Vol. 1065 No. 2
129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the British Government the need for full co-operation into investigations concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. [15539/25]
I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Brendan Smith, who cannot be here this evening. He is a long-time advocate on this particular issue. Next May marks the 51st anniversary of the tragic events of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings where 34 innocent people lost their lives and over 300 people were injured. I ask the Tánaiste about the engagement he has had with the British Government on the very credible allegations of collusion with elements of the British security forces. What sort of reciprocation has there been to that engagement?
I thank Deputy Moynihan for raising this question on behalf of Deputy Smith who has, as Deputy Moynihan has said, a long and active interest in these areas. Next month marks the 51st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, devastating acts of violence in which 34 people, including an unborn baby, were killed and hundreds of people were injured. At the memorial event to mark the 50th anniversary of the attacks last year in Dublin, I was honoured to lay a wreath remembering those who tragically lost their lives and to meet with families and survivors. I commend them on their courage and dignity since the attacks and throughout their quest for truth and justice.
Our programme for Government clearly states our commitment to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. We remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the bombings. The Dáil has unanimously supported four all-party motions calling on the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all original documents relating to these atrocities. My predecessors and I have acted on those motions. The absence of a substantive response from the British side to date to requests for access to material is a matter of concern to me. I raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at our working dinner in Dublin on 26 February.
We continue to make every effort to facilitate co-operation with legacy investigation bodies outside of this jurisdiction such as Operation Denton, the ongoing independent analytical review into the activities of what was known as the Glenanne gang. Operation Denton is examining these bombings among other atrocities. Extraordinary steps were taken in 2022 by the then Minister for Justice to put in place a bespoke mechanism to allow relevant information from An Garda Síochána to be shared with Operation Denton, which forms part of the Kenova body of work. The much-anticipated publication of Operation Denton's report is anticipated in the coming months. I sincerely hope these findings will shed new light on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I will continue to take forward the clearly expressed will of the House in respect of these attacks.
As the Tánaiste has rightly pointed out, five decades have passed and no progress on this matter has been indicated by the British Government. To any reasonable person, the passage of time in this instance negates any reasonable excuse for continuing to prevent access to that information. I welcome the Tánaiste's commitment and I hope we will see progress on the need to hand over all files and papers pertaining to this bombing to an eminent independent international legal figure. I note, as the Tánaiste has noted, the resolution of this House on four occasions, in 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2024, seeking the release by the UK Government of the original intelligence and security documents. Notwithstanding the call by a sovereign parliament on a neighbouring government to co-operate with a reasonable inquiry, the moral and legal obligation on the British Government to hand over these documents is quite considerable. As the relatives of those who suffered and lost loved ones in those bombings get older, the least the British Government could do is to recognise that pain and allow for that co-operation. I also ask the Tánaiste to strongly request full co-operation with the Garda investigation into the Belturbet bombings in 1972, in which teenagers Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley were killed.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to speak. She will recall that, last year, I moved the fourth motion the Dáil has passed calling for every piece of available information to be fully divulged to all inquiries in respect of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I join in today's repeat of that call. Is the Tánaiste satisfied that State agencies in this State have also endeavoured to ensure that all information within their possession is divulged to the appropriate authorities? That needs to be crystallised. We cannot call on the British Government to do something we are not doing ourselves. Of course, the difficulty is that it is beyond doubt that the British Government colluded in the murder of citizens of this State in this capital city and in my own county of Monaghan. It is beyond disgraceful and scandalous that it continues to withhold information that would allow the families affected to get to the truth.
I thank Deputies Moynihan and Carthy. I will reiterate Deputy Moynihan's call in respect of Belturbet. I will also say very clearly that I expect all authorities to co-operate fully. That is why extraordinary steps were taken in 2022 by the then Minister for Justice to put in place a bespoke mechanism to allow relevant information from An Garda Síochána to be shared with Operation Denton. This assistance has been acknowledged, including by Sir Iain Livingstone, head of the Kenova review, who made reference to the high level of co-operation received from An Garda Síochána and the ongoing support of successive Irish governments. An Garda Síochána has also been assisting the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in respect of Operation Newham which, due to its extremely broad-ranging nature, has been ongoing for a number of years. It is important to recall on the record of the House that the investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings remains open in this jurisdiction. Any new evidence that comes to light from any source will be vigorously and fully pursued by An Garda Síochána. I hope the publication of the Operation Denton report will shed new light.
I thank the Tánaiste for that commitment and I acknowledge Deputy Carthy's role in moving the motion last year and his support on this particular matter. I have a question later on regarding the commitment from the UK Government to repeal the legacy Act, which I hope we will get to. The victim-centred approach needs to be at the heart of what we do here. I hope the intentions the UK Government has indicated in respect of the legacy Act will be followed through with a commitment, with progress on this particular matter, and with the sharing of those documents with an eminent international legal figure.
I again put on the record of the House our commendation for the Justice for the Forgotten group, without which I do not believe we would even have seen the progress we have. I acknowledge that, for many years, the victims' families and the survivors of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were essentially ostracised. There were 30 years in this House when there was not even a parliamentary question submitted in respect of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I appreciate that we have now moved to a point where not only is there cross-party support, but there is unanimous all-party support in this House. However, we need to recognise that if we are truly to deal with reconciliation and address the legacy of the past, the full facts of the atrocities that were carried out must be divulged. When a state actor such as the British State has within its possession information that could lead to some of those truths being uncovered but is withholding it, we need to raise our voice against it at every opportunity.
I join with Deputy Carthy in praising and commending Justice for the Forgotten and thanking it for its work. I assure him that, on behalf of the Irish Government and this House and in recognition of the mandate of the four all-party motions, I will continue to raise my voice at every opportunity in every engagement with the British Government, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in respect of the absence of a substantive response to requests for access to material. That remains a matter of deep concern.
