Thursday, 19 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 181-200

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (181)

Grace Boland

Ceist:

181. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have availed of parents benefit in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; the number of mothers and the number of fathers who have availed of parent's benefit in each of these years; his views on whether further steps can be taken to encourage greater uptake of parent's benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32966/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The number of people who have availed of Parent’s Benefit in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 is set out in the table below, along with breakdown by gender:

Year	Parent's Benefit Claims Awarded	Female	Male
2022	60,178	39,751	20,427
2023	62,883	40,135	22,748
2024	66,518	41,781	24,737

Up to the end of May 2025, 42,331 claims have been awarded. As Parent’s Benefit can be claimed in separate periods of minimum one week up to the maximum of nine weeks, we cannot provide an accurate number of unique recipients and gender breakdown until early 2026. Figures for applications this early may not give a complete picture of the overall gender break down for this year.It is worth noting that the proportion of fathers availing of Parent’s Benefit has increased steadily over this period - from 33.9% of total claims in 2022 to 37.2% in 2024 indicating a positive trend in shared parenting responsibilities.The Programme for Government commits to “introduce Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied.” Work is ongoing within my Department to examine potential models for a Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit. One aim of examining a pay-related approach, is to support more parents to avail of their full entitlement.I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (182)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

182. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding the self-employed who are on an S contribution for access to illness benefit, if he will implement a similar scheme as the scheme in place for job seekers benefit for self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Illness benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance.Eligibility for illness benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. The person must have made the required number of contributions under class A, E, H or P to qualify. In general, self-employed people make PRSI contributions at class S which does not provide entitlement to illness benefit.Jobseeker’s benefit (self-employed) is a social insurance benefit scheme for self-employed people insurable at class S who have ceased their self-employment.Self-employed people pay contributions to the Social Insurance Fund at a lower rate of 4.1%. This is 11.15 percentage points lower than the combined employer and employee contribution of 15.25% made in respect of employed contributors. However, self-employed contributors do have access to over 90% of benefits available to employed contributors including:

• Adoptive Benefit;

• Carer’s Benefit;

• Guardian's Payment (Contributory);

• Invalidity Pension;

• Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed);

• Maternity Benefit;

• Parent's Benefit;

• Partial Capacity Benefit (where in receipt of Invalidity Pension);

• Paternity Benefit;

• State Pension (Contributory);

• Treatment Benefit; and

• Widows, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension.

As a result, the only benefits that class S PRSI does not provide access to are health and safety benefit, illness benefit and occupational injuries benefits. In circumstances where people are ill but do not qualify for illness benefit or invalidity pension, my Department provides means tested supports under the disability allowance scheme and the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. An additional needs payment may also be available to people who have expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income.The Programme for Government includes an action to explore the option of giving self-employed workers access to illness benefit by means of making a higher PRSI contribution. My Department has commenced work in this regard. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (183)

Edward Timmins

Ceist:

183. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review and change the current very penal means test calculation on land or savings on, for example, the non-contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32897/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Means test rules in my Department are kept under regular review and a number of significant changes were made in recent years including:

• Increase in the Carer's Allowance income disregard to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple from July 2025.

• The amount disregarded when you sell your home to move into care increased to €337,500 from January 2025 for those who get State Pension (Non-contributory), or Disability Allowance or Blind Pension.

• The means test disregard for Fuel Allowance was extended to those aged 66 and over from January 2025.

