Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I very much thank our witnesses for attending. We appreciate their time very much. I will touch on two specific issues because we are trying to figure out all that is happening at present and trying to look around corners when we see what is happening with inflation and the implications of the war. Every one of us is acutely aware of the sanctions the world is putting on Russia but since the representatives have expertise, have they got any insight they could give us on this? What is their view of the implications of the possible sanctions that Russia will put on us? I am talking about the disconnection of energy, fuel supplies and the general trade we have. We have talked about our inward trade; I am talking about the way we might rely on Russia. We have a very strong number of Russian connections in Ireland in the business world.

I have heard people say all types of things. At present, I feel very bad to be even talking in this way about the economy, economics, money and trade at a time when innocent women, children and men are being murdered and run out of their homes and places of living, but I am only doing my job. I have to ask questions when we have experts such as the ESRI representatives before us. Do not think I am being cold-hearted in asking questions about finances and ignoring the most important thing of all, which is the tragedy that is befalling these lovely people. It was so nice today to be able to meet and support the Ukrainian ambassador after she was kindly invited to the Dáil. There was a massive outpouring of support for her and her people. I will preface everything I am asking by saying that the most important thing of all are those beautiful children, the lovely people who have lost their lives so far, the displacement and the horror. No one can forget that but, as a public representative, I also have to be hard about it and ask the representatives about food security of supply to Ireland and fuel security of supply. We already hear of rationing of fuel. I know of agricultural contractors and, indeed, farmers, being told they will get half of what they are looking for.

I am asking about those two specific issues, the other being Ukraine, which obviously has to make decisions with regard to trade and everything because it has to try to protect itself. Again, what are the implications of that for our country?