Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:32. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [3497/24]
View answerLegislative Programme
Questions (32)
Written answers
The Government Legislation Programme published on 16th January 2024 sets out Government legislative priorities for the current parliamentary session. The current Legislation Programme does not include any bills in preparation within the Department of the Foreign Affairs.
The Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 sets out the high level goals that officials of my Department will work towards in the period ahead to serve the needs and interests of Irish people and communities both at home and abroad. Good progress is being made in delivering on those stated commitments.
Further details on progress will be published in my Department’s annual report later this year.
It is not envisaged that legislation will be required in the coming period to advance those high level goals and commitments.
Foreign Policy
Questions (33)
Gino Kenny
Question:33. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the situation concerning the case of an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Iraq and his Departments work in providing consular assistance for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/24]
View answerWritten answers
I was delighted that the citizen returned to Ireland yesterday where he was reunited with his wife and three young children.
This was the outcome which I, along with my officials in Dublin and our Embassy in Jordan had been steadfastly working towards since his detention on February 26.
I had a number of very constructive conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Iraq on this case.
I was in regular contact with the citizen's family throughout and met with his wife this week in Government Buildings.
I think we can all appreciate the immense emotional toll which the past ten days have had on the entire family. I have no doubt that yesterday’s reunion brought them great happiness, but I am conscious it will take some time to fully come to terms with what they have gone through as a family.
As we continue to see an increase in complex consular cases right across the globe, this week's developments are a reminder of just how important our diplomatic footprint is. In times like this, having a diplomatic presence and an effective network is crucial.
Middle East
Questions (34)
Réada Cronin
Question:34. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what political and/or diplomatic actions Ireland is taking at EU level, in the matter of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s high-profile and unilateral support for Israel, and particularly, given the recent remarks of the High Representative of EU and Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Josep Borrell, on how those actions have had “a high geo-political cost for the EU”; what mechanisms are in place, or will be put in place in the interest of the union, its values and credibility, to censure such actions already taken, and to ensure they are not repeated by the Commission president or any other senior EU office holder in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/24]
View answerWritten answers
As I have made clear on previous occasions, I have been engaging intensively with our partners in the European Union, in the region, and internationally since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Within the EU, Ireland has urged partners to support an immediate ceasefire, impose sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, and restore funding to UNRWA as collectively the biggest provider of aid in Gaza. The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of Spain have also written to the European Commission on the subject of reviewing the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
On 15 October, the European Council reiterated the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with International Humanitarian Law and the importance of the provision of urgent humanitarian aid. Commission President von der Leyen has since outlined the need for Israel’s response to the attacks on 7 October by Hamas and other militant groups to be in line with international law. In a statement on 9 November, President von der Leyen expressed clearly the need to protect and save lives in Gaza while ensuring humanitarian access. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission has been consistent and unambiguous in efforts towards a political solution to this crisis and has maintained extensive engagement with both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, as well as regional partners to bring an end to the violence and commence a political pathway towards peace.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 29.
Ukraine War
Questions (36)
Cormac Devlin
Question:36. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking alongside EU partners in relation to third-country actors who materially support Russia’s war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10853/24]
View answerWritten answers
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history and target not only Russia.
The sectoral measures introduced to date have resulted in a significant decrease in access by Russia to dual use and advanced technology goods from Europe. However, while direct exports from Europe have declined, data shows there are still challenges with sensitive goods reaching Russia via third countries.
On 23 February 2024, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the thirteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This package includes the listing of almost 200 new individuals and entities, including several Belarusian companies and individuals providing support to the Russian armed forces, as well as individuals and entities involved in DPRK’s armament supplies to Russia. This package includes the listings of 27 additional third country entities which will now be subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology.
In addition, Ireland has welcomed agreement on specific EU sanctions in response to the involvement of third-party actors in Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In July 2023, the Council established a new drones related sanctions regime in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, while in August the EU adopted measures against Belarus, in response to its continuous involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which targeted a number of goods and technologies that could contribute to Belarus’ military and technological enhancement and imposed further export bans on firearms, ammunition and aerospace goods and technology.
These measures are carefully targeted and aim to impede Russia's ability to wage this war of aggression. Ireland supports the work of the EU Special Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, to tackle circumvention via third countries.
