Written Answers Nos. 144-161
146. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the merits of establishing embassies in all EU accession countries with a view to increasing diplomatic relations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement and believes that progressing a merit based enlargement policy is the EU’s strongest policy tool to ensure the security and prosperity of our continent. Ireland has benefitted enormously from our EU membership and we believe that other European countries deserve the same opportunity, provided they meet the necessary criteria to do so.
EU enlargement will be a key priority of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU and we will seek to maintain and build upon recent momentum on this file. We will seek to use our Presidency to facilitate the progression of individual candidacies, where they have met the necessary criteria to do so. My Department is also committed to strengthening and deepening our bilateral relationships with candidate and potential candidacies, recognising the importance of deepening relationships with future EU member states.
Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Under the strategy, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening or announcement of twenty-seven new missions, including the opening of resident embassies in candidate countries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and Serbia. This builds upon our existing resident embassies in Kyiv and Ankara.
The Programme for Government sets out an ambition for a new Global Ireland 2040 Strategy as successor to the current strategy, which is being coordinated by the Department of An Taoiseach. Consideration of the location of future new Irish missions, including whether to establish missions in EU candidate and potential candidate countries, will be made in the context of the new strategy, and will include a robust analysis of how they might contribute to the promotion of our economic interests, our values in a changing and uncertain international landscape, the promotion of our culture and the building of stronger links with our diaspora.
148. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department calculates the blended effective administrative and programme support cost rate across Ireland’s total official development assistance expenditure; and if not, whether she will commit to publishing an annual aggregate delivery cost ratio in order that the Oireachtas can assess value-for-money and financial oversight. [15721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's international development programme, Irish Aid, is focused on supporting countries and communities experiencing the greatest levels of need. This support is delivered primarily through trusted partners, including multilateral organisations and non-governmental organisations operating in some of the world’s poorest, most climate-vulnerable, and conflict-affected regions.
Indirect administrative costs constitute an essential component of the implementation of development projects and programmes. These costs, covering items such as office rental, legal services, and internal audit functions, enable partner organisations to operate effectively and efficiently, thereby ensuring the delivery of meaningful assistance to those most in need.
In this regard we are committed to reporting administrative costs incurred by the Department, which are reported in our Annual Report on Official Development Assistance. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, administrative costs consistently represented some 3% of Ireland's total ODA, excluding eligible supports for Ukrainian refugees.
For partners, given the diversity of sectors, contexts, and settings in which grant recipients operate, the Department does not calculate a blended effective administrative or programme support costs rate. Instead, benchmarks for administrative costs are applied at the level of individual grants or schemes, where appropriate.
Each grant undergoes a detailed, case-by-case assessment, taking into account contextual factors and available alternatives. These assessments form part of the Department’s standard grant-awarding and management processes.
For competitive grant schemes, such as Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for a Better World (ICSP), the same criteria are applied to all applicants and are published in advance. For example, under ICSP, headquarters administration and programme quality costs are each eligible for funding up to a maximum of 6% of the total annual ICSP allocation. Other grants are assessed on their individual merits, with regard to value for money for beneficiaries and Irish taxpayers.
149. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on Ireland’s preparations for the presidency of the Council of the EU in light of the most recent war in the Middle East; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22538/26]
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. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and will the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Significant progress has been made on the preparation of Ireland’s policy approach and on putting in place key practical and operational building blocks for the Presidency.
Work is ongoing to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This is being prepared against the backdrop of the EU’s Strategic Agenda and is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the Strategic Agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
During our Presidency, one of our central objectives will be to promote peace and security in the Middle East, within the institutional constraints of the Presidency in this policy area. Throughout the Presidency, Ireland will support diplomatic efforts and initiatives focused on humanitarian assistance, de-escalation, stability, and reconstruction efforts in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In addition, Ireland will seek to advance overall EU relations with key regional stakeholders.
Work to put in place the key operational and logistical supports for the extensive programme of Presidency meetings in Ireland, including an accreditation system, arrangements for interpretation, transport, catering and accommodation, is also now well advanced.
Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
150. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement Ireland has had with the Venezuelan government since the removal of former President Maduro; the status of diplomatic affairs between Ireland and Venezuela; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government, in coordination with our EU partners, continues to closely follow the situation in Venezuela since the removal of former President Maduro.
With regard to diplomatic relations, Ireland has never broken off diplomatic relations with Venezuela. While our Government has been clear that Nicolás Maduro lacked any democratic legitimacy, Ireland's policy with regard to recognition is that we recognise States, rather than Governments.
The EU has also maintained, and continues to maintain, diplomatic relations with Venezuela, though since 2021 these relations have been at the level of Chargé d’Affaires. Our Embassy in Bogotá maintains close contact with the EU Delegation in Caracas. We are aware of some positive early meetings between the EU Head of Delegation and acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Ireland's, and the EU's, priority with regard to Venezuela continues to be support for an inclusive and peaceful transition process that reflects the will of the people of Venezuela. Ireland will continue to call for the full respect to human rights to remain as a standing point in any political dialogue with the Venezuelan authorities.
151. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her ongoing co-operation and collaboration with the Cypriot government, to prepare for the upcoming EU Presidency and to ensure a smooth transition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23058/26]
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, taking over from Cyprus which currently holds the rotating Presidency.
Preparations for our Presidency term are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
By working with Cyprus, along with all our partners across Europe, to deliver an effective Presidency, we will ensure that Ireland’s position, influence and reputation in the EU is maintained and enhanced.
As our Presidency term approaches, my Department is working closely with counterparts in Cyprus, at both official and political level, to ensure a smooth handover in July. I can confirm that our teams are in regular contact to identify how we can enhance our planning and explore ways of working together to achieve successful outcomes for citizens across the EU throughout 2026.
I visited Cyprus on 20 February to take part in the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade in Nicosia. I also plan to attend the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers which will take place in Nicosia on 27-28 May. This meeting, which occurs once under each Presidency, provides an opportunity for Foreign Ministers from the EU member states to discuss the key international issues on the EU’s agenda. This forthcoming visit to Nicosia will allow me to meet again with my Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos. I already met with him on 23 February in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency.
Our EU Presidency later this year will be a major undertaking and is a key focus for the work of this Government. Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and I am confident that with the support of all our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
153. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the engagement by the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly with representatives of Russia’s anti-war and pro-democracy opposition. [22791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe and, consequently, Russia’s delegates were expelled from the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE). PACE and leading members within the Parliamentary Assembly have subsequently engaged with Russia’s anti-war and pro-democracy opposition.
PACE, in Resolution 2540 of 2024, refers to this opposition as the ‘Russian Democratic Forces’ and defines them as Russian political organisations and individuals, either located in Russia or in exile, that share the values of the Council of Europe, recognise the rules-based international order, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In late 2024, the Russian Democratic Forces established a PACE ‘Contact Group’ led by Russian pro-democracy opposition figure, Dmitry Gudkov, and comprising PACE leaders and representatives from a number of political organisations. Flowing from this, in October 2025, PACE approved the creation of a Platform for Dialogue between the Assembly and Russian Democratic Forces. This platform allows for dialogue with the Assembly on issues of common concern. Participants in this platform can attend meetings of the Assembly’s committees, sub-committees and networks during part-sessions.
I welcome this continued engagement with Russia’s anti-war and democratic opposition by members of PACE, including with four full and four substitute delegates from the Houses of the Oireachtas. Those exchanges are crucial to maintain an open dialogue and to uphold the values of the Council of Europe.
Ireland has consistently supported the Council of Europe’s strong commitment to Ukraine since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, including in intervening as a third-party in the inter-state case Ukraine and the Netherlands v Russia and engaging on the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
154. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding continuing Government support to Gaza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23043/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is gravely concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region, and remains focused on the situation in Palestine. Ireland is committed to working with key partners to end the conflict in Gaza and advance a just and sustainable peace plan. I spoke with my Palestinian counterpart, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in recent weeks, and assured her of Ireland’s full support to the Palestinian people.
Ireland continues to have grave concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and is concerned that in the midst of the current conflict, Israel is further tightening restrictions on the Strip. A key focus of the international community must be on ensuring humanitarian aid is delivered into and throughout Gaza at scale. Ireland calls on Israel to immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip. Border crossings should remain open where at all possible. I raised this at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Councils in January and February. Ireland also raised these issues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March.
In January, I announced that Ireland will provide €42 million in assistance to the people of Palestine in 2026, including €20 million in core funding to support the work of UNRWA. This funding represents an increase from 2025, when a total of €36 million was provided.
Ireland is very clear that international NGOs form a vital part of the humanitarian delivery capacity in Gaza and the West Bank. I am closely following the issue of Israeli deregistration of international NGOs in the occupied Palestinian territory and have called for the reversal of this measure.
Ireland will continue to use all the tools at its disposal – political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian – to support the Palestinian people to achieve self-determination through the two-State solution. This is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for Israel and Palestine and the wider region.
155. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the recent meeting with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. [22516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring his visit to Moldova as part of the St Patrick’s Day Ministerial programme, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, T.D., met with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, at the Presidential Palace in Chișinău.
They discussed the strong bilateral relations between Ireland and Moldova, which have been further strengthened by the establishment of an Irish Embassy in Chișinău last year.
Minister Byrne informed President Sandu that enlargement will feature as a priority during Ireland’s EU Presidency, and discussed Moldova’s resilience in the face of Russian hybrid interference, and the impact on Moldova of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Minister recognised the solidarity Moldova has shown with the Ukrainian people by hosting a large number of refugees.
During his visit to Chișinău, the Minister also met with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu; Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, and State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Carolina Perebinos.
