Written Answers Nos. 208-220
208. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the help available to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and the plans to ameliorate the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground (details supplied). [52689/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Since January 2025, the renewed offensive by M23 militia in eastern DRC has seen thousands killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a significant worsening of the already dire humanitarian situation.
Ireland has been providing humanitarian and development support to the people of the country for many years through civil society and multilateral partners. Humanitarian programmes are responding to the needs arising from the ongoing conflict, particularly in the North and South Kivu Provinces and to those affected by natural disasters. The DRC is one of the top recipients of Irish humanitarian funding. Between 2020 and 2025, Ireland has contributed over €30 million in humanitarian assistance in the country.
In 2025, we have provided €4 million in humanitarian funding through the UN OCHA Humanitarian Fund which channels funding to international and local NGOs who are best placed to reach those most in need. Irish NGOs which we fund directly have allocated over €15 million to development and humanitarian programmes and projects in DRC since 2023, with €5 million provided so far in 2025. Ireland also has a specific commitment to address severe acute malnutrition, or wasting, in children as part of our global partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation. Over €8 million has been provided for this programme in DRC since 2023 and a further allocation will be made in the coming months.
In addition, Ireland provides annual core funding to a number of UN and Red Cross agencies including the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This allows these agencies to respond rapidly and at scale to escalating needs on the ground. In 2025, UN CERF has contributed €15 million to support the humanitarian response in DRC including needs related to Ebola, Cholera and internal displacement. Overall, Ireland is the fifth largest donor to the CERF.
We continue to engage with EU and international partners in support of Africa-led peace initiatives and to respond effectively to the crisis. The EU adopted additional sanctions in respect of the situation in DRC on 17 March. In April, I participated in an EU Ministerial Roundtable convened by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, where we discussed the situation in the DRC and explored how to further support the humanitarian response in terms of both funding and humanitarian advocacy. The EU’s Special Representative has also visited the region a number of times.
We welcome the progress made in the discussions on the situation in DRC facilitated by the United States and Qatar that build on the ongoing efforts of the African Union. We call on all parties to respect ceasefire agreements and engage in the processes to attain sustainable peace, justice and security.
209. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) from Saudi Arabia who is in currently detained in Bulgaria, with his counterparts in Bulgaria and with the Bulgarian Embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in the Irish embassy in Sofia will advocate for a person (details supplied) to prevent the person from being returned to Saudi Arabia, where they are at risk of torture and inhumane treatment. [52705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to raise the case of a person detained in Bulgaria (detailed supplied) at the European Commission or other appropriate forum. [52706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request a monitoring visit to the Busmantsi Detention Centre in Bulgaria to assess detention conditions, and in particular the detention conditions for a person (details supplied) who is in custody at the centre. [52707/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 212, inclusive, together.
Ireland is committed to promoting the fundamental rights of all groups, including asylum seekers. We have a strong track record of supporting fair, effective international asylum procedures that align with international human rights standards.
Ireland consistently utilises our membership of the EU, the Council of Europe, and other multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to remind member states of their commitments to protect the rights of asylum seekers. Ireland reinforces its commitment to fulfilling stated and shared obligations at every opportunity, in alignment with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Geneva Convention.
Ireland welcomes ongoing action within the EU to promote greater consistency and rights-based approaches for addressing asylum cases, including the strengthening of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). Ireland’s commitment to the fundamental rights of asylum seekers is demonstrated in practice through our support of human rights-focused multilateral and civil society organisations both in Ireland and internationally.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
While I cannot comment on an individual asylum case in another Member State, Ireland's clear position is that all EU member states should align with relevant human rights standards and procedures.
213. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the development, timelines and key features of the successor to the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and when it will be published. [52716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis PQ would be for answer by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality who are the lead Department for the development of this National Strategy.
214. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position Ireland will take at Council on 2 October 2025 regarding the signature and provisional application of the proposed amendments to the EU-Morocco Agreement arising from the CJEU rulings regarding Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52759/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 4 October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) upheld the ruling of the General Court of 29 September 2021 annulling the Council Decision on the conclusion of the 2018 Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. This agreement concerned the amendment of Protocols 1 and 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part.
Ireland has taken note of the judgment of the CJEU and the specifics of the judgment with regard to Western Sahara.
In July 2025, the Commission submitted to the Council a Recommendation for a Council Decision concerning the opening of negotiations on the amendment of the 2018 Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The negotiations on the replacement agreement commenced in September with a view to meeting the deadline of 4 October 2025, and are not yet fully concluded in Brussels. As the negotiations progress, Ireland continues to keep all aspects of the process under review to ensure that any new proposed arrangements respect the conditions established by the Court, and the duty of the European Union to comply with both EU and international law. Ireland will continue to be guided by these principles in finalising our own position.
Ireland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process, including the MINURSO Mission, and the efforts of Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to achieve a political solution to this long-standing dispute. It is our hope that these efforts will help achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Both Ireland and the European Union support the efforts of the United Nations to find an acceptable political solution which would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. Ireland does not have a view on the outcome of that solution so long as it is approved in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
215. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement between his Department and the Government of Kuwait in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland enjoys excellent bilateral relations with Kuwait. My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade work assiduously to maintain and develop these positive relations through regular engagement and exchange.
