Written Answers Nos. 111-137
111. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on whether it is appropriate that the British secretary of state for Northern Ireland should have the power to decide whether an inquiry is held into legacy issues in the North; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe power to establish public inquiries in Northern Ireland derives from the UK Inquiries Act 2005. Section 1(1) of the Act vests the power to 'cause an inquiry to be held' in a relevant 'Minister'.
For legacy matters in Northern Ireland, the relevant Minister is the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
There has been significant demand for public inquiries to be established into legacy cases.
A notable example was the long-standing demand for a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. This call was supported by successive governments for many years. The direction of an inquiry into his murder by the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in September 2024, was widely welcomed, following years of campaigning by the Finucane family. I look forward to the inquiry's getting underway.
In calling on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to exercise his power to direct the holding of public inquiries into certain legacy cases, as we did in the case of the Finucane murder, this government acknowledges his legislative power to do so.
That said, there remain points of disagreement. While agreement was reached between the Irish and British governments on a Joint Framework to address the legacy of the past in September last year, one area where agreement was not possible related to the murder of Seán Brown. This government has made clear our support for the Brown family in their calls for a public inquiry into the murder.
I continue to call for a public inquiry into this murder. I will continue to raise the case of Seán Brown and other legacy matters with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in my discussions with him on legacy.
Finally, I should that in the Joint Framework, the British Government commits "to provide reciprocal cooperation to Ireland for investigations, inquiries and inquests" in this jurisdiction.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any meetings or engagements with the United States government, or multinational corporations, regarding the Government’s promise to introduce the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025; her views on the legislation; if she is planning any further meetings with the US Government or multinational corporations to discuss the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Embassy in Washington DC is continuously engaged with American interlocutors, including Administration officials and members of Congress, to ensure that Ireland’s foreign policy, including on the Middle East, is well known and understood.
On the issue of contact with the Trump Administration and elected US representatives on the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill, a number of members of Congress have expressed reservations about the proposed legislation. The matter has also been raised in contacts with representatives of the US State Department.
We value the contributions of international partners as part of a robust and inclusive debate. The Government’s position and, indeed, that of the EU is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the realisation of a two-state solution.
Consistent with the position of the EU, Ireland has been clear in underlining that policies and measures that distinguish between the state of Israel and Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, do not constitute a boycott of the state of Israel.
113. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on the Shared Island Civic Society Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Shared Island Civic Society Fund has been in operation, on a pilot basis, since 2023, and is focused on supporting cross-border cooperation between civic society organisations,
The Fund is a key component of the Shared Island initiative, promoting practical North South cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. It supports projects which have a clear North South dimension, involving cross-border partners collaborating on a project to strengthen North South civic, economic, cultural, and/or political links.
The Fund is now one year into its second, three-year, phase, with a total budget of €6 million for the 2025-27 period, co-funded by my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach. Last December, I announced the successful applicants for the fourth round, and funding of just under €2 million has now been disbursed amongst sixty-four community-based cross-border projects across the island of Ireland. Full details of this and previous rounds can be found on the www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/services/shared-island-civic-society-fund/.
The table below provides details of the growth of the fund since it was launched in 2023:
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROUND |
BUDGET |
APPLICATIONS |
PROJECTS FUNDED |
|
Q1 2023 |
€500,000 |
160 |
20 |
|
Q3 2023 |
€1m |
80 |
35 |
|
2024 |
€1.5m |
112 |
52 |
|
2025 |
€2m |
150 |
65 |
114. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her Department's engagements in relation to the EU Morocco trade deal; the Government's position on this trade deal; its concerns in relation to human rights complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8761/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 4 October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) upheld an earlier ruling of the General Court annulling the Council Decision on the conclusion of a 2018 Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. The 2018 Agreement sought to extend tariff preferences laid down in an EU-Morocco Association Agreement to products originating in Western Sahara. The Court set a deadline of 4 October 2025, in that it maintained the effects of the Council Decision until that date. The Commission thus worked to negotiate a new agreement between the EU and Morocco by that date.
The EU and Morocco signed a new Agreement on 3 October 2025 and its provisional application began.