In the case of the means assessment for the personal rate of the State Pension (Non-contributory), the first €20,000 (€40,000 for a couple) of capital an applicant holds is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand.These disregards mean that, where people are in receipt of a social assistance payment and are working or have assets, a certain level of income from that work or value from that asset is not assessed in the means test.A comprehensive review of means testing in the social protection system is currently under way in my Department. The purpose of the review of means testing is to look at the different means tested schemes and to identify any issues in terms of the application of their respective means test.The outcome of the review will inform decisions regarding any potential changes to means testing, including in the run up to Budget 2026. All prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (184)

William Aird

Ceist:

184. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection to extend the winter fuel allowance to people with physical disabilities to a year round free fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32780/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks, a total of €924 each year, available from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €400 million in 2025. The duration of the scheme is designed to coincide with the coldest periods of the year, and it is for this reason the scheme runs from September to April annually. The coldest period of the year is when households would have the greatest need for support with their fuel costs.While the supports provided by my Department such as Fuel Allowance may be sufficient for many people with disabilities, I understand however that there will always be exceptional cases and it is for this reason that my Department provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. My Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available year-round through our Community Welfare Officers.The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups. This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups. Any future decisions will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (185)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

185. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to entitling persons on a widow’s pension working in schools to be able to claim job seeker's benefit when not being paid when off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

People who are employed in schools may receive income support from my department during unpaid holiday periods, through the social insurance based Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme, or the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme, depending on individual circumstances. There is a general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the social welfare system. Given the nature of this system, it can happen that a person may meet the conditionality of more than one scheme at the same time, but generally, as these payments are to help people to meet their income needs, he or she can receive only one of those payments.However, in the case of a person in receipt of a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension there are some instances where a person can be paid jobseekers if they are in receipt of a weekly rate of pension that is lower than the rate of a jobseeker’s payment.There is no change to the income supports to which such persons are entitled during unpaid holiday periods following the introduction of the new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit. This new social insurance income support has replaced the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme for people who have become fully unemployed since 31 March.The legislation underpinning the scheme specifically provides that specific categories of atypical workers are excluded from Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, including those whose pattern of employment and unemployment is aligned with the academic year. People whose employment and unemployment patterns are aligned with the academic year have a predictable or ongoing pattern of work and do not the experience the income shock from a sudden and permanent loss of employment.Applications for Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie. Alternatively, application forms can be requested by emailing [e-mail] or from a person's local Intreo Centre or Branch Office. I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

Consular Services

Ceisteanna (186)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

186. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the types of services which his Department offers to Irish citizens when offering consular assistance in an emergency situation; whether such assistance has been provided to Irish citizens visiting Mexico in recent years and the nature of the assistance which was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33331/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of help and supports to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charger outlines what to expect and sets out steps that we strongly encourage Irish people travelling abroad to take.

Assistance is provided to citizens abroad in a range of situations including:

• Illness or injuries

• Death

• Victim of crime

• Arrest or detention

• Lost or stolen passports

• Children’s issues

• Missing person

• Deportation

• Requests for general advice

The support offered by officials in my Department is non-judgmental and built around the needs of the citizen. We will share with the citizen (or their point of contact) any information received regarding their case, and commit to being transparent in our actions.

Assistance is available and accessible 24/7, during office hours on [phone] or in case of an emergency out-of-hours on [phone].

The Embassy of Ireland, Mexico, has provided consular assistance to numerous citizens who have been residing or travelling in Mexico in recent years.

Consular assistance is provided on a confidential basis. As such, and to ensure cases are not potentially identifiable, the Department does not provide a country breakdown of cases.

The Embassy operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance on weekends and public holidays, which can be accessed via the contact website or WhatsApp, details of which can be found at Contact Embassy of Ireland, Mexico | Embassy of Ireland Mexico | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

Additional detailed consular services provided by the Embassy of Ireland, Mexico can found at Embassy Services | Embassy Of Ireland, Mexico | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

Middle East

Ceisteanna (187)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

187. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional measures that will be taken to bring an end to the Genocide, slaughter, starvation and degrading of the Palestinian people (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33351/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This 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 continue to 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.

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.

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.

The Government is committed to progressing 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 bringing an update to Government shortly.

A shared priority with both our European and regional partners at this time is the UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. Regrettably, the Conference has been postponed in response to developments in the region. It is important that the rescheduled Conference goes ahead when conditions allow.

When the rescheduled Conference takes place, it 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.