Ireland’s diplomatic representation to Kuwait is on a non-resident basis via our Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Since the beginning of 2024, my officials in the Embassy have engaged multiple times with Kuwaiti Government officials. This has included bilateral engagement by our Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul with relevant interlocutors and counterparts.
In Dublin, my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engage regularly with their counterparts in the Embassy of Kuwait to Ireland and have received senior officials of the Kuwaiti Government in Dublin. This includes bilateral meetings at Director-Director and Director-Ambassadorial level, as well as working-level engagements and exchanges.
Furthermore, the Political Director in my Department had Political Consultations with his counterpart in Kuwait in April 2025.
More generally, through various multi-lateral fora and engagements, including at the UN, in regional meetings of various kinds and in the context of EU-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation, my officials have met with Kuwaiti Government officials several times since the beginning of 2024.
216. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work being undertaken by his Department regarding the implementation of the EU’s plan to offer digital identity to all of its citizens and residents by 2026, under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52843/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of the EU’s plan to offer digital identity to all of its citizens and residents by 2026, under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation, does not fall under the responsibility of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and this question is therefore not a matter for my Department.
217. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any action taken to support the Pécs Pride march in Hungary; if the Hungarian government's proposal to ban it has been raised at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52904/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently advocated for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Hungary and throughout the world. Our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary have been regularly raised, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors.
Officials in my Department, including in the Embassy in Budapest, will continue to monitor these worrying developments and to raise our concerns, including in direct engagements with our Hungarian counterparts. We will also continue to support Hungarian civil society organisations working to defend the Rule of Law and protect minority rights in Hungary, including through my Department’s Enlargement and European Fundamental Values fund.
Ireland has continuously demonstrated support for Pride celebrations in Hungary, working locally through our Embassy in Budapest to prepare collective statements with like-minded partners in support of Budapest Pride. In June 2025, we fully supported the "Joint Statement on the occasion of the 30th Budapest Pride Festival" and expressed our support by sending a representative from the Embassy to observe the parade, which passed peacefully under the auspices of the City Council.
Through the Diverse Youth Network Association, we are supporting the Pécs Pride which will take place on 4 October. We are again sending a representative from the Embassy to observe the parade alongside diplomats from like-minded countries. I hope that the parade will be a success where people can march in celebration of LGBTQI+ rights and I expect the police to be judicious in their local response, as they were in Budapest in June.
218. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of recent announcement that charities can apply for SEAI funding, the capacity or resource available to the charity sector to enable the making of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52652/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), which includes charities registered as AHBs, to improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings.
As an operational matter for the SEAI, an agency under the aegis of my Department, the Deputy may contact the SEAI directly in relation to any question on this matter. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [oireachtas@seai.ie]
The SEAI will also be happy to advise charities further on the specifics of schemes or their proposed projects. They can be contacted directly by phone at 01 808 2100 or by email at: info@seai.ie
219. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment regarding the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, the safeguards in place to prevent misuse of environmental impact assessments; the mechanisms to ensure meaningful public participation in emergency or exempted cases; the way in which the Environmental Protection Agency will be held accountable if statutory timeframes are missed; if he will clarify the definition and scope of 'emergency applications'; the way in which partial licence reviews will be monitored to prevent regulatory loopholes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52673/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 was published on 18 August and both a copy of the Bill and an Explanatory Memorandum are available to view at www.oireachtas.ie.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) emergency provisions transpose the derogations provided under Articles 1(3) and 2(4) of the EIA Directive. The Bill also takes account of our obligations to provide for public participation in emergency circumstances in accordance with the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Aarhus Convention. Furthermore, the Bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to set out in its Annual Report details of the number of decisions made by the Agency within the timeframes that will be prescribed. Limited licence reviews can only be considered by the Agency where an EIA is not required for the change proposed and in the case of Industrial Emissions (IE) licences, does not constitute a substantial change as defined in the IE Directive and in the Bill. Applications which are not subject to a proposed determination or which may avail of a derogation under the EIA Directive are set out in sections 10 and 11 of the Bill.
220. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment regarding the national territory mapping for renewable electricity being prepared under Article 15b of RED III, the direct consultation his Department has held with Shannon Airport Group and authorities (details supplied) before including East Clare as a strategic onshore wind area; how the Department intends to address flawed local designations where no strategic environmental assessment or aviation-safety assessment was undertaken, such as Clare’s designation of East Clare; whether he will commit to revising the draft national map after the public consultation to remove areas where serious public-health and aviation-safety risks have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe coordinated mapping of the national territory for the purposes of Article 15b of the Recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) has been undertaken based on lands already identified for grid scale renewable electricity in several existing City/County Development Plans. These plans have been subject to environmental assessments and statutory public consultation (in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended) and are adopted by the Elected Members of each Local Authority.
The Article 15b national territory mapping does not alter or amend any existing City/County Development Plans, nor does it affect their status under any enactment. The coordinated national territory mapping has been generated solely to meet the obligations of the State under REDIII Article 15b.
