Written Answers Nos. 118-135
118. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is working bilaterally, at EU, and at multilateral level, to support Belarus civil society and the democratic opposition in exile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57012/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent release of political prisoners by Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56894/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 123 and 166 together.
Belarus continues to live under the shadow of repression. I remain extremely concerned at the ongoing erosion of human rights and democracy in Belarus.
The Lukashenka regime’s relentless repression of human rights, its restrictions on political participation and access to independent media is intended to stifle opposition voices and shore up its own illegitimate authoritarianism.
I welcome recent efforts by the United States to achieve the release of political prisoners of the regime in Belarus. While the regime has released dozens of political prisoners in recent months, it has exiled many of them, separating them from their families and their homeland. It has also placed many more people in prison for their political views.
Former political prisoners have given harrowing accounts of prolonged isolation, psychological pressure, and other inhumane treatment suffered in Belarusian prisons. I share their grave concerns about the treatment of the estimated 1,227 political prisoners. Shockingly, since May 2021, at least eight political prisoners have died in the regime’s captivity.
I reiterate Ireland's longstanding position that all political prisoners must be released and that the regime must end its repression against the Belarusian people.
Ireland’s response to the situation in Belarus has focused on working bilaterally, at EU, and at multilateral level, to support civil society and the democratic opposition in exile and to highlight concerns regarding the Lukashenka regime's violations of human rights.
Ireland is committed to continuing to speak out against the Lukashenko regime and to support the rights of the Belarusian population. On 26 August, together with other EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, I met Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of the Belarusian democratic movement and her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanousk, who was recently released from Belarusian prison after years as a political prisoner.
Since his release, Siarhei has highlighted the inhumane and degrading conditions endured by political prisoners in Belarus, advocated for their release and continues his work to achieve a democratic future for all Belarusians. I commend his courage and commitment to the values of freedom and the wellbeing of his fellow Belarusians.
Ireland continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the OSCE and at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine.
At the same time, we will continue to focus on working bilaterally and at EU level to ensure that the people of Belarus are assured of the EU’s continued commitment to their well-being, human rights and legitimate aspiration to a prosperous future in a democratic Belarus.
119. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he is taking to support Ukraine in its bid for EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s support for Ukraine’s EU perspective is steadfast and remains a key focus of my engagements with EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.
Ukraine was granted EU candidate country status in June 2022, with negotiations opening in December 2023. Despite Ukraine meeting the necessary criteria, Hungary continues to block the opening of the first negotiating cluster with Ukraine (and Moldova), effectively vetoing their progress. Ireland supports a merit-based EU accession process and has raised at political level our serious concern and frustration at this blockage.
In discussions at Foreign Affairs Council, General Affairs Council and European Council, Ireland’s message is clear that we want to see concrete progress on Ukraine’s EU accession. At the European Council in June, leaders from 26 EU Member States, including Ireland, reiterated clear support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, and invited the Council to take the next steps in the accession process in line with the merit-based approach.
As a concrete signal of our position, Ireland also continues to provide financial and capacity building support for Ukraine’s EU candidacy. In September, as part of a package of €35.4 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, I announced €1.5 million in funding for the Ukraine2EU initiative. This initiative supports Ukraine in coordinating and monitoring its accession process, and ensuring the harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with EU Law. My department is also supporting the provision of capacity building supports for candidate countries, including for Ukraine, to align with EU acquis.
The European Commission’s 2025 Special Eurobarometer Survey on Enlargement and Perception surveys in candidate and potential candidate countries confirmed that over 70% of Ukrainian’s support EU membership. Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union and Ireland will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts towards EU membership.
120. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking in view of the increase in drone and hybrid attacks by Russia across Europe. [56818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has strongly condemned violation of EU airspace by the Russian Federation. These actions threaten the security of EU citizens, as well as regional stability and international peace.
In response to the violation of Poland's airspace by Russian drones, which took place on 10 September, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade summonsed the representative at the Russian Embassy in Dublin to express our strong condemnation. Along with EU partners, Ireland has condemned further violations of the airspace of EU Member States since then.
Through its sustained pursuit of hybrid campaigns, Russia is a major threat to stability, democracy and social cohesion throughout Europe and beyond.
We are actively and constructively engaging in the development of EU policies aimed at combatting hybrid threats and in particular Russia’s campaign of hybrid activity against the EU and its Member States. We support the full use of all tools available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities – including through sanctions.
