that I will host in Dublin, where there will be a separate event on the benefits and future outlook of CETA.
I also welcome the ongoing negotiations for an EU-Canada Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). A DTA with Canada will enable us to play a leading role in shaping international rules for digital trade. These rules will be transparent, predictable and allow a safer environment for businesses to trade digitally across borders while providing stronger protections for consumers online. I am optimistic that this can be advanced ahead of October’s summit.
19. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether concerns about energy affordability and security are being raised in Ireland's international engagements on digital investment and data centre development. [69367/26]
View answerStriking the balance between energy affordability, sustainability, and delivering the necessary digital infrastructure that will secure future competitiveness and underpin growth is a key concern for governments globally, including Ireland. Digital infrastructure plays an important role in economic growth, innovation and competitiveness, particularly in priority sectors like AI. We also need to ensure that energy demand associated with digital development is managed in a manner consistent with national energy security, affordability and climate objectives.
The Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment has primary policy responsibility for leading Ireland’s international engagement on energy affordability and security in key fora such as the International Energy Agency. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and their agencies also have a lead role on data centres and attracting foreign direct investment. Both Departments lead on the Government’s overall response to these issues, which is through the Large Energy Users Connection Policy and the Large Energy User Action Plan. Both Departments are better placed to respond to the Deputy on the detailed sectoral aspects of the policy.
My Department coordinates the Government’s overall international engagement, including in key multilateral fora for energy policy such as the EU.
Progressing an ambitious programme on energy is crucial for the EU’s future competitiveness. As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ireland is emphasising the need for accelerated deployment of clean energy, including wind, solar and emerging technologies, to deliver decarbonised and affordable power for citizens and businesses. These actions are necessary to secure European energy sovereignty, the need for which has become even more clear since the advent of the conflict in the Middle East and the consequent impact on energy prices.
My Department will continue to support the overall government approach on these issues, including through our role in multilateral fora and through the Embassy and Consulate network.
20. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the engagement she has had with the British government concerning the Garvaghy Road parade dispute. [69339/26]
View answerThere is a history of hurt around Drumcree, which requires extra sensitivity from all in leadership positions. So now is a time for us to be calm and careful in what we say here in this Chamber.
Alongside the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, I have emphasised the importance of protecting the gains of the peace process for people across this island, and the responsibility of everyone to contribute positively to finding a way through the current, very difficult situation.
I welcome the fact that initial exploratory discussions with the Secretary of State to mediate a solution to this situation took place at Hillsborough on Tuesday and again yesterday and I hope that these continue and have an agreed outcome.
I have of course been in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland every day since the determination of the Parades Commission as well as with other stakeholders.
The Taoiseach spoke to the Prime Minister over the weekend and the Government at political and official level has been in ongoing contact with a range of stakeholders, including representatives of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition throughout.
My primary concern remains the need to avoid a return to the divisions of the past, recalling the significant progress made over many years in furthering reconciliation under the Good Friday Agreement. This includes the immeasurable progress on community relations in the locality over the past 28 years.
21. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the international engagement undertaken since the American and Israeli war on Iran from a point of view of the impact of the war on the price of critical goods including oil. [68202/26]
View answer76. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the war in Iran and the Gulf region. [69248/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 76 together.
I am very concerned by the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States, following the expiry of the negotiating period provided for under the 17 June Memorandum of Understanding. Ireland has consistently maintained that the best way forward is a return by both sides to meaningful, good-faith negotiations aimed at restoring regional peace and stability.
I have remained in contact with my counterparts on the confict in the Gulf, including during High Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. The situation in the region was also discussed at the EU informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Wicklow in September. Last week, in New York, I joined over 80 countries in issuing a statement condemning Iran's continued attacks on its neighbours and on international shipping.
Attacks by Iran risk further undermining regional stability. Ireland calls on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Any loss of civilian life through conflict is unacceptable and must be avoided. We extend our sympathy to the families of those who have lost loved ones.
The security of international shipping lanes is essential to the prosperity and security of all states. Ireland remains firmly committed to international law, including the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provide the framework for safe and open maritime navigation. Freedom of navigation is a global public good. Iran must cease attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and restore safe transit passage through this vital international waterway. Any attempt to obstruct international navigation by force or impose unlawful restrictions on transit is unacceptable.
I am also deeply concerned by the worsening conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Ireland condemns attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia and threats to international shipping in the Red Sea. We continue to support the efforts of UN Special Representative Hans Grundberg to secure a lasting resolution to this conflict.
