Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

221. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with Irish representatives at the United Nations, particularly with regard to the conflict and devastation in Gaza, the Middle East and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15217/25]

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

Membership of the United Nations is at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last month in New York I had the opportunity to meet with Irish representatives at the UN. I thanked them for the important work they are doing, often in an challenging environment. I reiterated our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing illegal aggression. I also took the opportunity to underline the priority Ireland places on ending the conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, and our continued support for the two-State solution.

In recent months at the UN, Ireland has supported multiple resolutions supporting calls for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. In December of last year, Ireland co-sponsored two resolutions with the State of Palestine, on the demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, and support for UNRWA. This was informed by our membership of the Group of Friends of UNRWA. I have also recently returned from Lebanon where I saw at first-hand the vital work being done on the ground by UNIFIL and the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with it.

Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, Ireland has co-sponsored and voted for multiple resolutions at the UN condemning Russia's brutal invasion. Most recently, on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion - February 24th - a resolution on an early and just peace tabled by Ukraine and co-sponsored by Ireland was adopted at the General Assembly. Ireland also supported the amended UNGA Resolution tabled by the United States on a path to peace that does not reward aggression, and is in line with the UN Charter. In an address to the General Assembly, the Minister for Justice called for a peace that respects the UN Charter and spoke to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Mariana Betsa, to convey Ireland’s support. Furthermore, Minister O'Callaghan condemned Russia's continuing illegal war of aggression and called for Russia to take accountability for the violations of the orders of the ICJ and resolutions of the General Assembly.

I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to engage on these issues actively at the UN, as elsewhere, and be a strong voice on the need to uphold the values of the UN Charter and international law.

Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

222. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support and assistance provided to the citizens of Gaza and the West Bank due to the conflict in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15218/25]

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

Ireland condemns the resumed Israeli airstrikes and a new ground operation, bringing fresh suffering to the people of Gaza. We have provided over €84 million in support for the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023.

Our most recent contribution, in February, of €20 million in core funding to UNRWA contributed to the humanitarian surge under the cease fire. Since February, UNRWA has opened 130 temporary schools, provided psychological support to over 300,000 children, and 16,000 health consultations per day. During the ceasefire, our funds also supported UNRWA to deliver food parcels across Gaza, and shelter material for more than half a million people. In the West Bank, UNRWA continues to run schools and clinics where it can.

Another key partner is the UN’s Humanitarian Fund in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to which Ireland has provided over €6 million since 2023, including €1.1 million last month. The Fund supports a timely, coordinated and principled humanitarian response through grants for humanitarian agencies to assist the most vulnerable communities and people, and to provide them with urgently needed support.

Further humanitarian assistance has been provided through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross. We have supplied over 116 tonnes of relief goods through our Rapid Response Initiative.

We also provide additional support under Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for a Better World with over €2.5 million allocated since 2023 to Irish NGOs for their activities across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

We continue to urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, resume humanitarian aid into Gaza, protect aid workers and stress that attacks on UN facilities are a violation of International Humanitarian Law.