International Developments: Statements
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-06
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Frankie Feighan (FG), Sligo-Leitrim

I thank the Senators for their contributions and views. From our discussions today, it is clear we are keenly aware that like all our friends and partners, Ireland finds itself in an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment. In Ireland, we have long championed dialogue and diplomacy as the way to solve disputes and conflicts. Our own history assures us that this is the pathway to a lasting solution in the Middle East, one that can permanently end the violence, address underlying issues and ensure regional security.
Ireland calls on all parties to preserve the ceasefire, to support the efforts under way to reach negotiated solutions and for those with influence to use it constructively. It is vital that the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened to international shipping to mitigate the global economic and societal impacts of the conflict and to remove the impediment to solving the long-term issues with Iran. We will remain in close contact with EU and regional partners in responding to this crisis, including the ongoing economic fallout. It is these close relationships with partners and our presence in the region that allowed us to support the large Irish communities in the region at the outset of the crisis. Even if the current ceasefire leads to a permanent end to the war, the economic fallout of the conflict is likely to persist given the lasting damage to energy infrastructure in the gulf. There are many real problems with Iran’s policies and actions which need to be resolved. While we look for the prompt resumption of negotiations, it is important that the ceasefires in the Middle East deliver a real cessation of violence and ensure the protection, most importantly, of civilians. They must lead to meaningful outcomes and a path to a lasting peace for all in the region.
I reiterate Ireland’s condolences for the UNIFIL peacekeepers who have died as a result of this conflict and condemn all attacks against UNIFIL personnel, posts and vehicles. Ireland remains committed to a UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon. We are conscious of the potential security vacuum that will be left when UNIFIL finishes its mission at the end of the year. Now more than ever, we see the need for oversight of ceasefires and the protection of communities.
On Palestine, Ireland has consistently called for the EU to take concrete action in response to Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. In advance of discussions at the April meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland called for the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement given persistent Israeli violations of human rights and international law. The EU review of the association agreement in 2025 found Israel in clear breach of its obligations. Ireland has made clear our view that the EU must act. The EU’s credibility and the viability of the two-state solution is at stake. Next Monday, this issue will be revisited at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Ireland will continue to press for appropriate action in respect of the EU-Israel relationship.
While the situation in the Middle East demands the world’s attention, we must not lose sight of the implications of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine for Ireland and the EU. Heading into the Irish Presidency, Ireland will ensure the EU continues to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and maintains pressure on Russia. We welcome the renewed unity at EU level in recent weeks. We will look and work to ensure that Ukraine continues to have access to the finance it needs, including to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing illegal aggression. Continued economic and financial support to Ukraine will remain a high priority for Ireland’s EU Presidency, including laying the foundation for the country’s long-term reconstruction following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
We will continue to support robust targeted sanctions against Russia. EU sanctions are having a tangible impact on the Russian economy, making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and generate revenue to pay for its illegal war. We want Russia’s war of aggression to end, but it must end on the basis of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, one that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and is based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld. Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible security guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend itself and forestall future aggression.
Discussing Ukraine in this House today, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that last week we marked 40 years since the world’s worst nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.
Forty years on, Russia’s reckless and illegal war of aggression in Ukraine brings new nuclear threats to Chernobyl, Ukraine and the wider region. This has included reckless attacks that have compromised the new safe confinement at Chernobyl and the illegal seizure and militarisation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe. Nuclear disaster is once again a fear for many. The world can ill afford another Chernobyl. We must learn the tragic lessons of that day. The Irish people have always shown their compassion in response to those terrible events and continue to do so today. In addition to our international contributions, we have welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians to Ireland, over 80,000 of whom have remained and integrated into our communities, echoing the welcome provided to the victims of the Chernobyl disaster over the past four decades.
