Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who remain in Sudan; the steps he is taking to ensure their safe return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs has assisted 280 Irish citizens and their dependents to evacuate from Sudan since the commencement of the conflict there on 15 April.

No definitive records are available as to the exact number of Irish citizens remaining in Sudan because of the voluntary nature of the citizens’ registration system that is in place.

The Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, has maintained close contact with those who have registered as being in Sudan throughout the crisis. This includes a small and decreasing number of Irish citizens who are remaining in Sudan and who wish to leave. Our experienced consular teams are continuing to provide advice and support to these citizens.

While large scale evacuation operations from Sudan have now ceased, a number of commercial options are in place that are continuing to allow citizens to leave the country, where they decide to do so at their own risk. In such cases, the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi is providing information and other supports.

Ireland fully supports international mediation efforts to end the conflict. It is vital for humanitarian assistance to reach the population and to create an environment for the safe return of civilians. Together with our EU and international partners, Ireland will continue to work for a peaceful and democratic future for the people of Sudan.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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156. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assessment that has been undertaken by his Department of the efficacy of the United Nations arms embargo on Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24966/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The crisis in Sudan requires urgent and coordinated international engagement. The immediate focus must be on ensuring humanitarian access and protection for civilians, alongside consistent efforts to secure a ceasefire. Concerted international pressure for a credible mediation process will be also be vital.

Sanctions are an important tool of foreign policy, to deter States and non-state actors from pursuing actions which threaten international stability and harm people and communities, including through human rights violations and abuses.

UN sanctions on Sudan were first imposed in 2005 to address the conflict in Darfur through an arms embargo and targeted measures. Those who may be listed under this regime include individuals or entities which: impede the peace process; constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and the region; commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities; or are responsible for offensive military overflights.

The UN sanctions regime primarily addresses the situation in Darfur, an area in the west of the country where some of the current fighting in Sudan has been concentrated. Three individuals have been listed to date— all in 2006.The EU added further provisions to the UN regime, extending the arms embargo to the whole of the territory of Sudan.

The most recent report from the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan, in 2023, noted that in the last reporting period, the proliferation of weapons and ammunition in Darfur intensified and continued to pose a serious threat to security.

Overall, implementation of the arms embargo in Sudan has been challenging. We will continue to monitor developments in Sudan, including with regard to sanctions. We will work closely with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a coordinated and clear response that promotes a resolution of the conflict in Sudan, and ensures a focus on the urgent humanitarian and protection needs of the Sudanese people.