Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
54. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if officials from his Department met with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) in February 2024 to discuss the ongoing political situation for the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara; if so, the content of these discussions; and if his Department remains committed to continuing to engage constructively with the organisation. [8689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what actions Irish diplomatic representatives in Morocco have taken to support the United Nations process and support efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement with regard to Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8882/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will upgrade the diplomatic status of Western Sahara and, if he will establish an Irish diplomatic presence in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 57 and 59 together.
On 14 February, officials from my Department met with visiting representatives of the Polisario Front to discuss the ongoing political situation in Western Sahara. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss a variety of issues including the return to armed conflict in the region, engagement with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the peace process, and human rights issues, including within Sahrawi refugee camps. The delegation raised the ongoing case at the European Court of Justice on the EU-Morocco Fisheries agreement.
Ireland’s longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for MINURSO, the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. Including through our Embassy in Rabat, Ireland pursues constructive engagement and supports initiatives by the UN, such as the visit of UN Special Advisor Staffan de Mistura to the region in September 2023. The Embassy is also accredited to Tunisia and Mauritania, which allows engagement with both countries in relation to the issue. Mauritania is one of the four parties named in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions on Western Sahara, including most recently Resolution 2703 adopted on 30 October 2023.
As I have previously stated, Ireland recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law. Our long-standing policy is to support the UN Security Council Resolutions on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a view on the outcome of that decision so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
