Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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842. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent actions of the military of Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18382/21]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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849. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider working with the United Kingdom and United States of America in imposing targeted sanctions on two major Myanmar military conglomerates (details supplied); the position of the European Union on Myanmar and the military conglomerates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 849 together.

I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military, and I am deeply shocked and saddened by the abhorrent and indefensible killing of unarmed civilians, including women and children.

As the political crisis has grown, so too has the human cost. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced from renewed fighting.

Ireland is working closely with all partners to identify appropriate measures to restore the democratic path in Myanmar without negatively affecting developmental gains or exacerbating the humanitarian situation. I most recently spoke directly with my UK counterpart on this issue on 15 April.

I fully endorse the strong and comprehensive approach set out in EU Council Conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on February 22, and the subsequent adoption of sanctions, in March and again in April, against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. This includes sanctions against the Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited. In this regard, the approach of the EU, US and UK is very much aligned.

The UN Security Council, with Ireland's support, has also expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, has strongly condemned the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. It is welcome that the Security Council has taken a united position on this crisis as this sends a strong message to the Myanmar military. The matter remains on the agenda of the Security Council and our Permanent Mission at the UN continues to follow developments closely.

I continue to emphasise the importance of a united response to this crisis; in particular, we need to recognise the importance of engaging partners in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome.

Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership, including countries within the region, to help find a political resolution and to protect the human rights of the Myanmar people.