More broadly and to Deputy Moynihan's point, we are committed to working with the British Government to fulfil our shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and to see if it is possible to develop a shared approach on legacy, which I really hope it is. There is now intensive and constructive work taking place at official and political level. I had a positive and substantive discussion on legacy with the Secretary of State last month at the Ireland-UK summit in Liverpool following our detailed discussions in Dublin in February. The programme for Government explicitly states our commitment to working with the British Government as well as with victims groups and political parties in Northern Ireland to develop a fit-for-purpose mechanism to achieve truth and justice.
130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the timeframe in which he intends to enact legislation giving effect to the rulings of the International Court of Justice regarding the trade of goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15462/25]
The rulings of the International Court of Justice are very clear. They oblige states to prohibit the trade of goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Will the Tánaiste outline the timeframe in which he will enact legislation and is such legislation intended to ban trade in both goods and services?
This is obviously a similar question to the one I answered for the Deputy's party colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire, but I am happy to answer again. The programme for Government sets out a commitment to progress legislation regarding the occupied Palestinian territories following the July 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion. I was the Taoiseach who requested specific bespoke advice from the Attorney General once the ICJ gave its advisory opinion to see if there was a way forward to passing legislation. That enabled the Government to re-evaluate its position to see if progress could be made. As the Deputy will recall, the Government carried out an extensive analysis and review of the occupied territories Bill late last year.
The Government's analysis was that substantive amendments would be required to most if not all of the Bill's provisions to bring it in line with our Constitution and to make sure we have legislation that has a decent chance of standing up to EU infringement procedures. I am sure we want to pass a Bill that can withstand those legal challenges. These considerations remain central to the Government's approach.
I will meet Senator Black, as the sponsor of the Bill, next Tuesday to provide her with the most up-to-date information I have, to seek her views and to make a decision on how Government intends to proceed. Consistent with the position of the European Union, Ireland is clear that policies and measures that distinguish between the State of Israel and Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, do not constitute a boycott of the State of Israel. There is a clear differentiation between the State of Israel and Israeli settlements. That is recognised in the position paper published and unanimously agreed by all EU countries in advance of the EU-Israel association agreement council meeting which took place on 24 February, I believe.
In parallel with following up at national level, Ireland continues to press for appropriate follow-up at EU level to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. I welcome that, at the recent association council meeting with Israel, the EU underlined its commitment to fully comply with international law and to implement legislation and technical arrangements applicable to settlement products accordingly. It is now important the EU also exercises due diligence and ensures its approach to settlement products is compliant with international law.
One of the reasons we are in the situation we are in is that, for decades, Israel flagrantly breached international law and faced no consequences. If only we could get an understanding of why the world was able to turn a blind eye for so long, but the evidence is in how the world has turned away in large part from even a genocide unfolding before our eyes. According to the United Nations, eight days ago, while on a mission to rescue their colleagues who had been shot at by Israeli forces earlier in the day, 15 Palestinian rescue workers were murdered by Israel one by one - that is a direct quote - and buried in a mass grave. That is the State of Israel. The reason it does what it does is because it does not face any consequences. The question again is, does the Minister intend to bring forward legislation that will ban the trade of both goods and services with the illegal Israeli settlements?
The answer is the same: I intend to bring forward legislation as outlined in the programme for Government in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories. The substance of that legislation will be a matter for scrutiny, discussion and decision by this and the other House. My next step is to meet the Senator who is the sponsor of the original occupied territories Bill. We have been in contact and have arranged to do that next Tuesday, I believe. In addition to that, the EU level is also important because of EU competencies in trade, which we have been discussing in the context of other issues. We continue to work at an EU level with like-minded countries, including Spain, on the differentiation between the State of Israel and the illegal Israeli settlements as outlined by the ICJ.
To be clear, my question relates to the illegal Israeli settlements, so there is no need to make any distinction. The ICJ ruling is very clear. It prohibits the trade of goods and services with those illegal Israeli settlements. The programme for Government commitment specifies goods. Will services also be included in the ambition of the Bill? I ask the Minister for an answer to that question. If his answer is no, perhaps he will explain to the Dáil why not.
I am happy to discuss the content of the legislation when we publish it. I want to engage with the sponsor of the Bill. We have engaged in good faith. I think the Deputy was on the committee at the time when my predecessor, the now Taoiseach, was the Minister for Foreign Affairs. We have engaged in providing information. I want to take stock now of where that is at with the latest legal advice and opinions from my Department's legal people, the views of the Senator as the sponsor of the Bill and the commitment in the programme for Government. As I said to the Deputy's party spokesperson, I will update the House after I have had that meeting. I am happy to do so next week.
I accept the Deputy's question is about the Israeli settlements. The reason I make the point is because the position of this country is regularly misrepresented internationally. We differentiate clearly between the State of Israel and the illegal Israeli settlements as outlined by the ICJ advisory opinion. The other point is that we need to go at this in a parallel way. Of course, there are options available to this country which we are pursuing, as per the Deputy's question. There is also work that can be done at an EU level. This document was agreed by all 27 member state and recognises the difference between the State of Israel and the illegal Israeli settlements.
131. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with the EU Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15151/25]
144. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if will report on his recent discussions with the EU Trade Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/25]
145. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contribution the Government has made in discussions with EU partners in response to proposed US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/25]
150. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the European Commission response to the proposed US tariffs on EU goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15338/25]
157. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to counter the possible impact of US tariffs on EU products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15537/25]
It is good to see the Ceann Comhairle back in the Chair. The Tánaiste already touched on the topic this evening but will he give an update on his engagement with the EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 144, 145, 150 and 157 together.
