Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That work is ongoing and he should be allowed to continue his work. Ireland’s foreign policy and our credibility internationally as a principled and consistent voice has long been based on our adherence to and respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. We take the rules-based international order and the multilateral bodies created by the international community seriously at all times. Making a referral to the ICC prosecutor that we do not believe adds anything to legal or practical terms, and which could be seen as undermining the court’s independence and impartiality, would potentially damage Ireland’s credibility and undermine the principles which underpin our foreign policy, not to mind possibly attempting to politicise the actual court.

As such, the Government is instead tabling a countermotion on the matter. The countermotion clearly expresses Ireland’s unwavering support for the vital work of the ICC and commits to continuing to support this, including through our annual assessed financial contribution of €1.4 million this year. Ireland will continue to be an advocate for the role of the ICC and urges all state parties to the Rome Statute to ensure the court has the resources it needs to fulfil its vital mandate, including regarding Palestine. I urge all Members to support this countermotion as a strong statement of Ireland’s position in support of the international rules-based order and bodies. We recognise the importance of the ongoing ICC investigation, and of the vital role of thorough and balanced accountability mechanisms in holding perpetrators to account for any violations of international humanitarian law.

Before I close, I take this opportunity to echo the calls made by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to happen now. The Government will continue to prioritise all avenues in support of a longer-term pathway away from violence and back towards a process of lasting peace.

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