Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. While three minutes does not give members time to do justice to the issues involved, I have a couple of questions. Does the Minister of State agree it is important, at this sensitive time in particular, that further arming of any side in Ukraine is not considered? Britain has announced it intends to send military personnel to the region in the form of approximately 75 troops in the coming weeks. The United States has announced it will send a battalion of soldiers to train Ukrainian battalions. Does the Minister of State agree such steps towards greater militarisation are not helpful and that one should seek a demilitarisation of the process? If one learns lessons from Ireland, that was one of the successes in that regard. Will the General Affairs Council discuss this matter? While all members condemn Russia's military involvement in support of the rebels, what precisely is Ireland's position? Will Ireland seek more sanctions or what unique message will Ireland be sending to people in that region in this regard?

I have been asked to inquire of the Minister of State whether the COSAC contribution will be reflected in the updated 2020 strategy. While I would like to think the remarks regarding Greece and migration were perhaps not very sensible throwaway comments, there is a lot of anger and frustration in Greece.