Michael Cahill
Ceist:21. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any discussions with her Ukrainian counterpart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUkraine War
Ceisteanna (21, 23, 41, 50)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:23. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her assessment of the current situation in Ukraine and the threat posed to Europe by Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66674/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Lahart
Ceist:41. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the US-Russia agreement on Ukraine, which appears to propose rewarding Russian aggression with territorial gains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66693/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Shay Brennan
Ceist:50. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her engagement with EU colleagues in relation to the situation in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66288/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 23, 41 and 50 together.
At this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost 4 years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal support and solidarity.
I attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November where Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha spoke about recent Russian attacks against Ukraine. I also participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 November, also addressed by Foreign Minister Sybiha.
I welcome the ongoing efforts of President Trump and the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.
It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this.
The emerging US proposals, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a step forward. I welcome the progress made at Sunday’s meetings between US and Ukraine in Geneva. We look forward to these talks continuing in a positive manner and to further progress being achieved.
Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian military assault on its towns and cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure.
It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.
Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and to avoid a repetition of the past.
This is not just vital for Ukraine - it is also vital for the European Union and all its Member States, including Ireland.
The Taoiseach and I remain in close contact with our European partners to achieve this. The Taoiseach took part in a meeting the European Council on 24 November and a meeting of the leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” on 25 November.
The threat posed by Russia extends beyond Ukraine. We have recently seen the airspace of our EU partners violated by drones and planes and other hybrid activities within the EU. The Government has strongly condemned these hybrid activities.
The Government takes the risks posed by these activities and the transformed security landscape in Europe very seriously.
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 will continue to work with our EU partners to strengthen our collective resilience. Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures at national level to combat hybrid threats from state and non-state actors.
EU Enlargement
Ceisteanna (22)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:22. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on Ireland's support for the continued enlargement of the European Union; the process being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66243/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary requirements for membership. We firmly believe that it is through EU membership that peace and prosperity can best be ensured across our continent. The change in geopolitical circumstances following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine further demonstrated the strategic importance of the enlargement process for the EU.
There are currently nine candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. Kosovo is considered a ‘potential candidate country’.
The EU accession process follows the “Copenhagen Criteria” rules. Under this, candidate countries are first required to reach the necessary EU standards which cover six thematic clusters, containing thirty-three negotiating chapters in total. Countries can only join the EU when they have fulfilled these criteria. Each EU member state must then ratify membership for that candidate country.
Adherence to the Rule of Law is at the core of EU enlargement policy. As part of the enlargement process, candidate countries must meet relevant requirements under the so-called “Fundamentals” cluster, which includes adhering to relevant standards, including those relating to the judiciary, fundamental rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Earlier this month, the Commission published its annual Enlargement reports, which outline the readiness of each candidate and potential candidate country for EU membership. These confirmed that the enlargement process is now moving faster than at any stage in the last 15 years. Since the beginning of 2024, twelve inter-governmental conferences have taken place, six with Albania, four with Montenegro and one each with Ukraine and Moldova. On 17 November, Albania opened their last negotiating cluster, which is a significant achievement.
Ireland will use our upcoming EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 to facilitate progress towards EU membership for all candidate and potential candidate countries which have met the necessary criteria. Progressing a merit-based enlargement policy is the EU’s best tool to ensure the prosperity and security of our continent.
Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 21.
Irish Prisoners Abroad
Ceisteanna (24, 92)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:24. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps she will take to bring an Irish resident (details supplied) home to County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:92. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement she has had with Iraqi authorities in relation to the case of an Irish resident (details supplied) and their repatriation to County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66115/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 92 together.
I am aware of this case and of the Deputy's consistent and constructive interest in it.
The subject of this case is an Australian citizen, and so primary consular responsibility falls to Australia. But as an Irish resident, with an Irish family, the Government have been very active on his behalf, in support of the efforts by Australia.
