Sorca Clarke
Ceist:191. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the term for the post of Irish Ambassador to the United States is next due for renewal. [68049/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (191)
Freagraí scríofa
The legislative framework for diplomatic relations is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, an international treaty that provides a framework for diplomatic relations between states. The Vienna Convention was ratified by Ireland in 1967 and incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.
Ambassadors of Ireland to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ireland's current Ambassador to the United States remains in office until such a time as the duly appointed sucessor takes up duty.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (192)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If she will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if the passport application can be expedited as a matter of urgency due to the upcoming travel date. [68085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (193)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:193. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has raised the situation of human rights defenders in West Papua in the context of the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. [68079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EU and Indonesia recently concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This is a broad ranging, rules-based trade and investment agreement which will serve as a dynamic platform for long term cooperation between the EU and Indonesia. Trade agreements are an important driver for sustainable growth both in the EU and in partner countries.
Trade agreements do not comprehensively address all policy issues or all aspects of the EU's relationship with a partner country, but modern EU trade agreements do include provisions on trade and sustainable development, including on the implementation of international labour conventions and environmental agreements. The CEPA with Indonesia contains legally binding commitments on core labour standards and designates the Paris Climate Agreement an “essential element” of the deal. There is a dedicated Protocol on Palm Oil, which links trade access to compliance with EU rules against deforestation, touching directly on land rights in indigenous communities. During the negotiations, civil society organisations were given a platform to raise concerns, and assessments were undertaken to the impact of the agreement on human rights and other important parameters. A Civil Society Forum gives NGOs from both sides a formal voice in how the agreement is implemented.
I believe that this agreement will have meaningful benefits, not just for the EU, but also for the Indonesian people, while containing provisions on human rights.
The Embassy of Ireland in Indonesia regularly meets with and supports civil society organisations in Indonesia working on a range of priorities, particularly in relation to human rights. This includes actively engaging with Human Rights Defenders, including those from the Papua region, whilst closely monitoring the human rights situation there and any reports of violence arising from the area.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (194)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:194. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether she will provide an update on the preparation and publication of Ireland’s second National Plan on Business and Human Rights, following the conclusion of the first National Plan in 2020 and the public consultation undertaken in 2023; the current timeframe for publication of the second Plan; and whether, in view of the significant changes made to the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in 2026, her Department will commit to undertaking further consultation with rights-holders, civil society organisations and trade unions on the final draft of the Plan before publication. [68266/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The second National Plan on Business and Human Rights is being jointly prepared by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The new National Plan is intended to build on the achievements of the first plan, while reflecting new developments at international and EU level, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Ireland is committed to the transposition of the CSDDD by the July 2028 deadline, with the first tranche of companies coming within scope in 2029. The CSDDD will oblige in-scope companies to conduct risk-based human rights and environmental due diligence to identify and mitigate actual or potential adverse impacts arising from their operations, their subsidiaries, and their chain of activities.
Officials from my Department continue to liaise with relevant officials across Government to incorporate these and other updates in the Second National Action Plan. Once these actions are agreed to, the second National Action Plan will be presented to the Stakeholder Forum for consideration, with a view to publishing soon thereafter.
Throughout the drafting process, stakeholder engagement has remained a key priority. The Business and Human Rights Stakeholder Forum has met twice, proving invaluable in shaping the draft National Action Plan. Stakeholders have provided strong feedback of draft action points, which will ensure actions are deliverable, measured, and specific.
The finalised plan will cover a multi-annual timeframe and will reflect new developments in the international understanding of business and human rights. It will have key performance indicators which will have assigned responsibilities and timelines to adhere to. I expect this to bring human rights to the fore in the minds of Irish businesses so they can demonstrate their conscientious performance as required by the public.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (195, 198)
Barry Ward
Ceist:195. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will condemn the recent widespread arrests and detentions of numerous LGBTQ+ persons and activists in Turkey, if she will re-affirm Turkey’s obligations to uphold the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people as guaranteed by the ECHR; if she will raise her concerns directly with the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland; and if the Irish Government will support placing those responsible for the gross violations of human rights on the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions regime. [68286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:198. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade about the recent wave of arrests and detentions of LGBTQ+ persons and activists in Turkey, if she will raise her concerns directly with the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland, if the Irish Government would support considering those responsible for this anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown for inclusion under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. [68167/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 198 together.
I remain very concerned about this matter and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to monitor relevant developments.
