68. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific initiatives Ireland is supporting at EU and UN level to prevent further escalation of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. [38230/26]

Ireland remains deeply concerned about the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf. We remain in close contact with EU and regional partners in responding to this crisis. We have welcomed the ceasefire agreements between Iran and the US and between Israel and Lebanon, but we are very conscious that these conflicts could easily restart without political agreements to resolve the underlying issues. In the past week, we have seen the continued risk through the unacceptable drone strike on a nuclear power plant in the UAE. We urge all parties to preserve the ceasefires, to avoid escalation and to engage fruitfully with efforts towards peace. Ireland has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy and uses every diplomatic channel available to call for an end to violence.

I have discussed the ongoing war in the region at a series of emergency and regular meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, most recently on 11 May. The European Council also adopted Conclusions on the crisis on 19 March. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a key concern for the EU and Ireland, and member states are participating in discussions on ways in which maritime security and the freedom of navigation can be strengthened in the region. Actions to close the Strait should be lifted immediately to allow economic recovery and to ensure a positive atmosphere for successful negotiations to bring the war to an end.

At the UN, Ireland has consistently supported resolutions brought forward by Gulf states condemning the Iranian attacks on their territory. Most recently, Bahrain, supported by several Gulf States and the US, has put forward a draft Security Council Resolution affirming freedom of navigation to allowing ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Ireland, and most EU countries, have co-sponsored this draft resolution. Ireland co-sponsored the important UNSC Resolution 2817 put forward by the GCC in March. My Department is also engaged with other Government Departments in relation to similar proposed actions at other international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation.

We remain in close contact with EU and with regional partners in responding to this crisis. We hope that the negotiations can lead to a permanent end to violence and a lasting solution that addresses all of the issues of concern and contributes to greater regional security.