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (188, 189, 204, 205)

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

188. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all diplomatic démarches received by the Government from other states over each of the past five years, including the period from January 2025 to date, in tabular form (details supplied). [33362/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

189. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all diplomatic démarches issued by the Government to other states over each of the past five years, including the period from January 2025 to date, in tabular form (details supplied). [33363/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

204. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all diplomatic démarches received by the Government from other states over each of the past five years, including the period from January 2025 to date, in tabular form, to include the state issuing the démarche; the date on which the démarche was received; a brief summary of the content of the démarche; whether or not the Government issued a formal response; and a brief summary of the content of that response. [33460/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

205. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all diplomatic démarches issued by the Government to other states over each of the past five years, in tabular form, including the period from January 2025 to date, to include the state to which the démarche was issued; the date on which it was issued; a brief summary of the content of the démarche; whether or not a formal response was received; and a brief summary of the content of that response. [33461/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 189, 204 and 205 together.

My Department is responsible for managing our diplomatic relations with over 190 States and international organisations. Communications with our counterparts are managed both through the Department at headquarters and across our diplomatic mission network.

Communications conveyed or received by my Department and other Foreign Ministries, or between Embassies, may relate to topics of significant interest and importance and such communications are often described as démarches. That is to say, many of the communications that my Department has with Embassies, Foreign Ministries and multilateral organisations across the wide range of issues that we deal with can often be referred to as démarches. On occasion démarches can also be coordinated through the EU delegation in non-EU countries or at multilateral institutions.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to list all such communications that have occurred given that the topics can include sensitive issues such as those involving bilateral relations, human rights matters or individual consular cases.

Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 188.

Foreign Policy

Ceisteanna (190, 191)

Liam Quaide

Ceist:

190. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of individuals or groups who lobbied the Government to include the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism in the Programme for Government. [33397/25]

Liam Quaide

Ceist:

191. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of individuals or groups who lobbied the Government to include the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism in the Programme for Government. [33398/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Simon Harris)

I propose to take Question 191 and Question No 190 together.

Ireland's endorsement of the non-legally binding Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism was announced on the January 16th by the previous Tánaiste.

This decision has been taken in the context of Ireland’s longstanding commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief, equality and non-discrimination.

Government departments do not contribute to the Programme for Government deliberative process.

Question No 191 answered with Question No 190.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (192)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

192. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he has received a briefing from relevant Ambassadors regarding the growing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia; whether there have been any discussions at EU level about the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33431/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On May 28, violence broke out between the armies of Thailand and Cambodia in a disputed border region claimed by both states. After a brief exchange of gunfire, a Cambodian service member was killed. Following bilateral discussions, both sides agreed to return to their previously held positions and to create a buffer zone, citing their wish to deescalate tensions and to pursue a peaceful solution.

Both Thailand and Cambodia have endeavoured to maintain diplomatic dialogue, with high-level delegations meeting at a Joint Boundary Commission in Phnom Penh on 14-15 June. I very much hope that dialogue will continue and bear fruit.

Cambodia and Thailand are both valued partners for Ireland and our Embassies in Hanoi (accredited to Cambodia) and in Bangkok in Thailand work continuously to increase engagement and ties with each country. Both Embassies continue to monitor the situation and report on the dispute. We will also continue to work with EU colleagues, particularly the EU Delegations in Bangkok and Phnom Penh, to monitor in-country developments, as well as to foster positive relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (193)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

193. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether there are any plans for new embassies planned for any countries in which Ireland does not have a full-time mission; whether consideration is given to shared facilities with other EU member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33432/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government in 2018 with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening of twenty-two new missions under the Strategy.

A further five diplomatic missions were approved in 2024 with new embassies planned for Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau, and consulates general in Melbourne and Malaga.

These missions are scheduled to open over the course of 2025 and 2026 and once operational will bring the total number of Ireland’s diplomatic missions to 107.

There is a commitment in the current Programme for Government to strengthening Ireland’s place in Europe and around the world. This will be set out through the development of a new Global Ireland 2040 strategy.

