Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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65. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland’s position on the situation in the Western Sahara; if he has discussed this situation with his counterparts in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10254/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Western Sahara has not been a subject for discussion at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in recent months. I remain open to working with EU partners where appropriate to support the United Nations-led peace process.

Ireland’s longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. Including through our Embassy in Rabat, Ireland pursues constructive engagement and supports initiatives by the UN, such as the visit of UN Special Advisor Staffan de Mistura to the region in September 2023.

Our long-standing policy is to support the UN Security Council Resolutions on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. Ireland has wholeheartedly supported the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2602 on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. Ireland stands ready to support efforts and initiatives at the UN level to implement fully the mandate of Resolution 2602.

We do not have a view on the outcome of that decision so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.