41. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the war in Sudan and on the Government's position on same, in particular the need to ensure access to appropriate aid; her position on the continuing concerning flow of weapons into the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38383/26]

59. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland’s engagement with international partners in responding to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37159/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 59 together.

The conflict in Sudan has entered its fourth year and is continuing to have a devastating impact on the Sudanese people, particularly women and children. The escalating violence in the Kordofans and Blue Nile states is deeply worrying, and underlines the need to ensure Sudan remains firmly on the international agenda.

It is vital that we continue to address the urgent humanitarian crisis, ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and explore all avenues towards an urgent, credible and inclusive Sudanese-led political solution.

The critical issue of humanitarian access and the need to remove bureaucratic impediments to aid are at the heart of Ireland's diplomatic engagement on Sudan. We are engaging with the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and the Sudan International NGO Forum, and our Irish NGO partners working in Sudan, to support coordinated and unified messages for principled humanitarian access in Sudan.

On 18 February, Minister McEntee, together with 31 other Ministers, signed a Joint Ministerial Statement on the Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Operations in Sudan. The Minister also joined a UN Human Rights Council Core Group statement, on 26 February, condemning the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher and announcing the establishment of a coalition of likeminded states and regional institutions committed to working together to prevent further atrocities in Sudan.

I attended the third International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April. The EU and Member States, including Ireland, pledged over €812 million in humanitarian assistance. I announced that Ireland will significantly increase our humanitarian assistance this year. Our assistance is channeled through our trusted partners, including the UN, international organisations, Irish NGOs and their local partners. This funding is focused on reaching those in greatest need, including women and girls who are victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Last year, we provided over €14.3 million in humanitarian assistance, to support people in Sudan and those displaced by the crisis in neighbouring countries.

We also participated in the discussion on Sudan at April’s EU Foreign Affairs Council, which reaffirmed our core priorities on the third anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.

It is essential that harmful external engagement in the conflict ends. Specific allegations of violations of the UN embargo and EU sanctions are pursued through UN and EU channels. All parties must comply fully with their obligations and refrain from any actions that could fuel further violence. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring this devastating crisis is not side-lined or forgotten. We will continue to focus on Sudan when we assume the Presidency of the EU on 1 July.