Written answers

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Diplomatic Representation

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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188. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the decision to expel a Russian diplomat from Ireland was premature and unwarranted (details supplied); if he will be apologising to the Russian ambassador; the steps he will take to repair Irish-Russian relations in the wake of the expulsion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15836/18]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following on from extensive briefings by the United Kingdom at senior official level and to EU Foreign Ministers, Prime Minister Theresa May addressed the European Council on 22 March. She made a compelling case in support of her government’s assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, with a military-grade nerve agent, and that there was no plausible alternative explanation.Having listened to the Prime Minister, and to the views of other Member States in a position to support her account, all EU leaders agreed with the United Kingdom Government’s assessment. They also affirmed their unqualified solidarity with the United Kingdom in the face of this grave challenge to Europe’s shared security. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has since independently confirmed the findings of the UK government relating to the identity of the toxic chemical used in the attack. As I have previously stated, the use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic chemicals as weapons, by anyone, anywhere, is shocking and abhorrent. The attack in Salisbury was not just an act against the United Kingdom, it also represented a direct challenge to the international rules-based system on which we all depend for our security and wellbeing.

In light of the European Council Conclusions, and following an assessment conducted by the Irish security services and relevant Government Departments, I decided to terminate the accreditation of a diplomatic staff member at the Russian Embassy. This decision was not taken lightly. It was based on an assessment of all the relevant political and security factors, and in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. It is noteworthy that a majority of Ireland’s closest international partners, both inside and outside the EU responded to the Salisbury attack in a similar manner. I am satisfied that the decision to expel a Russian diplomat was the most appropriate course of action in the circumstances.

Ireland has long standing relations with Russia and this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We have much to gain from our trade and cultural links and through greater people-to-people contacts. I hope it will be possible to continue to build on the many positives in our relationship. To do so effectively, we must maintain mutual trust and respect, which is best assured by honoring and implementing the commitments we have made as members of the UN, OSCE, the OPCW as well as the Council of Europe.

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