I thank Deputy Boland for this question. I reiterate that I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products from the EU and other trade partners, effective from 12 March last. I am also aware of the announcement by the US Administration on 26 March of its plans to introduce tariffs against the auto sector from 2 April. I met my counterpart from Slovakia in recent days, a country with a major car industry. We are all conscious in Ireland and across the European Union tonight that tomorrow there is a high likelihood President Trump will announce further potential action by the United States. I assure Deputy Boland and the people of this country that the EU will take necessary and proportionate action to defend the interests of Irish and European businesses, workers and citizens. We already announced our response to the steel and aluminium tariffs. Implementation work, including the fine-tuning of the announced countermeasures, is ongoing and it is currently planned that these will come into effect in mid-April. I welcome that the Commission has extended the implementation period because it is important to provide space for negotiation with the United States. We do not want tariffs. We want talks, not tariffs. We want engagement. It is important to emphasise that. It is essential the maximum use of that time is made. Close co-ordination with the European Commission will be essential in the period ahead. I will continue to remain in close contact with all stakeholders and our EU partners. Every opportunity for negotiation must be used. Ireland will advocate for an outcome which enhances the existing and strong transatlantic trading relationship.
In my discussions at an EU level with the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, I have also conveyed Ireland's sensitivities with regard to the EU countermeasures currently under preparation. We need to be cognisant of potential additional retaliatory measures by the US and the impact they could have on the Irish and EU economy, including for the Irish beverages and dairy sectors. The Irish position is crystal clear. We want to avoid a series of escalating tariffs. They are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated supply chains which benefit businesses and employers on both sides of the Atlantic. Tariffs drive inflation and hurt consumers. Increased protectionism is not in the interests of our citizens or businesses.
I have also engaged with the US Administration. Last Monday into the early hours of Tuesday morning, I had a constructive and engaging call with the US secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick. We agreed to keep in close contact. As I already told the House, I am chairing a meeting of the Government trade forum on an ongoing basis to bring together business stakeholders, State agencies and relevant Departments to share the best information and insights and plan a way forward. I will continue my engagement with all stakeholders here at home, the Commission, other EU trade ministers and the US Administration. I will attend the meeting of EU trade ministers on 7 April in Luxembourg. This will be a key meeting for us to collectively discuss the global trading landscape and how best to respond. This country remains committed to the principles of free and open trade which have underpinned our economic success. Free and open trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs and fosters innovation. It builds economic resilience within a strong rules-based international trading system. I reiterate there still remains a window of opportunity for negotiation to reach agreement on the suspension of tariffs. President Trump seems intent on having his day tomorrow and making his announcements. That is up to him. We cannot control that. What needs to happen after that announcement is intensive engagement to find a way forward that is good for all of our people.
I thank the Tánaiste. The European Commissioner is a very experienced negotiator. It is reassuring that he seems fully in control of the situation. What is happening in America, however, is completely and utterly unpredictable. I urge the Minister to also take into consideration the impact of any trade tariffs on our SME sector. I am delighted he established the trade forum but the SME sector will need support and protection. Will the Minister let us know what he is doing in that regard?
Deputy Boland is right on both fronts. We are very lucky that Maroš Šefčovič is the Commissioner. He is a very experienced Commissioner who knows this country well through his previous roles during the Brexit time.
He is an engaging, consummate individual and he is in fairness already engaging with the US Administration. He was in DC last Monday. He spoke to the commerce secretary and met him just before I did and spoke to him on the telephone as well.
The second point the Deputy is really right on is the effects on SMEs. There is rightly a lot of discussion on foreign direct investment, and we are going to continue to work to keep foreign direct investment. We do not take it for granted. However, foreign direct investment does not come to Ireland for the weather. It comes here because this is a good country in which to do business. It provides businesses with massive access to 450 million consumers right across the European Union, a skilled labour force, a stable Government and stable business policies. It is a good country in which to do business and I am going to keep making that point. However, SMEs do provide about 90% of employment in this country. It is actually why the Government needs to double down on some of our policy initiatives. It is why we campaigned in the recent general election to reduce the VAT rate, for example, in the hospitality sector. That needs to happen because more than ever now we are going to have to help our small and medium enterprises. There are two figures I will put on the record of the House. Around 32% of our exports head to the United States of America, but around 17% of our imports come from the United States of America. That area of imports will have to get attention in the days ahead. It is not just about what we are exporting but also about the supply chains, particularly for small indigenous companies in Ireland and what they rely on in terms of imports and the impact that can have on the cost of business and the cost of goods to consumers too.
I thank the Tánaiste very much. I appreciate all the work he is doing on this front. I wish him the very best of luck in the coming days.
132. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress of the Government trade forum, which he chairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15189/25]
I ask the Tánaiste to outline the progress of the Government trade forum. In a time of economic uncertainty, I believe the role of this forum is crucial in ensuring that Ireland remains competitive on the global stage. For sectors like agriculture, one of the cornerstones of our economy, trade policy can mean the difference between growth and decline.
I thank Deputy Aird. He is right, and before I get directly to the trade impact on agriculture and the work of the trade forum, it is why it is so important that we are going to do even more to support Irish agriculture because there is not a more indigenous industry than agriculture, agrifood and our farming sector. That is why will have to work together on a number of the issues the Deputy has been highlighting, whether it is nitrates, the next round of the Common Agricultural Policy or the simplification of all of those processes for our farmers. We will have to work very closely on those issues as well.
As a small, highly globalised economy, it is of the utmost importance that we maintain a strategic focus on trade. That is why, in February, the Government agreed to my proposal to establish the trade forum. The aim of this is to provide a forum that will directly engage with key stakeholders across government, but also across the business community, on the latest and emerging trade and investment developments. In line with the transfer in responsibilities for trade policy to my Department in the programme for Government, I chair that forum. My intention is for the forum to meet regularly. We have already had two meetings. The first meeting took place on 26 February. A second meeting took place on 21 March to consider recent developments in the EU-US trading relationship. I have now convened a further meeting for this Friday to assess the announcements that are likely to come from the United States tomorrow.
The Government trade forum considers the opportunities to further build on Ireland’s strong trade performance and the current and potential challenges. It focuses on the entirety of our country's trading relationships, including opportunities arising from EU trade agreements, new markets and consideration of how best to advance Ireland’s economic interests with our largest bilateral trading partners.
I have directed officials in my Department to develop a comprehensive work programme to be elaborated on in close consultation with the forum members and this work is under way. Membership of the forum includes Ministers, senior officials from relevant Departments, senior business and sectoral representatives, including from relevant business representative groups and organisations, and senior leadership from our State agencies. Friday is an important opportunity with that forum to stock.
Take, for example, dairy farmers, who produce some of the finest milk and cheese in this world. As export markets shift due to changing trade agreements and external tariffs, these farmers need clarity on the Government's efforts to secure stable routes for their high-quality produce. Also, beef farmers who have long relied on the international markets are facing new challenges in light of global price fluctuations and competition from non-EU producers. The Government trade forum must play a role in ensuring that fair trade agreements protect Irish farmers from unfair disadvantages while opening new opportunities abroad.
We cannot forget our tillage sector. It depends on affordable access to fertiliser and machinery. Rising costs due to trade barriers could impact both productivity and profitability in this area. It is crucial that the forum examines how to secure supply chains and reduce these risks.
I very much agree with Deputy Aird. First, with regard to dairy, that is why, when we were looking at the list of tariffs that may be reactivated by the European Union, specifically in my submission to the European Commission on behalf of the Government I highlighted the dairy concern we had and also the drinks industry concern. On foot of what the Deputy said, I will make sure that in the work programme for the Government trade forum that specific issue around agriculture, agrifood and supply chains is addressed, including the issue of the tillage sector. As I said in my answer, the trade forum as we can imagine is right now most immediately looking at the US-EU trade relationship, but we have made it very clear that it is to look at the totality of Ireland's trading relationship, including ensuring that there is fair trade with regard to any future agreements. My concerns and the concerns of our party and the concerns of Government with regard to Mercosur in its current form are very clear. We made those commitments very clearly to the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, and farmers in advance of the election and they are very clearly expressed in the programme for Government.
Will the Tánaiste outline the strategy that the Government trade forum will use in addressing the concerns of the agri-sector? What steps will it take to protect Ireland? I urge the Tánaiste to use the Government trade forum as a mechanism to ensure that not only Ireland's farmers and agri-businesses, but all small businesses in Ireland have the support they need.
I absolutely will. The principal purpose of the trade forum is to bring representative groups and relevant Ministers, Departments and agencies around the table. I am pleased to say that a full and permanent member of the trade forum is our Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon. Also represented on that are his senior officials, the Secretary General of the Department of agriculture and the chief executive of Bord Bia, which obviously has an important relevance to this discussion as well. The purpose here is to enable the trading and exchanging of information and insight so that when we go to Europe, we can best protect Irish interests, Irish businesses and Irish farmers. I find it already in its relatively short time in existence to be a very valuable forum in making sure that everybody involved in Team Ireland, if I can use that phrase, is putting their best foot forward. I have to be honest with people - this is a turbulent and difficult time. We cannot control what the President of the United States decides he is going to do, but we can try to intelligently respond and build alliances across the European Union, and to do that we need to get the best insights from industry and from relevant Ministers, including the Minister for agriculture.
133. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will be issuing updated travel advice for people intending to visit the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15451/25]
Does the Tánaiste intend to issue updated travel advice to those planning to travel to the United States? There has been much talk this week, naturally, about tariffs, etc., and the impact of what could come down the line tomorrow. There have been some changes, however, particularly with the new Administration in the United States, and some people have come across difficulties when travelling to the United States. Does the Tánaiste's Department intend to issue any updated travel advice?
I thank Deputy Ó Cearúil for the question. My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas. This is done with a view to trying to help them to make informed decisions for themselves. The advice is based on consultation with our embassies and consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and other partners as appropriate.
On 24 March, in consultation with the embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, an update was issued for our United States of America travel advice. The advice page is visible to the public on our website at Ireland.ie/Travelwise. The substantive changes to the advice related broadly to US entry and immigration laws, and advice that failure to adhere to these laws can result in refusal of entry, detention or removal from the US. An update was also added with regard to transgender citizens and a US requirement that travellers should declare their sex on all visa application forms, which, according to the US authorities, should reflect what they term as the traveller's biological sex at birth.
To add additional context, in recent weeks I have been contacted by people and received reports of them attempting to travel to the United States from Dublin and Shannon, with electronic system for travel authorization, ESTA, visas and without any criminal conviction or criminal record. There seems to be no reason for them not to have gained entry into the United States. I appreciate it is for the United States immigration service to deal with matters such as this but there are questions there, particularly when our citizens seem to be going by the rules that have been laid out by the United States.
Will the Tánaiste liaise with his counterpart in the United States or with the US Embassy here in Ireland? We have an excellent relationship with that country. There is a two-way flow, as the Tánaiste mentioned, not just in terms of trade but between our peoples. It is crucial that Irish people can travel to the Unites States for both pleasure and business. There must be a certainty that if people have an ESTA and have abided by the rules, they will get into the US.
If the Deputy wants to send me on details, I would be happy to use them as examples, albeit anonymised, with which to engage on this matter. As he rightly said, our two countries, Ireland and the United States, have deep and strong bilateral relations built on a rich foundation of ancestral ties. We have economic, diplomatic and political links, including the long-standing US support for peace on our island. Now more than ever, trying to support the continuation of those significant people-to-people links is a priority for the Government. We recognise the importance of travel to the continuation of those personal connections and relationships between our diaspora and this island. For anyone wishing to travel, I always recommend carrying out research on the destination, including on our website and social media channels. Our DFATRavelWise service provides the latest updates. Citizens should be well informed about how my Department can help should they find themselves in any difficulty while overseas. The security status of the United States is currently set at normal precautions.
