Written Answers Nos. 351-370
351. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the dates on which his officials engaged in preliminary discussions on a possible compensation scheme for Moore Street traders; and what other public and private bodies or organisations were represented at those discussion. [4734/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLimited preliminary engagement on a possible scheme to compensate Moore Street traders for business disruption during construction works by various parties, initiated by Dublin City Council and involving Hammerson and my Department started in mid April 2021. Once Hammerson's planning applications were lodged my Department considered that it would not be appropriate to continue any discussion on the matter and discontinued any outline involvement by it in this matter.
352. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional resources that his Department has provided to address the backlog of passports yet to be processed; and if there is a current backlog of postal applications to be dealt with. [4616/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra353. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the backlog of paper application passports and timelines to resolving the ongoing application delays in processing same. [4794/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
2022 was an exceptionally busy year for the Passport Service, with over 1,085,000 passports issued. 2023 is set to be a similarly busy year.
There are currently 56,000 fully complete applications in the Passport Service system, including 10,700 paper applications. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
In recent weeks, there has been a marked increase in applications received, signifying that the next busy season for passports is commencing. Applications have increased from an average of 1,400 per day in December to almost 5,000 per day in recent weeks.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements were made in 2022 and full, normal service was restored.
Over the past few months my Department has been planning to ensure that demand for passports continues to be met in 2023 with target processing times maintained throughout the year.
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service to respond to demand continues to be a priority for my Department in 2023 and is an issue that is kept under constant review.
My Department ran 15 competitions in 2021 and 2022 to address staffing needs in the Passport Service. New office space on the Balbriggan campus is now open and provides over 200 additional workstations to accommodate the increase in staff numbers.
The Department is also actively working to assign new staff to the Passport Service throughout the first quarter of the year. Approximately 100 successful candidates from a Temporary Clerical Officer competition run by the Department are currently going through the Garda Vetting process and will be assigned in the coming weeks and months.
I am confident that the staffing and accommodation measures implemented, along with other improvements, will have a positive impact on passport processing times for 2023.
354. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government will honour the commitment to recognise the State of Palestine. [3962/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of plans to formally recognise the State of Palestine pursuant to the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4506/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra370. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether recognising the State of Palestine at this time would contribute to protecting the integrity of the Palestine territory per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4688/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354, 369 and 370 together.
The Government remains committed to advancing a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution. 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”.
In the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
If recognition by Ireland happened outside the context of an overall peace agreement, this would be likely to have an adverse effect on Ireland’s influence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at EU and international level. The timing and context of any such decision 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.
355. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Myanmar/Burma; his further views on representations made on the matter by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4050/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of the situation in Myanmar as we approach the second anniversary of the unjustified and illegal coup carried out by the Myanmar military. Ireland has consistently condemned the coup in the strongest terms. The coup represents a devastating setback to progress made and an affront to the democratic will of the people of Myanmar.
I am deeply saddened that over 2,800 people have been killed since the coup and that almost 13,600 people remain arbitrarily detained. Ireland strongly condemns the shocking execution of four pro-democracy activists in July of last year and the ongoing politically motivated sentencing of opposition figures.
Escalating levels of violence across the country are having a devastating impact. An alarming 17 million people are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Ireland will continue to provide support to those most in need and to advocate for unhindered access for humanitarian workers, free from political interference. Since the outbreak of the coup Ireland has provided €5.44 million in humanitarian aid and civil society support, including in support of the Rohingya response.
Ireland continues to be vocal in calling for an end to violence and in seeking a resolution to the crisis. Ireland proactively supported the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2669 on 21 December last, during our final days on the Security Council. The Resolution marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s response to the situation in Myanmar and I am hopeful that it will pave the way for meaningful discussion and action. The Council has an obligation to maintain a dedicated focus on the crisis.
Ireland has also consistently raised the situation in Myanmar at each session of the Human Rights Council and will continue to do so. We remain actively engagement in the EU context. I was pleased to attend the EU-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit on 14 December 2022, where the crisis was discussed. Ireland fully supports ASEAN's five-point consensus towards a peaceful resolution. We welcome the ASEAN Leader’s Review and decision on implementation as agreed at the ASEAN Leader’s Summit on 11 November, and ASEAN'S commitment to engage with all stakeholders.
I will continue to closely follow developments and press for an urgent solution to the crisis and the restoration of a meaningful democratic process.
356. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied) given that the application has passed the target issue date and the applicant’s date of travel is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4096/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
357. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the names of any advisers who have taken up employment in his Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary they are being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4124/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMs Gráinne Weld is a Special Adviser employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs following the government rotation in December 2022. Ms Weld’s appointment is subject to government approval, pursuant to section 11(1) of the Public Service Management Act 1997 (No. 27 of 1997).
Ms Weld is Special Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD, and is paid as per the Principal Officer PPC standard scale.
358. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to the passport application of a child (details supplied). [4240/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. In order to meet this requirement, each passport applicant must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement when making a first time passport application.
The citizenship of a person born on the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 is determined by the citizenship or residency status of their parents at the time of the person’s birth. If both parents are non-Irish citizens at the time of the child's birth and if neither of the parents are a British citizen, the citizenship of a child born in Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 is determined by the residency status of their parents at the time of the child’s birth. A child born on or after 1 January 2005 may claim citizenship by birth where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years preceding his/her birth (a total of 1,095 days).
Where citizenship cannot be established on the basis of one of the parents' residency status, citizenship may be established through naturalisation if the child has accumulated 5 years' reckonable residence. Further details on naturalisation can be found here www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/become-an-irish-citizen-by-naturalisation/
Once a naturalisation certificate has been obtained, a passport application can then be made.
Information on what is required for all first time passport applications, including details on documentary requirements, guardianship and consent, are available on my Department’s website (www.dfa.ie/passports/documentary-requirements/).
In the case of passport applications for children, it is also essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport system and the rights of the child and their guardians.
Section 14(1) of the Passports Act 2008 makes provision for the consent of a child’s guardian(s) before a passport can issue. Under Irish law, the rights of parents to guardianship are set down in Section 6 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, along with certain provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.
While it is not possible to provide information relating to the Deputy's query without considering the specifics of the application, the Passport Service invites the applicant's foster parents to contact its Customer Service Hub for further guidance.
359. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide data associated with his Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4248/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2020, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform introduced mandatory new procedures for all Departments for offsetting the emissions associated with official air travel.
In line with these procedures, the Department records the carbon emissions associated with all official air travel, values these emissions based on the prevailing rate of Ireland’s domestic carbon tax in the relevant year and pays an amount equivalent to the travel emissions impact into the Climate Action Fund.
The payment for air travel in 2020 amounted to €17,833, based on CO2 emissions of 685.88 tonnes, calculated at that year’s rate of €26 per tonne of carbon generated.
The payment for air travel in 2021 amounted to €36,690, based on CO2 emissions of 1,095.21 tonnes, calculated at that year’s rate of €33.50 per tonne of carbon generated.
Data for air travel in 2022 is not yet available. The Department is currently gathering this data from business units, including our network of Missions overseas, with a view to complying with the deadline of 28 February for payments to the Climate Action Fund, as set out in Circular 01/2020.
360. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when his last engagement with the Palestinian government was; and the content of that meeting. [4291/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January, I along with my EU counterparts had an engagement with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Foreign Minister, Riad Malki. This was a welcome and timely engagement, particularly in light of concerning recent developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
We discussed a range of issues, including the deteriorating situation on the ground, Israeli settlement activity, demolitions and evictions, including with regard to Masafer Yatta, and the internal Palestinian political situation. Our discussion focused on what we can do to increase the prospects of a two-State solution.
The EU and other international actors have a vital role to play at this time. It is important that we offer credible support to the Palestinian Authority.
I also discussed these issues with Minister Malki when we spoke by telephone on 18 January.
361. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current backlog on new passport applications; the backlog on renewals; and if consideration is being given to purchasing an additional printing machine to be based in County Cork. [4322/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra2022 was an exceptionally busy year for the Passport Service, with over 1,085,000 passports issued. 2023 is set to be a similarly busy year, with 61,386 passports to date.
There are currently 56,000 fully complete applications in the Passport Service system, including 29,000 renewal applications. These applications are not considered outstanding, as they are being processed in line with normal turnaround times.
The introduction of Passport Online in 2017 has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing, resulting in greater efficiencies for the Passport Service and our citizens. Passport Online is the quickest and easiest channel for passport applicants. Passport Online is used by over 90% of applicants and is available to 97% of applicants worldwide.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government, substantial service improvements have been made in 2022. All turnaround times for online applications are now in line with pre-Covid turnaround times.
The Passport Service operates three passport printing machines, two of which are located in the main production facility at the Balbriggan campus and the third in the Passport Office in Dublin 2. Each passport printer has a printing capacity of 250 passports per hour.
