Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Government's stance on the ongoing conflict in Sudan; the action the Government taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21842/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the level of State aid sent to Sudan since the start of the civil war conflict in April 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Two years of conflict in Sudan have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.

Working with like-minded European Union member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

Ireland is continuing to work as part of a core group of like-minded EU member states to explore further options for action. Ireland has sought to maintain international focus on protection of civilians, including pressing for the use of sanctions to persuade the parties to adhere to their obligations and to prevent external sponsors from fuelling the conflict.

Ireland will continue to engage actively on the crisis through all possible diplomatic channels and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.

We provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024, reflecting our commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and refugee-hosting countries. So far in 2025, we have provided €5 million through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. These partners play a key role in supporting local civil society and community groups whose work is critical to the humanitarian response. Ireland will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring the much-needed democratic transition.