Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland and the EU will take to ensure a stable and prosperous new government develops in Syria and that it is one that respects minorities and the rule of law. [27438/25]

Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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217. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the policies being adopted by the Government to support the people of Syria and engage with their new government, including the lifting of trade sanctions at an EU level announced last week, as well as how the Kurdish population will be protected and assisted in their fight for self-determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27440/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 217 together.

Following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria remains in a state of uncertainty. In these early stages, it is critical for Ireland and the EU to use our voice and influence to support a peaceful transition that leads to an inclusive and stable Syrian state that respects the human rights of all Syrians.

In that regard, we supported the recent decision to lift EU economic sanctions on Syria. The decision to lift sanctions was not taken lightly, and we will continue to monitor the progress of the transitional Government. We agreed that sanctions will be maintained on members and supporters of the Assad regime, along with specific sanctions on security grounds.

The removal of economic sanctions, coupled with the earlier suspension of other sectoral sanctions in February, provides an opportunity for the economic revival of Syria. They are an important part of the support that we can provide to the Syrian people in rebuilding their country.

In addition to the work on sanctions and the development of EU policy on Syria, we continue to provide support to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighbouring states. We will provide over €22 million to our Syria crisis response in 2025. In February, we also supported the EU’s open-ended extension to humanitarian exemptions to support the nearly 17 million Syrians relying on humanitarian aid.

In spite of the many positive developments and reasons for optimism, Syria faces many challenges. This includes the protection and integration of minority communities. The concerns of minority communities about their place, rights and security in the new Syria must be taken seriously.

There have been encouraging signs in this regard, including the agreements reached between the transitional Government and Kurdish and Druze communities. But I am under no illusions, there is a long way to go, and we will continue to monitor the actions of the transitional Government.

Where significant concerns emerge, the EU maintains the option to re-impose sanctions or to introduce new restrictive measures on those responsible for violations of the human rights of the Syrian people.

Additionally, Ireland has been a vocal advocate for the protection of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is essential that the international community and especially neighbouring States, should act responsibly and refrain from actions that jeopardise the transition process, stoke division among Syrian ethnic communities, and undermine Syria’s territorial integrity. The future of Syria must be decided by the Syrian people.

We will continue our efforts with the aim of supporting the development of a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria.