Matt Carthy
Ceist:100. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed timeframe to honour the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. [57718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMiddle East
Ceisteanna (100)
Freagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to question 48265/22 on 6th October. The Government position remains unchanged.
I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
As I have stated previously, in the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss with EU colleagues.
Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would, however, be likely to affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution.
Question No. 101 answered with No. 89.
Question No. 102 answered with No. 97.
Diaspora Issues
Ceisteanna (103)
Ciarán Cannon
Ceist:103. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that he proposes to action the commitment to reaching "our next generation", as outlined in the diaspora strategy. [57746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's Diaspora Strategy, 2020-2025, sets out our vision for engaging with the Irish diaspora, including reaching the next generation.
This ongoing commitment is reflected in my work as Minister for the Diaspora.
In January, I will launch the 2023 Emigrant Support Programme, with engagement with the next generation a key objective. We will continue to apply a ‘Youth lens’ when assessing funding applications and will ask Missions to actively seek out youth engagement initiatives for potential funding.
We are already reaching the next generation through organisations receiving Emigrant Support Funding.
Our annual funding to the GAA’s Global Games Development Fund reaches young people worldwide. We have also provided capital funding for GAA facilities, as I saw recently in Chicago's Gaelic Park, an impressive facility. The GAA plays a vital role in connecting with next generations. I am happy to support them.
We continue to support Irish studies programmes, with our support more than doubling in 2022, with the establishment of new Chairs of Irish Studies, and the development of lectures series and visiting professorships.
The emigrant centres which we support also engage with younger generations. I saw this recently when I visited Liverpool Irish Centre and the Chicago Irish American Heritage Centre. The people running these centres do wonderful work to keep the next generation connected.
During the pandemic, much of our focus was on helping Irish communities overseas but implementation of the recommendations of the Diaspora Strategy has remained a top priority.
We have made good progress in that regard and this important work will continue, including on our commitment to enriched engagement with the next generation.
Questions Nos. 104 and 105 answered orally.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (106)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:106. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has conducted an assessment on the feasibility of opening a Passport Office in Northern Ireland. [57719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Demand for passports from Northern Ireland remains steady, equating to about 10% of total applications received by the Passport Service.
87% of applicants from Northern Ireland this year have applied through Passport Online and that figure will continue to grow as the Passport Service's Digital First media and communications strategy is rolled out in the coming months.
The passport offices in Mount St and Cork have public counters and offer an urgent appointment service for those who wish to renew their passport within one or four days in Dublin or within four days in Cork.
Of the online applications received from Northern Ireland, about 60% of these are renewals. 84% of adult online renewal applications and almost 50% of child online renewal applications are currently being processed in 3 working days or less, meaning that, for many, the Passport Online service is even faster than the 4 day urgent appointment service offered at our public counters.
The remaining 40% of applications are first time applications and do take longer to process as the person’s identity and entitlement must be verified. Because of the necessary security checks carried out on all first time applications, regardless of their origin, these applications cannot be processed through the urgent appointment system at our public offices.
Applications processed by the public counters in Dublin and Cork amount to only 1% of the total of all passports produced by the Passport Service and recent figures show that just 28% of those urgent appointments are currently being availed of.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority (87%) of passport applicants from Northern Ireland apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for opening an additional passport office in Belfast.
The Passport Service continuously considers ways that it can improve its service to all of our citizens regardless of where they live and regularly reviews the range of passport services on offer while also strategically planning to respond to future needs.
Child Protection
Ceisteanna (107)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the UN and Ireland through its membership of the UN Security Council continue to remain alert to the various threats to children from whatever source on a worldwide basis; the actions in hand in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland participated in the UN Security Council Open Debate on 19th July 2022 following the release of the annual report by the UN Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict. The Secretary General's report examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children. In our statement, Ireland expressed dismay at the high numbers of children killed and maimed globally last year, notably in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, as well as during the escalation of violence in May 2021 in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
We also highlighted emerging trends around grave violations and new situations of concern, including Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ukraine. Ireland offered a number of reflections to advance the Children and Armed Conflict agenda. This included: calling for parties of conflict to uphold international law; sufficient funding; holistic reintegration and peacebuilding; and objective, impartial and transparent listing of perpetrators in the annex of the annual report, including based on patterns and trends, in order to promote accountability. Ireland continues to engage actively in a number of UN Security Council Conclusions on Children and Armed Conflict.
Ireland, as an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, remains fully committed to addressing concerns and following up on recommendations in the relevant countries. We have also co-sponsored biennial resolutions on the Rights of the Child at the 49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 and at the 76th UN General Assembly Third Committee in 2021.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (108)
John Brady
Ceist:108. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's response to the election in Israel of the most right-wing coalition in that country's history; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57923/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have noted the result of the recent elections to the Knesset in Israel. The process of government formation is ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment on this process.
