Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current situation in Myanmar; the action Ireland is taking at international level in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13646/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I remain gravely concerned by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The military coup has resulted in over 3,000 deaths. 16,000 people remain in arbitrary detention. The prospect of elections being held this year is also concerning. It is inconceivable that fair, free and legitimate elections could be held, particularly in the context of the ongoing detention of political figures and the introduction by the military of the Myanmar Political Parties Registration Law.

Ireland remains actively engaged on the crisis, nationally, through the United Nations and at the EU level. We maintained a strong focus during our United Nations Security Council term, including supporting Resolution 2669, the first Resolution on Myanmar in decades. During the current 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland's Statement highlighted the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and other efforts to ensure accountability. Ireland also supports the International Court of Justice: we have made a €1 million contribution to the Office of the Prosecutor to help him meet the increased demands, including with regard to Myanmar.

Over 17 million people in Myanmar are in need of humanitarian assistance. Ireland has provided nearly €6m in humanitarian aid and civil society support including towards the Rohingya crisis response since the outbreak of the coup.

On 20 February, the EU agreed a sixth round of sanctions. This latest package includes companies supplying fuel, arms and funds to the military. Ireland supports further measures that would be effective in working to restore the democratic path in Myanmar, without exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

Ireland is fully supportive of ASEAN’s efforts to solve the crisis through the Five-Point Consensus, which I discussed with counterparts during the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in December last year. I welcome ASEAN’s plans to engage all stakeholders soon and reiterate the Consensus must be implemented as a matter of urgency.