Written Answers Nos. 37-56
37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update about the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon given recent remarks by UN high representative (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49965/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UNIFIL mission has been operating in an increasingly volatile environment in recent months. I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism, courage and commitment of all peacekeepers, including our Defence Forces personnel, who continue to proudly serve under the United Nations flag at this critical moment for UNIFIL, in very challenging circumstances.
Seven peacekeepers have been tragically killed while serving with UNIFIL so far this year.
We pay tribute to the brave peacekeepers from France, Indonesia and Serbia who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace, and wish a swift and full recovery to the other UN personnel who have been injured in recent incidents.
Ireland has been unequivocal in our condemnation of attacks on UNIFIL personnel and premises.
Attacks on peacekeepers are a violation of international law and must be met with full accountability. This is why Ireland was proud to co-sponsor last week’s UN Security Council Resolution on Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers, which aims to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of attacks against UN personnel.
UNIFIL's mandate will come to an end on 31 December 2026, with withdrawal to take place over the following 12 months.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland believes that a continued UN presence in Lebanon after the expiry of UNIFIL’s mandate remains essential to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and to support peace and stability in the country and wider region.
We look forward to constructive discussions on the options recently presented to the UN Security Council by the UN Secretary-General on the post-UNIFIL context.
39. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is supporting Moldovan membership of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly supports EU enlargement which is a priority for our EU Presidency. In the next six months, Ireland will aim to advance the candidacies of all candidate and potential candidate countries, provided that necessary reforms are implemented.
Ten countries currently hold either EU ‘candidate’ status (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) or ‘potential candidate’ status (Kosovo). Iceland will hold a referendum on 29 August to determine whether it resumes EU accession negotiations.
Moldova applied for EU membership in 2022 and opened accession negotiations in 2024. Last year’s Enlargement report, issued by the European Commission, highlighted that Moldova had made the most one-year progress of all the candidates over the reporting period. As confirmed by the European Commission, Moldova is technically ready to open all negotiating clusters. I am very conscious of the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to move along the accession path as quickly as possible.
Following the lifting of Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s candidacy, which was also preventing progress on Moldova’s candidacy, an Intergovernmental Conference to open Cluster 1 on Fundamentals with Moldova (and Ukraine) took place on 15 June. Ireland will seek to facilitate the opening of all remaining negotiating clusters for both Moldova and Ukraine during our Presidency.
Ireland is also providing technical support to candidate and potential candidate countries to strengthen their administrative and institutional capacity. Last year, my Department, through the EU Enlargement and Fundamental Values Fund, launched the “Ireland for EU Enlargement” capacity-building programme which supports candidate countries in their EU accession process. Officials from Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova participated in the 2025 programme. This year, the programme has been expanded to invite officials from all six Western Balkan countries, as well as continued representation from Moldova and Ukraine.
Ireland will maintain full support to all candidate and potential candidate countries – including Moldova – and will continue to encourage them to implement necessary reforms to advance in their EU accession process.
41. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's role in the rebuilding of Gaza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50297/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains committed to working with key partners to end the conflict in Gaza, and to advancing a sustainable peace plan.
Any peace plan must ensure that aid can be provided, without interference, through the UN and its agencies, and other international institutions not associated with either party to the conflict. Together with EU colleagues, we remain ready to work with the US on the implementation of a sustainable peace plan, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and other relevant resolutions.
No peace plan can fully succeed without both the physical and institutional rebuilding of Gaza, and a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood across the occupied Palestinian territory. The EU and UN said in a report earlier this year that recovery and reconstruction needs in Gaza are estimated to be USD $71.4 billion over the next ten years.
The current focus is on ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered into and throughout Gaza at scale. Ireland continues to have grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation, with intolerable conditions. Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services across Gaza.
On 13 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 in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, and across the region. Ireland has provided over €133 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023.
I attended the first meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) on 20 November 2025, co-chaired by the European Commission and the Palestinian Authority. Engagement on recovery and reconstruction of Gaza is envisaged as part of the PDG’s work. The next meeting of the Group is scheduled to take place on 13 July in Brussels and the meeting aims to strengthen coordinated international efforts to provide financial support for early recovery efforts in Gaza.
