International Developments: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Catherine Callaghan (FG), Carlow-Kilkenny

I welcome the opportunity to make a statement on international developments. I will use my time to speak about Greenland. I know I am not alone in wishing that questions of territorial integrity and respect for national sovereignty were a thing of the past. When it comes to Greenland, there is no question but that the future of the island lies solely in the hands of its people and the kingdom of Denmark, and it always will. Events in Greenland over recent weeks have moved at breakneck speed. Amidst a flurry of threats, insults and uncertainty, I am heartened by the calm, measured and firm response provided by our Government and by the European Union. Global peace and security rest on the foundation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. They are principles I have served overseas to uphold. I did not wear the United Nations blue beret in Lebanon alongside my Irish Defence Forces colleagues so that we could consign these principles to history. When we discuss international law, we do not discuss an abstract, empty concept but a real and vital safeguard that protects and preserves a peaceful world. International law affords the same status and protections to countries big and small. As a result, it is of crucial importance to small nations like our own and Denmark also. It is also our sole protection, alongside the principles of the UN Charter, from a world where small nations are disregarded, where force is the only common language and where might makes right.
In response to recent tariff announcements from the United States, I welcome our Government's commitment to and close co-ordination with our EU partners. The solidarity shown by EU ambassadors at their recent meeting, at which Denmark and Greenland received the full backing of those in attendance, is testament to the fact that Europe will not yield to bullying and intimidation. In recent history, our open, dynamic economy has been fuelled by stable trading relationships with reliable partners in Europe and overseas, to an enormous degree of success. Tariffs play no role in this success. The threatened tariffs against six EU partners would undermine transatlantic relations and are completely incompatible with the EU and US trade agreement. The only way forward to resolve issues of concern to the US is through dialogue and engagement. It has to be said that Denmark and Greenland have confirmed on multiple occasions that they are open to proactive, constructive dialogue on all issues.
I am encouraged to see Ireland as an active and constructive partner to these discussions. I know our Government will do everything it can to protect international law and the UN Charter in the coming weeks. I welcome the leadership shown by An Tánaiste and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who are consistently doing everything in their power to facilitate a space where common sense can prevail. Europe and the United States have deep and historic ties, which no single person can derail. During an unprecedented period of tension in this relationship, I am glad that Ireland has chosen to meet heated rhetoric with cool composure.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21