Written Answers Nos. 71-86
71. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she is working to ensure the EU’s trade policy and suite of free trade agreements reflect the needs and growth potential of Irish businesses, including the SME sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37788/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I support an ambitious EU trade agenda that promotes new Free Trade Agreements, and secures provisions regarding sustainability, human rights and the protection of our agricultural sector.
As a member of the EU, Ireland has access to the largest trade network in the world, with individual agreements covering trade relations with over 70 countries which allow preferential market access for Irish and European companies. That network of agreements is being continuously strengthened, with several currently under negotiation, including with the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the UAE. This is critical as we look to diversify our critical supply chains, increase our trade flows and open up export markets for Irish companies.
In addition, we welcomed the recent conclusions of the EU-India and EU-Australia Free Trade Agreements. These trade deals will deliver real opportunities for Irish exporters and will help to support Irish and EU market diversification, build economic resilience and boost European competitiveness. At the same time, my Department is working to ensure that the concerns of Irish farmers as well as the SME sector are understood at the EU level so that they can avail of these opportunities.
Furthermore, I meet regularly with stakeholders on international trade issues. I Chair of the Government Trade Forum, which is the primary mechanism by which the Government engages with business and other relevant stakeholders on the latest developments in international trade, including the SME sector. The information and real-time feedback received from the Members is extremely valuable. At our last meeting on 22 April, the Trade Forum reflected on recent EU-US trade developments, Ireland’s market diversification agenda, and our forthcoming EU Presidency, among other matters. I intend to convene the Forum again before the summer recess.
73. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland continues to trade with Israel despite its having violated international law by violating the geocide convention; if the current Government believes it has a responsibility to pursue the enforcement of the prohibition of genocide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently called for concrete action in response to egregious breaches of international law by Israel.
At the EU level, Ireland was the first EU Member State, together with Spain, to call for a review of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in February 2024. It is clear from the finalised review that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations under the Agreement. In September 2025, the Commission proposed a package of measures in response to Israel’s human rights violations and other breaches of international law. Ireland has been clear that these measures should be kept on table and has raised these issues at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
In advance of the April 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, the Foreign Ministers of Ireland, Spain and Slovenia wrote to the HR/VP requesting a discussion of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the next meeting of Ministers. The Ministers of all three countries called for the suspension of the Association Agreement at that time, and called for action on the proposal by the European Commission to suspend the trade elements of the Association Agreement if agreement cannot be reached on suspension of the Association Agreement as a whole.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 11 May, Ireland again called on EU partners to re-consider the proposal to suspend the trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement. Ireland also requested that the Commission bring forward a proposal to prohibit trade with Israeli settlements on the basis of EU Common Commercial Policy, and for decision at the June Foreign Affairs Council.
At this meeting, political agreement was also reached on the imposition of sanctions against named extremist Israeli settlers.
The Government will continue to press for meaningful action at EU-level in response to Israeli breaches of international law and human rights, and actions that undermine the viability of the two State solution. Action at EU level has the most impact.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Ireland takes these findings extremely seriously.
The commission of genocide, however is ultimately a matter of law, which must be determined by a court or judicial body. South Africa has taken a case against Israel under the Genocide Convention before the International Court of Justice. Ireland has filed a Declaration of Intervention, and continues to follow this case very closely.
74. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the modernisation and efficiency improvements of passport and consular services, as detailed in the DFAT Departmental Action Plan 2026; the way in which these improvements will benefit citizens in rural areas such as County Offaly, including access to services and processing times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Reform Programme is driving towards achieving digital, innovative services where people can access government services online. A major milestone for this Programme was reached in December, with the launch with the first phase of the new passport processing system Turas. Further phases will deploy throughout 2026 along with the delivery of a number of additional transformational projects. These include a Customer Relationship Solution, enhanced Facial Recognition technology, a Passport Online project as well as the launch of a new passport book and card, alongside implementation of new high-security printing machines.
The modernisation programme aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of passport services for all citizens, including those living in rural areas such as County Offaly. This is being achieved by increasing the availability of online services, reducing the need for in-person engagement and supporting faster, more streamlined processing. In addition, in December 2025, the Passport Service launched a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens using our digital services as well as assisting those who wish to make a paper passport application.
