36. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will push for EU wide statute blocking the US sanctions against members of the International Criminal Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50252/26]

The European Union's Blocking Statute (Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96) is an important tool available to the EU to protect European economic operators from the extra-territorial application of third country laws. The Blocking Statute prohibits EU economic operators from complying with extra-territorial legislation listed in an annex to the Statute, unless they are authorised to do so by the Commission. It also allows EU economic operators to recover damages arising from such legislation from the persons or entities causing them, and nullifies the effect in the EU of any foreign court rulings based on it.

Ireland deeply regrets the imposition of US sanctions against elected officials of the International Criminal Court and those who engage with the Court, including a UN Special Rapporteur. Such measures threaten to corrode the international legal order on which all states – but particularly small states like Ireland – depend. Ireland calls for all coercive measures to be withdrawn and for the Court to be allowed to continue its important work, independently and impartially.

The Government believes that a coordinated EU response is the most effective way to protect the ICC and its officials. Ireland has called on the Commission to commence preparatory work on amending the Blocking Statute so that it can be quickly activated at the most appropriate time, having regard in particular to when its activation will have the greatest impact in defending the Court and ensuring continuity of its activities.

In addition, it's essential to support the ICC in building resilience and encouraging service providers to continue to engage with the Court. Ireland has been actively engaging with fellow EU Member States, the European Commission and service providers to this end.

Ireland will continue to work with the Court, relevant stakeholders and our international partners in support of the ICC and its vital mandate to end impunity.