Middle East
Questions (37)
Brendan Griffin
Question:37. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland can help provide more effective humanitarian aid for Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is extremely concerned about the appalling suffering of the people of Gaza. We continue to focus diplomatic engagement on the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and a sustained scale up in humanitarian access.
Ireland has provided a total of €56 million in support for the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023. Of this, €40 million has been provided in humanitarian assistance in response to the suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza since last October. This includes €20 million which we are providing in immediate core funding for 2024 for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is mandated to provide life-saving essential services for 5.7 million Palestine refugees. Last year, we provided €18 million to UNRWA.
Other partners supported include the UN OCHA Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund, the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Each of these agencies plays a critical role in the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Through Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative we have provided 50 tonnes of relief supplies, including 500 family tents and 3000 tarpaulins from Irish Aid emergency stocks for distribution in Gaza. These were distributed to 1,500 families in Gaza, in partnership with Trócaire and Catholic Relief Services. In addition, Ireland has provided three pallets of medical blood bags through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) in response to a request from the Egyptian health authorities.
Humanitarian access to Gaza and aid volumes must urgently increase if the extreme levels of need now present there are to be met. Ireland is open to considering the option of airdrops of humanitarian assistance, but will continue to focus efforts on maximising assistance to effective partners, and the urgent need for entry points into Gaza to allow in the required levels of humanitarian aid.
Northern Ireland
Questions (38)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:38. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his engagement to date with his UK counterparts on the recent court decision in Northern Ireland on the Northern Ireland legacy issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11108/24]
View answerWritten answers
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is a safeguard fundamental to the Good Friday Agreement and sets a clear benchmark against which to assess actions and legislation affecting Northern Ireland. On 28 February, Mr. Justice Colton delivered his judgment in the High Court in Belfast on the UK government's Legacy Act, finding that that a number of provisions of the UK Legacy Act are not compatible with the ECHR. This is a long and detailed judgment which requires rigorous attention.
Speaking in Westminster just after the judgment was delivered the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton Harris, said that he would consider the findings of Mr. Justice Colton very carefully. The Secretary of State also stated that he remained committed to implementing the UK Legacy Act, including the establishment of the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
As the Deputy will be aware, in December, the Government decided to initiate an interstate case against the UK Government at the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the UK’s Legacy Act.
The decision to initiate such case was not taken lightly. The Government greatly regrets that this is the space in which we find ourselves. However, Government’s approach to legacy issues has been that it must be victim centred and compliant with international human rights standards.
While both the Government’s case and the Belfast High Court judgement related to the Legacy Act’s compliance with the ECHR, they are separate. The inter-state case is now with the European Court of Human Rights.
Pending completion of our examination of last week's judgment by the Belfast High Court, I have not yet spoken to the Secretary of State on its implications but will do so as part of my ongoing engagement with the Secretary of State on legacy matters.
Northern Ireland
Questions (39, 49, 76)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:39. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had recently with relevant British Ministers in relation to developments in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11066/24]
View answer
Bernard Durkan
Question:49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate, arising from the discussions he has had with various political leaders in Northern Ireland and the UK prime minister, the degree to which new channels of communication or the enhancement of existing channels have become operational in the development of the necessary supports and contacts with the institutions in Northern Ireland at various levels in order to maximise cooperation as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. [8111/24]
View answer
Alan Farrell
Question:76. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his engagement with UK Prime Minister with regard to power-sharing in Northern Ireland. [5298/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 49 and 76 together.
The restoration of the Assembly and Executive is a positive opportunity for a new beginning for politics in Northern Ireland and to address the challenges that the people of Northern Ireland face in their daily lives. I have been clear that the return of Northern Ireland's political institutions, and by extension, the return to full operation of the North South Ministerial Council, was a necessary and overdue step forward.
The absence of functioning political institutions over the past two years has had real and detrimental effects on people's lives. It is a very welcome development that local leadership is now in place to help address the challenges faced, inject momentum into civic life and rebuild a sense of hope for the future.
The Government is in close and ongoing contact with the British government and the Northern Ireland Executive to do everything possible to keep politics in Northern Ireland on a sustainable and stable footing.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the two governments have a duty to see it operate as effectively as possible across all three strands. A visible partnership approach between the two governments is vital in the period ahead to sustain and assist the current political stability and its knock-on effects on the people of Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
In recent discussions with our British counterparts, the Taoiseach and I have underlined the importance of ensuring all strands of the Good Friday Agreement are functioning fully and to the benefit of all. The Taoiseach travelled to Belfast on 5 February and met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. I visited London on 13 December for a bilateral meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, my first meeting with the British Foreign Secretary since his appointment in November 2023. I meet regularly with Secretary of State Heaton-Harris, including during meetings in Dublin of the British-Irish Council on 24 November and the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on 28 November. I remain in regular contact with Northern Ireland party leaders.
