Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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145. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions Ireland is taking with regard to the forced repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan; the steps that have been taken to support family reunification in Ireland for Afghani refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44239/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland remains deeply concerned at the continuing humanitarian crisis both inside Afghanistan and its regional dynamic, including the situation of returnee refugees.

We remain steadfast in our support for the Afghan people’s human rights, especially for women, girls and those in vulnerable situations. This includes strongly condemning the brutal human rights abuses perpetrated by the Taliban against Afghan citizens, and the ongoing humanitarian crises gripping the country. Ireland regularly coordinates with our EU and wider Partners in relation to the ongoing issues facing Afghanistan, including the ongoing humanitarian crises, and monitor the situation of Afghan returnees from our Embassy in Islamabad.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Ireland continues to play an active role in seeking to maintain EU and international attention on the appalling human rights situation within Afghanistan. We continue to advocate for the Afghan people across EU and UN fora, including at HRC and the UNGA.

Ireland supports the efforts of our trusted humanitarian partners to deliver vital operations, including those to support Afghan returnees to Afghanistan. This year, my department has allocated €4 million in humanitarian assistance to support organisations, including UNHCR, in response to the specific needs of Afghan women and girls.

The issues of resettlement of, and family reunification for, Afghan refugees relocated to Ireland is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration which administers the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.