We continue to work with our EU partners to strengthen our collective resilience. Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures to combat hybrid threats from state and non-state actors, including Russia, its proxies and aligned actors.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 October, I participated in discussions on Russian's war of aggression against Ukraine, where I welcomed consideration of further efforts to counter the Russian shadow fleet. At the informal European Council meting on 1 October, EU leaders discussed progress on the nine priority areas in the field of defence that they had identified in March 2025, including drones and anti-drone systems.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in relation to the anti-drone projects and initiatives under the EU’s White Paper/Readiness 2030 initiatives and assess how developments in this regard align with our Military Radar Programme. This programme is being actively progressed, with the ambition to deliver all elements by the end of 2028.
121. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking diplomatically at European and UN level to ensure that the peace deal in Gaza respects the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and protects them against occupation and apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on his recent engagements in relation to Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57038/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 158 together.
The Middle East region is experiencing a period of significant instability with multiple crises, many of which are interrelated. The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank remain a central focus of my engagement with my EU and other international counterparts.
At the EU level, the situation in Gaza and in the West Bank was at the centre of discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg yesterday. My counterparts and I welcomed the agreement of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, and the release of hostages. We must now focus on preserving the ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid enters Gaza at scale. The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering. The scale of destruction and need is starkly evident. At the Foreign Affairs Council, I emphasised the importance of the EU as a vocal supporter of the two-State solution that unifies the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, as negotiations continue on further peace efforts.
In yesterday’s engagement with my Foreign Minister counterparts, I reiterated Ireland’s position that the issues that prompted the European Commission to propose a package of measures against Israel remain, including famine conditions in Gaza, the financial suffocation of the Palestinian Authority and illegal settlement activities in the West Bank, including the approval of the E1 settlement project, therefore these proposals should remain on the table. Ireland has consistently called for the EU to take concrete action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles.
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank was also a central focus of my agenda at UN High Level Week in New York in September. In my remarks at the Global Alliance for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of Two-State Solution, I underlined Ireland’s support for the two-State solution, and for the outcome document from the High Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two State Solution, the 'New York Declaration.' I announced that Ireland will host a meeting in Dublin in early 2026, where we will share lessons from our own peace process in Northern Ireland.
Ireland, together with EU and international partners, will continue to work towards preserving the viability of the two-State solution in the interests of both Israel and Palestine and their legitimate rights to live in their own state, in peace, security and dignity.
122. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his Department’s new statement of strategy in the context of Northern Ireland and UK-Ireland relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57040/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Statement of Strategy includes as its first high-level goal the Government’s support to peace and reconciliation at home, which embraces peace and reconciliation on this island and across these islands, as well as the deepening of our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom.
The Good Friday Agreement is the blueprint for unlocking the full potential of our island and sets out the three strands necessary to do so – the relationship between communities in Northern Ireland, the relationship between North and South, and the relationship between Ireland and Britain.
My Department’s Statement of Strategy sets out how we continue to support the stable and effective operation of the institutions of the Agreement across all strands, including through direct political engagement on issues of mutual concern and through the institutions of the Agreement.
Since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive in February 2024, we have had over 30 sectoral, plenary and institutional meetings of the NSMC, most recently on 17 October. North South cooperation is strong and growing across multiple areas, driven and facilitated both by the NSMC and the Shared Island initiative.
I want to grow and expand this work, including in my own Department through utilising the increased funding for our Shared Island Civic Society Fund to support new grassroots partnerships across this island, and through expanding our cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive internationally, through joint trade and cultural initiatives.
My Department also continues to promote reconciliation across all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement, notably through the Reconciliation Fund. I am proud that Budget 2026 includes an increase to the Reconciliation Fund budget. My Department is developing a new Strategy for the Fund for the period 2026-2028. This process has included consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, in particular in Northern Ireland.
The Statement of Strategy commits to deepening the bilateral relationship with the UK, on the basis of the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement. That document was agreed at the UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool in March this year, the first of what will be annual UK-Ireland Summits. This is a central element of the reset in UK-Ireland relations that I agreed with Prime Minister Starmer at Chequers in July 2024. The Joint Statement sets out an exceptionally wide agenda for cooperation, spanning infrastructure, research and education, security and defence, lesson-sharing from the Northern Ireland peace process, culture, energy, and more. Progress in realising its ambitions cuts across a range of Departments and is overseen by the UK-Ireland 2030 Steering Group, which has now met twice. We look forward to hosting the next Summit in Ireland in 2026.