East-West and North-South Co-operation is essential to achieving the vision of the Good Friday Agreement and to maximising the opportunities facing the island of Ireland. I look forward to an early meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, after more than two years in abeyance.
The revival of regular NSMC meetings will means that this Government and the Executive can continue to have the important conversations necessary to address shared challenges and to generate opportunities for increased practical cooperation. The Government is ready to engage constructively with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive in areas where North-South co-operation makes a positive difference. There remains significant potential for collaboration, including education and research, tourism and driving additional foreign direct investment. North-South cooperation and the all-island economy are important to business and will deliver for the collective benefit of citizens across our shared island.
I also look forward to the next meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference, and the next British–Irish Council Summit, which will be hosted by the Isle of Man and is due to take place in June. In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to work with the British government and Northern Ireland Executive on a range of shared issues to the benefit of all citizens.
European Union
Questions (40)
Richard Bruton
Question:40. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the discussions within Europe on the level of hostile online activity by foreign states, and the effectiveness of defences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/24]
View answerWritten answers
The deliberate and strategic targeting of European societies with false and manipulated information by certain foreign governments, their proxies and aligned groups, is an issue of concern. The objective of this online activity is to generate confusion, to sow division and fear, and to undermine trust in Government and in democratic institutions.
The second annual EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats published in January 2024 demonstrates the scale of the challenge. Between 1 December 2022 and 30 November 2023, the EEAS detected, investigated and encoded some 750 cases of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference cases across the European Union.
There is significant focus at EU level on how best to counter this activity. As part of the 2022 Strategic Compass, the EU has agreed new EU Toolboxes on both Hybrid Threats and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. Together, these provide the EU with a suite of measures to be better able to identify, deter, mitigate and respond to disinformation and interference campaigns, including through the imposition of restrictive measures where appropriate.
The Toolboxes are part of a broader EU approach which include the work of the EEAS Stratcom teams, in particular EEAS Stratcom East, responsible for the EUvsDisinfo website, and regular exchanges between EU Member States and the EU institutions at both the EU Horizontal Working Party on Enhancing Resilience and Countering Hybrid Threats and the EU’s Rapid Alert System network.
This work is complemented by the implementation of the EU Digital Services Act, the powers for which came fully into operation in February 2024, the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation and the European Digital Media Observatories, one which is located in Dublin City University.
Ireland and the EU are committed to strengthen engagement and to tackle this threat at all levels, including in multilateral formats and within the United Nations.
Immigration Policy
Questions (41)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:41. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he was asked for advice ahead of the Minister for Justice declaring additional safe countries of origin in immigration terms recently, and if so, what that advice was based on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10801/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that in line with normal practice, the Department of Foreign Affairs was consulted by the Department of Justice with regard to the question of safe countries of origin in respect of applications under the International Protection Act 2015, and to assist with decision making by that Department
Observations were provided to the Department of Justice in order to assist their decision making with regard to a number of countries, based on the security situation in the countries concerned, well as other relevant factors, including human rights issues.
Foreign Policy
Questions (42, 52)
James O'Connor
Question:42. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the outcome of the Iranian parliamentary election; if he anticipates the outcome will lead to any improvement in the human rights situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11146/24]
View answer
John Lahart
Question:52. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland and the EU's position with regard to the current situation in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10914/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 52 together.
The large scale public demonstrations in late 2022 and 2023, which were suppressed violently, with widespread use of lethal force against protestors, and executions of many of those detained, are a clear sign of a population which believes its voice is not being heard by its Government.
The Iranian electoral system requires that only candidates approved by the authorities are allowed onto the ballot paper. Large numbers of potential candidates identified by those authorities as moderate or having reformist tendencies, even those formerly elected to public office, are systematically excluded. This included the former President Hassan Rouhani.
One of the main coalitions of reformists, the Reform Front, chose not to put candidates forward for the election, saying the elections were meaningless, non-competitive and ineffective. Notably the turnout in the election was the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Irish Government has consistently made clear its concerns about the human rights situation in Iran, about Iran’s support of various armed groups in the region, the supply by Iran of weapons and weapons technology to Russia, and about Iran’s nuclear programme.