I will be in touch with the Tánaiste's office regarding particular cases where persons were denied entry into the United States from Dublin and Shannon. I have spoken to other Oireachtas Members who have received similar reports. I thank the Tánaiste for his response and his work on this matter.
135. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s response to Israel breaking the ceasefire and launching new phase of aggression against innocent civilians living in Gaza and in southern Lebanon. [15540/25]
136. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the efforts of his Department to help secure a cessation of violence in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15212/25]
I raise an issue I raised with the Taoiseach three weeks ago and that was also raised this evening by Deputy Carthy. I am seeking clarification on the occupied territories Bill, the reinstatement of which was included in the programme for Government. In a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador, she asked whether the Bill, when it is reintroduced, will include provisions regarding natural resources. I accept that the Tánaiste does not want to fully disclose that until his meeting with Senator Black but can he add any clarification tonight on the matter?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I would like to reflect on it and come back to him with an informed view after I meet with Senator Black and my team in the Department to decide the best way to advance the commitment in the programme for Government. I acknowledge the Deputy's deep interest in this matter. I am deeply concerned by the negative trajectory of the situation on the ground in Palestine, Lebanon, where I was last week, and Israel over recent weeks. This remains a central focus of Ireland's foreign policy and my engagement with EU and international counterparts.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing the violence to an end. When we had this conversation in the Dáil approximately six weeks ago, we were talking about a fragile ceasefire and one that was imperfect. That was absolutely the case. However, hostages were being released, the bombardment of citizens had stopped and aid was finally beginning to flow. How different and dark the situation is now, six weeks later. We need to get people back to the table for talks to get the second phase of the ceasefire and the hostage release deal in place.
This matter is central to my engagement with EU partners. I welcome that the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Kaja Kallas, conveyed a clear message to both Israel and Arab partners during her recent visit to the region. In particular, the call for the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, including the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, was a timely and important message, which was conveyed by Kaja Kallas and Arab and Islamic partners following their meeting on 23 March.
The situation on the ground is deeply shocking. I have condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the new ground offensive. They have brought fresh suffering - that is too weak a word - to the people of Gaza and have breached the ceasefire. I am deeply concerned about Israel’s decision on 2 March to stop humanitarian aid and electricity supply to Gaza. It is a despicable decision that needs to be reversed. It continues to really worsen the humanitarian crisis. There must be an immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, at scale, to the people of Gaza. Irish taxpayers have sent aid to the region, which is currently in Jordan. It includes enough food and shelter for 6,000 people but we have been unable to get it into Gaza.
On a more positive note, I welcome the recent agreement among Arab countries on a joint plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which offers a realistic and sustainable path forward. Supporting the implementation of this plan will be a focus of my engagement with EU and international partners. I have met with my Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian counterparts to discuss these issues. To get to that point, we need a ceasefire and for the hostilities to stop.
I remain extremely concerned about the security situation in southern Lebanon and the impact on civilians following the expiry of the ceasefire agreement on 18 February. The recent escalatory actions by Israel in southern Lebanon and Beirut in retaliation for rockets targeting northern Israel raises concern of a potential return to full-scale conflict. The continued presence of both Israeli and Hezbollah ground forces in the area and the exchange of airstrikes and missile attacks leave southern Lebanon very vulnerable to further conflict. I discussed the situation and these concerns with the Lebanese ministers for defence and foreign affairs during my visit to Lebanon last week. I also expressed our continued support, and the support of every Member of this House, for the incredible work and bravery of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who are part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. I had the absolute honour to meet those 339 women and men of the Defence Forces. I thank them for the work they are doing in building peace in the region.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire for that update. It is very important that we keep the public informed of developments. I welcome his indication that he will meet with Senator Black next Tuesday. I thank him and his Department for the aid already supplied. It is very important that when the occupied territories Bill comes back to the House, provisions regarding resources are included, especially the natural resources that are extracted from the occupied territories. I hope that by taking that step in the right direction, we will see an outcome similar to that of the action taken by the Dunnes Stores workers, with Mary Manning's strike leading to Ireland being the first western country to impose a complete ban on South African goods.
I draw the Tánaiste's attention to a case of family reunification in Dublin Bay North in which a Palestinian family is being taken in but further assistance is being sought. I will give him the details on that.
I think I am safe in saying I am the only Member of the Dáil who has completed a tour of duty with UNIFIL. I concur with the Tánaiste's statement of support for the 300-plus men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who are currently in Camp Shamrock and other areas of southern Lebanon, which is an area with which I am very familiar. The Tánaiste will appreciate why matters relating to peace in the Middle East are of huge interest to me. I have been a proud member of the Defence Forces. I have worn the blue beret and provided the vital service of peacekeeper, alongside my UN colleagues, to the citizens of Lebanon. The Tánaiste can imagine my horror to see Israel carry out, last Friday, its first attack on Beirut since the ceasefire came into force in November that put an end to more than 13 months of conflict with Hezbollah. Another airstrike overnight has claimed the lives of a further four Lebanese citizens, including one woman, and injured seven people. How can we strengthen our support for Lebanon and its Government when the ceasefire is so fragile?
I am happy to take the details of the case Deputy Heneghan mentioned and to engage with him directly on it.
I thank Deputy Callaghan for her service in Óglaigh na hÉireann and for her tour of duty. I am glad to have her in my party, on our team and in the Dáil, bringing her experience of having served in Lebanon. Just by visiting, I got a an insight that is not even a fraction of what she would have experienced. That insight is very important when we have these discussions. The wish to be informed is why I wanted to go there last week. We see the devastation in that beautiful, scenic country, with its beautiful people, 4,000 of whom have been killed in the current phase of the conflict, including hundreds of children, with another 1,500 people injured. The Deputy is right that there is a real fragility to the situation. She is also right that what we have seen in recent days is a cause of huge concern.