Ireland will urge the new Israeli government to prioritise making meaningful progress towards a two-State solution in line with the relevant UN resolutions, international law and the agreed parameters.
Question No. 109 answered orally.
Question No. 110 answered with No. 89.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (111)
John Brady
Ceist:111. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the details of the Government's response to the ceasefire in Tigray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I warmly welcome the agreement on a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities that was reached on 2 November by the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). It is a significant achievement for the country.
After two years of conflict, the agreement marks an important step towards peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and provides an opportunity to put an end to the violence and suffering that has had a devastating impact on the civilian population.
Crucially, the agreement provides an opportunity for humanitarian assistance to reach all those in need in the conflict-affected regions. Recent reports of the opening up of access routes and the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Tigray, including medicines, are welcome. However, needs remain vast and the delivery of aid must be urgently scaled up, as well as essential services fully restored.
Early progress on implementation will be critical, and the recent declaration by the military commands of the two sides following further talks in Nairobi last week is a positive development. It will be important to maintain such momentum to ensure that this opportunity for peace is seized and that all elements of the agreement are implemented.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, is ready to support the full implementation of the agreement, and to contribute to ensuring it leads to lasting peace for all Ethiopians. Ireland’s solidarity with the Ethiopian people remains strong. In 2021 we provided over €40 million in assistance to the country, with a similar level of support this year.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (112)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:112. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the situation in the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The uncertainties and challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlight the clear need for continuing strong engagement by the EU in the Western Balkans and support to our partners in the region.
The Western Balkans was on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 November which I attended and where discussion primarily focussed on increased tensions in Northern Kosovo; the deepening political crisis in Montenegro; the post-election situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and the EU’s energy support package for the region.
The EU needs to demonstrate solidarity with our Western Balkans partners in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the major impact which this is having on energy and food security in the region. In this regard, Ireland warmly welcomes the major energy supports amounting to €1 billion announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Commissioner Varhelyi aimed primarily at improving energy infrastructure in the region, in addition to short-term support measures for individual Western Balkan countries.
In my own intervention, I emphasised the need for the EU to strengthen engagement with the region, particularly in relation to hybrid threats, disinformation, and food and energy security.
I also addressed the increased tensions in Northern Kosovo, where de-escalation is needed on both sides. Regulations on the use of licence plates should be implemented as per previous agreements reached under the EU-facilitated Dialogue. I would also encourage Kosovo Serb officials in Northern Kosovo to return to their posts as soon as possible. The Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue represents the only viable basis for normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo and advancing both their European perspectives.
The continuing political impasse in Montenegro is also a cause for concern. I hope we will soon see an agreed political roadmap which prioritises respect for the rule of law and will allow the country to move forward with the necessary reforms as part of its EU perspective.
United Nations
Ceisteanna (113)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:113. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's remaining priorities before the end of its term on the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since taking up our seat on the UN Security Council in January 2021, we have been actively engaged right across the Council’s wide agenda.
We have brought our principled and independent perspective to a range of key issues, in line with the core principles of Building Peace, Strengthening Conflict Prevention and Ensuring Accountability. We will continue to be active and constructive until the very end of our term, and to highlight injustices, and call out violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses.
We are working for positive outcomes across the broad range of geographic and regional situations on the Council’s agenda, particularly with respect to Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, but also including Afghanistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Colombia, the Middle East, and Syria, where we have worked closely with Norway to ensure the continuation of cross-border humanitarian assistance; and on thematic issues, such as climate and security; conflict and hunger; women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
Ireland remains active on the Security Council’s subsidiary bodies, including the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which we co-chair, and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC). We are also the focal point, together with Brazil, on the Conflict and Hunger file and will be facilitating a number of important discussions on this over the weeks ahead. We will also continue to work towards ensuring strong language on these issues in relevant Security Council texts.
Ireland is also working with the US on a draft Security Council Resolution for a humanitarian carve-out to apply across all UN sanctions regimes. This Resolution would have tangible and positive impacts for humanitarian organisations working in some of the most challenging environments around the world.
With ensuring accountability one of the principles underpinning our engagement on the United Nations Security Council, and a key foreign policy priority, we will also continue to support and defend the International Criminal Court, and to seek accountability in all relevant international fora.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (114)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:114. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent United Nations committee decision to adopt a draft Palestinian resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel's occupation of Palestinian land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcomed the adoption by the UN Fourth Committee of the Resolution on “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem”.