The precise location of any missions opened in the lifetime of this Government will be based on an analysis of how they might contribute to the promotion of our economic interests, our values in a changing and uncertain international landscape, the promotion of our culture and in building stronger bridges with our diaspora.

When reviewing new locations the Department reviews the options for sharing facilities with other EU member states or the EEAS, especially during the start-up phase for a new mission.

In countries where our state agencies have a presence, our preference to date has been to consolidate the Ireland House model, whereby we co-locate missions with the state agencies. This brings together all state agencies under one roof, providing an enhanced offering to the citizen and improved value for money.

Trade Relations

Ceisteanna (194)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for increasing trade between Ireland and ASEAN countries; whether there are any trade delegations planned for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33433/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Simon Harris)

Market diversification is an important priority for me and for the Government. This is the context in which the Government Trade Forum was established in February, to give an impetus to Ireland’s trading relationships, through engagement with key stakeholders across Government and with business, other representative groups, and state agencies. In April, the Trade Forum tasked the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with developing an Action Plan for Market Diversification as a roadmap for a ‘whole of government’ approach to enhance Ireland’s trading relationships, including with new and emerging markets. This will include South East Asia.

It has long been a goal of the Government’s Asia Pacific Strategy for Ireland to significantly strengthen trade and investment links in the Asia Pacific region, including with our partners in South East Asia. With a population of 667 million people and a combined economy that is the fifth largest in the world, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) presents significant economic opportunities, and I see potential to further develop trade with the region for our mutual benefit. Many of the constituent countries of ASEAN are already important economic and political partners for Ireland.

EU free trade agreements (FTAs) play an important role in facilitating the increase of trade with new markets. The EU already has FTAs in place with Singapore and Vietnam. Negotiations, led by the European Commission, are underway for FTAs with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, through which Ireland hopes to see positive progress towards comprehensive agreements.

There are now six Irish Embassies in South East Asia, covering ten countries, as well as offices of three State agencies namely Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Together they make up the South East Asia Regional Market team, working together to deliver economic benefit for Ireland.

The last trade mission to the region was in October 2024, when then-Minister of State for Land Use and Diversity Pippa Hackett undertook an agrifood trade mission to Vietnam and Thailand. Additionally, there have been a number of Ministerial visits to South East Asia so far this year. Around St. Patrick’s Day, Minister of State John Cummins TD travelled to Thailand and the Philippines and Minister of State Noel Grealish visited Vietnam and Cambodia, with both visits having important trade elements. More recently in May, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD attended the Asia Tech x SG Summit in Singapore.

I expect there will be at least one further Ministerial visit to the region later this year. Irish Embassies and state agencies in the region will remain alert to all opportunities to further increase trade between Ireland and ASEAN, as well as developing broader relationships with the countries of this important region.

Earlier this month, I called a video conference with Ireland’s Asia Pacific Heads of Mission to hear about opportunities for Ireland in this important region and to align their work with the Government’s priorities, including on trade.

Overseas Development Aid

Ceisteanna (195)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

195. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU has carried out a gap analysis regarding the massive reduction in USAID contributions and funding around the world; the scale of damage done by this sudden reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33434/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government remains firmly committed to Ireland’s international development assistance programme and to its overriding priority, to reach the furthest behind first. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been closely following the reports and announcements in relation to USAID. Ireland’s Embassies and Missions, particularly in developing countries, have also been monitoring developments and impacts on partnerships and programmes on the ground. The impact of these decisions, and of cutbacks in ODA by other major donors, is already being felt, particularly in sectors such as global health, humanitarian response, and governance and human rights. The Government is cooperating closely with the EU and the Member States on the collective response to the withdrawal of USAID funding. We recognise that, while the EU cannot fill the funding gaps left by USAID, the EU is in an important position to fill a leadership vacuum on issues such as human rights, peace and stability, and sustainable development.

