Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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339. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of the Government in relation to the ongoing situation in Haiti and the widespread anti-government protests; and if his Department will oppose a military-led intervention currently being discussed by the United States and Canada. [52716/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Haiti is deeply concerning. The troubling crisis has deteriorated further recently, with gang violence at new levels. Accounts of violence, particularly sexual and gender based violence, are highly disturbing, as is the outbreak of cholera in the country. Gangs are currently blocking fuel terminals and thousands are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Humanitarian aid has also been obstructed in cases.

Ireland has been vocal in calling out all of these issues at the UN Security Council, most recently at the meeting on Haiti on Monday 17 October, and we have called for continued international focus on the grave humanitarian and human rights crises.

Ireland has expressed full support to the recent call by the UN Secretary General for support to be provided to the Haitian National Police in response to the request from the Haitian Government. This call was made on the basis of the grave situation that the people of Haiti are currently facing. Such support would allow basic infrastructure to function again and re-open fuel supplies to the country, addressing some of the most urgent needs of the Haitian people. I understand that the US and Canada have indicated that they may be in a position to respond to this request and that other countries may also do so.

Ireland has consistently underlined that any international action must keep the needs and desires of the Haitian people at its centre.

Additionally, Ireland is also currently working within the UNSC on a sanctions regime targeting those groups that are impacting peace and security in Haiti. The regime will be designed so as not to impact on the people of Haiti.

Ireland will continue to advocate at the Security Council for a negotiated political solution in Haiti, and will continue to urge all stakeholders to engage in this process in the interests of the people of Haiti.

At bilateral level, in 2021 Ireland provided €1.4m in humanitarian funding for Haiti. Humanitarian funding and support has continued this year. Since 2010, we have provided over €28m in funding to Haiti. The EU also mobilised €3m in emergency funding for Haiti last year, and is currently considering additional assistance. We will remain engaged on these discussions in Brussels.