Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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114. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues continue to address the threat of international terrorism; whether any particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40910/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland actively collaborates with both the European Union and the United Nations to address the threat of international terrorism. In particular, the need for greater international cooperation on strategic approaches to address the underlying factors that contribute to terrorist activities in accordance with international law, human rights and all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

As a member of the EU, Ireland participates in various security and counter-terrorism initiatives. In 2017, the EU implemented the EU Action Plan on Terrorism, which Ireland supported, and enhanced cooperation and information exchange between national authorities.

In 2020, the European Commission adopted a new EU Security Union Strategy for 2020 to 2025. One of the four priorities of the Security Union Strategy is “Protecting Europeans from terrorism and organised crime”. The Strategy proposed a Counter Terrorism Agenda for the EU, together with renewed action to prevent and counter radicalisation. The Counter-Terrorism Agenda supports Member States to anticipate, prevent, protect, and respond to the terrorist threat.

Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level in preventing and countering terrorism, as well as the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to this threat. It is crucial that our response in this area effectively addresses the dangers of violent extremism and radicalisation, especially online content.

The EU has placed considerable emphasis on its immediate neighbourhood, including the Western Balkans. Agreed in 2018, the EU's Joint Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism for the Western Balkans has enhanced cooperation and coordination among Western Balkan countries and the EU in the fight against terrorism in the region.

At the UN level, Ireland has a strong commitment to international law and human rights, advocating for comprehensive approaches to counter-terrorism that respect these principles. Ireland engages in discussions on the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, emphasizing the need for addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and inequality, and addressing the needs of victims.

Ireland has been a participant of The Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS since shortly after its inception in 2014. As recently as last month, officials from my Department joined a high-level meeting of the Global Coalition, hosted by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The meeting emphasised the importance of durable solutions for remaining populations in northeast Syria, including bringing to justice detained terrorists, ensuring accountability for crimes including gender-based violence, ensuring detainee populations are housed securely and humanely, and improving conditions for the populations residing in al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps.

Ireland has consistently advocated that measures taken to counter terrorism comply with States’ obligations under international law, including the principles of lawfulness, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality. In that respect, Ireland is a strong supporter of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism.

The engagement of women and young people is fundamental to combating terrorism, and a priority for Ireland. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people in the creation and development of policy is critical to building resilience and to countering terrorism.

Ireland was strongly supportive of the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. This Resolution confirmed that inclusion and participation by young people must lie at the core of efforts by the international community to respond to crises and conflict.

Women, Peace and Security is also a key element in the fight against violent extremism. Ireland has long been a supporter of the full implementation of Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security and its successor Resolutions. Women can have an important role to play in helping to counter radicalisation and extremism in their families and communities, and also have the potential to be radicalised themselves. Therefore, effective strategies must take the particular situation and perspectives of women and girls into consideration.