Here in Ireland and at the European and UN levels, we must call for a de-escalation and full implementation of the ceasefire. We also must support the new Lebanese Government. That new Government has given great cause for hope. Very substantive figures have been appointed to senior posts. I met the ministers for foreign affairs and defence. There is a new President and a new Prime Minister. Finally, a Government is in place.
They need help as well. They have just agreed their new budget. That should hopefully show them a path of reform. It might open up channels with regard to IMF funding and the likes again, because we need to help the Government of Lebanon build up its public services and also build up the Lebanese Armed Forces, LAF. The primary purpose of UNIFIL being there is to support the LAF in protecting the peace, so we need to do everything we practically can to help this new government too.
Are Deputies happy or does Deputy Heneghan wish to respond?
I thank the Tánaiste for taking up the case. I will give him the details with regard to that.
I would like to ensure that the essential need for humanitarian aid to flow to citizens of Gaza is also met, with all the hostages to be released. I concur with what the Tánaiste said about strengthening our support for Lebanon and its new government, particularly with our Irish soldiers who, as he noted, are serving over there, and about keeping the men and women who are proudly serving our country by protecting Lebanese civilians and keeping them safe and out of harm's way.
On my trip to Lebanon, of course I took the opportunity to raise the case of Private Seán Rooney, a stark reminder of the 48 people who have lost their lives serving with Óglaigh na hÉireann on tours of duty in Lebanon. We think of Seán Rooney and his family and we continue in our quest for justice and truth. I raised that with the defence Minister and the foreign Minister. I handed over a letter on behalf of the Government. All the people involved need to be brought to justice. I accept the separation of powers that exists but still, it is absolutely essential that the Lebanese Government understands our deep frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress, to put it mildly, regarding this case. We expect and want to see progress on it.
138. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of embassies and consulates of Ireland operating at present; how this compared with the number at the time of the launch of the Global Island strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15450/25]
161. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number and location of new Irish embassies and consulates planned for opening before the end of 2029; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15360/25]
Question No. 138 is grouped with Question No. 161 but the other Deputy is not present.
Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle. I wish you well, and it is good to see you back in the Chair.
How many embassies and consulates is Ireland operating and how does this compare with the number at the time of the launch of the Global Ireland strategy?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 161 together.
I thank Deputy Clendennen for this question, which is timely because now more than ever, at a time when some countries are choosing to look inwards, it is so important that Ireland continues to look outwards and increase our global footprint. Global Ireland 2025 was launched by the Government in 2018 with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Under the strategy, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly. We have gone from 73 to 100 bilateral missions, with the opening or announcement of 27 new missions.
In March 2024, new diplomatic missions were announced, including embassies in Belgrade and Sarajevo and consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne. These missions are scheduled to be fully operational by 2027. There has been additional strengthening of strategically important diplomatic missions, including in Berlin, Brussels, London, Paris and Washington DC.
Over 20 State agency offices were also opened over this period in addition to strong consolidation of the Ireland House model, where we co-locate Ireland's embassy or mission with a relevant State agency, such as the IDA or Enterprise Ireland. We have most recently opened Ireland Houses in New York and Stockholm and I am pleased to confirm that a new Ireland House in Tokyo will open in the coming weeks. The benefits of co-locating Team Ireland under one roof are enormous. I have seen this at first hand. To have everybody working on the ground - IDA, Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the ambassador and the embassy - under one roof really does make a difference. We have set out our commitment in the programme for Government to further developing this Ireland House model.
The programme for Government commits the Government to further strengthening Ireland’s place in Europe and around the world. Under this, the Government will develop a new strategy called Global Ireland 2040, which will further enhance our place and influence in international affairs, including ever-deeper relationships with our European partners. Some preparatory work has commenced on this and we will start by reviewing the final outputs from Global Ireland 2025. The new strategy will be designed and delivered as a whole-of-government approach to Ireland's engagement with the world.
Consideration to the location of more potential new missions will be based on an analysis of how they might contribute to the promotion of our economic interests, our values in a changing and uncertain international landscape, the promotion of our culture and building stronger bridges with our diaspora.
When it comes to the United States of America, from my memory, and I think I am right, we are second only to France in terms of the number of consulates we have there. That is going to serve us in good stead as we continue to build our people-to-people links, our economic links and our links with individual states. We are second only to France, which is not bad for a country, in this jurisdiction, of just 5.6 million people. That is a sign of the investment we have put into our diplomatic footprint.
As well as opening new missions, which is important and we will be doing more and are committed to doing more, expanding the existing missions in a strategic and intelligent way is important. When I was Minister for higher education, I made the point that we need to have talent attachés located in key areas who could work with universities and the research and innovation communities to build links between universities, encourage student mobility and encourage more of the best and brightest to work on ideas. I am delighted that now we are seeing the first two talent attachés, one located in San Francisco and the other in Washington DC. Both of them are going to be in place this year.
I thank the Tánaiste. We have made fantastic progress in this area and it is commendable what has been achieved with respect to bolstering our global footprint. That whole Ireland House system has been a wonderful initiative, and it has never been more needed given our ever-changing and ever-shifting global priorities.
When you speak to members of the diaspora, you get a great sense of pride and appreciation for what is achieved through our embassies. Sometimes it goes beyond monetary value. There is a tie back to the homeland, but also people living in those countries maybe feel a connection to Ireland that would not have been there previously. That is something we have to grow on. We are also seeing at first hand what embassies are doing on the ground, whether it be Irish lessons in Auckland or the likes of a film festival in Germany. I had an encounter recently with our local OFFline Film Festival committee, who got the opportunity to travel to Berlin and engage on the ground, giving them an experience of seeing things at first hand. It is a very important initiative and one we should continue.
