Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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431. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland is committed to ensuring peace and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina; his views on the recent actions by the President of Republika Srpska in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4267/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland remains unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia- Herzegovina. As a member of the UN Security Council, we are actively engaged in efforts to promote greater dialogue and political stability within Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as support for the Institutions established under the Dayton Peace Accords. Ireland also contributes a small number of PDF personnel to the important EUFOR Althea Mission whose mandate was renewed by the Security Council last October.

Along with our EU and international Partners, Ireland shares the concerns regarding the growing polarisation and divisive actions being taken by certain parties within Bosnia-Herzegovina and which is manifest in the current refusal of the Republika Srpska authorities, led by President Dodik, to participate fully in the State Institutions. It is welcome that President Dodik has given some recent indications of his willingness for the Republika Srpska authorities to return to full participation in the Institutions. Pressure, however, will need to be maintained by the EU, US and international community to ensure that this commitment is now followed through.

There is an obligation on all parties within Bosnia-Herzegovina to work actively to lower current political tensions within the country and to cooperate to advance work on the EU reform agenda which remains critical for advancing the country’s political and economic fortunes.

In this regard, Ireland fully support the efforts being undertaken by EU Special Representative Sattler and High Representative Christian Schmidt to get all the parties engaging in constructive dialogue on how to address the many challenges facing Bosnia-Herzegovina.

I would also call on all those who can, particularly among Bosnia-Herzegovina’s neighbours and regional partners, to continue to exert influence and encourage dialogue to reduce current tensions.

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that Ireland is advocating sufficiently with the United States of America administration in relation to Irish issues; if his attention has been drawn to recent comments by an organisation (details supplied) on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's relationship with the United States has been of critical importance for successive Governments and continues to be an important priority for the current Government. The key priorities and objectives for this relationship are set out in the Government's United States and Canada Strategy 2019-2025. Under this strategy, we have reinforced our network of eight offices across the US, including opening a new Consulate General in Los Angelus in 2018 and the opening in summer 2022 of a new Consulate General in Miami.

We have a broad range of priorities in our relations with the United States including: high level political engagement, in particular in support of the peace process in Northern Ireland; economic promotion; and in support of our citizens and the broader Irish American diaspora.

There is ongoing advocacy and engagement at every level with the US administration and political leaders. During his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit last year, the Taoiseach raised a number of priority issues directly with President Biden, including the need to identify immigration pathways. I also advocated strongly on a number of important issues, including on Brexit and Northern Ireland and on immigration, at meetings on Capitol Hill on my most recent visit to Washington D.C. These high level engagements will continue as we maintain close relations with Members of the US Congress, and as we seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with President Biden's Administration.

Our Embassy in Washington D.C. is actively engaged across the political spectrum in the US, meeting regularly with both Members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate on a bipartisan basis. The efforts of the Embassy have been instrumental in ensuring consistent priority and support at the highest political level to protect peace on the island. They also continue to work towards finding innovative solutions and immigration pathways to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US.

Through our Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as our Consulates across the US, my Department works closely in support of Irish and Irish American groups across the United States. These include a wide breadth of organisations who support the Irish and Irish American communities in many ways. Engagement in support of our diaspora community in the US is a key platform for the delivery of our Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025.

The Government continues to provide support and significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme to the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, which provides support to Irish citizens, in particular to the undocumented Irish who are seeking to regularise their status. Last year, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2021, over €4.2m was paid to diaspora organisations in the US for emigrant support and Covid-19 related projects.

In relation to the named organisation, the Embassy in Washington DC and our network of Consulates, all work closely with this organisation, and are engaging actively with its membership. The Ambassador recently received an award from its Washington chapter in recognition of the Embassy’s work in support of Irish America. There is a longstanding history of cooperation with them on Irish issues. We will continue to support and engage with this organisation and other Irish community groups, to support the needs of Irish citizens and our diaspora community in the US.