Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government’s approval is sought through the Foreign Affairs Council in advance of the President of the European Commission articulating a foreign policy position on behalf of the European Union. [33440/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the article of the Treaty on European Union the Government, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, can delegate powers to represent the State on matters of foreign and security policy to the President of the European Commission rather than to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy who represents the Union for matters relating to the common foreign and security policy under Article 27. [33441/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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200. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Government takes, if any, in an instance where the President of the European Commission articulates a foreign policy position which has not been agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council; and to list the dates, reasons and nature of any protest made by the Government in response, in tabular form. [33442/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together.

The Treaty on European Union (TEU) delineates the institutional framework for EU foreign policy. Articles 18 and 24 establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also Vice President of the Commission, presides over the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and ensures consistency of the Union’s external action. Article 27 of the TEU designates the High Representative as the Union’s representative for CFSP matters.

The President of the European Commission speaks on CFSP matters through the framework of existing Council conclusions or as part of the Commission’s broader competences in external relations, particularly in areas where the Union has exclusive or shared competence. The institutional balance established by the Treaties envisages that representation by the Commission President in foreign policy contexts is consistent with positions agreed by the Council.

Ireland actively engages in the work of the Foreign Affairs Council, as well as in the development and implementation of the Union's CFSP.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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201. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government was asked, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, to approve any engagement between the President of the European Commission and persons wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court; and if President Ursula Von Der Leyen was representing the Government’s position when she engaged with a suspected war criminal on 15 June 2025. [33443/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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202. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government is aware of any occasions since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on which he was granted entry to land or airspace of a member state of the European Union; and if the Government has issued any protest, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, at the refusal by any such state to exercise criminal jurisdiction and enforce the arrest warrant as required by the Rome Statute. [33444/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and views it as the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. We will continue to work with our international partners, including within the European Union, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate.

I am aware of an official visit by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Hungary on 3-6 June. This is the only such visit to an EU Member State since the issue of an arrest warrant by the ICC. Hungary has subsequently deposited its instrument of withdrawal from the Rome Statute, which is due to take effect next year. I have expressed deep regret at this decision, and have urged Hungary to reconsider. Media reports also indicate that, in travelling to the United States, Prime Minister Netanyahu has flown through the airspace of certain EU Member States.

Ireland has consistently called on all States to respect the Court's independence and impartiality. In particular, there is a longstanding commitment by the EU and its Member States to avoid non-essential contact with individuals who are subject to an arrest warrant of the ICC.

I am aware that the President of the European Commission spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 15 June by telephone following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. While the institutional balance enshrined in the EU Treaties envisages that representations by the Commission President regarding the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy are consistent with positions agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council, the President does not require the approval of the Council, or of the Member States, in order to engage with foreign leaders.

The Government’s position with regard to recent events in the Middle East is clear. We are deeply concerned about the continuing exchange of air strikes between Israel and Iran. Ireland calls for urgent de-escalation, for both sides to open channels of communication and to enable a return to diplomacy. Continuing military action will not bring security for any of the people of the region.