Deputy Clendennen is so right. Not only should we be extraordinarily proud of our diaspora, as we are, but as a country we have done quite a good job of keeping the links and investing. Other countries ask Ireland about our diaspora strategies and how they can learn from and work with us on that. Ours is one of the few countries that has an emigrant support programme, where we provide relatively small sums of money to diaspora programmes abroad. It makes a real impact on them. I am very proud to see that when I go abroad.
I also want to take the opportunity that Deputy Clendennen's question presents and pay tribute to the men and women who represent us overseas. I mean this very sincerely. I am always very proud when I travel abroad representing Ireland. We turn up as Ministers, taoisigh and tánaistí. We are often there for an event, or the Ceann Comhairle is. We come in and do the event and it is all very pleasant, we work hard and then we go home. The men and women who are there all the time represent Ireland in good times and bad, in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments, speaking up for Ireland and our values, and being there at times of great celebration and jubilation but also times of great tragedy. I am often struck by the very positive feedback I often get from citizens of this country on how they experienced Ireland through the form of our diplomats and local teams at times of tragedy, bereavement or loss. I want to say, I am sure on behalf of all of us, a huge "go raibh míle maith agaibh" to everybody who works in our diplomatic missions right across the world. I know they can work in far-flung parts of this world. We are very proud of all that they do.
When you look at days like St. Patrick's Day and what it achieves in reaching every corner of the world, the more locations where we can have a presence and be able to promote Ireland that way, the better. It also opens an opportunity for greater connectivity around the world. When you see the number of people who are coming here to work from the likes of South America, there is a real opportunity here, through balanced regional development, to create connectivity to other parts of the world that is not there already.
We have seen how the Tánaiste's initiative with the trade consultants group in the US is reaffirming our commitment to the US. There is an opportunity now, considering the current juncture with regard to tariffs, to see how we can develop that further with regional locations around the globe to tie into our diaspora and networks that are connected back to Ireland, to continue to ensure we improve cultural ties and that business network, and to encourage investment back to Ireland through the likes of the IDA. Counties like Offaly have a balance with regard to the IDA that is not just American investment. It is important that we continue that.
Deputy Clendennen is so right. That regional aspect is important to all that we do, making sure that we drive jobs and investment but also cultural and people-to-people links, not just with the big cities but also with the regions of Ireland and counties like Offaly. I would be very happy to work with the Deputy, chambers of commerce, Offaly County Council and others on how we might explore that as well.
When I was out in Philadelphia and New York for the St. Patrick's Day period, there was a great sense of pride of many local authorities there representing their county. That is important too. That building of those people-to-people links, that diaspora and that huge sense of pride that people abroad have, not just of being from Ireland but exactly where they or where their grandmother was from in Ireland, are things that we should never take for granted. The Deputy is right. As we enter this challenging period economically, we should look to strengthen the people-to-people links even further and build up those regional and local links economically and culturally. That is important, and I look forward to working with the Deputy on that.
140. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his St. Patrick’s Day missions and, in particular, the business and trade aspect of the missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15152/25]
151. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his recent trip to the United States for St. Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15230/25]
The Tánaiste touched on his St. Patrick's Day trip. Will he give us an update on the outcome of the various St. Patrick's Day missions, particularly regarding the business and trade aspect?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 151 together.
Last month, I had the honour of visiting and representing the Government in the iconic Irish-American cities of Philadelphia and New York. I was delighted to join Mayor Cherelle Parker and the people of Philadelphia to march in their St. Patrick's day parade. I met with a number of community groups and laid a wreath at the Philadelphia Irish Famine memorial. I had high-level discussions with members of Congress from Pennsylvania, including Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and I met with a range of exciting businesses with links to Ireland keen to see their business grow. I was struck by the Irish companies I met, including one from my home county of Wicklow, doing business in Philadelphia, as well as companies from Philadelphia doing business in Ireland, again demonstrating that two-way economic relationship.
In New York, I renewed important political relationships with Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Congressman Mike Lawler. It was a privilege to walk with the governor and lead the world-famous 5th Avenue St. Patrick's Day parade. I represented the Government at events in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Irish Arts Centre, which is an incredible testament to the arts and cultural links between New York and Ireland. It was absolute privilege to be in New York at a time when the whole city was celebrating Ireland's diaspora and culture.
My programme, as the Deputy can imagine, had a particular focus on engaging with strategic economic actors with global influence. This was motivated not only by the importance of our economic relationship with the United States, but also concern around the volatility and disruption caused by the threat of tariffs. At the Bank of Ireland hub in New York, I met young Irish innovators from the digital Irish network and discussed how the Government can support innovation and entrepreneurship. I also had an intensive programme of meetings with senior corporate decision-makers. These meetings focused on transatlantic trade, the impact of tariffs and the importance of maintaining Ireland's international competitiveness and attractive investment environment. I was reassured that the many senior corporate leaders with whom I engaged share my goal of protecting and deepening the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
While the overall transatlantic economic environment is in an uncertain period, I returned from my visit convinced that St. Patrick’s Day remains not only a unique opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and recognise our diaspora, but also a platform to promote Ireland's trade and economic interests, in particular in the United States.
I thank the Tánaiste. Will he let us know what sense he got on his trip from the politicians and members of the business community he met as to how they see things going in the next six months? How nervous are they for their country and its trade domestically and internationally?
We all realise we are in very choppy waters regarding America. We will see exactly what Donald Trump intends with "liberation day". I am not sure that it is aptly named. We all know the damage tariffs can do with regard to international trade. I get the idea that we need to have discussions and make sure they lead to solutions. We cannot prepare for every circumstance, but there has to be a significant amount of preparation.
