309. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the chairing of the Nordic+ group of development agencies since Ireland assumed chairing in May 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25617/26]

The Nordic Plus is a group of eight traditionally likeminded States which provide Official Development Assistance (ODA). It brings together representatives of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, UK and Ireland. The group meets to foster political dialogue and coordination around key development issues. This provides a forum for informal, open dialogue with key development partners to enhance our joint international influence; gain insight into the development priorities and activities of other donors; and maintain strong links with key international partners at various levels. Such a broadly like-minded grouping is particularly valuable at a time of huge change and competing visions for international development.

Ireland took over the chairing of this informal group for the year from 1 May 2025, and has hosted three meetings at senior official level: in June 2025, October 2025, and March 2026. Chairing of the group will be handed over to Sweden at the end of April this year.

The meetings have focused on sharing information around UN reform, the impact of changes in ODA, the pushback against gender and rights, climate negotiations, and ongoing humanitarian and development support to Ukraine and to Gaza, among other issues.