Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
17. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking to promote accountability for the most serious international crimes; the support being provided for the work of the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of pursuing accountability for the most serious international crimes. We will continue to utilise all relevant international fora, including the UN, to advocate for an end to impunity for international crimes and to promote the International Criminal Court (ICC).
As the first permanent international court, the ICC is the cornerstone of the system of international criminal justice. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Ireland has actively encouraged all states to become parties to the Rome Statute.
In addition to providing political support for the Court, Ireland strongly believes that the ICC should have sufficient resources to deliver upon its unique and important mandate. The ICC is funded mainly by means of annual assessed contributions made by the States Parties to the Rome Statute, determined every year at the Assembly of States Parties. The total annual budget of the Court for 2023 is over €173 million, of which Ireland’s assessed contribution is approximately €1.4 million.
To help alleviate the financial pressures currently faced by the Court, including arising from its investigation in Ukraine, Ireland made a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC covering the years 2022 to 2024. €1.5 million of this contribution was distributed to the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims, €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity and the remaining €500,000 was disbursed among the Special Fund for Relocations, the Trust Fund for the Development of Interns and Visiting Professionals and the Trust Fund for Family Visits.