My Department’s Consular Directorate, working closely with Ireland’s expanding Mission network, is committed to strengthening the provision of emergency consular assistance to Irish citizens in distress overseas. This includes providing clear, concise and up-to-date travel advice for citizens travelling, living and working abroad as well the recent deployment of a new core consular case management system to underpin service delivery.
The Department’s “Make the Right Memories” summer campaign launches on 22 May 2026 to coincide with EU Day of Safe Travel Abroad. Delivered through social media, radio and digital platforms, with prominent commuter advertising, the campaign provides practical travel guidance to citizens, with a particular focus on younger travellers who may be travelling for the first time without family and complements the existing SPHE TravelWise Lesson available to all secondary schools. A new TravelWise insert will also now accompany all passports dispatched.
I encourage all citizens to stay informed, prepare before travelling, and visit Ireland.ie/TravelWise for the latest travel advice and updates.
78. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is supporting the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of Russia’s most brutal and egregious crimes is the large-scale forcible transfer of Ukrainian children from their homes.
Many of these children have been placed in unfamiliar homes or institutions, with Russia concealing their identities and obstructing their return. Some have been subjected to so-called “re-education,” pressured to abandon their language, identity, and nationality. This is done deliberately and systematically.
Ireland condemns the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, which may amount to a war crime, and we call for the return of these children to their families and communities.
On 11 May, I participated in a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels. The Coalition was established by Ukraine and Canada in February 2024 and comprises 47 countries. The Coalition’s work has seen more than 1,800 children brought home. As a member of the Coalition, Ireland is proud to support its important work.
During my recent visit to Ukraine I announced an additional €40 million in humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to be provided this year. This includes €3 million to support UNICEF’s broader humanitarian response to the crisis, including continued support to the short term reintegration needs of returned children delivered by UNICEF within the framework of the “Bring Kids Back” Reintegration Framework.
Ireland’s support also includes funding of €2 million to the International Council of the Red Cross’ dedicated Central Tracing Agency Bureau, which is seeking to clarify the fate of those registered missing with the Red Cross Movement and, to restore contact between members of separated families.
Ireland also provided €1 million in funding to support UNICEF’s operations in Moldova in 2026, which includes the implementation of the Better Care Reform and providing services and care for Ukrainian refugee children there.
These supports align with the Coalition’s aim of investing in the long-term reintegration and recovery of returned children. They are complemented by our ongoing work in supporting the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which aims to ensure accountability for Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In addition, the decision taken on 11 May by the Council of the European Union to sanction 16 individuals and 7 entities who are involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children is a meaningful action to increase pressure on those involved in such morally repugnant activities.
Ireland will continue to work as part of the Coalition to secure the safe return of every child where that is in their best interest, and to ensure accountability.
Ireland has highlighted this issue in multilateral fora, in our national capacity and as part of the European Union. We co-sponsored a resolution of the Human Rights Council to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
79. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the merits of creating a mechanism within children’s Irish passports that would allow for the inclusion of a connection to their parents in cases where they do not share the same surname to allow for ease of transit through passport control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the merits of creating a mechanism within Irish passports that would allow for the inclusion of a connection to a passport holder’s children in cases where they do not share the same surname to allow for ease of transit through passport control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 84 together.
A passport is an internationally recognised travel document which attests to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The Passport Service follows recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) in relation to the data that is held on a passport. ICAO is an international body which develops policies and standards for aviation safety and security.
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 ("the Act"), as amended. The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports. Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate.
The function of the data held on a passport is to confirm the passport holder’s identity and nationality. The Passport Service does not include parents’ names on children’s passports; nor is this required by the provisions of the Act.
A passport for a minor under the age of 18 is valid for five years. It is important to note that it is possible that the guardianship circumstances of a child can change. As a result, parental links that were in place at the time of the passport application may subsequently become invalid. The child may also become an adult during the validity period of their passport.
A child travelling abroad must have their own passport, and cannot be included on their parent’s passport. The practice of allowing children to be included on a parent’s passport is being phased out internationally. This is intended to make international travel more secure for children. The previous practice of including a child on a parent’s passport meant that the child was not identified via photograph prior to travel.