This Resolution addresses a number of key concerns that are consistent with Ireland’s longstanding position, including calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians and demanding that Israel cease all of its settlement activities. It has been supported by Ireland in successive sessions of the General Assembly, including this year.
An important new element in this year’s Resolution was a request to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on issues arising from Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestinian territory. The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Advisory opinions of the Court, while not legally binding, can nevertheless contribute to the clarification of international law and therefore, given the authority of the Court, may carry significant weight. The deteriorating situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory is deeply concerning and it is important that the international community supports Palestinian efforts in seeking legal responses to the occupation. Ireland is a firm supporter of the ICJ and welcomes the increased recourse of States to its advisory role in clarifying international law.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (115)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that he has had with the British Foreign Secretary since his recent appointment to his present position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have engaged with the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, MP, on several occasions since he took up his role in September.
On 15 September I had a first phone call with FS Cleverly, during which we discussed our respective positions on the Protocol, EU-UK relations and our foreign policy goals. I welcomed his expressed wish to reach an agreed solution on the implementation of the Protocol and I stressed the need for substantive, early engagement in the EU-UK discussions. We discussed Russia’s ongoing aggression and both reaffirmed the importance we attach to maintaining support for Ukraine. We considered also the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, in particular the role she played in strengthening British-Irish relations and advancing reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
I hosted an extended in-person meeting with the Foreign Secretary at the Embassy of Ireland, London, on 6 October, ahead of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. On this occasion, we discussed British-Irish bilateral relations, developments in Northern Ireland, EU-UK relations, Russian aggression in Ukraine and our work at the UN Security Council. We discussed, in particular, the importance of progress on EU-UK discussions on the NI Protocol. We also spoke about the importance of an early formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland.
I will continue to prioritise engagement with Foreign Secretary Cleverly and other interlocutors in the British Cabinet.
Question No. 116 answered with No. 89.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (117, 129, 134, 138)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:117. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the sanctions that have been imposed by the European Union on Iran following recent events there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:129. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any further action is being taken against Iran in view of recent human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Thomas Gould
Ceist:134. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his European counterparts to discuss violence in Iran following the murder of a person (details supplied). [57761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJim O'Callaghan
Ceist:138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the sanctions that have been put in place on Iran with regard to the supply of weapons for Russian aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 129, 134 and 138 together.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, was a tragedy. The fact that she was arrested simply due to the way she was dressed understandably provoked a strong response from the Iranian people and the international community. The subsequent response by the Iranian authorities to peaceful protestors in Iran has been extremely concerning. I raised my concerns on the matter directly with the Iranian Foreign Minister when I met him at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September, and when I spoke with him on the matter again by phone on 6 October. I have called on Iran to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death. I also issued a statement on 3 October, where I made it clear that Iran is party to a number of important international frameworks that guarantee fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, as well as the importance of upholding the rights of women and girls. Iran must adhere to its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Given that the issue of women’s rights is at the heart of the protests in Iran, I also made it clear that Ireland puts gender issues and the empowerment of women and girls at the forefront of our foreign policy. This position was highlighted in Ireland’s statement at the Arria-formula meeting on the protests in Iran which was held at the United Nations in New York on 2 November. Ireland also supports the holding of a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 24 November to discuss the human rights situation in Iran. On 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and reiterated Ireland’s very serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the unjustified response of the Iranian security forces to the women and men who are protesting. I also urged Iran to stop supplying weaponry to Russia. Russia’s deliberate and repeated targeting of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is a gross violation of international law. Iran’s supply of weaponry to Russia is directly contributing to these violations. There has been a united response from the European Union on this matter. On 17 October under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanctions Regime, eleven people and four entities were sanctioned by the EU for their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. On 20 October, the EU adopted additional targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and an entity involved in the development of drones and their delivery to Russia. On 14 November, a further 29 individuals and three entities were sanctioned in relation to the protests. Further sanctions may be considered in the coming weeks as the situation continues to develop.Ireland will continue to raise these issues in our dialogue with international partners, including Iran. Senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are in ongoing contact with the Iranian Ambassador and the Iranian authorities are fully aware of our concerns.
Question No. 118 answered with No. 97.
Departmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (119)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:119. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his diplomatic priorities from now until the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is engaged on a number of foreign policy and diplomatic objectives. This includes a broad array of engagements held at political and official level, both in Ireland and abroad. This is accompanied by the work of our Embassy network, who are involved daily in the business of maintaining Ireland’s bilateral relationships, promoting and protecting our values and interests throughout the world.
The Department and Ireland’s Embassy network will continue to be active on these issues as 2022 draws to a close. It is important to stress that the diplomatic activity of the Department is extensive and broad and it is difficult to capture all priority engagement in one answer.