42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her engagement with the UK government to ensure that the measures announced in the Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework are implemented in both jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementation of the measures announced in the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles is a key priority for this Government.
In that context, the enactment International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 on 15 June, the publication of the General Scheme of the Legacy of the Troubles Bill 2026 at the beginning of this month, and the establishment the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit within an Garda Síochána at the beginning of this year are key milestones that demonstrate that we will not be found wanting in addressing the legacy of the past.
On 18 June, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, in order to provide him with an update as to our progress on legacy in this jurisdiction.
I also expressed my disappointment that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill did not move to Committee Stage in the previous parliamentary term, while welcoming his clear commitment to making early progress in the current parliamentary term.
Following this, on 22 June, I travelled to London where I met individually with the Secretary of State Benn, Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis to discuss a range of issues, including the implementation of the Joint Framework. I welcomed assurances that the UK government remains committed to the implementation of the Framework and that they will make progress in this area as soon as possible.
It is essential that both governments work to implement what was agreed last September, in full, and as soon as possible. That is the best route to truth, accountability, and, to the extent possible, justice for victims, families, and survivors.
43. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will end the arrangement that allows US military overflights without prior notification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific arrangement for the US which the Deputy refers to was established in 1959, where overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements. The US Embassy provides my Department with post hoc monthly returns on the total number of these overflights and the types of aircraft involved.
If a proposed military overflight does not meet these criteria, advance permission must be sought. The standard conditions would then apply, and these do not permit carrying arms, ammunition or explosives, or engaging in intelligence gathering of forming part of military exercises of operations.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States.
44. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the priorities in the forthcoming negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, in view of recent discussions at the EU General Affairs Council; the way in which Ireland intends to advance these during its upcoming EU Presidency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49860/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 16 June, the General Affairs Council met in Luxembourg and held a policy debate on the 2028 - 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, represented Ireland at this meeting.
Following the revision of the MFF ‘Negotiating Box’ – the text which forms the basis of discussion and will eventually become Council Conclusions - Member States met in this format to reflect on its content, including the addition of figures for the first time since negotiations began last year.
Overarching, discussions highlighted where diverging views exist, and the remaining issues which have yet to be resolved, in particular on volume, financing and expenditure priorities. A number of Member States also expressed an appreciation that agreeing the MFF before the end of the year would be necessary to avoid delays in domestic implementation before 2028.
As Ireland takes forward this task during our Presidency, insights shared at the General Affairs Council, and the subsequent European Council, will form the basis of Ireland’s strategy and approach in negotiating this critical file. During our Presidency, Ireland will be committed to acting as an ‘honest broker’, and achieving workable compromises for all Member States in an effort to reach a timely agreement.
This will be central and key priority for Ireland during our Presidency. Delivering a revised negotiating box which is a pragmatic and fair compromise, that is acceptable to all Member States and can enable timely agreement on the 2028-2034 MFF will be in Ireland's interest overall - both in terms of our reputation and standing in the Union as well as ensuring that the future EU budget can provide for our citizens, communities and businesses.
45. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Shared Island Civic Society Fund; the way in which the fund it is supporting new cross-Border links; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its launch in 2023, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (SICSF) has provided some €5 million supporting 171 projects across the island of Ireland to encourage practical North-South cooperation and engagement. There has been strong interest in the SICSF to date with each round being oversubscribed. The maximum grant awarded to any project is €50,000 and the average grant awarded in previous rounds was under €30,000.
