Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know. Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle.

This is an extraordinarily tragic situation. The Yemeni people have suffered over three years of unrelenting conflict and are in the midst of the world's largest humanitarian crisis. While I am glad to say recent weeks have seen indications that a ceasefire could finally be in prospect, there has also been an alarming increase in fighting around the port of Hodeidah which is a lifeline for imports into Yemen. My EU colleagues and I discussed the situation in Yemen at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday. We reconfirmed our strong support for the efforts of the UN special envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths, and hope he will succeed in convening peace talks in Sweden by the end of the year.

The humanitarian crisis has a number of interlocking causes – historical underdevelopment, economic collapse, reducing the ability to buy available food, and delays in the distribution of commercial and humanitarian supplies, both in ports and at in-country checkpoints. Since the conflict began, Ireland has advocated relentlessly for free access for humanitarian aid and commercial goods. Any necessary security check must avoid causing blockages or delays that have a humanitarian impact. I reiterated directly to the Saudi ambassador when I met him last month the importance Ireland attached to humanitarian access. My officials have also made this point strongly to the embassy of Iran, in view of that country's close relationship with the Houthis and the serious delays in deliveries in Houthi-controlled areas. I call again on all parties to the conflict to prioritise access for humanitarian aid and essential commercial goods such as food and medicines. Ireland has provided almost €16.5 million in bilateral humanitarian assistance for Yemen since 2015.

While there have been calls for an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia and there was a discussion on the matter at EU level yesterday, there is no consensus at EU level as a whole. For now, Irish efforts are concentrated on ensuring the effective implementation of export control regimes and the implementation of the 2014 arms trade treaty.

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