Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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694. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the situation between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28176/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The developing situation between Qatar and its neighbours is a matter of concern. First and foremost, it is an internal GCC matter, although it also involves other countries in the region and has wider international implications. Ireland, like all EU Member States, has interests in the crisis in so far as it has the potential to impact on citizens, commerce and regional stability. My primary concern in this situation is the Irish citizens resident in Qatar, who number almost 2,000. Ireland’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates is accredited to Qatar, as we do not have an Embassy there. The Ambassador travelled to Doha at the beginning of the month, where he met with Irish citizens and groups to discuss their concerns around the crisis. My Department, through Embassy Abu Dhabi and the Consular Assistance team in Dublin, will remain in contact with these citizens until the crisis has been resolved.

Ireland, in tandem with its EU partners, strongly encourages mediation to resolve this crisis. The cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is integral to the stability of the wider Arab region, and a swift resolution to the crisis is imperative to ensure this cohesion. It is my hope that the coming days will see a de-escalation of the tensions, and an early resolution.