The Tánaiste noted that he spoke to Kathy Hochul and Brendan Boyle. He also had engagements with Howard Lutnick and Marco Rubio in the last while. There is a sense of where the wider administration and corporate leaders are regarding where we can go and whether we have an element of traction. There are many things we need to do regarding our medium enterprise sector but we also need to make sure we maintain the necessary connection we have to business and beyond in America.
I thank Deputies Boland and Ó Murchú. Their questions overlap. With regard to what we heard from the business community and what we can do, there are a couple of things. I was struck by the great sense of uncertainty, even from very senior business leaders in the United States who are, no more than the rest of us, waiting to see the level of detail. It was good to get an insight from them in terms of the economic environment in the United States. There is certainly some downward pressure on the US economy. There is a working assumption that we are about to enter a very turbulent period in terms of tariffs. The President is very determined on that agenda. There was not a huge amount of certainty at that stage as to the precision or level of detail that one hopes and expects to at least see in the coming days in order that we can work out how to best respond.
There was a sense of controlling what we can control. Deputies Ó Murchú and Boland made the point regarding what we can do in terms of our economy, our competitiveness and listening to the companies that have decided to base themselves. They have done so for a good reason but what do they now need in future in terms of their investment strategies? We need to keep engaging. I want to be very clear on this so that we are not misrepresented. We are proud members of the European Union. We will put on not just the green jersey but also the blue jersey of Europe - not the blue shirt now but the blue jersey. The Deputy should not be getting too worried. That was an attempt at a joke at this late hour of the night.
A better metaphor.
There are no Blueshirts left.
While engaging and negotiating as part of the European Union, we need to continue to engage with the US Administration and to take every opportunity to share information. I genuinely believe - and I say this respectfully - the relationship is much more complex and interdependent than is sometimes articulated by the US Administration. It is much more interdependent, two-way and bilateral. We will continue to proactively engage with the US Administration, which is why I spoke to Secretary Rubio and Secretary Lutnick, and I was very pleased to do so.
If Deputies do not wish to ask a supplementary question, we will move to Deputy Ó Murchú's next question.
We all get the idea of the instability that exists. We hope that this, on some level, informs those around the leadership and the American President. Engagement is absolutely necessary. We can now go straight to the next question.
Regardless of the shirt colour?
I did not say that. I chose to forget about that altogether and not make any comment. Unfortunately, the Ceann Comhairle has brought it back into the mire.
146. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider including the renewal reminder on online passport applications instead of the optional sign-up service on the Department's website; if there are plans to further streamline the passport service’s work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15231/25]
This question relates to including on online passport applications a renewal reminder rather than the optional sign-up service on the Department's website. We all know the issue this causes with passports. All politicians are inundated with queries about this particular issue. We all know there is a need for streamlining. We know there is an issue with calling Garda stations and gardaí having to go to a book. We need to be able to move beyond all of that. We need a reminder system that works.
I thank Deputy Ó Murchú for the question. I hope we can share the same view on this across this House. The programme of passport service reform has been very impressive. I was in Balbriggan with Deputy Boland recently. I am very proud of the work being done in the passport office there and in other passport offices. The Passport Office has come through the Covid pandemic and managed to reform the service. I meet a lot of people who are extraordinarily impressed by the speed at which they now get their passport, so go raibh maith agaibh to all those working in the passport service.
The Deputy is right that the reform agenda needs to continue. We are eager that it does. Better streamlining processes and continuing to work more closely with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice on all of these issues to tease them through is certainly a sensible suggestion. I undertake to specifically raise that issue with the head of the Passport Office and come back to the Deputy directly. I know there has been engagement on how we can make processes work even better. I will be happy to revert to the Deputy on the matter.
Many Members have brought up the issue of engagement with the Garda. We need a memorandum of understanding on and a technological solution to that.
It could be any sort of reminder. A couple of people asked me why it cannot be like the reminder you get for your motor tax. I am not sure that everybody necessarily follows through on that as they should, but we need to make sure that we make it as easy as possible and remind people about it. There is always an informative piece that needs to happen. We need to inform people to check their passports before they book holidays, particularly ones that are just about to run out. We know that people who are travelling to the US and farther afield at times can have an issue where their passports can run out within a six-month period or so.
I would like to see progress on the issue of reminders. I am sure the gardaí would like to see that too, to make the process as efficient as possible for everybody. I will follow up on that directly. I echo the Deputy's request that everybody check their passport. We do our very best at times when people need to travel at short notice. It can happen to anybody for reasons of bereavement or other things. Our systems are quite good at trying to respond in a compassionate way. We continue to strive to do as best we can. For the rest of us who need the passport to go on holiday, the advice is very clear, to please check your passport before you book travel, and do not be that person who has to turn around to a relative and say you forgot to do that or forgot to update the kid's passport, with all the trouble that will bring you.
It is all right, you can ring a TD.
So please check your passport. Maybe in that moment of harmony, we can conclude.
The other issue we have seen brought up is the timeline when there is a mistake. We have all seen people who have made mistakes with the online applications and others who have uploaded photographs and believe that everything is fine, and then it is not. It is as if the clock restarts when a problem occurs. That needs to be addressed.
If the Ceann Comhairle will allow me some flexibility-----
We are out of time.
I welcome what the Tánaiste said about the case of Seán Rooney. The Tánaiste knows that the parents are looking at visiting the court. I ask about the engagement with the UN. I know there has been some sort of preliminary notice. The Tánaiste made contact regarding the information that was looked for by the Dublin coroner and the information that should be provided to the family. It is a matter of making sure all that happens.
I have respect to the sensitivity of the issue. The issue relates to my other Department, the Department of Defence. I am aware that the Department is in direct contact with the Rooney family. We will continue to do that. I made it clear to the Lebanese authorities that the family intends to travel for the trial and it is important that there is real progress. We will keep in touch about the matter.
