Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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4. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Government's policy on the independence of Somaliland; if any research or diplomatic efforts have been carried out by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3735/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has provided consistent humanitarian and development support to the people of Somalia through the Government's international development programme. Since 2018, in the face of multiple crises in the country, our assistance has amounted to a total of €58 million. We have worked with partners to assist Somalia in dealing with the combined impact of conflict, climate change and significant development challenges. In addition, the European Union provides substantial support to the Federal Government of Somalia, amounting to some €4.3 billion since 2009, providing assistance as it combats the continuing Al Shabaab insurgency, and works on the challenges of political and economic reform and development. The EU has been a key funder of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, and the newly-authorised African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission.

With respect to the status of Somaliland, Ireland, in common with our EU partners, the UN and the African Union, considers Somaliland to be a region of Somalia, with a special autonomous status.

We believe that a permanent solution to the status of Somaliland should be reached through negotiations between the authorities of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia. This solution must be acceptable to both parties and we do not seek to influence the outcome of the process. We continue to monitor developments across Somalia, including through our Embassy in Nairobi, which is accredited to Somalia.