As an EU candidate country and member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to uphold the highest democratic standards and to ensure the respect of fundamental rights for all. Ireland views the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as essential elements of a democratic society, protected under international human rights instruments to which Türkiye is a party.
Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic, is entitled to equality, dignity and the full enjoyment of their human rights. The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland, and this is reflected in our campaign for membership of the UN Human Rights Council where defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is one of our five thematic priorities.
Ireland continues to support initiatives in the EU and other international fora which promote and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, and which condemn violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Ireland stands in full solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons and their allies in Türkiye. We very recently aligned with like-minded countries to raise our concerns both with the authorities in Ankara and at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg – calling on Turkish authorities to fully respect the rule of law and the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.
Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes but implements UN and EU sanctions. The Council of the European Union adopts EU sanctions through Council decisions, which must be agreed unanimously. When sanction proposals are brought to the relevant working groups, Ireland considers whether to support them based on the strength of the evidence presented.
I will keep potential and proportionate responses under review, including through bilateral channels or opportunities for coordination with EU Member States, or through other multilateral fora.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (196)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:196. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the official or diplomatic links or engagements Ireland has with North Korea. [68224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland established diplomatic relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2003. The Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Korea covers DPRK, and likewise the Ambassador of the DPRK to the United Kingdom covers Ireland. However, the last Irish Ambassador to DPRK who received permission to travel to DPRK to present his credentials did so in 2018. Likewise, since 2018 no DPRK Ambassador has pursued the opportunity to travel to Ireland to present credentials.
There have been no recent official visits or engagements between Ireland and the DPRK.
EU Regulations
Ceisteanna (197)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:197. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If she will raise at EU level concerns regarding the operation of the EU’s 50% duties on steel imports, particularly where a substantial proportion of the material concerned originates within the EU; whether she is satisfied that there is sufficient transparency in the manner in which the State can allocate steel import quotas; and if consideration has been given to applying quotas at the end of each quarter rather than the beginning, ensuring a more equitable distribution among steel importers. [68316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To protect the EU steelmaking sector against global overcapacity, the EU has agreed a new trade measure, the Steel Overcapacity Regulation, to replace the previous EU steel safeguards which had been in place since July 2018 and were required to expire at the end of June 2026.
This new EU trade measure aims to restore fair competition in a market affected by significant distortions linked to overcapacity, defend jobs in EU steel production, and give European steelmakers the necessary economic breathing space to invest in cleaner, more innovative steel production in the EU. Importantly, it takes into account the different interests of EU steel producers, steel users, importers and downstream industry, and the EU’s international trade obligations.
The Steel Overcapacity Regulation entered into force on 1 July 2026. It sets tariff-free quotas at 18.3 million tonnes per year, a reduction of 47% compared to quotas under the previous EU steel safeguards, and introduces an out-of-quota duty of 50% for 26 categories of steel products imported into the EU. As part of this new measure, the European Commission has been engaging intensively with trading partners concerning the implications for their country-specific quota allocations. The approach includes preferential arrangements for Free Trade Agreement partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engaged extensively with key stakeholders, including relevant Government Departments, state agencies, and industry associations in Ireland in relation to this new measure.
Furthermore, I and other Government Ministers and officials were in repeated contact with the European Commission and with other EU Member States, as well as representatives of third countries affected by the measures, across the entire legislative procedure, including numerous working party and technical meetings, trilogue negotiations and Council discussions. The concerns of the Irish downstream industry and steel importers were a key aspect of these discussions.
The EU’s new steel measure retains specific quotas for certain steel products originating in the UK and brought into Northern Ireland. This was an important arrangement under the Windsor Framework in the previous EU steel safeguards regime, and one that the Irish Government raised repeatedly with the Commission throughout the negotiation of the new steel measure.
It is worth noting that the EU administers quotas on a first-come, first-served basis at the beginning of each quarter. This prevents large-scale buyers from exhausting the entire annual tariff-free quota in the first few months of a given year. Releasing the quota allocations every quarter gives smaller companies and seasonal importers an equal window of opportunity to import steel without facing the immediate out of quota duties.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to engage with stakeholders at all levels in this area to assess the impacts of this measure as it is implemented, and to ensure that any implementation issues are brought to the attention of the European Commission or customs authorities, as appropriate.
Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 195.
