The Daily Star Ireland
The Cabinet is holding its first meeting since the General Election. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will seek approval for Ireland to intervene in two ongoing cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The first case involves South Africa’s action against Israel, which was initiated following military operations in Gaza after the attack on October 7, 2023. This case addresses breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza. By filing a declaration of intervention, Ireland would not be taking sides but promoting a consistent interpretation of the Genocide Convention, emphasizing the protection of civilian life and demonstrating Ireland’s commitment to the rule of law and international justice.
The second case concerns The Gambia versus Myanmar, focusing on operations by Myanmar’s armed forces against the ethnic minority Rohingya people. Ireland plans to intervene under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Additionally, Mr. Martin will seek approval for Ireland to accept an invitation to participate as a guest country in South Africa’s G20 Presidency from December 2024 to November 2025. This marks the first time Ireland has been invited to join the group representing the world’s 20 largest economies.
Speaking before the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Martin stated that by intervening in the case brought by South Africa, Ireland aims to broaden the interpretation of genocide within the Genocide Convention. He highlighted the complexity of legal issues regarding intent but emphasized the significant impact of the Israeli attacks on Gaza, with 40,000 people killed and millions displaced.
Taoiseach Simon Harris noted that a Cabinet decision today would enable the Government to formally submit to the ICJ. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue will also seek approval for a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the World Food Programme from 2025 to 2027, with €105 million in funding.
Regarding government formation, the Tánaiste mentioned that deputy leaders, including Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers and Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee, had a productive meeting to outline the structure of talks and departmental areas of policy. He expressed hope for significant progress before Christmas. When asked about forming a government before the incoming Trump presidency in the US, Mr. Martin acknowledged the urgency to form a government and expressed readiness for the election of a Taoiseach when the Dáil resumes in the New Year.
Mr. Martin is set to meet with the Social Democrats this afternoon. He commented on the situation involving Eoin Hayes, saying it was a matter for the Social Democrats but that today’s focus would be on policy and substance. Mr. Hayes was recently suspended from the Social Democrats’ parliamentary party after confirming he sold his shares in the software company Palantir for nearly €200,000, a month after being elected to Dublin City Council. He will take his seat as an independent when the Dáil resumes on December 18.
Simon Harris, when asked if he would be Taoiseach in the next government, reiterated that his stance would remain unchanged until an agreement is reached. He mentioned having productive meetings with all eight independent members of the regional group, as well as with Mr. Martin and Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik. He is also scheduled to meet with the Social Democrats. Mr. Harris noted that Independents appeared serious about wanting to be in government and saw a way forward if a substantial policy framework could be established.
Meanwhile, the Regional Independent TDs are set to gather in Dublin to discuss the outcomes of their initial contact with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
