Written Answers Nos. 61-80
62. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department’s plans to expand Ireland’s diplomatic presence across Canada and the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaintaining and strengthening bilateral relations with the US and Canada is a top priority for this Government. This is reflected in our level of investment in the relationships.
In the US, Ireland has nine diplomatic missions, including our Embassy in Washington DC and eight Consulates General. This network of diplomatic missions has been expanded under the Global Ireland Strategy, with the opening of new Consulates General in Los Angeles and Miami. They complement the established network of Consulates General in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. In Canada, we have opened Consulates General in Vancouver and Toronto to support the work of our Embassy in Ottawa. In September, the Tánaiste opened our new Embassy building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. and the Taoiseach opened the new Embassy building in Ottawa.
This diplomatic network works in a highly collaborative way with the state agencies, as one Team Ireland, to advance Irish interests. Many of our missions operate in a Ireland House format, with the diplomatic and state agency teams working under one roof.
As well as expanding our mission network, we have deepened our expertise in the US and Canada with the presence of two Talent and Innovation Attachés, three Cultural Officers, and a dedicated Francophone Officer to advance Ireland's outreach and engagement to French speaking Canadians.
While there are no current plans to establish new diplomatic missions in the U.S. or Canada, the 2026 Budget included a new allocation of €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s Embassy and Consulates General across the U.S. and strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of the Government’s Market Diversification Strategy. In the new year, I will bring forward a new strategy for our relations with the U.S.
64. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her main foreign policy priorities and trade objectives for the period ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66645/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out commitments to strengthen Ireland’s place in Europe and the world and my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 sets out how we will contribute to this aim.
Peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the continued strengthening of our relationship with the United Kingdom remain priorities. Together with officials, I will work to increase North-South and East-West cooperation, delivery of the Shared Island initiative and deepening of the all-island economy. Delivery of commitments on legacy under the Joint Framework agreed with the UK government in September will be a key focus in the period ahead.
Deeping Ireland’s global engagement and driving trade are a major focus for this Government. I will work to strengthen our global influence and towards trade diversification to advance our economic interests overseas, including as chair of the Government Trade Forum. I aim to build on strong work to date in developing and expanding our relationships across the United States, as well in priority regions around the globe.
My Department is also committed to responding to the complex geopolitical context, protecting the rules-based international order. This includes delivery of our commitments of support to Ukraine, upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the Middle East, Ireland will continue to advocate for the implementation of the two-state solution and the right to self-determination, peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis. I am also committed to passing legislation to prohibit the importation of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Achieving peace in Israel/ Palestine is key to stabilising the whole region, including advancing Ireland’s non-proliferation agenda. This Government will also show continued leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. Intensive preparations are ongoing and this will be an important opportunity to lead the European agenda through engagement with partners across the EU and ensure Irish influence in EU policies.
65. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline how Ireland is supporting the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66112/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been consistent in the pursuit of accountability for Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. This includes the accountability of the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression. Ireland is one of 38 states, plus the EU, in the Core Group for the establishment of a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
On 9 May, Minster of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, attended a ministerial meeting of the Core Group in Lviv, Ukraine, to give political endorsement to the draft legal instruments necessary to establish the Special Tribunal within the legal framework of the Council of Europe.
These instruments consist of a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe establishing the Special Tribunal, the Statute of the Special Tribunal which is annexed to this bilateral agreement, and an enlarged partial agreement within the Council of Europe legal framework which will govern the financing and administration of the Tribunal.
The draft legal instruments resulted from two years of intensive negotiations within the Core Group, in which Ireland played an active part. Ireland’s position throughout the negotiations was to support an outcome that is consistent with international law and acceptable to Ukraine.
On 25 June Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe signed the bilateral agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal. The agreement will enter force once a number of criteria are met, including the establishment of the enlarged partial agreement by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Discussions on activating the enlarged partial agreement are currently under way in the Council of Europe Working Party on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, in Strasbourg. Ireland will continue to positively engage at the Council of Europe to ensure that the Special Tribunal is established and operational as soon as reasonably possible.
67. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the context of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2026, any security concerns or specific requests relating to the safety of heads of State, ministers, delegations or other visiting officials attending meetings in Ireland have been communicated to the Government by other EU member states; if so, the nature of any such concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of ongoing preparations for our upcoming EU Presidency during the second half of 2026, my Department is engaging with Ireland’s EU partners at various levels and across the full range of issues that might be expected to arise insofar as EU Presidency-related meetings taking place in Ireland are concerned.
The safety of Heads of State, Ministers, delegations or other visiting officials attending meetings in Ireland will inform many aspects of our planning, which remains underway in consultation with An Garda Síochána and other relevant authorities. Given the nature of the issues in question, it is not appropriate to disclose details of any specific exchanges with EU partners in this connection.
69. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether a passport printer will be installed in Cork. [65565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This award-winning service has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing and has resulted in greater efficiencies for our citizens
Over 93% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online which is available to 100% of all applicants globally.
The public passport offices in Cork and Dublin 2 operate an Urgent Appointment service for renewal applications. Passport Service records show that 0.84% of passports issued this year were issued through the one-day Urgent Appointment service in Dublin.
During 2025, there were an average of 240 urgent appointments for a four-day turnaround service available in Cork each week. In 2025 to date, just 16% of these appointments available in Cork were booked.
The Passport Service operates three passport book printing machines: two are located in the main production facility at the Balbriggan campus and the third machine is located in the Dublin 2 office. The printing and dispatching of passports is a highly automated process in what is, essentially, an industrial production system.
To have a one-day turnaround in Cork Passport Office would involve purchasing another passport printer, which would be located in Cork.
The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition to the capital investment, these highly sophisticated machines require expert engineers to be on-site while the machines are in operation to maintain and service the machines and repair them when necessary. The running and maintenance costs alone are estimated to be €600,000 per year.
For these reasons, a business case cannot currently be made to invest this level of funds to facilitate the very small proportion of applicants who may wish to have their passport renewed within one day in Cork.
72. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider establishing a cross-departmental research programme to evaluate the economic, social and constitutional implications of any future moves towards Irish unification (details supplied). [62808/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has undertaken or commissioned any recent analysis of the potential fiscal implications of Irish unification; and the estimated level of subvention currently provided by the UK Government to Northern Ireland. [62801/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to potential fiscal mechanisms or funds that could be used to support economic convergence between North and South in the context of any future constitutional change. [62802/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 83 and 179 together.
The approach of the Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998. The Government respects and affirms everyone’s right to make the case for the constitutional future for Northern Ireland they wish to see - whether they are nationalist, unionist, or do not identify with either tradition.
The Programme for Government reiterates the constitutional commitment to the unity of the Irish people and sets out the Government's key priorities in this regard: addressing the legacy of the past, promoting reconciliation, and building our Shared Island.
Following the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland and a significant improvement in bilateral relations between Ireland and the UK, the Government is focused on addressing those challenges and supporting the full and effective operation of all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement in order to unlock the full potential of our island.
Work continues across the three strands of relationships as well as under the Shared Island Initiative to enhance the prosperity for all the people of these islands and to strengthen the all-island economy.
Over €600m has now been allocated from the Shared Island Fund to undertake sustained, strategic action and investment to improve people’s lives and strengthen connections across the island of Ireland for our shared future.
On 18 November, as part of the National Development Plan Review, the Government published our Shared Island investment priorities across virtually all sectors through to 2035.
The Programme for Government commits an additional €1bn to the Initiative to that date. Shared Island projects include the construction of the iconic Narrow Water Bridge, the Ulster Canal restoration, and a wide range of projects to bring civil society together or to deepen our understanding of how we can best work together to confront the key challenges we all face on the island: healthcare, climate, transport, housing, and more.
The Shared Island research programme is providing high-quality evidence and analysis of the whole island, on economic, social, cultural and political issues.
In April, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin launched a new phase of the Department of the Taoiseach’s joint Shared Island research programme with the Economic and Social Research Institute. This includes a new annual report series by the ESRI assessing economic trends across the island of Ireland, the first of which will be published next month.
