Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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73. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the measures taken by her Department to highlight and combat the rise of Christian persecution; if her attention has been drawn to her Department, through Irish Aid, consistently allocated funding to states and territories who engage in the most extreme forms of Christian persecution; her views on whether this is appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22065/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The protection and promotion of human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief, is a core tenet of Ireland's foreign policy. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, (more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief) is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including instances when Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith. Ireland consistently raises issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of the human rights situation in all UN Member States.

Most recently, at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in March 2026, Ireland restated our concern for the persecution of people, including of Christians, on the basis of their religion.

Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address the persecution of religious communities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, which is now extended to 2027, includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief. During our EU Presidency, Ireland will work to further strengthen the EU’s efforts in this area.

Furthermore, Ireland is a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG), which was established in 2015. The purpose of the group is to encourage and deepen coordination between countries committed to advancing religious freedom. Since joining the ICG, Ireland has participated in bi-annual meetings to discuss ways in which the ICG can combine efforts in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all.

Ireland is committed to advancing the freedom of religion or belief in our multilateral and bilateral engagements.