The table below provides details of the growth of the fund since it was launched in 2023:
|
Round |
No of Projects |
Total Spend |
Average Grant |
|
1 |
20 |
€499,946 |
€24,997 |
|
2 |
35 |
€981,889 |
€28,054 |
|
3 |
52 |
€1,517,027 |
€29,174 |
|
4 |
64 |
€1,910,702 |
€29,855 |
|
|
171 |
€4,909,564 |
€28,711
|
The Fund is a key component of the Shared Island initiative and is supporting collaboration on joint projects between grassroots community organisations and their cross-border counterparts with the overall objective of strengthening North-South civic, economic and political links. Some of the sectors supported by the SICSF to date include – Business and Social Enterprise, Community and Voluntary Sector, Environmental Awareness, Migrant Communities, Sport, Trade Unions, Women’s Groups and Youth Engagement.
The SICSF is now in its second, three-year cycle, which will run until 2027, with an annual budget of €2 million. The application window for the fifth round of funding closed on 2 June 2026 and the next funding announcement is anticipated in the autumn.
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/
46. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current situation in Ukraine in relation to Russia’s war of aggression; the need for a ceasefire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50287/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUkraine has endured more than four years of brutal Russian aggression against its people and territory.
Failing on the battlefield, Russia is now deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.
Recent large-scale attacks by Russia on religious and cultural sites are deplorable. The effectiveness of Ukraine’s response is a demonstration of its resilience and also underlines the need for a diplomatic solution.
It is past time for the aggression on Ukraine to come to an end and I again call for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Ireland welcomes the ongoing efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace.
Ireland’s consistent position has been that it is for the Government and people of Ukraine to determine their future and to agree to the terms of any peace agreement. It is crucial that it is a just and lasting peace, respecting the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.
Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend itself going forward to avoid a repetition of the past.
It is important that we work together with our European, Ukrainian, and US partners to achieve this and we are working closely with them to secure the best outcome for Ukraine and for Europe.
Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine, and this will be reflected in our approach to the EU Presidency.
47. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's priorities during it's term of Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has officially begun our eighth term in the role of Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our EU Presidency will be guided by the old Irish proverb “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – our guiding star will be strength with unity.
Until 31 December, we will chair the Council of the EU across all its formations, anchoring every negotiation in our core priorities of competitiveness, values, and security.
Through this work we will strive to translate high-level European policy into real-world prosperity, stability and protection for families, communities and businesses here at home and across the EU.
Among our objectives as we steer negotiations on the next EU long-term budget will be continued support for our farmers, fishers and rural communities, investing in peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and continuing the significant EU humanitarian and development assistance outside our borders.
Our work on the competitiveness agenda will focus on creating an innovation-friendly regulatory environment that drives strategic sectors—including semiconductors, biotechnology, and new technologies—while simultaneously prioritising support for our traditional, competitive farming and fishing industries.
Through our focus on values, we will ensure that we uphold fundamental rights and focus on those most in need of protection, with the safety of children online a central priority. We will advocate for an EU-level decision on the digital age of majority, champion robust, privacy-preserving age verification measures, and listen directly to children's views on their own safety.
Throughout our EU Presidency we will actively contribute to the ongoing development of the EU’s security and defence, including support for the mid-term review of the EU Maritime Security Strategy. Our focus on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, increasing maritime domain awareness and combating the shadow fleet is particularly resonant given the current geopolitical environment.
Here at home, we want to use this opportunity to promote a national conversation on Ireland’s enduring place in Europe and demonstrate how the European Union can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives and livelihoods right across the country.
48. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Ireland is taking to support the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland 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.
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 Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Central Tracing Agency Bureau (CTA-B) for the International Armed Conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which is seeking to clarify the fate of the persons registered with the ICRC as missing in this conflict.
Ireland also provided €1 million in funding to support UNICEF’s operations in Moldova in 2026, which includes work to progress Moldova’s Better Care Reform to improve the quality of child protection systems there to the benefit of both Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan children.
These supports align with the International 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.
49. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the interactions she has had with the European Commission in respect of the decision to provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. [49317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on any recent developments regarding Mercosur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on engagements or meetings she has had in respect of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement since January 2026. [49318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 59 and 76 together.
The Programme for Government, published in January 2025, stated that the Government would work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal.