The Government will continue to engage constructively with all communities on how we build a shared, reconciled future on the island of Ireland, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
In the event of a future referendum, we will make all necessary preparations in accordance with the relevant articles of the Constitution and within the consent provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, including the economic analyses relevant to the question of the subvention.
73. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions her Department has taken in response to Russian vessels and the Russian shadow fleet operating in Irish waters; if she has raised this with the Russian authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66242/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on discussions at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding the presence and activities of Russian state-linked vessels operating in close proximity to Irish territorial waters; if concerns relating to maritime security, hybrid threats and the protection of critical subsea infrastructure were raised by Ireland at the Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66686/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 96 together.
Along with EU and like-minded international partners, the Irish Government has expressed concerns about the shadow fleet, which engages in illegal operations for the purpose of circumventing sanctions on Russian oil, evades compliance with insurance, safety or environmental regulations and which poses environmental, maritime safety and security risks, including to critical subsea infrastructure, by engaging in illegal activities. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engages regularly with partners on efforts to counter the shadow fleet.
Ireland fully supported the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, published last month, which included provision for a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, and a port access ban on more shadow fleet vessels.
I attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 20 November, where EU Foreign Ministers discussed a range of issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine. This included a discussion on ways to increase pressure on Russia, including through measures to disrupt the shadow fleet.
At the FAC meeting, I expressed Ireland’s support for efforts to further counter the shadow fleet, including through consideration of further sanctions. I welcomed the work of the EU Sanctions Envoy, Mr. David O’Sullivan, in this regard. I informed partners of the development, by the Department of Defence, of Ireland’s first Maritime Security Strategy, which will have a focus on protecting critical subsea infrastructure as well as enhanced maritime domain awareness, including through strengthening international cooperation frameworks.
The Defence Forces lead on and continue to carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s EEZ using Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft. In addition to at-sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
74. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on her Department's engagement with COP30; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66498/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the achievement of the objective of the UNFCCC and the goals of the Paris Agreement. This is the appropriate multilateral mechanism to address the causes and consequences of climate change. Ireland takes a whole of Government approach to climate action and to the COP process.
Officials from my Department were fully engaged with the COP30 process, and formed part of the delegation at the conference in Brazil, together with officials from a range of government Departments and agencies. Attendance at COP is led and coordinated by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
On 11 and 12 November, I attended COP in Belem and undertook a range of engagements with our development partners, as well as bilateral meetings with senior government representatives, including the Minister of the Environment of Brazil.
Officials from my Department were engaged throughout the conference across a range of EU negotiating teams on several priority areas for Ireland. These included collective efforts to reduce global emissions, bolstering adaptation action to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate, and the Gender Action Plan and just transition. Our Embassy team in Brazil, led by our Ambassador played a key role in supporting this work, providing political guidance and facilitating engagement throughout.
COP30 marked a key milestone for Team Ireland. As we prepare for our EU Presidency next year, we also prepare to chair and lead the COP negotiations on behalf of the EU in Turkiye at COP31 next year. Preparations for our EU Presidency and leadership in Climate Action is already well underway in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the handling of COP30 provided an important learning experience for these preparations.
75. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her Department’s engagements in relation to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and efforts being made to ensure that peace is sustained in the region. [66749/25]
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. In October, 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.
76. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the humanitarian crisis in Haiti; and if the Government will advocate at an EU level for increased humanitarian assistance for Haiti. [66750/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very concerned at the humanitarian situation in Haiti, and in particular the extreme levels of violence, and high levels of food insecurity.
It is estimated that over 3 million people will be in need of food assistance in Haiti between October 2025 and May 2026. This comes against a backdrop of extreme levels of violence against civilians, including widespread and systematic sexual violence against women and girls.
Ireland has provided €3.4 million to support humanitarian and development programmes in Haiti in 2025. Over €2 million of this was provided through Irish NGOs, Concern and GOAL, and through Misean Cara. A further €1 million was provided to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Pooled Fund, which provides humanitarian funding to local and international organisations in Haiti.
In addition, Ireland contributes to pooled funds such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which allocated over $US13 million to Haiti in 2025. Ireland provided €15 million to the CERF in 2025.