On 2 October 2025, 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 made clear that we expect to receive regular updates from the Commission on key issues as the agreement is implemented.
The process towards adoption of a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the EU of the new Agreement with Morocco has not yet reached its conclusion; the next step requires the consent of the European Parliament. Ireland has continued to follow up with the EU Institutions with regard to an expected date for this next step. We have not yet received an update in this regard.
Throughout the process, Ireland has made clear 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.
115. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has raised concerns with the US about human rights violations in the United States, including the execution of peaceful protesters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8703/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has been in contact with the US ambassador to express Ireland’s concern at the loss of life at protests in Minneapolis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 133 together.
Recent events in Minneapolis have shocked us all.
Where a civilian loses their life in an interaction with any government agency or service there should be a transparent and thorough investigation. I note that President Trump has sent Tom Honan, US border ‘czar’, to Minnesota and understand that he will lead investigations.
While U.S. immigration policy is a matter for the American authorities, any immigration enforcement actions, in any country, should be undertaken in line with human rights and international law standards.
I regularly engage with representatives of the U.S. Administration and with members of Congress, and will be doing so this week in Washington, as part of my first visit to the US as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Protecting and promoting human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's approach to foreign policy. It forms an important part of our dialogue with all partners, including in the United States.
117. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership that was signed with President Zelenskyy on 2 December 2025. [70940/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 December, the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy signed the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership at Government Buildings during the visit to Ireland by the President of Ukraine.
The Roadmap, which represents a key outcome of the visit of President Zelenskyy to Ireland, builds on the bilateral Agreement on Support for Ukraine and Cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland, signed in Kyiv on 4 September 2024.
The Roadmap contains a series of commitments to develop cooperation with Ukraine, which will strengthen bilateral relations across a range of areas. This includes political and security cooperation; support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction; cooperation in innovation and education; economic cooperation including the establishment of an annual Ireland Ukraine Economic Forum; and cultural cooperation.
The Roadmap includes a commitment by Ireland to provide an additional €100 million in non-lethal military support for Ukraine, building on the figure of €100m in military support already provided in 2025. The Roadmap also contains a commitment to contribute €25 million to support Ukraine’s energy needs.
Other areas include continuing support for Ukraine's EU accession path, including during our EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 as well as highlighting Ireland’s support for accountability mechanisms in relation to the conflict in Ukraine.
The Roadmap also establishes an annual Strategic Dialogue between Ireland and Ukraine at the level of Foreign Minister, the first of which I hosted on 2 December 2025 in Dublin.
In the short period since the Roadmap was agreed, progress has been made with implementation, including on the financial commitments I have set out.
The Roadmap is a very helpful framework for Ireland and Ukraine to strengthen our bilateral relations and I look forward to its continuing implementation in the period ahead.
118. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline her Department's priorities in advance of Ireland holding the European Presidency, including specific actions in relation to Ireland's diplomatic engagement, coordination with EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8619/26]
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 the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for the Presidency across all strands of policy and logistical planning are well underway, led by my Department, working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Our policy priorities for the Presidency are currently being developed, against the backdrop of the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative work programme set out by the European Commission and Ireland's own EU priorities. In defining our priorities, we will also be taking account of the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the current Cypriot Presidency.
Consultations with other Member States, including through my own bilateral meetings with my European counterparts, will also inform the development of our policy programme. Upon taking up the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in November, one of my first engagements was with my European Union counterparts at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. At the December Foreign Affairs Council, I undertook a number of bilateral engagements with Foreign Ministers from Spain, Lithuania and Finland. Last week, while at the January Foreign Affairs Council, I had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with Foreign Ministers from Slovenia, Sweden, Italy and Poland. Last week I also visited Paris, where I discussed preparations for the Irish Presidency with my French counterpart. Other Ministers are also meeting on an ongoing basis with European counterparts, and these exchanges are helping to shape Ireland’s policy approach for our Presidency term.
Work on the development of our Presidency priorities is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the Strategic Agenda: values, security and competitiveness.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard as we develop our policy approach for the Presidency, and I wish to acknowledge the significant contribution that a wide range of organisations and individuals have made towards work on the development of our policy programme.
