Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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897. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will recognise the Armenian genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21571/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my answers to recent questions on this issue in which I set out the Government’s position in detail, including in relation to this year’s centenary commemorations.

The Irish Government has never taken a position on this issue, believing that it is not in a position to adjudicate on this contentious matter, involving the consideration of complex legal issues and an assessment of the actions and intentions of many parties in 1915 and following years. This issue was discussed in April by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and I have taken note of the views expressed by the Committee’s members.

The centenary commemorations have raised global awareness of the intense suffering endured by Armenians in the Ottoman Empire during that time. In April, President Higgins conveyed to President Sargsyan of Armenia the sympathy of the Irish people for the suffering of the Armenian people. Ireland’s sympathy was also expressed by our Ambassador, John Biggar, through his attendance at the official centenary commemorative event in Yerevan.

In the spirit which has guided Ireland’s own centenary commemorations, I wish to reiterate the hope I expressed in my earlier replies, that both Armenia and Turkey would avail of any opportunity to advance reconciliation between their two peoples for the benefit of both countries and of the wider region.