The Cork office can facilitate a four day turnaround for urgent renewal appointments and the immediate issuance of an emergency passport in situations of genuine urgency such as a medical emergency or a bereavement abroad.
In terms of purchasing a new printer for the Cork Passport Office or any proposed regional office, there would be considerable financial implications to consider.
I am satisfied overall that the current production capacity meets the needs of passport applicants. While there are no current plans to install a printing machine in the Cork office, the Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance customer experience.
362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had interaction with his European colleagues in regard to the various trouble spots affecting Europe, and the wider global security, safety, immigration and other issues that might present a threat to peace and stability. [60888/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union is active in pursuing the preservation of peace and stability, the reinforcement of international security and the promotion of international cooperation, democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the world.
The Treaty on European Union commits the EU and all of its Member States to contribute to peace, security, sustainable development, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of the child, as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law, including respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter, in our relations with the wider world.
Through discussions at the European Council, Foreign Affairs Council and working groups in Brussels, the EU and its Member States work, collaboratively and in coordination, to respond to global developments which threaten the international rules-based order, and which undermine international law and the UN Charter.
At the most recent Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January, Ministers took decisions in relation to a number of global issues. We endorsed the provision of a seventh €500 million package of support for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility and agreed to support implementation of Ukraine’s ten step initiative for a just peace. We agreed to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority, and responded to Iran’s unacceptable repression of protestors by adopting a fourth package of EU restrictive measures.
The EU consistently takes strong and practical stances in order to prevent conflict from occurring and escalating, promoting multilateral solutions to common problems, in particular in the framework of the United Nations, and in meaningful and substantive partnership with states from all regions of the world.
363. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent meetings with the French President, Emmanuel Macron. [59484/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra365. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent engagements with President Emmanuel Macron. [60872/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 365 together.
I attended a working lunch with President Macron in Paris on Thursday, 24 November 2022. The meeting was an opportunity to mark the intensification of our bilateral relations in recent years, and to exchange views on current EU and international issues ahead of the December European Council.
Bilateral relations with France have never been stronger. Our Joint Plan of Action, signed in 2021 during President Macron's visit to Dublin, underpins this. This new closeness is exemplified by the significant increase in maritime connections to Cork, Rosslare and Dublin, which have provided a direct and reliable route to the EU Single Market, supporting an 18% increase in trade in goods between Ireland and France in 2021. It has also supported a significant increase in tourism numbers and people-to-people exchanges.
During my visit to Paris, I also attended a signature ceremony for the Celtic Interconnector which will link the Irish and French grids when it comes online in 2026. In our meeting, President Macron and I greatly welcomed this important new piece of infrastructure and hoped that it would herald a new era of cooperation in the energy space, including on offshore wind. The interconnector is an excellent example of the type of strategic cooperation necessary to unlock the potential of the vast renewable energy resources available to Ireland, and to Europe more generally.
President Macron and I share a deep commitment to the European project, which remains the bedrock of prosperity and well-being on our continent. In our meeting we agreed that the EU will only rise to the many challenges it faces if we continue to stand together, to work with unity and purpose, and supporting each other through difficult times.
In our discussions we also shared our unequivocal support for the people of Ukraine and agreed on the need to continue delivery of vital humanitarian supports to the Ukrainian people.
On economic prospects for the period ahead, we agreed that the European Union must continue to play to its strengths: driving forward with the digital and green transformations and maintaining our global competitiveness.
We discussed renewing and strengthening the European Union’s partnerships with key allies, not least the US and the UK, particularly at a time when democracy is under pressure in many parts of the world. I paid tribute to the initiative President Macron took in proposing the European Political Community.
I took the opportunity to express again my personal thanks to President Macron for his unswerving solidarity with Ireland throughout Brexit.
While in Paris, I also visited the Irish Cultural Centre, where I met with representatives of the Irish Community in France. I also addressed the Ireland France Business Awards Dinner.
President Macron and I also both attended the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana, Albania, on Tuesday, 6 December 2022 as well as the European Council in Brussels on 15 December.
364. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has met with or exchanged views with the British Prime Minister in the context of the Northern Ireland protocol. [3052/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs we have done throughout the Brexit process, the Government remains fully engaged with our key interlocutors and stakeholders in the EU, the UK, Northern Ireland and the US
I had a meeting with Prime Minister Sunak at the British-Irish Council in November and spoke with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in December. I also met Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris twice in recent weeks.
The Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister Sunak by telephone last week. The Minister of State for European Affairs also spoke with his British opposite number last week.
Beyond our engagements with the UK Government, I remain in close contact with the Northern Irish political parties and other key stakeholders in the North, including business groups. I have made clear the Government’s commitment to resolving the difficulties around the Protocol and helping to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement can operate effectively.
We also continue to engage extensively with our EU counterparts. The Taoiseach spoke with Commission President Von der Leyen on 11 January. I met Commission Vice-President Šefcovic in Brussels earlier this month and we maintain regular contact.
As has been the case throughout Brexit, there remains an unshakeable commitment across the EU to mitigating the impacts Brexit brings for this island. This is constantly reflected in our engagements with our EU partners, whose continued support we are deeply grateful for.
The Government is in ongoing contact with the US administration and Congress and key interlocutors in the United States. We are grateful also for continued bipartisan US support for peace and stability in Northern Ireland. The recent appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs is a welcome development.
In all our contacts, I have been clear that shared solutions are the only sustainable way forward. Resolving the issues around the Protocol would also result in opportunities for greater EU-UK cooperation, which is vital at a time of significant global challenges.
366. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the European initiatives in support of the Ukrainian people in the wake of the unprovoked attack by Russia. [58430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU has consistently condemned the further invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, which is an unjustified and illegal act of aggression contrary to international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In January of this year, the European Commission disbursed a first instalment of €3 billion, of the up to €18 billion Macro-financial Assistance package for Ukraine in 2023. With this stable, regular and predictable financial support, Ukraine will be able to continue to pay wages and pensions, and maintain essential public services such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people. It will also allow Ukraine to ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia in its war of aggression, such as energy infrastructure, water systems, transport networks, roads and bridges.
Recent discussions at EU level have also focused on the provision of additional, more sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine. In January, it was agreed to increase funding under the European Peace Facility to €3.5 billion. In line with our approach to the initial Council Decision, Ireland will constructively abstain from the Assistance Measure concerning the supply of military equipment, and platforms, designed to deliver lethal force. We will instead contribute our full share to the non-lethal Assistance Measure (this will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility to approximately €77 million.)
EU Foreign Ministers also recently agreed to support the implementation of Ukraine’s ten-step initiative for a just peace.
The European Council agreed to grant Ukraine EU Candidate Country status in June of last year, a decision which Ireland strongly supported. When I visited Kyiv last July I assured President Zelenskyy that Ireland will provide every support for Ukraine’s path to full EU Membership. On 13 January I spoke with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, and similarly assured him that he could continue to rely on Ireland's support.
Ireland is looking forward to the EU-Ukraine Summit on 3 February, which will be the first since Ukraine was granted candidate status. The last Summit was held in Kyiv on 12 October 2021, and attended by Presidents Zelenskyy, von der Leyen, Michel and High Representative Borrell. The Commission has agreed to produce an oral update in spring 2023 on the progress on accession-related reforms by Ukraine.
367. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the date on which he last met with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland. [58942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since taking up the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs.
However, officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador on a number of occasions – most recently in December 2022 and January 2023 - to make clear our utter condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.
Since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have also been several meetings between the Russian Ambassador and officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine. In coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Department on 3 October 2022. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September 2022 illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine, and would not recognise such declared annexations.
The Russian Ambassador was again called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November 2022 when the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed. Ireland’s position in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, was reiterated.
Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to continue to formally convey the Government's strong objection to the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
368. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on Ireland’s bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia, with a view to bringing about an end to the war in Yemen; if he will provide an update on Ireland’s engagement on this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraYemen is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, driven by years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Ireland also supports the work of Major General Michael Beary, head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA).
Ireland has engaged extensively with the countries of the region, including in direct Ministerial-level talks with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Deputy Foreign Minister al-Jubeir.
Ireland welcomed the truce which was brokered by the UN on 2 April, 2022. We were disappointed that the truce was not renewed in October and we call on all parties to engage in dialogue, and bring about a permanent cessation of violence.
In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, Ireland has been a consistent and reliable donor to Yemen and has contributed over €40 million in humanitarian funding since 2015, including €6 million in 2022. Ireland also contributes to the crisis response in Yemen as an EU Member State. Since 2015, the EU has contributed over €1.2 billion, including over €800 million in humanitarian aid and over €400 million in development assistance.
Ireland will continue to support all efforts to end the terrible conflict in Yemen, including through direct engagement with Saudi Arabia and other regional actors and as an EU Member State.
