John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the details of the Government's response to the ceasefire in Tigray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57919/22]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I warmly welcome the agreement on a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities that was reached on 2 November by the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).  It  is a significant achievement for the country.

After two years of conflict, the agreement marks an important step towards peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and provides an opportunity to put an end to the violence and suffering that has had a devastating impact on the civilian population.

Crucially, the agreement provides an opportunity for humanitarian assistance to reach all those in need in the conflict-affected regions. Recent reports of the opening up of access routes and the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Tigray, including medicines, are welcome. However, needs remain vast and the delivery of aid must be urgently scaled up, as well as essential services fully restored.  

Early progress on implementation will be critical, and the recent declaration by the military commands of the two sides following further talks in Nairobi last week is a positive development. It will be important to maintain such momentum to ensure that this opportunity for peace is seized and that all elements of the agreement are implemented.   

Ireland, along with our EU partners, is ready to support the full implementation of the agreement, and to contribute to ensuring it leads to lasting peace for all Ethiopians. Ireland’s solidarity with the Ethiopian people remains strong.  In 2021 we provided over €40 million in assistance to the country, with a similar level of support this year.