Written Answers Nos. 181-190
181. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when training will be made available to Ministers in advance of their JHA Council meetings chair responsibilities under Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. [31751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the preparatory process for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year, my Department is taking forward work on a number of training initiatives. These initiatives are intended both to provide general orientation on the work of the Presidency, and to support the preparations of Ministers and officials who will play specific roles in the management of the business of the Council during the Presidency, including chairing meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies. The programme of training involves both initiatives at a national level and a series of training seminars delivered by the General Secretariat of the Council.
As part of this programme, the General Secretariat of the Council will offer seminars for Ministers who will be responsible for chairing Council meetings during the Irish Presidency. These seminars will address the practical and procedural aspects of the Presidency’s role as well as the specific policy issues to be addressed by the relevant Council configuration. Reflecting the standard timelines recommended by the General Secretariat of the Council, it is anticipated that the relevant seminars will take place in the six month period immediately preceding the start of the Irish Presidency on 1 July 2026.
182. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to accessing passport records (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that people that wish to access this information can do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31344/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service has looked into the matter raised by the Deputy, and has contacted the individual directly with the information requested.
183. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried out prior to approving these changes. [31366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to transfer responsibility for Trade Policy and Negotiation to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
To date the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have identified the following costs directly attributable to implementing the recent change of name of the Department:
- Replacement of signage in DFAT buildings. Cost: €6,961
- Replacement of official seals/stamps. Cost: €2,128
- Replacement of pull-up banners, lectern and podium signage. Cost: €750
Procurement of the above items took place in accordance with Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). The Department participates fully in on-going initiatives of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) focusing especially on achieving procurement savings and delivering value for money, including through the use of shared framework agreements for the provision of different categories of supplies and services.
184. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a schedule of the amount expended by his Department, and bodies under his aegis, on external training, simulations and advice in advance relating to appearances as witnesses at Oireachtas committees, from 2021 to date in 2025; if the supplier of services will also be provided, with a brief outline of services provided, indicating for which Oireachtas committee the services were utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31495/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not funded any external training in relation to appearances as witnesses at Oireachtas committees from 2021 to 2025.
185. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the threat by the Russian Ambassador to Ireland that "a day of reckoning" will face Ireland as a result of our support for Ukraine; if he has called in or made contact with the Ambassador to explain his remarks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31529/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the comments by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an act of unprovoked and unjustified aggression by an expansionist power against its neighbour, and has resulted in countless deaths and untold suffering.
Ireland and its EU partners have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for Ukraine, as it exercises its legitimate right to self-defence against ongoing Russian aggression, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
I strongly condemn Russia's ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, and join Ukraine, the EU and international partners in calling for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
As the aggressor, it is for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards peace by halting its brutal attacks and implementing the proposed ceasefire, without conditions. It can do so at any time.
I have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since taking up the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Officials in my Department have maintained limited engagement with the Russian Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and to address specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
186. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that are being put in place to assist with an urgent matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, the Madleen, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in the early hours of 10 June while trying to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the vast humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
There needs to be an immediate resumption of humanitarian access to the people of Gaza, and at scale, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel. This is not only an obligation under international humanitarian law but a moral imperative.
Ireland has consistently called on Israel to lift its blockade and allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. The UN and humanitarian organisations must be allowed to work independently and do their job.
Ireland has provided over €88 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. So far in 2025, we have provided €21.9 million, including €20 million in core funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in February. This brought Ireland’s support to UNRWA to €58 million since the beginning of 2023. We have also been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Society. Ireland’s support also includes the delivery in 2023 and 2024 of over 116 tonnes of relief supplies through our rapid response initiative.
Compliance with international law is central to Ireland’s approach on the Middle East. Ireland has both bilaterally and at multilateral level, repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law.
187. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to respond to correspondence (details supplied) on an urgent matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis conflict remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts.
I have repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. We have also been clear in our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the release of remaining hostages.
I call on Israel to allow a full resumption of aid in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles and to enable UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently.
The situation in the West Bank, where Israel is conducting its single largest operation in 20 years, is extremely concerning. It demands our urgent attention and appropriate action. At least 40,000 people have been displaced since January.
Ireland has strongly supported sanctions adopted by the EU against individuals and entities involved in settler violence and we continue to call for the imposition of further EU sanctions. At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 May, Ireland called for the immediate adoption of further sanctions targeting violent settlers.
