87. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Ireland is taking in relation to the 1,100 political prisoners in Belarusian jails; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22531/26]

Belarus continues to live under the shadow of repression. The Government remains extremely concerned at the ongoing erosion of human rights and democracy in Belarus, and Belarus' ongoing support for and complicity in Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.

The Lukashenka regime’s repression of human rights; its restrictions on political participation; and access to independent media is intended to stifle opposition voices and shore up its own authority.

Former political prisoners, including Siarhei Tsikhanouski and Ales Bialiatski, have given harrowing accounts of prolonged isolation, psychological pressure, and other inhumane treatment suffered in Belarusian prisons. I share their grave concerns about the treatment of the more than 1,100 political prisoners. Shockingly, since May 2021, at least eight political prisoners have died in the regime’s captivity.

I welcome efforts by the United States to achieve the release of political prisoners of the regime in Belarus, which most recently secured the release of 250 political prisoners earlier this month. While the regime has released political prisoners in recent months, it has exiled many of them, separating them from their families and their homeland. It has also placed many more people in prison for their political views.

Ireland continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the OSCE and at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine.

Most recently at the Human Rights Council, Ireland reiterated our call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus and condemned the regime for its use of violence against prisoners and violations of due process and fair trial rights.

At the same time, we seek to assure the people of Belarus of our continued commitment to their well-being, human rights and legitimate aspiration to a prosperous future in a democratic Belarus.

In 2025 my Department provided funding to the Human Rights Centre, Viasna, founded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, and in 2026 to the International Humanitarian Fund for the Victims of Repressions in Belarus to offer support to current and former political prisoners.