Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements regarding the escalating situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [4503/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced conflict over many decades, with increasing insecurity and violence in the mineral-rich areas of the East of the country. In July 2024, the Africa-led Luanda process resulted in a ceasefire which significantly reduced the level of armed conflict. However, in January 2025 the M23 militia commenced a major offensive in eastern DRC supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This renewed offensive has had a considerable impact on the already harsh humanitarian situation.

Ireland and our EU partners expressed deep concern at these developments, including in an EU statement on 25 January that urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately. It also restated that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw. The EU joined with the G7 and others in a statement on 3 February that also called for the rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.

Ireland continues to engage at the United Nations, at the Human Rights Council and in the context of the European Union. We are working with EU partners on taking appropriate measures to address this situation and look forward to further consideration at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. Earlier, Ireland worked on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region, which was adopted in 2023. We were also actively involved in the reappointment of an EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region.

Ireland has provided over €17 million since 2023 to civil society partners and for humanitarian assistance in DRC. This is in addition to continued Irish Aid funding to address child malnutrition as part of a global programme, with almost €8 million provided for DRC in 2023-24 and a further €3.9 million earmarked for 2025.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of recent developments in Serbia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4382/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have been closely following the situation in Serbia over recent weeks. On 5 February, Commissioner for EU Enlargement Marta Kos published a letter setting out the EU position on the subject. I fully align with this.

Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be respected. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. The healthy, peaceful exchange of ideas is the bedrock of a democratic society and must be ensured by all parties.

As Commissioner Kos states, Serbia’s pathway to EU membership offers solutions to many of the issues that are at the heart of discussions in Serbia today. EU reforms, which are a precondition to EU accession, will strengthen the fight against corruption, ensure the independence of the judiciary and accountability of institutions, promote media freedom and pluralism and improve electoral conditions.

Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement in general and we continue to support Serbia on its EU path. As announced in March 2024, we will open a resident Irish Embassy in Belgrade later this year. One of the new Embassy's objectives will be to contribute practical support to Serbian authorities in the implementation of key accession-related reforms. This is a demonstration of our belief in EU enlargement, and our belief in Serbia’s future within the EU.