A series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups took place last year and further stakeholder engagements are planned in the time ahead. A call for written submissions on the development of Ireland’s policy priorities, hosted on gov.ie, was launched on 5 November and closed on 12 December, with 484 submissions received in total.
Other Government Departments are also engaging in sector-specific Presidency consultations with relevant stakeholder groups. These consultations will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of different policy issues, from diverse voices throughout Ireland, as our Presidency policy programme continues to be developed.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
120. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in north east Syria; the concern for the Kurdish people; for other minority groups in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8763/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government continues to support a positive transition in Syria that respects the rights of all Syrians, but we remain concerned about the reports of localised clashes and the potential for further unrest. President al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognising Syrian Kurds as an essential part of the Syrian people and the country's diverse national identity, and Kurdish as an official language. These are important steps in Syria's transition and the broad acceptance of the diversity of ethnicity, religion and culture in Syria.
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains very difficult. The reality is that the majority of the population across all of Syria are still in need of humanitarian assistance. Access to essential services including healthcare, water and sanitation is limited. Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, over 3 million refugees and internally displaced people have resettled in Syria. However, more than 10 million Syrians remain displaced in Syria and in neighbouring countries.
Recurring hostilities, including most recently in North-East Syria, have accentuated the humanitarian situation for an already vulnerable population and caused new waves of displacement in challenging winter conditions. Priorities for the humanitarian response include shelter and winterisation assistance, food, and road clearance to restore access for life-saving services. Despite the ceasefire in North-East Syria, restrictions on movement and security concerns continue to limit humanitarian access and assistance.
Last year, Ireland provided over €22 million in assistance in response to the Syria Crisis across the region. This brings our total assistance to over €289 million since the conflict began, Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis. Our humanitarian assistance is channelled through partners who provide assistance to those identified as most in need.
We will continue to provide needs-based humanitarian assistance in Syria in 2026 including through our support to Irish NGOs. €2 million has been allocated for the activities of Concern Worldwide, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland in Syria in 2026 under Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) for A Better World.
123. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any engagement with her Danish counterpart in relation to Greenland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Thursday 29th January where I welcomed the announcement of a framework for negotiations with the United States on issues related to Greenland. These discussions are already underway, I understand. I also, of course, welcomed President Trump’s recent statements, ruling out the unjust imposition of tariffs on 1 February.
I have personally assured my Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen of Ireland's continued solidarity. From the outset of this diplomatic crisis, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, myself and other Ministers have been very clear in our public statements that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and Greenland in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. Denmark has welcomed our support.
We are encouraged that the unwavering support and unity of all Denmark's EU partners has held firm in a very difficult moment for Denmark, Greenland and the transatlantic relationship. It is clear and very welcome that the EU has demonstrated unity behind our fundamental principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
124. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures her Department is taking to address the impact of the climate crisis globally, and to support poorer nations in adapting. [7870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting vulnerable countries in adapting to climate change is a core priority for the Government's climate policy and international climate diplomacy.
At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, the Taoiseach announced that the Government would more than double Ireland’s international climate finance to developing countries by 2025, to at least €225 million annually.
Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap published in 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, but least responsible for, climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
In 2023, the last year for which complete, verified data is available, Ireland provided €159.2 million in international climate finance. We are fully on track to reach the €225 million target for 2025. Some 86% of Ireland’s climate finance is focused on climate change adaptation, either as a whole or as one component.
Our international climate finance is grant-based at point of distribution, and channelled through our missions abroad, through multilateral organisations, and through NGO partners. Ireland provides funding to several multilateral funds that assist countries in developing and implementing their National Adaptation Plans, including the National Adaptation Plan Global Network and the Least Developed Countries Fund.
As a key element of building climate resilience, Ireland supports the development of early warning systems so that vulnerable countries can prepare earlier and more effectively for extreme weather events and climate crises. To this end, Ireland is proud to support the Systematic Observations Financing Facility, with our contributions totalling €10 million since 2022.