This has involved continuously raising this case with the Iraqi authorities, at diplomatic level both with the Iraqi Embassy in Dublin and the Irish Ambassador in Jordan travelling to Baghdad to make direct representations. At political level, the Tánaiste, when Minister for Foreign Affairs, was actively engaged in the case and spoke with the Iraqi Minister for Foreign Affairs by telephone, and more recently in person when they met in New York. He also maintained close contact with the family in Ireland. Previous Ministers for Foreign Affairs have also raised the case with the Iraqi Foreign Minister and the Taoiseach recently wrote to the Iraqi Prime Minister about it. We have made clear that in our view the person's conviction was unsound, and that he should be allowed now to return home to his family in Ireland.
The person completed his prison sentence in January, but continued to be detained in prison. In June he was released on bail, but required to remain in Iraq due to what the Iraqi administration claim to be outstanding fines and possible further proceedings. Our hopes that he would be allowed to leave soon after release have therefore been frustrated. We have made clear to the Iraqi authorities that we consider him to be still detained in Iraq, and this should end. We will continue to make every effort to secure his release, consistent with the efforts by Australia.
Iraq has made good progress in recent years in rebuilding after long years of dictatorship and war. It is regrettable that the continuation of this case is hampering the better development of relations which we would like to see.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (25)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:25. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the work she has undertaken to progress the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025. [65564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade held a number of hearings on the General Scheme, and received submissions representing a range of views and perspectives.
Pre-Legislative Scrutiny is an important part of the legislative process and the Tánaiste has thanked the Committee for its report on receipt. Detailed work to analyse the report and its recommendations is well underway.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment is currently being finalised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and will be available on the Department’s website when completed.
The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, are being considered by Government.
The General Scheme fulfils the commitment in the Programme for Government to prohibit the import of goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Trade in services is considerably more complex than is the case with goods and there remains considerable legal uncertainty as to whether the inclusion of services is permissible under EU law. Legal clarity is needed on this point.
We must also take account of practical issues with regard to implementation should services be included in the scope of the Bill.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level and we continue to pursue this.
In this context, Ireland has welcomed the announcements by the Dutch, Slovenian, and Belgian Governments regarding the banning of the importation of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, and the introduction of legislation by the Spanish government
At the EU level, the primary right now is ensuring the success of the ceasefire and peace deal and of making a contribution to international efforts in this regard.
Climate Change Policy
Ceisteanna (26)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:26. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on Ireland’s contribution to international climate finance post-2025; if Ireland’s commitment to achieving €225 million in contributions annually will be met; if post-2025 targets will be updated to more accurately reflect Ireland’s fair-share contribution of around €1.5 billion by 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of climate finance to developing countries is an integral aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy, and especially our international development cooperation.
At COP26, held in Glasgow in November 2021, the Taoiseach announced that Ireland would provide at least €225 million in international climate finance to developing countries annually, by 2025. The target represents a more than doubling of our climate finance from 2020 levels.
Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap (2022) sets out our strategy and priorities for this scale-up in funding. It builds on Ireland's positive record on climate finance, maintaining a focus on adaptation in some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. It also expands our focus in key areas including ocean protection, biodiversity, and Loss and Damage.
The Government is committed to delivering on the Roadmap and has steadily increased our annual international climate-related expenditure. In 2023, the last year for which complete, verified data are available, Ireland provided €159.2 million in international climate finance. We are fully on track to reach the €225 million target this year, 2025.
An external review of the 2022 Climate Finance Roadmap is being completed in 2025, and it will be used to inform climate finance expenditure in the period 2026-2030.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (27, 63)
Séamus McGrath
Ceist:27. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is working to support Belarus civil society and the democratic opposition in exile; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66601/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:63. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her assessment of the current situation in Belarus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66241/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 63 together.
Belarus continues to live under the shadow of repression. The government remains 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 1,257 political prisoners. Shockingly, since May 2021, at least eight political prisoners have died in the regime’s captivity.
I reiterate Ireland's long-standing 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.
