Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
134. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the actions he has taken to protest to Russia on foot of the death in custody of Alexei Navalny; if he believes that the number of persons accredited to the Russian Embassy in Dublin are appropriate for a country of Ireland's size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was appalled at Mr. Navalny’s death, which further underpins the lack of respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Russia. There must be a full and transparent international investigation into the circumstances of his death.
My EU counterparts and I met with Yulia Navalnaya at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 February, when we discussed the circumstances surrounding his death, and the EU’s response. In a statement following the Council, the EU confirmed it will keep its sanctions under review, including in response to the death of Mr. Navalny. Ireland will support any further EU sanctions targeted specifically at those directly responsible for Mr. Navalny’s death.
As part of Ireland’s response to Mr Navalny’s death, the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, summoned the Russian Ambassador on 20 February. The Secretary General expressed the Government’s shock on behalf of the Government at the death of Mr. Navalny. He made clear that the circumstances of Mr. Navalny’s death raise further questions around respect for the rule of law in Russia, and reiterated the EU’s call for an independent and transparent international investigation into circumstances of his sudden death.
Ireland had consistently called for the release of Mr Navalny following his arrest and has associated itself with a number of EU statements condemning his conviction and imprisonment for carrying out legitimate political activities. The Irish Ambassador to Russia, along with a number of his EU counterparts, attended Mr Navalny’s funeral on Friday 1 March, to pay his respects on behalf of Ireland.
Regarding staffing at the Russian Embassy in Dublin, prior to the invasion of Ukraine, there were a total of 30 staff at the Russian Embassy: 14 diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff. That number has now halved.
