Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.

The conflict in Sudan continues to have a catastrophic impact on civilians. With over 12 million displaced from their homes, and 25 million facing acute hunger, it is now the world’s worst humanitarian and protection crisis.

Eighteen months into this conflict, Ireland continues to support the people of Sudan. To date in 2024, we have provided over €14 million in bilateral humanitarian aid for the Sudanese people, within the country and as refugees in neighbouring countries.

In the European Union, Ireland was to the fore in the establishment of a sanctions regime to target individuals and entities fuelling the conflict and those targeting civilians.

At the United Nations, we have supported the establishment of accountability mechanisms, including the extension of the mandate of the Human Rights Council’s International Fact Finding Mission to Sudan.

In July, the Tánaiste visited the Horn of Africa and reiterated Ireland’s commitment to continue to advocate for enhanced international action on Sudan. Sudan was a prominent focus subsequently for the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach at the UN General Assembly in New York, including in the Tánaiste’s address to the Security Council on 25 September.

While the UN Security Council receives a public briefing every 120 days on the “UN’s efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability”, the Council Presidency will, on this and many other items on the Council agenda, often schedule “closed consultations” on the same topic. Closed consultations, which are only open to Council members, allow the UN Secretariat to brief on confidential matters, and for Council members to have informal exchanges. Ireland, as a long-standing member of the Accountability Transparency and Coherence (ACT) group of member states at the UN, argues for Council meetings to be held in public forum to the greatest extent possible.

Ireland also took a lead in proposing that the situation in Sudan be addressed by the European Council. Last week, on the basis of extensive proposals from Ireland, the Council adopted strong conclusions on Sudan. We have also ensured that EU member states will continue to discuss options for support for civilian protection.

The Tánaiste hosted UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, in Dublin on 3 October for wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and international issues. The situation in Sudan was discussed, with a commitment to continue to work together to ensure it does not become a ‘forgotten crisis’. The Tánaiste subsequently participated in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with Foreign Secretary Lammy in Brussels on 14 October where Sudan, and challenges in the wider Horn of Africa, were discussed. The Tánaiste noted the importance of close cooperation between the EU and UK on global challenges.

We will continue to avail of all opportunities to influence the international community in support of unhindered humanitarian access, civilian protection, a ceasefire, and a return to Sudan’s democratic transition.