In our international climate diplomacy and advocacy, Ireland prioritises seeking a balance between financing for adaptation and mitigation and seeks to ensure that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are prioritised for climate finance at a global level.
127. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on the British Government's response to the State's ongoing request for full disclosure and access to all relevant documents concerning the Dublin Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has long-standing requests in place to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents held by the British Government relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
These requests arise from successive all-party motions adopted by this House, which is testament to the continued importance placed on the maximum possible disclosure in the interests of providing truth to victims of these atrocities and their families.
In that context, the delay in the publication of the full report of Operation Denton, a review of Glennane Gang cases including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, which was expected last year, is disappointing. Families have waited for far too long for answers.
I hope the full report of Operation Denton can be published in a reasonable timeframe, and that its findings will shed new light on what happened on that terrible day.
In the context of ongoing work by both governments on the implementation of the Joint Framework on the legacy of the Troubles, the publication of the report would help to maintain momentum on our broader work on legacy.
I would note also that the Joint Framework on legacy, published by the two governments in September of last year, commits the British Government to provide "cooperation to Ireland for investigations, inquiries and inquests" in this jurisdiction.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remain in regular contact with the head of Operation Denton, Sir Iain Livingston, and will continue to follow-up on the publication of the report.
128. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how it will be ensured that trade agreements, including the EU–Mercosur deal, do not undermine our climate objectives; and whether the Government will seek binding environmental clauses to prevent imports linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss. [73013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s membership of the EU makes us part of a growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
Ireland supports the efforts of the EU to promote values-based trade, linking trade to sustainability issues such as climate change, labour standards and human rights. EU Free Trade Agreements provide the opportunity to set high levels of standards and commitments between trade partners on climate change through dedicated chapters on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD). Ireland also fully supports EU Free Trade Agreements as a means to develop strategic partnerships for critical supplies that support the green transition.
Throughout the negotiations of the EU-Mercosur agreement, the Government made clear to the Commission Ireland’s key requirements in regard to the deal. We repeatedly raised concerns in relation to our priority areas of climate, biodiversity, deforestation, as well as protections and assurances in regard to incomes of farmers in Ireland.
In response to pressure from Ireland and other Member States, the original Agreement reached in 2019 was re-opened to address concerns in relation to the environment, particularly concerning deforestation. The ensuing negotiations with Mercosur, which concluded in December 2024, led to an additional interpretative legal instrument addressing sustainability commitments.
As a result, the EU-Mercosur Agreement reflects the latest EU standards on TSD and contains a number of improvements over the original agreement in 2019. For example, it makes the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, an essential element of the EU-Mercosur relationship. Concrete commitments to tackle deforestation from 2030 are included – this is the first time that parties to an agreement subject to dispute settlement have made commitments to stop deforestation. The instrument also contains commitments on the development of sustainable supply chains and provisions to promote trade in sustainable products that help conserve biodiversity.
The Government will continue to engage with the Commission and with other EU Member States in the time ahead to ensure the full implementation of the commitments obtained from the Commission to address our concerns with the Agreement, including on trade and sustainability, should the Agreement be implemented.
130. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her trade priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will continue to play an active role in shaping trade policy during 2026, which is an exclusive EU competence. I will actively represent Ireland’s trade priorities in the Council of the EU, reflecting these positions when common EU negotiating positions are decided.
By acting together with EU partners, Ireland benefits from increased negotiating power, and I support an ambitious programme of EU negotiations with Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and the UAE. I am also focused on the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement. I welcome the conclusion last week of an EU–India Free Trade Agreement, which is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side and will deliver real opportunities for Irish exporters.
My Department will prioritise the opening of these new markets to support Irish and EU market diversification, economic resilience and European competitiveness, and to strengthen the multilateral, rules-based trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.
The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification, which is a joint initiative of my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be prioritised in responding to the ongoing uncertainties in the global trading environment. Implementation of this Action Plan is underway on a whole-of-government basis, and will be kept under my review as Chair of the Government Trade Forum.