Turning to the question of legislation, the Government is committed to progress legislation to prohibit trade in goods with illegal Israeli settlements. On 27 May, the Government agreed to advance work on a General Scheme for this legislation. This work is being progressed, with a view to bring an update to Government in the coming weeks.
In response to concerns regarding the situation in Gaza, on 20 May the EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed to a review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland and Spain called for this step in February 2024. This is a position that I reiterated in a letter to the High Representative in advance of the Foreign Affairs Council, alongside my counterparts from Spain, Slovenia and Luxembourg.
A shared priority with both our European and regional partners at this time is the forthcoming UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. This will take place in New York in June of this year and will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
This Conference will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives towards implementing the two-State solution such as implementation of the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza. Ireland will co-chair a Working Group, alongside Türkiye, focused on preserving the two-State solution. I hope this conference will be an important moment for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to implementing the two State solution.
188. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he intends to take in response to Israeli forces recently shooting at Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, beyond strongly worded statements; if he agrees that it is past time to introduce sanctions against the Israeli state; and if he accepts that the arms and munitions used may well have been transported through Shannon Airport. [30556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Peacekeepers in Lebanon are part of an international, UN-mandated force under the command of UNIFIL. Whilst the Irish Patrol were not directly targeted in the incident on 29 May, I unreservedly condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers. The incident in Yaroun was completely unacceptable. On my instructions, a formal demarche was delivered to both the United Nations and the Israeli Mission to the UN in New York to express the Government's deep concern regarding the unacceptable nature of the incident and disapprobation at the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces. We have also requested that UNIFIL formally raise these concerns as a matter of urgency with the appropriate Israeli authorities.
The Government has committed to progress legislation prohibiting trade in goods with illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory in line with the Programme for Government. It is the Government’s view that this is an obligation under international law, as clarified by the Advisory Opinion issued by the ICJ on 19 July 2024. The next step is the preparation of the General Scheme of the proposed Bill and work is underway in my Department with a view to bringing an update on that work to Government in the coming weeks. Ireland continues to press for action at EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
Finally, with regard to the question raised on Shannon Airport, under 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 and Trade. 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. Since October 2023, diplomatic clearance has been granted on a small number of occasions for US military aircraft to land in Shannon for the specific purpose of transporting senior officials travelling from the United States to the Middle East. Stringent procedures for diplomatic clearance were followed in full on each of these occasions.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport. Since October 2023, no applications have been received or exemptions granted to permit the carriage of munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory for a flight by a civil aircraft destined for a point in Israel.
189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports a right of return for displaced Palestinian communities whose families were displaced from what is now considered to be Israel in line with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 1948 Fourth Geneva Convention. [31646/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.
As the Deputy may recall, the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, commonly known as the Oslo Accords, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993 deferred certain issues, including the right of return, to subsequent permanent status negotiations.
A shared priority in this regard with both our European and regional partners at this time is the forthcoming UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. This will take place in New York in June of this year and will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
This Conference will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives towards implementing the two-State solution such as implementation of the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza. Ireland will co-chair a Working Group, alongside Türkiye, focused on preserving the two-State solution. We hope that this conference will be a decisive moment for the international community.
190. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he agrees with the comments of French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot (details supplied) wherein he expressed that France will support a Palestinian state on the condition that it does not have the key characteristics of a sovereign state, namely that it would be demilitarised and a different, occupying power would be responsible for security, or whether the Tánaiste supports a fully sovereign Palestinian state responsible for its own security and which can elect its own leadership without the involuntary input of other states. [31647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 May, Ireland marked one year since we announced, alongside Spain and Norway, that we would recognise the State of Palestine. We took that decision as an expression of our support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, self-governance, statehood territorial integrity and security.
Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine, alongside a number of European partners, and with the endorsement of key Arab States, was carefully calibrated to build momentum behind efforts to implement the two-State solution. We took the decision as an expression of hope, and in the spirit of peace. A year on, we now see the question of recognition at the centre of the international debate.
A shared priority with both our European and regional partners at this time is the forthcoming UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. This will take place in New York in June of this year and will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
This Conference will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives towards implementing the two-State solution such as implementation of the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza. Ireland will co-chair a Working Group, alongside Türkiye, focused on preserving the two-State solution. We hope that this conference will be a decisive moment for the international community.
