Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to Hungary leaving the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27201/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and views it as the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. In order for the Court to deliver on its unique mandate to end impunity for the world’s most heinous crimes, it is vital that the universality of the ICC’s Rome Statute is achieved through the broadest possible membership of the Court.

I deeply regret the steps taken by Hungary towards leaving the ICC and urge Hungary to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

The withdrawal of a State Party from the Rome Statute risks undermining the ICC’s key role in delivering justice for victims of atrocity crimes around the world. It is particularly disappointing that an EU Member State would decide to withdraw from the Court. The European Union is founded on fundamental values which all Member States are obliged to uphold and defend. This includes support for the application of international law.

Along with our EU partners, Ireland has called on all States to respect the Court's independence and impartiality. We will continue to work with our international partners, including within the EU, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate.