Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I reiterate that Ireland has continuously voiced its support for the National Assembly, of which Mr. Guaidó was elected President earlier this month, as well as urging Mr. Nicolás Maduro to fully respect and restore the independence and powers of the National Assembly. Ireland is committed to finding ways to foster shared democratic solutions that can bring political stability and address the pressing needs of the Venezuelan people, including by increasing EU humanitarian support.

We have always made the case, and we continue to do so, that a credible, meaningful dialogue leading to an inclusive democratic solution is the most effective way of achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the current crisis in Venezuela. Ireland supports urgent measures to address the humanitarian crisis and reiterates calls for humanitarian actors to be allowed to operate without interference to ensure that the utmost is done to mitigate against the grave effects of the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people to the greatest extent possible.

Ongoing engagement with our EU partners is critical in trying to effect the kind of change necessary within Venezuela in the most sustainable manner. Our voice is amplified significantly by working in close concert with our EU partners and at the highest level on the issue. The days and weeks ahead are crucial for the people of Venezuela and Ireland will continue to maintain that very close and ongoing contact with our EU partners to repeatedly emphasise the right of the Venezuelan people to choose their future.