Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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368. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking in relation to the recent military coup in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/21]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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369. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent military coup in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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380. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken in response to the military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7354/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 368, 369 and 380 together.

In response to events in Myanmar, I issued a statement, condemning the coup in the strongest possible terms. In the statement, I further condemned the detention of political figures and have called for their immediate release.

The coup is a reversal of progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that have taken years to establish, and does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar.

The actions taken by the military leadership increase dangers for vulnerable populations facing pre-existing challenges, including internal conflicts, protecting human rights, meeting humanitarian needs and responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Ireland set out its concerns in a discussion at the UN Security Council on the situation in Myanmar. It is welcome that the Council was able to adopt a common position after this meeting. Ireland is also party to a strong statement issued by the EU.

Ireland, the EU and other partners will work together to develop an appropriate response to this crisis. We are committed to ensuring that any course of action is appropriate, works to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and does not negatively impact developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

In recent days, there have been a number of demonstrations throughout Myanmar protesting last week's coup. It is important that the authorities respond appropriately to these events and that people in Myanmar are free to peacefully and safely express their views.

Our Embassy in Bangkok has also reached out to Irish citizens in Myanmar, offering support where needed and advising them on appropriate safety precautions.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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370. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 10 December 2020, the agreements with respect to visas that exist between the two countries; the matters covered by these agreements; the contents of the agreements; when they came into effect; the way in which the inapplicability to illegal settlements and territories occupied by Israel in 1967 is ensured in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7050/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the agreement on visas, this refers to a 1985 Exchange of Notes relating to the abolition of visas between Ireland and Israel. This is given effect through the exemption of Israeli passport holders from Irish Visa Requirements, as provided for under the Immigration Act 2004 (Visas) Order 2014.

Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, and will continue to do so. Such settlements are illegal under international law and actively undermine the viability of a negotiated two-State solution in line with the internationally agreed parameters.

UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December 2016, states that Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory have no legal validity and are a major obstacle to peace. The Resolution calls for an immediate end to settlement activities and also calls on all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. Ireland’s bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territories occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland continues to call on the Israeli Government to halt all settlement construction.