Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
368. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on Ireland’s bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia, with a view to bringing about an end to the war in Yemen; if he will provide an update on Ireland’s engagement on this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/23]
View answerYemen is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, driven by years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Ireland also supports the work of Major General Michael Beary, head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA).
Ireland has engaged extensively with the countries of the region, including in direct Ministerial-level talks with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Deputy Foreign Minister al-Jubeir.
Ireland welcomed the truce which was brokered by the UN on 2 April, 2022. We were disappointed that the truce was not renewed in October and we call on all parties to engage in dialogue, and bring about a permanent cessation of violence.
In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, Ireland has been a consistent and reliable donor to Yemen and has contributed over €40 million in humanitarian funding since 2015, including €6 million in 2022. Ireland also contributes to the crisis response in Yemen as an EU Member State. Since 2015, the EU has contributed over €1.2 billion, including over €800 million in humanitarian aid and over €400 million in development assistance.
Ireland will continue to support all efforts to end the terrible conflict in Yemen, including through direct engagement with Saudi Arabia and other regional actors and as an EU Member State.