On 31 March, the European Commission and the EU’s External Action Service presented to EU Member States an initial set of results of a mapping exercise which aims to identify the gaps arising from the withdrawal of USAID. A full consolidated assessment is still being developed in order to guide a longer term EU response to the USAID closure. The work undertaken by the EU is ongoing and is not yet finalised. Ireland supports a prioritisation process that targets those most in need. This must ensure a balanced response that addresses arising and urgent needs without compromising the EU’s longer term commitments for global peace, stability, human rights and sustainable development.

The Government is in regular contact with its partners, including with governments in developing countries, UN and other multilateral agencies, Irish development NGOs and international NGOs. We will continue this approach, and provide support that is both predictable and flexible. This is helping partners to adapt as well as possible to rapidly changing contexts.

The Government has reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to annual increases in our Official Development Assistance (ODA), working towards achieving the target of 0.7% of Gross National Income.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (196)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will liaise with the well-being and counselling community and the Ukrainian community in Ireland to develop content and strategy for a large scale PTSD recovery programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33436/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Russia’s brutal war of aggression has inflicted indescribable suffering on the people of Ukraine. Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, with thousands more, including children, forcibly removed, tortured or arbitrarily imprisoned by Russian forces.

Ireland’s support for the people of Ukraine is steadfast. Since February 2022, we have provided extensive political, humanitarian, non-lethal military, and economic support to Ukraine since February 2022.

This includes €138 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports. This funding is providing essential, life-saving humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and reconstruction, and contributing to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.

Ireland has also responded by welcoming Ukrainians displaced by the invasion to our country. Since February 2022, over 116,000 Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland have sought sanctuary in Ireland. Many of them remain and many have integrated well into Irish society and are contributing to our culture and local economies.

In relation to the provision of health and social care services to Ukrainians in Ireland, I would refer the Deputy to the Minister for Health.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (197)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

197. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any response has been received from Israel to his diplomatic rebuke for the shooting by Israel at Irish soldiers participating in a UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in May 2025. [33439/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Harris)

As I have said previously, I condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties. The incident in Yaroun in May this year was unconscionable.

Upon my instruction, on 30 May, immediately after the incident in Yaroun, our Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York expressed our grave concerns directly to the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations and, through them, to the Israeli Government. Furthermore, our Permanent Mission to the UN has requested that UNIFIL formally raise these concerns as a matter of urgency with the appropriate Israeli authorities.

Our concerns have been officially acknowledged by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, through the appropriate diplomatic channels. The Government has been clear to the Israeli authorities the deep and well-founded concerns regarding this incident and the safety and protection of our peacekeepers. These concerns are fully understood within the United Nations system more broadly.

European Union

Ceisteanna (198, 199, 200)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

198. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government’s approval is sought through the Foreign Affairs Council in advance of the President of the European Commission articulating a foreign policy position on behalf of the European Union. [33440/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

199. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the article of the Treaty on European Union the Government, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, can delegate powers to represent the State on matters of foreign and security policy to the President of the European Commission rather than to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy who represents the Union for matters relating to the common foreign and security policy under Article 27. [33441/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

200. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Government takes, if any, in an instance where the President of the European Commission articulates a foreign policy position which has not been agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council; and to list the dates, reasons and nature of any protest made by the Government in response, in tabular form. [33442/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together.

The Treaty on European Union (TEU) delineates the institutional framework for EU foreign policy. Articles 18 and 24 establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also Vice President of the Commission, presides over the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and ensures consistency of the Union’s external action. Article 27 of the TEU designates the High Representative as the Union’s representative for CFSP matters.

The President of the European Commission speaks on CFSP matters through the framework of existing Council conclusions or as part of the Commission’s broader competences in external relations, particularly in areas where the Union has exclusive or shared competence. The institutional balance established by the Treaties envisages that representation by the Commission President in foreign policy contexts is consistent with positions agreed by the Council.

Ireland actively engages in the work of the Foreign Affairs Council, as well as in the development and implementation of the Union's CFSP.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 198.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 198.

• Written Answers Nos. 161-180
• Written Answers Nos. 201-222