Disruption to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated how instability in one region can have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. The effects have been felt internationally, including in Ireland, through higher energy costs affecting households and businesses. The Government has taken steps to mitigate these impacts. Impacts on global food and fertiliser supply chains, including price rises and availability, may also deepen humanitarian need in fragile contexts. Any prolonged disruption as a result of Houthi activity in the Bab al-Mandab strait, at the southern entry to the Red Sea, carries similar risks.
It is in the collective interest of all states to protect maritime security and strengthen international cooperation against these threats. Ireland will continue to engage with partners on an end to the conflict and on mitigating its global impacts. Alongside this, we will continue to raise our serious concerns with Iran in our bilateral engagement, on this conflict, on Iran's malign role in the region, and on its nuclear programme, alongside our long-standing concerns on Iran's appalling human rights record.
22. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress that will be made on implementing the Draghi report during Ireland's Presidency. [69340/26]
View answerThe Government strongly supports the EU’s competitiveness agenda. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade holds horizontal responsibility for EU Policy across government, including coordination of our response to the Draghi and Letta Reports, and the new One Europe, One Market Roadmap. This is a whole of government effort, with the negotiations in Brussels and the domestic implementation resting with the relevant lead Departments.
Ireland’s experience of Europe’s Single Market as an engine for transformational economic growth has shaped our approach to EU policy-making. This is why competitiveness is one of our three core pillars during our Council Presidency term.
Central to this is our commitment to take forward work on the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, an inter-institutional agreement focused on the competitiveness agenda and which was signed by leaders in April of this year.
The Roadmap seeks to translate the ambition to close Europe’s competitiveness gap, as expressed in the Draghi and Letta Reports and the Competitiveness Compass, into 42 key identified measures and targets across five key pillars. The new framework takes forward the recommendations of the Draghi and Letta reports and seeks to implement many of measures and proposals identified in these reports.
The Roadmap also sets out ambitious timelines and deadlines for the agreement of proposals under our Presidency, which will be vital to boosting European competitiveness and building our economic resilience. Of the listed measures, 20 are targeted for agreement under the Irish Presidency.
Key proposals which are targeted for agreement by end 2026 include:
• the EU Grids Package, which is designed to improve energy interconnectivity and lower energy prices;
• EU Inc, which would enable firms to operate across the EU under a single set of harmonised rules;
• The Industrial Accelerator Act which aims to support industrial renewal by increasing investment in decarbonising industries;
The Roadmap also includes the Omnibus simplification packages, which will simplify the EU regulatory framework and reduce administrative burdens for businesses, in particular SMEs, to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness. Both the Letta and Draghi reports underlined the need to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on EU companies, particularly SMEs.
As Presidency we are a neutral chair and must be guided by and represent the agreed position of member states. We have prioritised delivery of the Roadmap as Presidency, but are, of course, reliant on the commitment of other Member States and the European Parliament to achieve these goals.
24. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff that are currently accredited to the embassy of the Russian Federation. [69297/26]
View answerDespite Ireland's fundamental disagreement with the actions taken by the Russian Federation since its unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open.
This is in the interests of our citizens, in Russia and in the four Central Asian countries to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. This also allows us to continue to formally convey the Government's strong objection to the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 identifies three categories of staff of a diplomatic mission: diplomatic staff, administrative and technical staff and service staff.
There are currently 17 staff members at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ireland who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Convention - six Diplomats and 11 Administrative and Technical staff. The current number of staff accredited to the Embassy is taken at a point in time, and minor increases or decreases in numbers may relate to vacancies that arise over time.
Prior to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 staff at the Embassy, 14 diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff.
25. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on implementing the Action Plan on Market Diversification. [69318/26]
View answer41. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the Department’s role in implementing the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification; and the measures being taken through Ireland’s diplomatic network to support Irish SMEs and indigenous businesses seeking to access new export markets. [69278/26]
View answer49. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures being taken through Ireland’s diplomatic network and international trade engagement to promote and diversify overseas market opportunities for Irish agricultural and agrifood exports. [69280/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 41 and 49 together.
This Government is committed to support Irish companies with their market diversification ambitions. Market diversification protects against sudden changes in the global economy, opens new trading opportunities and enhances economic resilience.