The Minster addressed the inaugural St Patrick’s Day reception organised by our Embassy in Chișinău, where he met with members of the Moldovan government and parliament; diplomatic corps and members of the Irish community in Moldova.
156. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Government is considering the introduction of additional sanctions against countries that are actively seeking to undermine EU democracy, security or safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland implements EU and UN sanctions. In 2024, the European Council introduced a new sanctions regime to respond to actions and policies of the Russian Government seeking to undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, or stability or security in the European Union.
This sanctions regime addresses a range of destabilising actions and hybrid threats, including undermining electoral processes and the functioning of democratic institutions; the use of coordinated foreign information manipulation and interference campaigns, including disinformation or malicious cyber activities.
I welcomed the adoption on 16 March of four additional listings under this regime. In total there are now 69 individuals and 17 entities subject to an asset freeze and EU travel ban in relation to these actions.
In December 2025, the EU introduced a new criterion for listings under the Belarus sanctions regime targeting those involved in or facilitating actions or policies attributable to the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the EU and its member states.
We will continue to work with our EU partners to impose targeted sanctions in response to actions seeking to undermine EU democracy, security or safety.
157. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens in Iran; the number who have been in contact seeking consular assistance since the war began; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22637/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Ireland’s Embassies and Consulates worldwide, provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of its Consular Assistance Charter.
Since well before the start of the recent conflict, my Department, including through officials working in our Embassy accredited to Iran, has maintained regular contact with Irish citizens in the country. My Department also continues to work with the EU and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response to the situation.
My Department continues to advise against all travel to Iran, and has long advised those citizens still in Iran to consider leaving, provided it is safe to do so.
Currently, my Department is aware of less than 30 Irish citizens in Iran.
Since the start of the recent conflict there have been severe communication disruptions in Iran, encompassing both the internet and both mobile and land phone lines. Despite these challenges, my Department, including embassy officials, has maintained contact with these citizens to the extent possible.
My Department has provided advice and assistance to all citizens that have sought support, including, recently, by providing guidance for two citizens to exit Iran by land. Other supports have included facilitating contact with family in Ireland during communication blackouts.
Officials from across my Department continue to monitor the political and security situation, and will remain in contact with our citizens in Iran during in the period ahead.
While our capacity to provide consular assistance to those in Iran is limited, I can assure you that my Department will offer all it can to those that request it.
Further information on my Department's travel advice, which is extensive for Iran, is available at: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/.
I encourage all Irish citizens in Iran or in the surrounding region seeking assistance to contact my Department’s Consular Crisis Team in Dublin directly on 01-4082000 or their nearest Irish Embassy.
159. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on any engagements she and her Department have had with stakeholders about the current UNIFIL mission in Lebanon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22940/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned about the evolving security situation in Lebanon.
Ireland has condemned the attacks by Hezbollah on Israel, which have seriously escalated the conflict.
Ireland must also condemn Israel’s disproportionate military response, including its use of widespread evacuation orders in Southern Lebanon and Beirut followed by aerial bombardment which has caused widespread fear and destruction.
The ongoing ground offensive and increased IDF presence in Southern Lebanon is in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
We condemn any deliberate targeting of UNIFIL personnel or installations, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. The incident on 6 March, where a number of Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured at a UNIFIL post, was of deep concern. There is a legal obligation on all parties to conflict to take measures to protect civilians and peacekeepers.
All Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL are safe and accounted for but operating in a difficult environment. I am grateful for their continued dedication to their important role. Our peacekeepers in UNIFIL continue to closely monitor the situation in their areas of operations. I am in daily contact with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces in this regard.
On 10 March, I spoke with Jean Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, about the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and the security of peacekeepers. I emphasised that attacks on UN peacekeepers must be met with full accountability.
The situation in Lebanon was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March. EU Foreign Ministers stressed the need for de-escalation and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, while urging Israel to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise Lebanon. On 19 March, the European Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNIFIL.
Ireland has a long and proud history of participation and support for UN peacekeeping and the vital role it plays in supporting stability and security around the world.
161. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current weekly appointment capacity at the Cork Passport Office urgent service; the measures in place to manage peak demand and to expand on this capacity ahead of the summer period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 224,000 passports to date this year.
There are 240 four-day renewal appointments available in the Passport Office Cork every week. In 2025, just 15% of all appointments available in Cork were booked. Currently, 1% of all passport applicants apply through the public counters in Dublin and Cork.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service remains a priority for the Department, and is an issue that is kept under constant review. Each year, my Department undertakes extensive advance workforce planning based on forecasted demand for passports. The staff requirement to meet forecasted demand for the coming year is signed off annually by the Department's Management Board. As a result of this planning, the Passport Service is well-resourced to meet forecasted demand for 2026 and to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained throughout periods of peak demand.
Passport Online is the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport, and 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.
The Passport Service takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Passport Service rolls out an extensive public communications campaign to encourage citizens to apply through Passport Online in plenty of time before travel.
