Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's position on the actions of the Houthi in Yemen and surrounding waters; on the support being voiced for them by certain former Irish politicians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16409/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government has consistently condemned the attacks by the Houthis in Yemen against international shipping in the Red Sea, which began in November 2023. The Government has also condemned rocket attacks on Israel by the Houthis, which is completely unacceptable.

Attempting to close down one of the world’s major shipping routes, threatening vessels and the lives of the crews aboard them is completely unacceptable and threatens the European and Irish economy and livelihoods, as well as impacts further afield, such as the price of grain to vulnerable people in East Africa. Oil tankers have been attacked, and environmental disasters only averted by international action. Ireland has supported the defensive EU Naval Mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides ¸ which has protected vessels in the Red Sea since its inception in February 2024.

More broadly, we remain concerned about the situation in Yemen, a country which is already in critical condition. Human rights issues are of special concern in areas controlled by the Houthis. Ireland also supports the UN mission in Yemen in its humanitarian and development work to help alleviate some of the most dire situations in the region, now made worse by the arbitrary detention by the Houthis of UN and other aid workers, with a consequent reduction in the aid reaching these areas.

The Houthis have brought suffering to the people of Yemen. I urge all parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, to choose the path of peace and engage in an inclusive political dialogue. The long-suffering people of Yemen deserve a better future.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's position on the actions of Hezbollah in Lebanon and surrounding areas; on the support being voiced for them by certain individuals in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16410/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I discussed the situation in southern Lebanon with the Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs of Lebanon during my recent visit. I am deeply concerned about the escalation of violence and the continued presence of Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Southern Lebanon.

Although the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel was not renewed on 18 February, it is essential for the security of all sides that its provisions for the ending of conflict in the zone be fulfilled. Israeli and Hezbollah forces must both withdraw from the area. The only armed forces present should be the Lebanese Army, supported by UNIFIL. Until that process is complete, there will be a constant risk of a re-escalation of hostilities as seen in recent days. All actors must refrain from actions that risk further conflict

The Government has consistently condemned Hezbollah attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against towns and cities. The fact that Israel's response has been disproportionate does not lessen Hezbollah's culpability, including for the misery they have brought upon the people of Lebanon.

Hezbollah has long played a separate political and security role in Lebanon, and in the region. This has included blocking political progress in Lebanon, attacks against Israel, terrorist attacks in other states, and violent actions in Syria in support of the Assad regime. They have been one of the major elements in Iran's axis of destabilisation in the region.

I do not see anything in Hezbollah's activities worthy of support.