The work of the Department in relation to Brexit has been well-documented throughout this year, and my priority is early substantive progress in the EU-UK talks on the implementation of the Protocol on Northern Ireland.
Throughout our term on the UN Security Council, we have brought a principled and independent perspective to a range of key issues. We will continue to be active and constructive until the very end of our term, and to highlight injustices, and call out violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses.
We are working for positive outcomes across the broad range of geographic and regional situations on the Council’s agenda, particularly with respect to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, but also including Afghanistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Colombia, the Middle East, and Syria; and on thematic issues, such as climate and security; conflict and hunger; women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
We remain active on the Security Council’s subsidiary bodies, including the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, which we co-chair, and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We are also a co-focal point on the Conflict and Hunger file and we will be facilitating a number of important discussions on this.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (120)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:120. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set out the totality of supports in money and material given to support Ukraine to date; if Ireland has offered or provided any additional financial or technical assistance to Ukraine in restoring its damaged power, heating and water systems following Russia's recent targeted attacks on that infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the EU budget. Commitments to date by the Department of Foreign Affairs on funding for Ukraine include:
- €20 million in humanitarian support;
- €1.98 million disbursed in relation to European Peace Facility (EPF) Assistance Measures to Ukraine (part of an overall commitment by Ireland of €66 million to date, to be spread over a number of years towards non-lethal elements of the package);
- €1 million disbursed to the Office of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court, to support ongoing investigations, including with regard to Ukraine. This is part of an overall €3 million commitment by Ireland.
- €0.52 million disbursed to NGOs and Regional Organisations working in Ukraine;
- €0.61 million disbursed in relation to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine.
This makes a total of €24.1 million to date in 2022 and forms part of a wider Government effort in support of Ukraine; I am aware that other Government Departments have contributed in kind and monetary supports to Ukraine, including:
- Medical assistance and supplies including ambulances, 4,000 blood bags, 10,000 bio-protection suits and 50,000 medical protection masks, delivered via the EU’s civil protection mechanism and civil society partners;
- Approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine;
- Two containerised water treatment plants to Ukraine’s State Emergency Services.
Ireland remains committed to supporting the people and Government of Ukraine for as long as it takes. I will be announcing an additional bilateral package of assistance to Ukraine in the very near future and work is underway to assess how best to assist Ukraine in 2023.
Disaster Response
Ceisteanna (121)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland continues to respond to the needs of poorer communities often beset by war, famine and national disasters; the extent to which membership of the UN Security Council can be used as a means of accelerating help that is needed in such challenging situations; the extent to which Ireland continues to promote assistance through the bilateral aid or multilateral aid programmes; the extent to which such activity has increased in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57725/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's humanitarian funding has increased steadily in recent years, in response to rising needs worldwide. In 2021, we provided over €228 million in humanitarian assistance, representing 23% of Ireland's Official Development Assistance. The figure for 2022 will be higher.
Ireland provides life-saving humanitarian assistance for people suffering in crises driven by conflict, by food insecurity and famine, most notably recently in the Horn of Africa, and in response to national disasters, such as the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan.
During our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, Ireland has consistently called for urgent action on global humanitarian crises. On Ethiopia, for example, we called for unhindered access for vital humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable communities. On Afghanistan, Ireland highlighted concerns about the humanitarian situation, in particular the vulnerable situation for women, girls, and minorities.
We have brought a bi-annual report on hunger hotspots to the attention of the Security Council for discussion and action. In September, Ireland called a UN Security Council meeting on the alarming food insecurity in Yemen, South Sudan, Northern Ethiopia and North-East Nigeria.
Ireland provides assistance bilaterally, and we are a strong supporter of the multilateral system. We channel significant funding through key UN humanitarian agencies. In 2021, 56% of Ireland’s humanitarian aid was provided through UN agencies such as UNHCR and UNICEF, and to UN-managed humanitarian funds, including the Central Emergency Response Fund. These agencies work in partnership with International NGOs, national and local actors, to deliver assistance to those most in need.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (122)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:122. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent missile which struck a village in Poland killing two persons; the engagement that he has had with his EU counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57744/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government extends our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in Przewodów, and express full solidarity with our friends in Poland.
The Polish authorities have stated that the evidence at this stage points to this being a tragic accident rather than a deliberate attack.
However, this incident would not have occurred were it not for Russia’s ongoing barbaric and indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine. These criminal acts are in violation of international law, and are causing deep suffering to innocent civilian populations. We demand an immediate end to these attacks, and full accountability for Russian aggression.
We will continue to monitor developments and remain in close contact with partners.
Question No. 123 answered orally.