As a consequence of these many concerns, the EU has imposed a wide range of sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran, under human rights, nuclear and invasion of Ukraine sanctions regimes (and equivalent measures). Ireland has consistently supported the adoption of these sanctions.
Regrettably, the Government of Iran has not cooperated with either of the Special Procedures established by the UN Human Rights Council, with Irish support, namely the Special Rapporteur and the International Fact Finding Mission, and has not permitted them to visit the country.
Ireland will continue to raise all these issues in our engagement with Iran.
Northern Ireland
Questions (43)
Pearse Doherty
Question:43. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of new evidence emerging regarding the 1973 killing of a person (details supplied), he will make the family's desire for a public inquiry clear to the British government; what steps the Irish Government is taking to aid the family in their quest for justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have raised the case of the person in question and the family's desire for answers on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Officials in my Department met with the family in November 2021 and again in February 2023.
On 24 February 2023, I met with the family. The strength of the family's desire for an independent investigation of their loved one's death and for the truth to be put on the record after almost fifty years was compelling.
Following my meeting with the family, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris on 16 March, bringing the case to his attention. I made clear my view that the UK Government's Legacy Bill, since enacted, would deny this family answers and the opportunity to clear their loved one's name. When I met with the Secretary of State in Dublin on 16 May last to discuss legacy matters I highlighted to him that the following day was the 50th anniversary of the death of the person in question. I raised this case again with the Secretary of State in November at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin. I highlighted that this family's efforts to secure a fresh inquest would be thwarted by the UK Legacy Act.
The Secretary of State spoke of the future work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Retrieval (ICRIR) which has been established under the UK Legacy Act, expressing his perspective that this would be the route for families to obtain answers. However, as the Deputy will be aware, this is not a view shared by the Government. In December, the Government initiated an inter-State case against the UK Government’s Legacy Act under the European Convention on Human Rights. It is the Government's assessment that the Legacy Act closes off avenues to truth for victims of the Troubles and their families. It will be for the European Court of Human Rights to now make a ruling.
Ukraine War
Questions (44)
James Lawless
Question:44. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the Register of Damage, which aims to serve as a record of evidence and information on claims of damage, loss or injury caused by Russia’s actions in or against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10862/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 12 May 2023 the Council of Europe established the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of Russia against Ukraine (the “Register”). The creation of the Register was amongst the recommendations included in a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 November 2022, entitled Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine (A/RES/ES-11/5).
The Register will receive and process information on claims of damage and evidence, categorise, classify and organise such claims, assess and determine the eligibility of claims for inclusion in the Register and record the eligible claims for the purposes of their future examination and adjudication. The Register is intended to form a component of a future international compensation mechanism comprising a claims commission and a compensation fund, to be established by way of a separate international instrument. This compensation mechanism will adjudicate and provide compensation for meritorious claims filed under the Register.
Ireland supports full accountability for breaches of international law arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to that end is a founding participant of the Register, along with 36 other member states of the Council of Europe, the EU, Canada, Japan and the US. We view the Register as an important first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression. Ireland was instrumental in enabling the establishment of the Register by putting Accountability for Ukraine on the Council of Europe’s agenda in September 2022, during our Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. We look forward to the Register opening to receive submissions of claims, which is expected in April this year.
Middle East
Questions (45)
Gino Kenny
Question:45. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an Israeli attack on Rafah would have implications to Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day arrangements and engagements in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/24]
View answerWritten answers
There is a grave crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The situation in Rafah is simply appalling, and the possibility of Israeli military escalation there, where almost 1.5 million people are sheltering in desperate conditions, would be catastrophic. This cannot be allowed to happen.
Civilians urgently need the fighting to stop, and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid is required as a matter of utmost urgency. There is a high risk of imminent conflict-induced famine. This humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable.
I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners since the beginning of this crisis. I have conveyed the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire and a significant increase in humanitarian access and supplies into Gaza. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these two core objectives, including in light of a possible escalation in Rafah.
