255. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland provides financial assistance or development aid to the government of Senegal or any of its agencies; if this will be reviewed in the light of that country’s increased penalties (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36684/26]

256. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has considered writing review clauses into development co-operation agreements with recipient Governments which would be triggered in the event of backsliding on democracy, the rule of law or human rights (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36685/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.

The Government's international development cooperation programme has a strong focus on Africa, with bilateral programmes guided by the priorities set out in the international development policy, A Better World. Programmes prioritise reaching the furthest behind by reducing humanitarian need, advancing gender equality, strengthening governance and addressing the climate crisis. Funding is channelled primarily through local and international NGOs, multilateral organisations and other international partners.

Our Embassy in Senegal is Ireland's most recently established Embassy in Africa, opening in 2023. Over the three years, 2023 to 2025, we provided over €7.9 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for development cooperation projects in Senegal. These focus on food security, climate change, women and youth empowerment, and support to civil society.

The funding is channelled through local and international NGOs and international partners, and is based on funding agreements with the relevant partner organisation, concluded after a detailed, case-by-case assessment. These agreements are subject to the detailed grant-awarding and management processes operated by Irish Aid.

The Government is very concerned by the recently adopted legislation in Senegal imposing a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment for same-sex relations and criminalising actions deemed to finance or promote LGBTIQ+ activities. Our Embassy in Dakar has raised these concerns directly with the Government of Senegal.

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, visited Senegal in March 2026 as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme. He raised the Government's concerns on this issue directly with the Senegalese Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation and with the Minister of Youth and Sports. He also discussed the situation with the UN Resident Coordinator in Senegal.

The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is both a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland. We recognise that LGBTIQ+ persons continue to face systemic discrimination in many countries and suffer disproportionate levels of violence and we are active in advocating for their rights. Ireland has made defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons one of our top priorities in our campaign for election to the UN Human Rights Council.

Through our mission network and our international development programme, the Government supports civil society organisations and human rights defenders working to defend LGBTIQ+ rights. We will continue to prioritise the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and to support partners working directly to promote human rights and accountability.