St. Patrick’s Day provides another unique global platform to advance our trading interests and values internationally. This St. Patrick’s Day, I look forward to visiting Boston as we seek to build a more ambitious and mutually beneficial EU-US trade and investment relationship, in line with the on-going implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement.
134. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her recent meeting of the Government’s trade forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the work of the Government trade forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 136 together.
As recent weeks have demonstrated, uncertainty remains the prevailing character of the global trading environment. As a small, highly globalised economy, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to engage with business and other key stakeholders, to inform the approach we take in navigating this changing and often unpredictable landscape.
The Government Trade Forum has a critical role to play in this context and I am committed to its continuation this year. The Forum is now the primary mechanism by which the Government engages with industry and other relevant stakeholders on the latest developments in international trade. The information and real-time feedback received from the Members is extremely valuable and I intend to continue our strong level of engagement throughout this year. The Trade Forum comprises one part of the comprehensive and deliberate approach we as a Government have taken to ensure Ireland’s continued economic growth and resilience. This approach also includes the National Development Plan, Budget 2026 and the mutually supporting Action Plan on Market Diversification, and Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I chair the Trade Forum. I convened the first Forum meeting of 2026 on 23rd January, where I was joined by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, and the Minister of State for European Affairs. This was the tenth meeting of the Trade Forum since it was first established in February 2025.
I updated the Forum on recent trade developments, including US tariff threats relating to the deeply troubling situation in Greenland, EU-UK relations, and the now finalised EU-India FTA. The Forum heard from the Tánaiste regarding the need for enhanced planning in light of economic threats, and Minister Chambers updated on capital infrastructure plan to which this Government is deeply committed. Minister Heydon updated on international trade priorities for the agrifood sector and the excellent work of Bord Bia.
A repeated point raised in the meeting was the positive perception of Ireland in the US and Europe, where business considers us to be a stable, trustworthy partner and excellent location in which to do business and invest. Improving our competitiveness remains a priority and during our EU Presidency this year, competitiveness will be one of Ireland’s three pillars, alongside values and security.
At the Trade Forum, I, alongside colleagues of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, further noted ongoing work in Ireland’s market diversification efforts, which requires a whole-of-government approach, and will involve significant trade mission delivery this year. St. Patrick’s Day engagements form a considerable part of these efforts and, as I informed the Forum, front and centre this year will be our focus on economic relationships, trade and investment. This has been subsequently confirmed with the decision by Government this week of Ireland’s largest ever St Patrick’s Day Programme when forty representatives of the State will visit over 54 countries to promote our trade and economic interests this year.
I plan to maintain an intensity of engagement at the Trade Forum this year and the Forum Secretariat is developing a new Forum Work Plan, in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders.
The Forum has already had sectoral focuses on medtech, pharmaceuticals, aviation, agri-food, semiconductors and international financial services. I am keen to convene future Forum meetings focused on matters relating to our economic security, and important sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and Tourism.
I would also like to inform Deputies that the agendas and minutes of the Government Trade Forum are published on the Digital Ireland House, Ireland.ie.
135. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether an Irish Citizen (details supplied) has received a visit from consular services; whether the Irish Government have expressed concern to the Russian authorities regarding their detainment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7911/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department does not have an automatic entitlement to provide consular assistance to the person, who holds dual Irish and Russian citizenship, referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that officials in my Department are aware of this case and that, as with all consular cases, a dedicated consular officer has been assigned to the family of the Irish citizen who has been detained and they remain in contact. The consular officer has provided support and advice in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter.
The relevant Irish mission has requested information from the local detention authorities to assist the mission in providing direct consular assistance to the citizen. The mission has also requested consular access to the individual. These efforts are ongoing.
I wish to assure the Deputy that officials in my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen.
137. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she intends to open a passport office in the north [8627/26]
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. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online service. It is worth noting that just 1% of all passports issue through the public counter in Dublin.
Demand for passports from citizens resident in Northern Ireland remains steady. In 2025, 11.6% of all passports issued came from residents of Northern Ireland, with 91% of these applying through Passport Online.
In December, the Passport Service launched 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 at +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 has enhanced the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens. Further information is available at www.ireland.ie/PassportAssistService
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.