On 9 January 2026, EU Member States voted on the EU-Mercosur Agreement, including to grant the Commission the authority to provisionally apply the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) once the EU and at least one Mercosur country had ratified it. That vote was carried by a qualified majority. Ireland voted, clearly and unambiguously, against the approval of the Agreement.
Given that all four Mercosur countries and the EU had completed their internal ratification procedures by March 2026, the Commission decided to provisionally apply the ITA on 1 May.
I and other Government Ministers, along with officials, have engaged extensively at EU level to voice our concerns with the Agreement. This engagement included European Council meetings, sectoral Council meetings, including the Foreign Affairs Council for Trade Ministers, bilateral engagements in EU Member State capitals, numerous phone calls at ministerial level, working party-level meetings, and ongoing direct dialogue with the European Commission. This engagement has continued since January 2026.
As a result of this engagement and efforts made by Ireland and like-minded Member States in the Council of the EU, it is important to state that hard-won improvements have been made to the overall Agreement package, including a new legal act to operationalise bilateral safeguards to protect sensitive products, a financial safety net for farmers, strengthened sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls along with a 50% increase in audits and checks, and commitments on the alignment of production and SPS standards, notably on pesticides and animal welfare. The Commission also committed on 7 January to enhance the availability of CAP funding to farmers and rural communities under the proposed new MFF.
On 13 May, the Commission confirmed that Brazilian beef and other products will be banned from the EU from 3 September unless Brazil complies with EU rules on antibiotic use in animals throughout their lifetime. This shows that EU SPS rules and standards are being applied and enforced.
The Government has noted the decision of the European Parliament earlier this year to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice, concerning the compatibility of the Agreement with the EU Treaties. In this context, President von der Leyen has emphasised the ‘provisional’ aspect of the application of the Agreement. In line with the EU Treaties, the Agreement can only be fully concluded once the European Parliament has given its consent.
I and Government colleagues continue to engage with the European Commission and with other EU Member States to ensure the full implementation of the commitments obtained from the Commission to address our concerns with the Agreement, including the safeguard provisions.
50. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she plans to use Ireland's EU Presidency to advance a ban on the sale or offer of services from occupied Palestinian territories at the relevant Council of Ministers meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50196/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she plans to use Ireland's EU Presidency to highlight the issue of Palestinian statehood at the relevant Council of Ministers meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50195/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 77 together.
The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict, will remain a key priority during our Presidency. We will reaffirm the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution that guarantees the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and to live in peace and safety within secure borders.
We will also seek to ensure that focus is maintained on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza in EU discussions. Equally, we will ensure that the situation in the West Bank, where unilateral actions which threaten the viability of the two-State solution are causing further instability, remains on the EU agenda.
Ireland is supportive of an EU-wide prohibition on trade with Israeli settlements in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. Ireland’s longstanding position is that the EU-Israel Association Agreement should be suspended, or at a minimum that the trade elements should be suspended. A number of other Member States have supported Ireland’s call for stronger collective EU action. Ireland welcomes the commitment by the Commission to bring forward a list of options for consideration at the July Foreign Affairs Council, including measures aimed at prohibiting trade with Israeli settlements.
On the issue of Palestinian statehood, throughout the Presidency, Ireland will continue to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to international law and to achieving a just and lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in two states, Israel and Palestine, in peace, security and dignity within agreed borders based on the 1967 borders. Our recognition of the State of Palestine on 28 May 2024 was a concrete step, taken along with trusted international partners.
Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for the Palestinian Authority. At the inaugural meeting of the Palestinian Donor Group in Brussels last November, I called on Israel to release withheld Palestinian tax clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority and take all necessary measures to ensure that correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks remain in place. The next meeting of the Palestine Donor Group is scheduled to take place on 13 July in Brussels. The Government is also committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially. Ireland has provided over €133 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023.
On 28 January, Ireland hosted the eighth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at Croke Park in Dublin. The event focused on sharing lessons from Ireland’s own experience of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, and how dialogue, inclusion and strong institutions can help turn conflict into lasting peace.
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.
51. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the first disbursement to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan for 2026 and 2027 has been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50135/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly supports the Ukraine Support Loan of €90 billion agreed in December 2025. We are also supportive of a swift disbursement of the loan as it is critical for both Ukraine and European security.
In the Oireachtas on 27 January 2026 I was pleased to obtain approval for Ireland to participate in an enhanced cooperation initiative at EU level to enable the prompt provision of the loan.
This is consistent with Ireland’s ongoing position of support to Ukraine, which to date has included political, humanitarian, non-lethal military, and economic assistance.
On 25 June 2026, the first instalment of the loan, amounting to €3.2 billion was disbursed. This support is being directed towards macro-financial assistance of Ukraine.
I have welcomed this disbursement and, in our role as Presidency of the EU, Ireland will work to ensure that Ukraine continues to have access to the finance it needs to defend itself against Russia's ongoing illegal aggression.
52. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reasons there have been significant issues with passport card printing recently; if the printing of passport books has been affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe passport card was launched in October 2015 and offers Irish citizens the convenience of travel, with a credit card sized travel document, to all EU Member States, the members of the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Due to the upgrade of systems relating to the launch of the new and improved passport book and card last Friday, the issuance of passport cards was limited for a short time.
All customers who apply for a passport card must have a valid passport book in order to make the application. Therefore customers awaiting the issuance of a new passport card could travel on their passport book.
Passport books were unaffected by this pause and continued to be printed throughout this period, ensuring disruption to customers was minimal.
I am please to say that following last Friday’s successful launch of the new passport book and card, the printing of passport cards has now resumed and all passport card customers will receive their new card, with its enhanced security features, shortly.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online. 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 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 97% to date in 2026.
In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time. The Passport Service advises citizens to ensure their passports are valid before booking holidays and travel.
54. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland will be joining the United States of America in celebrating the 250th anniversary of achieving independence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is supporting a programme of events and engagements in the U.S. to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, and the strong Irish dimension of this history. This programme speaks to the depth of the Irish relationship with the United States and forms an important dimension of our bilateral engagement with the United States this year.
Many events have already taken place, with the support of our Embassy in Washington D.C. and our eight Consulates General across the United States. There was a concentration of events around the St. Patrick's Day period. During my visit to Boston, I reflected on the Irish involvement in the revolutionary moment in America in a lecture at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The Taoiseach reflected on the 250 theme throughout his engagements in Philadelphia, including a keynote speech at Villanova University and his St. Patrick's Day engagements in Washington D.C.
Also in March, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan T.D., alongside Northern Ireland's Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA, launched a lecture series on the remarkable Scots Irish contribution to the development of the United States at Georgia Southern University.
This programme builds on the Memorandum of Understanding which Ireland signed with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2025.
To tell the story of the Irish contribution, my Department commissioned a documentary entitled 'US250 - the Irish connection' and worked in partnership with EPIC to curate an exhibition. These resources have been used across the U.S. and were this week published on the America 250 page on Ireland.ie. This page will continue to be updated throughout this year.
In the development of my Department's America 250 programme, officials have worked closely and in coordination with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport who are leading on a commemorative programme taking place in Ireland.
55. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion on Ukraine at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 June 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 June, EU Foreign Ministers again discussed Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Council welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, who, via videoconference, offered an overview of the situation on the ground, outlined Ukraine's most urgent needs, and provided an update on the overnight Russian attack which struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Cathedral.
My counterparts and I conveyed a strong willingness to maintain our support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
The Council also adopted 81 additional thematic listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex; energy revenues; propaganda efforts; and human rights violations. We also discussed proposals for the 21st package of sanctions against Russia and agreed that work must advance swiftly on the package.
Looking forward, Ireland will continue to support strong sanctions for as long as Russian aggression continues. As Presidency, Ireland is continuing to engage with all Member States on proposals for the 21st package of sanctions and hopes they can be swiftly agreed.
More broadly, we will continue to work with our EU and international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart.
We will continue to ensure that Ukraine continues to have access to the support and finance that it needs to defend itself. This will remain a priority during Ireland's EU Presidency, including in future meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