At the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, 26 EU Member States agreed a statement urging Israel not to proceed with an offensive in Rafah and to abide by the ICJ provisional measures, which are binding, and calling for an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
Ongoing US engagement is essential in finding a solution to the current conflict and restoring a political horizon. During my trip to Washington last month, I raised the situation in the Middle East and clearly laid out Ireland’s position to US senior officials. When the Taoiseach travels to Washington in the coming weeks for his annual St Patrick’s Day trip, he will highlight to President Biden our priorities in this regard, namely calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, increased humanitarian access and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
Foreign Policy
Questions (46, 57)
Niamh Smyth
Question:46. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department can provide an update on a case (details supplied); his plans to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10958/24]
View answer
Pauline Tully
Question:57. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a case (details supplied), whose two sons are being held in Egypt by their father without her consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 57 together.
I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I appreciate that the circumstances of this case are very difficult for all concerned.
I have engaged directly with my counterpart in the jurisdiction in question on this matter and I subsequently met with the citizen concerned and provided clear advice. In addition, the Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the relevant jurisdiction. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
Ukraine War
Questions (47)
Michael Moynihan
Question:47. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland is working with the EU partners to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat the circumvention of sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has strongly supported EU sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. These targeted sanctions are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Trade restrictions on export of sensitive goods from the EU to Russia have been put in place to target specific areas, including Russia’s military, financial, energy, technology and transport sectors. These sanctions are having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to access battlefield goods and technology and pursue its war objectives.
Analysis of trade flows to third countries of goods and technologies of particular importance for Russia's military and industrial complex is ongoing across the EU to inform discussions on preventing circumvention of EU sanctions. Ireland regularly participates in a range of expert group discussions to co-ordinate and share information on the implementation of the Russia sanctions and combatting circumvention including in relation to outreach to economic operators. Ireland also continues to support the work of the EU Special Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, who has travelled to a number of third countries to engage with them on sanctions circumvention and stopping battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia.
Recent packages of EU sanctions measures have included further actions to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat circumvention. They have included listings of additional companies in third countries which are subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology. Further export controls on dual use and advanced technology goods have been added. A new ‘No Russia’ clause introduced in the 12th package requires exporters to contractually prohibit the re-export to Russia of particularly sensitive goods and technology. The 13th package, agreed to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, included measures targeting the sale and supply of drone components to Russia.
Ireland will continue to support the use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat circumvention.
Ukraine War
Questions (48)
Alan Dillon
Question:48. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the current situation in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine; if any further measures against Russia are anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11141/24]
View answerWritten answers
As we enter the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it is clear that Ukrainian forces remain under significant pressure. On 18 February, following four months of intense fighting, the Ukrainian military was forced to retreat from the city of Adiivka, primarily due to a severe shortage in military equipment. Russia has launched new offensives across the Ukrainian frontline.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba met with EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels last month and made clear that Ukraine requires significant additional support from partners if it is to be able to continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against the Russian invasion.
The EU has adopted substantive targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Over 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures. On 23 February 2024, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the thirteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This package includes the listing of almost 200 new individuals and entities, providing support to the Russian armed forces. The package also includes the listing of 27 additional third country entities, which will now be subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology.
The sectoral measures introduced to date have resulted in a significant decrease in access by Russia of dual use and advanced technology goods from Europe. While direct exports from Europe have declined, data shows there are still significant challenges with dual use goods reaching Russia via third countries. Ireland fully supports the work of the David O'Sullivan, the EU's Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions in tackling circumvention.
Ireland supports the continued use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures are carefully targeted and aim to impede Russia's ability to wage this war of aggression.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 39.
Middle East
Questions (50)
Pauline Tully
Question:50. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will consider contributing to the aid drop currently being undertaken by Jordan to bypass the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is in contravention of one of the six provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January 2024 to allow humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11138/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is open to considering the option of airdrops of humanitarian assistance, and this is among several issues that have been raised in recent contacts at political and official level between Ireland and Jordan.
However, such initiatives must not distract from the urgent need to dramatically scale up the level of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza by land. The International Court of Justice made clear in its order for provisional measures on 26 January that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
That was more than a month ago; since that time, humanitarian assistance entering Gaza by land has halved and WFP and UNRWA have had to withdraw from distributing aid in Northern Gaza given the deterioration of the security situation. Under international humanitarian law, Israel has the responsibility to protect civilians in Gaza and to ensure that the essential needs of the population there are met.
Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and massive scale up in humanitarian aid is Ireland’s priority, and is the priority of all humanitarian actors on the ground, and must remain our primary focus.