Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

367. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date on which he last met with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland. [58942/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since taking up the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs.

However, officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador on a number of occasions – most recently in December 2022 and January 2023 - to make clear our utter condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.

Since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have also been several meetings between the Russian Ambassador and officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine. In coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Department on 3 October 2022. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September 2022 illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine, and would not recognise such declared annexations.

The Russian Ambassador was again called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November 2022 when the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed. Ireland’s position in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, was reiterated.

Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to continue to formally convey the Government's strong objection to the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

368. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia, with a view to bringing about an end to the war in Yemen; if he will provide an update on Ireland’s engagement on this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yemen is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, driven by years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Ireland also supports the work of Major General Michael Beary, head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA).

Ireland has engaged extensively with the countries of the region, including in direct Ministerial-level talks with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Deputy Foreign Minister al-Jubeir.

Ireland welcomed the truce which was brokered by the UN on 2 April, 2022. We were disappointed that the truce was not renewed in October and we call on all parties to engage in dialogue, and bring about a permanent cessation of violence.

In addition to significant diplomatic efforts, Ireland has been a consistent and reliable donor to Yemen and has contributed over €40 million in humanitarian funding since 2015, including €6 million in 2022. Ireland also contributes to the crisis response in Yemen as an EU Member State. Since 2015, the EU has contributed over €1.2 billion, including over €800 million in humanitarian aid and over €400 million in development assistance.

Ireland will continue to support all efforts to end the terrible conflict in Yemen, including through direct engagement with Saudi Arabia and other regional actors and as an EU Member State.