I understand that situations arise where a parent is travelling with their child who does not share their surname and the parent is requested to produce further documents confirming the parental link. Border control authorities may also request extra documentation when children travel either unaccompanied or with an accompanying person who is not their parent. The purpose of border control authorities requesting further documentation is to help combat trafficking or smuggling of children as well as to prevent children from absconding or from being abducted.
My Department's website contains information for adults travelling with children and outlines additional documentation they may be required to carry, depending on the country to which they are travelling: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/
More information on travelling with children is available on my department's website: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go/travelling-with-children/
The Passport Service does not have any plans to expand the purpose of a passport to indicate a parental relationship between a child and their parents but will continue to consider ways in which to enhance this essential citizen service.
81. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of urgent passport renewal appointments facilitated at the Cork, Dublin and London passport offices in each of the years 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued almost 400,000 passports to date in 2026.
The 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 and is available to 100% of all applicants globally. The percentage of applicants using Passport Online has increased from 93% in 2025 to 96% to date in 2026.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. Further information on the Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants is available at: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/
It is worth noting that just 1% of all passports issue through the public counters.
With regard to the Deputy's specific query, please see the number of urgent passport renewal appointments facilitated in Dublin, Cork and London in each of the years 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026, in tabular form.
|
- |
Dublin (1 Day Turnaround) |
Dublin (4 Day Turnaround) |
Cork (4 Day Turnaround) |
London (5 Day Turnaround) |
|
2024 |
8,931 |
6,412 |
3,313 |
1,509 |
|
2025 |
7,782 |
3,366 |
1,797 |
1,128 |
|
To 8 May 2026 |
3,188 |
1,269 |
493 |
128 |
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online. In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children, should apply online and in plenty of time.
85. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures her Department is taking to address the impact of climate crisis globally, and to support poorer nations in adapting. [37328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport for vulnerable countries in adapting to climate change is a core priority for the Government's climate policy and international engagement.
At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, the Taoiseach announced that the Government would more than double Ireland’s international climate finance to developing countries to at least €225 million annually, by 2025.
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 2024, the last year for which complete, verified data is available, Ireland provided €207.7 million in international climate finance, more than double the level in 2020. We are fully on track to reach the €225 million target for 2025. Some 89% of Ireland’s climate finance is focused on climate change adaptation.
Our international climate finance is grant-based 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 for Climate Change, including the National Adaptation Plan Global Network and the Least Developed Countries Fund.
As a key element of building climate resilience, we are supporting 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, we are proud to support the Systematic Observations Financing Facility, with our contributions totalling €14 million since 2022.
In our international climate diplomacy and advocacy, Ireland prioritises seeking a balance between financing for adaptation and mitigation and ensuring that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are prioritised for climate finance at a global level.
86. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on protecting the rights of the Tibetan people, including the right to select the next Dalai Lama. [37826/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and protection of human rights is a core pillar of Irish foreign policy, and this includes the right to religious, linguistic and cultural freedom. Ireland will continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities in bilateral meetings and in the appropriate multilateral fora, including with regard to the right to freedom of religious belief and freedom of expression. This includes our concerns in relation to Tibet.
The Government’s position on protecting the rights of the Tibetan people was reflected in the national statement at the Item 4 General Debate at the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in March 2026. This statement reiterated that Ireland has grave concerns regarding the treatment of religious groups in China, including Tibetans.
Ireland also joined the EU’s statement at the same session of the HRC, which highlighted a number of specific concerns regarding the human rights situation in Tibet. Together with our EU partners, we have called on China to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms, including all relevant Special Procedures mandates and treaty bodies.
The succession of the Dalai Lama is a subject that has been discussed at meetings of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, including at the most recent meeting,. The EU has underlined that the selection of religious leaders should happen without government interference and in accordance with religious norms. Ireland has also supported EU statements reiterating the rights of persons belonging to religious groups to freely choose their religious leaders.
In the context of discussions on Tibet between my officials and the Embassy of China in Dublin, Ireland's view that it is for religious communities to select their own leaders, has also been made clear.