As Russia’s aggression against Ukraine enters into its fifth year, it is critical that we stand together and put an end to the suffering caused by this conflict and its far reaching consequences. These consequences, alongside wider geopolitical instability, have brought home the need to continue to work nationally and with our EU partners to address existing and emerging security challenges. Ireland supports EU initiatives to address Europe’s capability gaps, strengthen security and combat the hybrid threats we are facing. Security will be an important priority during Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year. We will work to advance the EU security and defence agenda. As a small island state with a history of famine and conflict, Ireland has long understood the importance of a strong international multilateral system for our security, prosperity and well-being. That system is undoubtedly facing significant challenges today. Ireland is committed to an effective international order based on law and with the UN at its centre. For Ireland, the United Nations and its Charter are not abstract ideals but rather clear reflections of where our values and our interests align.
In an ever more global and challenging landscape, characterised by disregard for international law and increased polarisation, Ireland will remain firm in its support of international law, the UN and the wider multilateral system. In the face of the global push-back against agreed human rights norms, Ireland will continue to be a consistent, active and committed advocate for human rights at the UN, within the EU and beyond, as well as a steadfast friend to all those who defend human rights around the world. At the same time, advancing UN reforms remains critical. These aims should improve the UN’s effectiveness but avoid hollowing out its capacity or coming at the cost of the UN’s core values. A more effective UN that is equipped to meet today’s challenges is key to reinforcing respect for international law and human rights. Ireland is clear in its support for such efforts.
Our EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of our Government. We know the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups here in Ireland have their voices heard and we have undertaken significant efforts to hear from them. We are also consulting with other EU member states and stepping up our engagement with the EU institutions. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms and we are confident that with the support of our partners, we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU.
I thank Senators for their contributions. Senator Joe Conway talked about how he is in his eighth decade - I hope I look as good as him in my eighth decade - and he has seen so much in his life and is saddened by what is happening. It is absolutely hard to believe. I spoke on the radio today and I said this is the biggest challenge since the Second World War. You can just look at what is happening with the United States and Iran, what is happening in Palestine, what is happening in Syria, what is happening in Sudan and what is happening in Ukraine and Russia. This is a world that is so close and it is very worrying. Senator Ryan talked about the consequences for people living in war zones and she called for dialogue and diplomacy. It is nice to see the farewell the troops got from Limerick. We are very proud of them and the pride they have in being peacekeepers. We hope they are safe and successful. As the Senator said, they will hopefully be able to de-escalate the violence. I want to pay tribute to our peacekeepers who are very proud and have a record of involvement and impartiality around the world. I hope that continues.
Senator Andrews talked about the Third World wars and human rights. He feels the Irish Government could do more on Palestine and it needs to do more. He talked about the Ireland and Israel match. I will have to get some information back from the Government. The Palestinian ambassador has repeatedly expressed gratitude to the Irish Government and the people of Ireland for the solidarity and support it has continuously shown to the people of Palestine. That is from the Palestinian ambassador. We are doing a lot but I hear what the Senator is saying. There is a lot going on there.
Senator Stephenson mentioned the use of Irish airspace. I will bring that back. On our outsize influence on peace, we have an outsize influence. She talked about the occupied territories Bill and I will bring that back to the Department. Senator Harmon talked about the eyes of a child. That was very succinct because children do not feel safe. I see it myself when my son and daughter talk about Donald Trump, they know all about Ukraine and they know all about Iran now. I say to them it will be okay. They ask "Will it be okay, Dad?" and I say yes, it will be okay but we are all in uncertain times. What we need is cool heads and people to work together.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins talked about learning from the Second World War and a lot of positive things happened after the Second World War. We are in that space now. She talked about Seán Lemass, a man who I have huge time for. He was one of the great Irish taoisigh. He was not from my party but I went to the launch of the book on Seán Lemass and he is one of my heroes, along with Garret FitzGerald and many more as well. She also talked about supporting the UN principles with a strong voice in the UN and that is exactly where we are. The Middle East demands the world's attention and we must not lose sight of it. I thank everybody for their contributions here today and I will bring their views back to the Department.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-06/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:54+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-06