We regularly engage on Haiti at EU level. Ireland, and our EU partners, recognise that a Haitian-led political solution is essential if the ongoing crisis in Haiti is to be addressed comprehensively. Ireland has supported the installation of a transitional government in Haiti and has engaged at UN level on the transition of the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) in Haiti into a Gang Suppression Force, as well as the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti, as requested by Haiti.
The EU allocated over €35 million in 2025 to address needs in Haiti, and organised an EU-funded Humanitarian Air Bridge operation that delivered 30 tonnes of essential supplies. Ireland will continue to engage at the EU level on the need for increased humanitarian and development funding in Haiti.
77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will give consideration to opening a passport office in the North. [66735/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that is available to 100% of applicants across the world. Over 93% of all passport applications are now made through Passport Online.
More than half of all simple adult online renewals issue within two working days, meaning that for many, the online renewal service is faster than the four-day urgent appointment service offered at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. It is worth noting that only approximately 1% of all passports issue through the public counter in Dublin.
Demand for passports from citizens resident in Northern Ireland remains steady. This year to date, 12% of all applications have come from residents of Northern Ireland, with 91.3% of these applying through Passport Online.
On 1 December, the Passport Service is launching a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. Citizens can call the dedicated Passport Assist number +353 (0)1 613 1795 to receive a personalised paper form, along with a bespoke list of documents required, which they can post back to the Passport Service through their local post office. This all-island service will enhance the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens.
In terms of any proposed additional passport office, there are considerable financial implications to consider. The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of opening an office in Northern Ireland, including purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine, to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition, operational costs including staffing for up to 100 staff is estimated to be approximately €6.8 million per annum.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, as well as the significant cost involved, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for establishing an additional passport office on the island of Ireland.
The Passport Service will continue to consider ways it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live.
78. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update from her meeting with the EU Foreign Affairs Council in regard to any Ukraine peace plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66300/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the involvement her Department has had regarding the Ukrainian peace talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66659/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has engaged diplomatically with the United States and other relevant parties to advocate and ensure the inclusion of the Ukrainian government in any ceasefire or peace negotiations for Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66728/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 94 and 95 together.
At this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost 4 years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal and continuing support and solidarity with Ukraine.
I am deeply concerned about the worsening situation on the ground in Ukraine. Russia’s continuing attacks targeting civilian areas and the devastating loss of life this week are harrowing. Russia’s actions are not those of a country seeking peace.
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 attended by video conference a further meeting of the Council on 26 November.
I welcome President Trump's efforts for peace, his commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, and his willingness to provide substantial security guarantees for Ukraine
It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this. This is in our joint interest.
The emerging US proposals as well as plans for further negotiations represent a step forward.
It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and for international law. 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 territorial integrity 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 and Ukrainian partners. The Taoiseach took part in a meeting the European Council on 24 November and attended a meeting of the leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” on 25 November.
We remain steadfast in our support for a just and lasting peace and security for the people of Ukraine throughout the period ahead.
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on her Department's progress in supporting the re-establishment and full operation of a Northern Ireland Civic Forum, as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement, and as set out in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66682/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to advocate for the re-establishment and full operation of a Northern Ireland Civic Forum as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement.
That commitment reflects the importance of the Forum as a means of incorporating civic voices in the governance of Northern Ireland.
On 4 July, First Minister O'Neill and deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly forwarded a written statement to members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, outlining their intention to reconstitute the Civic Forum.
In that statement, the First Minister and deputy First Minister confirmed their intention to reconstitute the Forum on a compact, flexible and agile basis that complements the Executive's processes of stakeholder engagement in policy formulation.
I understand that the First Minister and deputy First Minister will bring the proposed arrangements for seeking the views of the Forum to the Assembly for approval later this year.
We will examine those proposed arrangements on publication to determine whether they are in keeping with the ambitions of the Good Friday Agreement.
I will also engage with the First Minister and deputy First Minister on this issue to emphasise the importance the Government, as co-guarantor, attached to the inclusion of civic voices in the government of Northern Ireland, which is a key part of our commitment to the full implementation of the Agreement.