My Department has provided bilateral funding to Viasna, an NGO which provides medical, psychological and humanitarian support to current and former political prisoners. In recent years, my Department has also provided funding to several other Belarusian civil society projects, including in support of independent media, through grants provided by the European Endowment for Democracy.
Ireland is committed to continuing to speak out against the Lukashenka regime and to support the rights of the Belarusian population.
I would like to take this opportunity to underscore once again Ireland’s commitment to supporting the Belarusian democratic movement in its pursuit of a democratic future for all Belarusians.
Our connection with Belarus and its people is reinforced by the compassion and empathy of Irish families who welcomed Belarusian children into their homes and lives, creating permanent bonds in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was one of those children, I am aware of the close ties of friendship that Ms Tsikhanouskaya holds for Ireland from her childhood visits to our country.
On 26 August, together with other EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, the Tánaiste met Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya 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 well-being 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.
Trade Relations
Ceisteanna (28)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:28. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update in relation to the position of the Government in relation to potential increased tariffs; and the preparations it is making for same. [66751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Joint Statement on an EU-US Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade was published on 21 August. It builds on the political agreement between President von der Leyen and President Trump on 27 July in Scotland and establishes a Framework Agreement to take the EU-US trade and investment partnership forward.
The deal confirmed a single 15% tariff on EU goods, inclusive of current MFN rates. It also made absolutely clear that any new tariffs announced by the US under its Section 232 investigation – including on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors – would be capped at this level.
Importantly, the Joint Statement leaves the door open for negotiation of further tariff reductions. Ireland is now working with the European Commission to see what exemptions can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters, including spirits and medical devices.
Last Monday I met with Trade Commissioner Šefcovic and my European trade minister counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade. Following the meeting there was a working lunch which was also attended by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. I used the opportunity to highlight the need for the EU and the US to work together towards a new transatlantic trade and investment relationship based on shared values and common goals.
While the Joint Statement provides a degree of stability and certainty, I am also acutely aware of the impact of higher tariffs and the existing difficulties that many Irish exporters have already faced this year, as well as possible implications for the all island economy. In my new role, I will continue to convene meetings of the Government Trade Forum which brings together members from across Government, as well as from bodies representing employers and employees, to discuss US tariffs and the new transatlantic trade and investment relationship.
Consular Services
Ceisteanna (29)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:29. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures being taken to strengthen consular supports for Irish citizens abroad, particularly young people from rural constituencies such as Cork north west, who travel for work, study, or seasonal employment and may on occasions need this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65266/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of supports to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charter outlines what you can expect from the Department, and highlights the steps that we strongly encourage Irish people to take before they travel.
The Department publishes travel advice in respect of over 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks our citizens might face while travelling, living, or working overseas, helping them to make informed decisions. Promoting this travel advice to Irish citizens, including through social media and digital channels, is a key priority for my Department.
Central to this outreach has been my Department’s "Make the Right Memories" consular information and awareness campaign. That campaign targets all Irish citizens, and particularly young people, who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time. As part of our sustained and proactive engagement with young people, a consular-focused Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) module was launched in October 2024.
I would also encourage all citizens travelling overseas to register their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This information will allow us to contact them, and provide all possible and appropriate assistance, particularly if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster, or any other kind of emergency.
As part of Ireland’s Consular Strategy, published in 2023, the Department has committed to strengthening how we work, including by investing in the technology and systems that facilitate consular assistance. This will ensure our services remain responsive to changing demands.
Military Aircraft
Ceisteanna (30)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:30. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the €10 million air traffic control bill that has been paid by the taxpayer to facilitate US military flights through Shannon Airport since 2018; if she could provide a justification for that spending, given our military neutrality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66527/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The permission given by Ireland to foreign military or state aircraft to overfly or land in the State is fully compatible with our policy of military neutrality.
The handling of requests for diplomatic clearance for overflights and landings by foreign military and state aircraft is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, with full respect for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
In particular, foreign military and state aircraft are only permitted to land in the State if they meet the strict conditions for diplomatic clearance, including that the aircraft is unarmed, and carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it is not engaged in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military operation or exercise.