EU Agreements
Ceisteanna (199)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:199. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the potential advantages and the operational nature of the proposed Associate Membership of the European Union for Canada. [68531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EU-Canada relationship is strong, based on a long history of close cooperation and shared values. We greatly value Canada’s leadership and support across a broad range of political, foreign, and security policy issues, particularly Ukraine and the Middle East.
Through the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), the Strategic Partnership Agreement, security agreements, and participation in EU programmes, Canada enjoys one of the most advanced bilateral relationships of any third country with the EU.
Ireland has sought to promote closer EU-Canada relations during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This has included Canadian Ministers attending Informal Ministerial Council meetings, including the recent informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers or Gymnich held in Ireland. In addition, in June this year the Taoiseach was able to welcome Prime Minister Carney on a visit to Ireland.
The Government welcomes President von der Leyen’s proposal for stepping up engagement with like-minded partners, including Canada. In a challenging geopolitical and geo-economic environment, working together with close partners is clearly in our common interests. We look forward to the strengthening of the EU-Canada relationship, based on a long history of close cooperation and shared values.
The full details of that future relationship, including exploring the idea of associate membership, will, of course, need to be developed and considered further by the EU.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (200)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [68579/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (201)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:201. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If the passport application for a person (details supplied) can be expedited. [68574/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (202)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:202. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If the passport application for a person (details supplied) can be expedited. [68573/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (203)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:203. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagements between her Department and the government of Indonesia in 2025, and to-date in 2026. [68655/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s relationship with the Republic of Indonesia is longstanding, constructive, and continues to develop positively. Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1984 and were further reinforced by the opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Jakarta in 2014. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London is accredited to Ireland and my Department is in regular contact with its officials. In recent years, our relations with the Republic of Indonesia have been further advanced through the implementation of my Department’s Asia Pacific Strategy.
Ireland regularly engages with Indonesia both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. Our relationship has a strong foundation in our shared values, strong people-to-people links, cultural exchange, and our growing trade and investment ties.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Indonesia and Ireland on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism was signed in 2024 by my predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D. and his Indonesian counterpart, when they met in New York at the UN General Assembly. Ireland hosted the second round of bilateral consultations in Dublin on 25 June 2026, at Director General level.
Ireland's Ambassador and Embassy team in Jakarta interact regularly with Indonesian officials and Ministers, on the full range of Ireland's interests. Earlier this month the Embassy held a strategic dialogue on trade and investment with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs which culminated in the signing of a letter of intent to expand our business and trade cooperation. Ireland’s Embassy in Jakarta also provides ongoing support to the newly-established Irish Chamber of Commerce-Indonesia, which is already contributing postively for Ireland-Indonesia economic relations.
Cooperation between Ireland and Indonesia is enhanced by the cooperation between our respective regional organisations, the EU and ASEAN. The most recent EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting in Brunei in April this year agreed a Joint Ministerial Statement which addresses the full range of issues facing both regions, including trade, preserving the rules-based international order and upholding multilateralism, energy security and climate change, digitalisation and maritime security.
My Department remains firmly committed to building on the strong foundations of Ireland’s partnership with the Republic of Indonesia and to further enhancing and deepening bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (204)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:204. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport for a child (details supplied) that was applied for on 17 August 2026 will be processed in time for a travel date in October 2026. [68829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (205)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:205. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on the recall of Irish passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026; the number of affected passport holders; the arrangements in place for the reissue of recalled passports; whether persons required to return recalled passports are being charged any additional fee for replacement passports; if so, the rationale for such charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to a technical issue arising from a software update, 12,097 passports issued to customers by the Passport Service between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 were not fully compliant with international travel standards.
Upon identification of the issue, the Passport Service contacted all affected passport holders and requested that their passports be returned for replacement. The Passport Service established a response team to support impacted customers including a dedicated phone line and email address. In addition, the public office opened to customers over the weekend of 10 and 11 January to replace affected passports.
Within 3 weeks of the initial outreach to customers, 75% of affected passports had been returned to the Passport Office for replacement. Replacement passports were issued free of charge, with no additional fee incurred by passport holders.
To date, over 96% of affected passports have been returned and replacement passports issued by the Passport Service.
Where passports remain outstanding, the Passport Service has contacted the relevant passport holders on multiple occasions by telephone, email and letter to remind them of the importance of replacing the passport and advising on the arrangements in place to facilitate same.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (206)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:206. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued in the past five years with a sex marker other than F or M, by year, in tabular form. [68916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service has issued 0 passports including a gender marker that was not M (male) or F (female) in the period outlined by the Deputy.