A central part of the Department's Statement of Strategy focuses on engagement with the UK Government to agree a joint approach on the legacy of the Troubles that is human rights compliant and commands the confidence of survivors, victims, and families. I was proud to publish, alongside Secretary of State Benn, an Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, at Hillsborough Castle on 19 September. I continue to engage with Secretary of State Benn on the implementation of this landmark document, which I believe will, if faithfully implemented, meet the key tests set out in the Statement of Strategy and finally provide a mechanism for addressing this unfinished business of the Good Friday Agreement.
126. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government is taking to ensure a lasting ceasefire and a consistent flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza; if he will outline the commitments received from the European Union to apply pressure on Israel to remove barriers to aid distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome that a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza has finally been secured, the release by Hamas of the remaining live hostages and the commitment to release the mortal remains of deceased hostages.
The ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal offers a moment of hope. In this first phase, preserving the ceasefire agreement and ensuring humanitarian aid enters Gaza at scale aid are a central focus of my engagement with my international counterparts, including EU colleagues.
The Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid has resulted in famine and untold horror for people in Gaza. Ireland stands ready to assist in every practical way to achieve long term and sustainable peace and to alleviate human suffering.
Last week, I announced an additional humanitarian package of €6 million for Palestine. This contribution brings Ireland’s support for the people of Palestine since October 2023 to more than €95 million, and support in 2025 to over €35 million.
The €6 million will be allocated as follows: €2 million to UNICEF, €2 million to OCHA, €1 million to the World Food Programme, and €1 million to the World Health Organisation.
Our partners will deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to people who urgently need it and this contribution will fund urgent food, medical care and other vital aid. It will bring much-needed relief to people, including children, some of whom have never known anything but this horrific war.
At the EU level, HRVP Kallas has been clear that the peace plan requires strong international backing to succeed and that the EU stands ready to do its part. The situation in Gaza and in the West Bank is being discussed at every level, and was at the centre of discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg yesterday. In my intervention at the meeting, I called for the EU to support the flooding of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The European Union can, and should, continue to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel, including the opening of additional crossings to allow aid to reach all corners of the Strip rapidly.
The EU has said it stands ready to contribute to Gaza’s stabilisation and reconstruction, including the full use of the EU’s CSDP missions EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS. Ireland has been consistently supportive of the civilian CSDP mission EUBAM Rafah and has consistently stressed the need for an increase in humanitarian aid in Gaza. We contribute personnel to the mission to support its important activities.
Ireland will also continue our diplomatic efforts, stressing that the two-State solution must be at the centre of any sustainable peace deal. To achieve this goal, we will continue to provide support to the Palestinian Authority and will not lose sight of the developments in the West Bank, including unilateral actions that threaten the viability of the two-State solution. We will also continue to work with international partners, including those in the region, who are committed to these goals.
127. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his Department’s engagements in relation to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and the efforts being made to ensure that peace is sustained in the region. [57179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland warmly welcomed the initialising of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the beginning of August, and commends both countries for taking this vital step towards lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Along with our EU partners, we stand ready to support its implementation.
Ireland and our EU partners regularly engage with Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss the conflict, and the role that we – and the EU - might play in facilitating long lasting peace. Yesterday, Ireland participated in a meeting attended by the Armenian Foreign Minister and the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss cross-regional security and connectivity in the region following the EU Foreign Affairs Council. We also regularly engage with senior officials from both countries on a bilateral basis.
Ireland is supportive of the EU Mission in Armenia which is an important component of the EU’s efforts in supporting peace and stability in the region. My Department currently deploys three Irish civilian experts to the Mission. Ireland and the EU have allocated funding to support de-mining in Azerbaijan; to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons; and to promote sustainable communities. In July 2024, the EU adopted a non-lethal assistance measure under the European Peace Facility in support of Armenia.
Ireland will continue to advocate for the full signing, ratification, and implementation of the peace agreement, both bilaterally and through the EU.
128. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on recent dialogue with the British government, including matters of shared interest on issues such as legacy, trade and migration. [57180/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government maintains close and regular contact with our UK counterparts and this engagement has increased since the reset in political relations set out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and I, when we met in July 2024. Engagement with the UK Government happens at a variety of levels, now underpinned by the extensive and ambitious Joint Statement 2030, agreed at the first annual UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool in March.
At political level, Government Ministers maintain regular contact with their UK counterparts on issues relevant to their portfolios through a variety of channels, including regular high-level inward and outward visits and engagement on the margins of multilateral meetings. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Starmer met most recently on 12 September and discussed the positive state of bilateral relations, as well as wider UK-EU relations.
I have had extensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland including on the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, published by our two Governments on 19 September 2025. I note the publication of the Bill amending the 2023 Legacy Act on 14 October, which is a vital first step in implementing commitments made in the Joint Framework.