The Action Plan on Market Diversification is part of a comprehensive response by the Government to recent changes in the global trading environment. The Plan was developed jointly by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with input from other Government Departments and Agencies. Both Departments drive implementation of the Action Plan through the Headquarters Market Team (HQMT), which is co-chaired by senior officials from both Departments. The HQMT also includes senior representatives from Department and State agencies engaged in promoting Ireland internationally.
The first implementation progress report was published in March and showed strong implementation. A second implementation will be published by the end of the year. The momentum has continued throughout 2026. Some of the early measures worth noting are the increased people resources put in place by the State Agencies in diverse locations including Korea, UAE, India and New Zealand as well as new market diversification attaches from my Department in our consulates in Atlanta, Austin, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
EU membership and access to the EU’s global network of free trade agreements is a core aspect of our approach to market diversification. There has been substantial progress on several EU FTAs, most recently with the preliminary, substantial agreement on an FTA with the Philippines last week as well as India and Australia which are both currently being ratified and offer real opportunities for Irish business.
2026 also saw the largest St Patrick’s Day Programme in the history of the state which had a strong market diversification focus across global markets, promoting Ireland as a partner for trade, investment, tourism and research. This was a major focus of my own visit to Boston.
A programme of promotional visits by Ministers is continuing throughout 2026, supported by our Embassies and Consulates. There was a strong economic promotion element in my own programme in New York last week, focused both on supporting Irish companies scaling in the US and promoting Ireland as an investment location.
The new Diaspora and Sports Diplomacy strategies have strong economic promotion ambitions, which are being implemented. These strategies recognize respectively the importance of the Irish diaspora for indigenous businesses looking to scale and do business internationally, and the opportunity afforded by major sporting events, such as the Aer Lingus College Classic, to enhance economic and political ties.
In May my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, organised the Latin America and the Caribbean Trade Horizons Conference in Croke Park. Enterprise Ireland will host a conference promoting trading opportunities with Africa this month.
New Research and Innovation Attachés have been announced for the UK, Germany, France, Singapore and South Africa, building on the success of the positions in Boston and San Francisco.
I am determined to continue the strong implementation of the Action Plan on Market Diversification and will publish a second progress report later this year.
In addition to the Action Plan, the Government has also taken a number of related measures to national Ireland’s economic resilience, including the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, the review of the National Development Plan in 2025 and increased engagement with key economic stakeholders through the Government Trade Forum. Maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness in a more challenging global economy is a priority for the Government, and will be reflected in Budget 2027 next week.
My Department, through our Embassies and Consulates overseas work in close partnership with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and other State Agencies as part of Team Ireland overseas. My Department is always eager to collaborate with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and other Agencies as they fulfill their mandate to support Irish businesses abroad.
26. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland’s engagement with international partners in responding to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. [69165/26]
View answerThe conflict in Sudan has created the world’s worst humanitarian, displacement and protection crisis. Yet it has not garnered the level of international attention, and sustained political engagement, that its scale and severity demand. The Government continues to use our influence in the EU and the UN to raise awareness and to call for and end to the conflict and support for efforts for a Sudanese-led transition to civilian rule.
We are members of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan alongside Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Sierra Leone, and the UK. We have also highlighted the situation in Sudan regularly at the current session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
At the UN General Assembly in New York last week, the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I spoke clearly on the situation in Sudan. Delivering Ireland's national statement at the General Assembly, the Taoiseach called on the international community to act more decisively to bring an end to the conflict.
I attended two important Sudan events during the week in New York. At the Sudan Ministerial Meeting, convened by the EU, African Union, France, Germany, UK and US, I underlined Ireland’s support for diplomatic efforts to advance a civilian political dialogue process. I also joined an event, hosted by the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan, which focused on the impact of drone warfare, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and violations of international humanitarian law.
I am deeply concerned by the increasing use of deadly drone strikes in Sudan, which exacerbates civilian suffering and deepens the humanitarian crisis. It is imperative to maintain sustained and coordinated political pressure on all parties to the conflict, including external actors, to comply with their obligations under international law.
In response to growing humanitarian needs, Ireland is increasing our humanitarian assistance to Sudan, and the region, to €21 million this year, up from €14 million in 2025. We will take every opportunity, including through our role as EU Presidency, to continue to advocate for urgent progress on rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan.
27. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current measures and future plans being taken to strengthen the State’s capacity to provide emergency consular assistance and evacuation support to Irish citizens abroad during conflicts, natural disasters and other major crises; and whether lessons from recent international emergencies have identified any gaps in the current system. [69348/26]
View answerMy Department’s crisis governance framework provides clear guidance for the activation of an effective, timely and robust response to a range of crises, with a view to providing consular assistance to affected Irish citizens and their family members.
