I am glad to have the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Government to statements on the consular aspect of this crisis. It has been a deeply frightening and uncertain time for citizens who are resident in the region and those visiting or transiting through the region. It is clear all Deputies share my deep concern for the safety and well-being of our citizens. The work of the consular crisis centre in responding to citizens and supporting embassy personnel across the region has been vital. This crisis response will continue at scale for as long as it is required. The expansion of the embassy and consular network over the lifetime of the Global Ireland strategy means we have a strengthened presence across the globe. This enables us to promote and defend Irish interests and values. It also supports broader provision of consular assistance. I thank all Deputies for their sincere and heartfelt contributions to what is, once again, an extremely difficult debate taking place against a backdrop of ongoing violence following military action by the United States and Israel against Iran and Iran's military action in response. It is clear from contributions that we are all extremely alarmed at the rapid escalation of the conflict in recent days. It is heartbreaking to see a region, parts of which have suffered so much in recent years, plunged once again into such violence. One of the most shocking and horrific scenes thus far was the attack on a school and the loss of innocent young lives. Given the stakes involved, it is profoundly wrong and extremely regrettable that more time was not allowed for dialogue and diplomacy. Even now, the international community is right in calling for an immediate de-escalation. We were under no illusions about the nature of the Iranian regime. We have repeatedly condemned its malign role in the region, the brutal repression of its citizens and its supply of weapons to Russia's illegal war in the Ukraine. We have been clear Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons but the unsanctioned response is equally wrong. I was always brought up to believe two wrongs never make a right. Our position is that the best way to address concerns is through dialogue and diplomacy, however slow or frustrating progress may be. We have instead been faced with actions from multiple parties that have further undermined essential principles of the UN Charter and international law. Ireland's position on the use of force where there is no UN mandate or authorisation is well established and known. For fear that anyone is in any doubt, let me be clear: it is wrong and it is illegal. Ireland's position is equally clear that all states must abide by international law and the principles of the UN Charter, regardless of who the states involved are. International law and international humanitarian law cannot be set aside, regardless of how abhorrent the Iranian regime has been. Let the Government's position be very clear on this. As in any conflict, all parties must abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Attacks on civilians or civilian infrastructure, wherever they are, are violations of international law. The UN system, however imperfect, is an essential security asset for small states, including Ireland. If the UN fails, it is because member states do not empower it to act. As conflict has now broken out, we are faced with a situation that has rapidly escalated within a period of just a few days, bringing greater risk and suffering to the wider region. In particular, the attacks by Iran on countries in the Gulf are a matter of serious concern. We have seen Iranian attacks on airports, residential buildings and energy infrastructure in other Gulf countries. Attacking civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and inexcusable, especially as these states are non-belligerent. They are very clear violations of international law. Let us remember that the Gulf states have advocated for dialogue with Iran and have sought to prevent war. The attacks by Iran are a complete betrayal, an inexcusable effort to drag them into a conflict in which they are not involved. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has spoken to a number of her colleagues in the region to express her sympathies and support. As mentioned, many of these countries are home to large Irish communities, with more than 20,000 Irish citizens living in the Gulf region. The outbreak of violence has therefore presented Ireland with an extremely complex consular situation. I echo what the Minister stated earlier, in that the number one priority of the Department of foreign affairs right now is supporting our citizens in the region and their families. Our officials, including those in the region, are providing all appropriate consular assistance to all citizens who need it, including in regards to travel. A very large number of Irish citizens in the region are already registered on our the citizens' registration platform. I urge those who have yet to do so to register as soon as possible. As this is a fast-moving and unpredictable situation, it is important that citizens register to ensure that they are able to get the latest information available. It is very welcome that one flight was able to leave Dubai yesterday with Irish citizens on board. The news that a first chartered flight for Irish citizens will also depart in the coming days, providing security and operational considerations permit, is also welcome. This first charter will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in the UAE, particularly those who are non-resident, are vulnerable and require assistance most urgently. For those citizens in the region who are concerned that they have not been contacted by officials regarding a flight, or who have not received an update from the airline, I assure them that the Department will continue to offer consular assistance through the consular crisis team and our missions in the region. We will update citizens as soon as we have further guidance. I also stress that it is expected that further commercial options, although limited, will become available in the coming days, targeted at non-residents and those who are in transit. The resumption of commercial routes, however limited, remains the best possible way of ensuring as many of our citizens who need and wish to leave can leave the region. This twin-track approach of planning for assisted departures while remaining in close contact with airlines will continue. We also continue to be in close contact with all other EU partners, with a particular focus on identifying opportunities to collaborate and support our citizens. I ask people to bear with us as the Department seeks to manage what is a really complex operation. I pay tribute to all of our officials, particularly those in the embassies across the region, who are working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances to provide consular assistance to those who need it. We should remember that they are working in a security situation that remains very unstable. Aside from the situation in the Gulf states and its consular impact, I echo what was said earlier in terms of our serious concern over how this conflict is now spreading. It is particularly unfortunate that Hezbollah has now joined Iran in the conflict. The firing of rockets by Hezbollah is a serious escalation of the conflict and further destabilises an already unstable situation. The security situation in southern Lebanon was already extremely fragile in the face of ongoing Israeli military actions and the following rocket fire from Hezbollah. Lebanon has now been the victim of an Israeli air strike and ground operations. Let me be clear: these Israeli attacks disregard UN Security Council Resolution 1701, are a breach of Lebanon's sovereignty and run counter to Israel's own long-term security interests. Ireland has also been consistently clear that Hezbollah must cease all military activity and demonstrate it is prepared to disarm and cede control of weapons to the Lebanese Government as required under the resolution and the Taif Accords. In addition, I restate our grave concern regarding the impact of the current situation on an extremely perilous humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has once again interrupted the delivery of food and essential supplies, worsening the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must immediately remove all restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services in reaching people along the Gaza Strip. We all call on Israel to lift all measures that restrict the daily lives of Palestinians in the West Bank, including the entry of vital supplies. The focus of the international community now must be to call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and for those with any influence to use it constructively. The risk of the situation in the region escalating further is real and must be avoided. The continuation of this conflict will only exacerbate the existing challenges in the region, deepen division and put more people at risk. Our goal must be to quickly end this conflict and de-escalate regional tensions. This position is consistent with Ireland's long track record of support for international law and the UN. The UN Charter and international law must be upheld by all countries. We hope for a better future for Iran and Iranian people and will work with all partners to support that. Ultimately, the future of Iran must be determined independently by the people of Iran in a way that creates stability in the region.

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