As the world’s sixth largest economy and our closest neighbour, trade between our two countries is of vital importance. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ireland was over €124billion in 2023 and the UK continues to be a crucial market for Irish companies. The EU Commission leads on trade with the UK and I am in regular contact with Commissioner Šefcovic and EU Trade Ministers on Ireland’s trading priorities. I welcome the improved engagement since the EU-UK Summit held in May. I have also undertaken a number of initiatives in support of our priorities, including the formation of the Government Trade Forum and the launching of an Action Plan on Market Diversification.
Lastly, there is regular contact between the Minister for Justice, his UK counterpart and their officials on cooperation in respect of managing the Common Travel Area and our shared objectives including to provide for effective management of migration and border security. The issue of the proposed UK Digital ID will be an important area of discussion in the time ahead. Ian Murray, the UK Minister of State for Digital Governance and Data visited Ireland on 7 October and met with Ministers of State Brophy and Richmond to give context to the British Government's recent announcement of a Digital ID scheme. The position of the Irish Government was made clear at these meetings; that it is of paramount importance to ensure there is no infringement of rights enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, nor any negative impact on the Common Travel Area which has been in place for decades.
In turn, MoS Murray made clear the intention of the UK Government to ensure that this new scheme fully takes account of their commitments under the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area.
129. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's position on the EU-Morocco Trade Agreement currently in provisional application, particularly in respect to the inclusion of goods originating from Moroccan settlements in Western Sahara, and the lack of engagement with the Sahrawi people in the drafting of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57128/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his Department’s engagements in relation to the EU-Morocco trade deal; the Government’s position on this trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57182/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 146 together.
On 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 decision required a negotiation of a new agreement between the EU and Morocco. The Court set a deadline of 4 October 2025, in that it maintained the effects of the existing Council Decision until that date.
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.
On 10 September 2025, the Council adopted via a written procedure a Decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the Kingdom of Morocco on the amendment of the Agreement, with the results of the negotiation between the European Commission and Morocco reflected in several documents shared with Member States on 22 September via the Customs Union Group.
The Commission presented the proposal at the Mashreq/Maghreb Working Party on 25 September. Having been initiated by COREPER I on 1 October, Member States were asked to finally vote via written procedure on the adoption of the Decision on 2 October. The EU and Morocco signed the amended EU-Morocco Agreement on 3 October and its provisional application began.
The process to conclude the 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 is nearing its conclusion.
On 2 October, Ireland voted in favour of the Council Decision via written procedure, indicating that Ireland would not stand in the way of EU consensus and in order to ensure that the EU complied with its legal obligations. However Ireland also registered procedural and substantive concerns about the Commission’s handling of this process. Ireland's substantive concerns relate to the issue of consent of the Sahrawi people, and the practical application of the control mechanism. The late submission of the documents by the Commission so close to the 4 October deadline left Member States in a very difficult position. Ireland made clear that we expect to receive regular updates from the Commission on key issues as the agreement is implemented.
Ireland also reiterated our view that the compatibility of the agreement with the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination should be paramount in the implementation of this agreement.
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.
My officials, at HQ and in our Mission network, discuss the dispute as part of our ongoing political engagement with the involved regional actors, including the Polisario Front.
130. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Irish neutrality is now defined only as formal non-membership of NATO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49147/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to confirm the Government's position with regard to our long-standing policy of military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48825/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 151 together.
Ireland's policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments, means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy.
131. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action being taken at EU level regarding Taliban laws which violate legal obligations and treaties to which Afghanistan is a state party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current situation in Afghanistan, especially in relation to the rights of women and girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 164 together.
Ireland has consistently condemned the gross, widespread and systematic human rights abuses by the Taliban across Afghanistan, particularly against women, girls and individuals from marginalised communities. This message was clearly reiterated by the Taoiseach in addressing the UN General Assembly last month when he called out the brutal Taliban for their denial of the most fundamental rights of Afghanistan's women and girls.
In line with the commitment in "Securing our Future", Ireland continues to play an active role in seeking to maintain EU and international attention on the appalling human rights situation within Afghanistan and, in particular, the utterly unacceptable restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls. These restrictions are severely limiting their access to health, education and employment and leading to increased levels of early and forced marriage and child labour. I also recently had the opportunity to speak with Filippo Grandi the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on these issues.
I continue to believe that the current dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan clearly warrants a political level discussion within the Foreign Affairs Council, given that the last such discussion took place in March 2023. Ireland will continue to advocate for this within the relevant Council bodies. We will also continue to fully support the role of the EU, through its Special Envoy for Afghanistan, in working to address the human rights and humanitarian situation and to promote more inclusive and democratic governance within Afghanistan, including through the UN-led Doha process.
I also very much welcome the landmark decision of the UN Human Rights Council at its most recent session to establish an Independent Investigative Mechanism on Afghanistan, a measure for which Ireland and our EU partners strongly campaigned. This new mechanism is a significant milestone in the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability for the people of Afghanistan as well as an essential part of building a future for Afghanistan rooted in justice, equality, and the rule of law.
My Department also continues to support the Afghan people through the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance which has totalled over €20 million since 2020. This aid is principally channelled through the UN and it agencies as well as organisations such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC). My Department has also provided €3 million already in 2025 to the UN-managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, as well as an additional €1 million to the UNHCR Afghanistan Refugee Regional Response which supports Afghan refugees and host communities in neighbouring states, including in their work to provide educational assistance to Afghan women and girls.
132. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he had with EU counterparts with regard to Russia circumventing international and EU sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57005/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently supported robust sanctions against Russia in response to its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The scale and speed of the sanctions adopted by the EU in response to Russia’s brutal aggression has been unprecedented. These measures are having an impact, making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and generate revenue to pay for its illegal war.
A broad range of sectoral sanctions have been put in place, including measures targeting Russia’s military, technology, transport and energy sectors. In addition, over 2,500 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures.
Measures have also been introduced to combat circumvention of sanctions, including a requirement for a “no Russia” clause in export contracts and enhanced due diligence among EU subsidiaries in third countries.
In addition, the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, is addressing this issue in his regular visits and high-level discussions with third countries.
Recent sanctions packages have also included a specific focus on measures to target the Shadow Fleet to combat circumvention of the oil price cap and reduce Russia’s access to energy revenues.
I welcomed the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions in July and support the adoption of the 19th package as soon as possible.
We will continue to work closely with EU partners to support further sanctions measures that can exert maximum pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression.
133. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56948/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities and the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Since March 2015, Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war that has brought misery and suffering to its people. These have been further exacerbated by Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea which have impacted on aid delivery not only to Yemen but also to the Horn of Africa.
Ireland supports the UN mission in Yemen in its humanitarian and development work. This has been made much more difficult by the arbitrary detention by the Houthis of UN and other aid workers, with a consequent reduction in the aid reaching those in need. I call for the immediate release of those being held.
We will continue to support the people of Yemen through the provision of humanitarian relief, and by pushing for independent investigations of attacks on civilians, to ensure and enhance the protection of Yemeni civilians.
The Government has consistently condemned the attacks by the Houthis against shipping in the Red Sea, which began in November 2023. We have also condemned rocket attacks on Israel by the Houthis, which are completely unacceptable. These actions are a further threat to regional stability, and undermine the supply of humanitarian aid to the millions at risk of starvation in Yemen.
In multilateral forums, Ireland has consistently called for respect for international humanitarian law, human rights, and for unfettered humanitarian access to Yemen.
Only a political solution can bring this conflict to an end, and durably resolve the humanitarian crisis. I urge all parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, to choose the path of peace and to engage in an inclusive political dialogue. The long-suffering people of Yemen deserve a better future.
135. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide information on the co-ordination of the EU presidency by his Department; and the details of all cross-departmental groups that have been organised and the membership of same. [55464/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and this Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency. Our preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are now intensifying across both policy and operational strands of planning.
The Government discussed Ireland’s approach to the preparation of the 2026 EU Presidency in May 2023, and my Department was tasked with taking forward both policy and operational aspects of planning for the Presidency, in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach. Two new Inter-Departmental Groups were established to coordinate Presidency preparations, focusing on the policy and operational aspects of planning respectively. All Government Departments participate in the work of these two Inter-Departmental Groups.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Presidency Policy Planning has been preparing Ireland's policy approach for the Presidency, taking account of significant policy developments at EU level which will shape the context for the work of the Council in 2026. It has also taken forward planning work for the range of meetings and events to be hosted by the Irish Presidency, as well as our approach to the management of the numerous Council preparatory bodies, committees and working groups that the Irish Presidency will be required to lead in 2026.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning has been coordinating practical and operational planning for the Presidency. The Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána also participate in the work of this group, which is being informed by ongoing consultations with other EU Member States and with the EU institutions.
Both groups generally meet on a monthly basis, and are chaired by officials from my Department. A joint meeting of the two groups to review overall progress in Presidency preparations takes place on a quarterly basis, and is chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence.
