Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Irish Government was consulted, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, in advance of the High Representative of the European Union on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issuing a joint statement with the so-called "E3" group of Foreign Ministers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom on 18 June 2025; and if the statement made by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union represents the view of the Irish Government. [34568/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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2. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Government is satisfied for the High Commissioner to consult only with the largest EU member states of Germany and France, and with a non-EU state like the United Kingdom, and not with the Irish Government, when articulating foreign policy positions on behalf of the European Union; or if it is of the view that the treaty on European Union requires that all member states agree foreign policy positions on behalf of the European Union. [34569/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

Ireland remains engaged with EU and International partners on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. I have participated in two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in the last week at which Member States and the High Representative discussed these issues. At those meetings, I outlined Ireland’s position on the need for urgent de-escalation by both sides and the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this crisis. These points are reflected in the statement referred to. I also highlighted our concern about the disproportionate impact on civilians, that targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure by either side is a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the potential risks of radiation leakage from the Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. Ireland, among other EU partners, called for coherent and consistent messaging from the EU including on breaches of International Humanitarian Law.

The EU has consistently stated for many years that Iran should not be able to develop a nuclear device, but that this should be pursued through diplomacy and negotiation. The EU has for almost twenty years engaged on this uniquely sensitive and high stakes issue through the format of the E3 countries, later led by the High Representative on behalf of the Union as a whole. This formation was central to the achievement of the JCPOA with Iran in 2015, and has since then sustained continued dialogue with Iran to try and support and return to that agreement, right up to the present day.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 23 June Ministers were briefed by the EU High Representative on the meeting of the HRVP and E3 with Iran in Geneva on Friday, and discussed both the further escalation of the conflict since then and the prospects for a return to negotiations.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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3. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to the statement of European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, of June 18 2025 (details supplied), whether he has appraised the High Representative that Iran was involved in negotiations regarding its civilian nuclear programme at the time it was attacked by Israel; if he is concerned that the High Representative’s lack of familiarity with factual events central to her role represents gross incompetence and undermines her ability to fulfil the duties of her office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34591/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply concerned about the hostile relationship between Israel and Iran and I have had an opportunity to discuss this at two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in a week, on Tuesday 17 June and Monday 23 June. I welcome President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire and I hope both sides adhere to it.

At those meetings, I outlined Ireland’s position on the need for urgent de-escalation by both sides and the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this crisis. I highlighted our concern about the disproportionate impact on civilians, that targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure by either side is a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the potential risks of radiation leakage from attacks on nuclear facilities. Ireland, among other EU partners, called for coherent and consistent messaging from the EU including on breaches of International Humanitarian Law.

The hostilities between Israel and Iran is very concerning. Ireland had welcomed the previous US-Iran talks on the nuclear issue as the way to address Iran’s nuclear programme and concerns about nuclear proliferation. Ireland has a long-standing position in support of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This can best be ensured in a framework consistent with the IAEA and the NPT Treaty. We hope a durable ceasefire will allow the resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and will lead to a more general peace in the region..

EU partners are in agreement that there is an urgent need for this return to negotiations to happen. It has long been agreed that Iran should not be able to develop a nuclear device, but this should be pursued through diplomacy and negotiation. It was encouraging that EU High Representative Kallas, together with the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom met with the Foreign Minister of Iran in Geneva for talks on 20 June.