Indeed, the Deputy will be aware that during the recent crisis in the Middle East and Gulf, the most significant crisis since the COVID, officials from across my Department, offered direct consular assistance to almost 2900 people. This is the equivalent of an entire year’s worth of ‘normal’ consular assistance operations, and is a strong indicator that existing plans are more than fit for purpose.
Depending on the severity of the crisis, my Department can activate a variety of crisis response measure, including the creation of an emergency task team to ensure a whole of Department approach to any response; the strengthening of the core consular team and of relevant regional missions; and the activation of a surge team.
I can confirm that, at my instruction, my Department activated all these measures during the Middle East and Gulf crisis, which saw more than 100 officials working as part of the response, including to assist the return of 380 Irish citizens and their dependents to Ireland, with a focus on those must vulnerable.
I can assure the Deputy that planning to enhance our capacity to response is ongoing, including through an ongoing lessons learned process, which is currently considering detailed input from officials across my Department. Where gaps are identified, the Crisis Planning Group, which meets quarterly, works with relevant units to implement practical solutions.
More broadly, my consular officials are also working with a range of international partners, including by chairing the EU Working Party for Consular Affairs, to ensure that our response aligns with international best practice.
28. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on discussions regarding Moldova joining the European Union. [68997/26]
View answerIreland strongly supports EU enlargement, which is a key priority of our EU Presidency.
Moldova applied for EU membership in 2022 and opened accession negotiations in 2024. After completing the screening process, Moldova opened the first two negotiating clusters - Cluster 1 on Fundamentals and Clusters 6 on External Relations – in June and July respectively.
In July, during the first month of our Presidency, Ireland secured significant progress on the enlargement file, holding the highest number of accession conferences in a single day since 2002. In addition to opening cluster 6 with both Ukraine and Moldova, we facilitated the closure of two additional chapters with Montenegro as well as the closure of the first three negotiating chapters with Albania.
Last year, the European Commission's Enlargement Report highlighted that Moldova has made the most one-year progress of all the candidates over the reporting period. I am very conscious of the efforts that Moldova is making to meet the challenge of aligning their laws with the EU acquis, despite the ongoing hybrid threats and external interference they are facing.
As confirmed by the European Commission, Moldova, as well as Ukraine, is technically ready to open all negotiating clusters. As Presidency, Ireland will continue to engage with other Member States to secure the unanimity required for the opening of all remaining clusters with both Moldova and Ukraine.
Ireland is also providing technical support to candidate countries – including Moldova – through our “Ireland for EU Enlargement” capacity-building programme, which is funded by my department and delivered by the Institute of Public Administration. I am pleased that officials from Moldova have participated in the first two years of the programme.
The Taoiseach held a bilateral meeting last week with the Prime Minister of Moldova in the margins of the UN General Assembly. Additionally, this week, Moldova's Chief Negotiator with the EU is leading a delegation to Dublin to discuss the progress that Moldova has been making in the area of rule of law. Ireland also opened our Embassy in Chi?in?u in 2025; it serves to strengthen our bilateral relations and facilitate deeper engagement on Moldova’s EU accession.
Ireland will continue to provide our full support for Moldova's EU accession process.
29. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland and its European Union partners will use all possible diplomatic avenues and approaches to address the Republic of Türkiye's persecution of LGBTQ+ persons. [69286/26]
View answer46. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions she intends to take to raise the recent crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists in the Republic of Türkiye. [69282/26]
View answer75. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has been in contact with Irish citizens in Turkey, following the recent crackdowns. [68429/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 46 and 75 together.
I am deeply concerned about recent measures, including legal proceedings and arrests, against LGBTIQ+ organisations and persons in Türkiye. As an EU candidate country, member of the Council of Europe, and a party to international human rights instruments, Türkiye is expected to uphold the highest democratic standards and to ensure the respect of fundamental rights for all, including for LGBTIQ+ persons.
Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic, is entitled to equality, dignity and the full enjoyment of their human rights. The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland, and this is reflected in our campaign for membership of the UN Human Rights Council, where defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is one of our five thematic priorities.
Ireland continues to support initiatives in the EU and other international fora which promote and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, and which condemn violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Ireland stands in full solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons and their allies in Türkiye. As part of ongoing bilateral engagement, Ireland raises human rights issues, including regarding LGBTIQ+ persons, with the Turkish authorities.
Ireland fully supports the statement of 18 September by the European External Action Service expressing concern about the arrests and legal proceedings in Türkiye. In our national capacity on 22 September, along with some EU member states and like-minded countries, a joint message expressing deep concern was delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Türkiye. On 23 September, at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Ireland aligned with a statement of the LGBTI Group of Friends, of which we are a member, regarding these worrying developments. This statement called on Turkish authorities to fully respect the rule of law and the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.
Ireland remains in full solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons and their allies globally, but particularly in Türkiye right now. Ireland will continue to closely monitor developments and keep different potential and proportionate responses under review, including through bilateral channels or opportunities for coordination with EU Member States, or through other multilateral fora.
30. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussions on Ukraine at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs council. [69031/26]
View answer32. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her Department's recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict. [69249/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 32 together.
Ireland’s support to Ukraine is unwavering and remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels. This war and the threat posed by Russia is not only an existential issue for Ukraine but is a major challenge to the security of Europe.
During our EU Presidency, Ireland is working with our EU and international partners in support of Ukraine and efforts to secure a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
We were honoured to host President Zelenskyy in Ireland on the first day of our Presidency. The Taoiseach visited Kyiv on 23 July to express Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine.
Russia’s aggression features prominently at each meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. Ukraine was a key focus of the first meeting of our Presidency on 13 July, including an event I co-hosted with the High Representative to focus on civilian detainees in Ukraine’s occupied territories.
During this event, EU foreign ministers held an informal exchange over breakfast with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, as well as representatives of two Ukrainian human rights organisations that focus on the issue.
The Council then discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, following an initial address by Minister Sybiha, who gave an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.
The ensuing ministerial discussions focused on Ukraine's energy preparedness ahead of next winter – including urgent air defence support and support for the protection and repair of critical energy infrastructure – support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia.
The Council adopted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees both in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and in Russia.
On 2 September, Ukraine was a key focus of the Informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Wicklow, which was joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha and also attended by Canada, UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. This meeting took a strategic view on the situation and the commitments necessary to provide Ukraine with the political, financial and military support that is needed.
As Presidency, we also continue to advance Ukraine's EU accession path to secure the opening of further clusters, building on the progress that we have achieved together to date.
And we will keep pressure on Russia. Further work on robust sanctions will continue to deny Moscow the revenue and the means to continue its illegal war.
On 22 September, the Irish Presidency secured the rollover of the Ukraine Territorial Integrity sanctions regime for an additional 36 months. This is an important regime which sanctions almost 3,000 individuals and entities who have supported Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine. This agreement will allow us to maintain pressure against Russia and continue to sanction those supporting the war effort.
The question of Ukraine was also a priority for Ireland's government representatives during UN High Level Week. In addition to forming part of general political engagement, Ireland participated in a number of events designed to highlight issues such as food security in the Black Sea and ensuring accountability for Ukraine.
33. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on Ireland's EU Presidency; and the way in which Irish priorities are being advanced. [69016/26]
View answerIreland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July and will hold this role until 31 December 2026. Since the start of our term, we have made substantial progress in advancing policy objectives across our three core priorities of competitiveness, values and security.
Early achievements include renewed momentum on EU enlargement, including chairing the largest number of accession conferences held in a single day in over twenty years. We secured agreement on further packages of sanctions against Russia, and the extension of temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine. We have made important progress on measures to better protect children from sexual abuse online. We are advancing significant measures aimed at strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
That means making it easier for Irish and European businesses to grow, invest and create jobs. We are committed to protecting children online, supporting our farmers and rural communities, strengthening Europe’s security and standing firmly with Ukraine. And we are making every effort to ensure that the European Union remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
We are delivering a successful programme of Presidency meetings, both in Brussels and here in Ireland, which has helped to strengthen relationships and to move our agenda forward.
Communities across Ireland are hosting large numbers of European visitors and are showcasing all that Ireland has to offer to our European partners. Through various Presidency outreach initiatives, we are providing opportunities for people across Ireland to engage directly with the European Union and Ireland’s role within it.
Our Presidency is focused firmly on action and delivery. We have made real progress during our first three months but there is a great deal more work ahead of us. Our objective for the remainder of the Presidency is clear: to maintain momentum and deliver practical results that make a difference to people’s lives.