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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not lead on the issue of air traffic control fees, and questions on this issue should be directed to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (31)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:31. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional measures that will be supported by the increase in the overseas development aid budget this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2026 provided for an increase of €30 million in the international development programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The total allocation will be €840.3 million, the highest level ever since the establishment of the Irish Aid programme.
The additional €30 million will enable a further increase in Ireland's humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and rest of the Occupied Territory. We will also place a stronger focus on the conflict in Sudan, which is the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world. This year, we have provided over €35 million in assistance to the people of Palestine, and this will be increased further in 2026. We have provided €14.3 million for the victims of the crisis in Sudan, both within the country and for those who have had to flee as refugees to neighbouring countries, and we will also scale up that support further. We will also continue to focus on crises in other countries which are not receiving the attention they require, including in Myanmar, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The budget increase will also enable us to strengthen our work on tackling the scandal of child malnutrition, and to enhance our focus on critical support, such as healthcare and education, that allows people to build better futures for themselves. We are making available additional funding to support maternal health, the global vaccine alliance GAVI, and the Global Fund for HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (32)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:32. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on Ireland's implementation of, and adherence to, the United Nations General Assembly resolution, which Ireland co-sponsored, arising from the ruling of the International Court of Justice in the case of the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem. [66734/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key pillar of Ireland’s foreign policy is our strong commitment to international law and our promotion of respect for international law. This commitment has guided our approach to the current conflict.
The Government’s analysis that Israel’s occupation is unlawful was confirmed by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of 19 July 2024.
On 24 June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The General Scheme delivered on the commitment in the Programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting import of goods from the settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory following the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.
The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, are being considered.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level and we continue to pursue this.
In regard to the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which serves as the legal and institutional framework between the EU and Israel, the Government has always been of the view that the Agreement must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the obligations of the EU and its Member States under international law. These obligations have been clarified by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.
The Tánaiste, in his capacity as then-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, wrote to High Representative Kallas in advance of the June Foreign Affairs Council to ask how the Commission assesses the impact on the EU-Israel Association Agreement of the ICJ Advisory Opinion of July 2024.
The High Representative responded to this letter on 17 October, indicating the Commission’s view that the EU’s current approach is in line with the spirit and letter of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
Ireland’s assessment is different. We are currently studying the detail of the response provided by the High Representative and considering next steps.
Ireland will continue to call for the EU to take concrete action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles.
Diaspora Issues
Ceisteanna (33)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:33. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her proposals to expand the Irish diplomatic footprint in areas with a growing diaspora community. [66746/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As set out in the Programme for Government, the Government remains committed to deepening our engagement with the diaspora. In 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will allocate grants of almost €16.5 million under the Emigrant Support to diaspora projects.
Work is already underway on the development of a new diaspora strategy. As part of this, my colleague Minister of State Richmond has met with representatives of Irish communities and organisations in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada, the Middle East and beyond to learn about the challenges and opportunities that exist for the Irish abroad. The Minister also hosted consultations in Dublin and Galway and a valuable discussion with Oireachtas members in July.
Ireland's Embassy and Consulate network plays a key role in our diaspora engagement. Identifying where there is scope to build stronger links with our growing diaspora is an important consideration when deciding where we open new diplomatic missions. These decisions are also based on a robust analysis of how they will contribute to the promotion of our economic interests and our values in this changing and uncertain international landscape and promote our culture.
Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly under Global Ireland 2025 with twenty-five new missions open already since the strategy was launched in 2018 and a further two Consulates General to open early next year in Málaga and Melbourne.
Work will begin shortly on the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy, which is due to be published next year. The new strategy will focus on enhancing Ireland's international influence and further strengthening Ireland's place in the world.
Decisions on new missions will be taken in the framework of the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (34)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:34. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Departments position on the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2803, particularly in the context of concerns raised around the violation of Palestinian right to self-determination by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66727/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On Monday 17 November, the UN Security Council voted to adopt resolution 2803 (2025) endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour, with two permanent members of the council, Russia and China, abstaining.
Ireland considers adoption of the resolution by the Security Council as a further step towards the implementation of the Plan. The text provides some additional clarity on how the next stages of the Plan will be taken forward, including the creation of a temporary International Stabilisation Force. It also calls on all parties to implement the Plan in its entirety, including maintenance of the ceasefire.
We also welcome that the resolution clearly underscores the importance of the full resumption of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
While the detail of several elements of the resolution remain to clarified, adoption by the Security Council sends an important signal that all parties must engage in good faith to meet their commitments under the agreement.
Ireland welcomes the inclusion of a reference to Palestinian self-determination and statehood in the final text of the resolution. We also note the statement by the State of Palestine welcoming a joint statement issued by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Türkiye during the drafting of the resolution.
Ireland stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the realisation of the two-State solution. We reaffirm that implementation of the resolution must be carried out in full compliance with international law, and that humanitarian aid and reconstruction must be directed throughout all parts of the Gaza Strip.
It is Ireland's long-standing view that Palestinians should be able to vindicate the full rights of a state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, and our recognition of the State of Palestine is a concrete expression of this view.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 13.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (36)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:36. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement her Department has had with the Emirati Government in relation to their alleged supply of weapons and support to the RSF in South Sudan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66724/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am concerned about the serious allegations referred to. The engagement of the United Arab Emirates in Sudan has been discussed bilaterally with the UAE at Ministerial and official level. The UAE has consistently denied the allegations. We will continue to engage with the UAE on all aspects of the situation in Sudan.
The UAE, alongside the US, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, is a member of the “Quad”, a group formed with the aim of resolving the conflict. I encourage the UAE and all others with influence to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the suffering of civilians.
There also needs to be substantive political engagement and coordination between the EU, the AU, the Quad and other international and national actors on de-escalation and mediation efforts.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been very clear that external engagement in the conflict must end. At the May 2025 meeting of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Political Committee, Ireland, speaking on behalf of the EU, stressed the need to use every influence to prevent external actors from providing arms to combatants and to unite in favour of peace. In a November statement by the High Representative, the EU reiterated the messages set out clearly in the Conclusions of the October Foreign Affairs Council on Sudan. The EU calls on all external actors to take the necessary measures to end the sale or supply of arms and related material to all parties, in accordance with the UN arms embargo. The EU will continue to advocate for the expansion of the arms embargo to the whole territory of Sudan.
Specific allegations of violations of the UN embargo and EU sanctions are pursued through UN and EU channels. Ireland continues to call on all parties to comply fully with their obligations and to refrain from any actions that prolong the conflict and fuel further violence.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (37)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:37. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way Ireland is working with international partners to keep attention on the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 September 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 Ireland's 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.
I 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.
Along with other EU Partners, Ireland played a lead role in pressing for the establishment of an Independent Investigative Mechanism on Afghanistan at the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council. Its establishment represents 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.
Ireland also took a lead role in securing agreement within the EU Political and Security Committee earlier this year, tasking the EU External Action Service to propose further measures to improve EU leverage on the current situation.
Ireland will continue to remain active at EU and international level to ensure all possible pressure is maintained to bring about improvements in the dire political, economic and humanitarian situation confronting the Afghan people.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 18.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (39)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she proposes to meet at an early date with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government maintains close and regular contact with our counterparts in the UK Government and in Stormont on a wide range of issues.
I had an introductory call with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 19 November. I hope to meet him in person very soon for a more in-depth exchange, in particular to ensure that we continue to progress the implementation of the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, published by the two governments in September, and to consider a range of wider issues.
I also intend to visit Belfast in the coming weeks, with a view to meeting First Minister O’Neill, deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly, and the leaders of the main parties in Northern Ireland.
Military Neutrality
Ceisteanna (40)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:40. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will conserve and preserve Ireland's neutrality as this stance has helped our small island country during and since the Second World War. [60836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.