Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, the future is secure in my hands. I thank the two ambassadors for coming before us and for their previous contributions. We can see from the report that a significant amount of due diligence was done by the group that travelled. It was a very useful piece of work and this is a follow-up on it. In regard to where the conversation started, it started during the pandemic with regard to the Conference on the Future of Europe and, obviously, we have had not only a humanitarian disaster but it has been an absolute game-changer. The one good thing to come out of a terrible situation is the fact that the world, including Europe, seems a lot closer and we all see the necessity of being able to co-operate with each other from the point of view of getting to a better place. We have to co-operate on the basis of the humanitarian nightmare that these two countries are dealing with. Like other speakers, I commend them on the work they have done and for what is, in real terms, the heavy lifting.

On some level, there is no need for a huge number of questions because the ambassadors have stated what their countries need. In fairness, Dr. tefan said the focus needs to be on Moldova and that there is a need for resources. A number people have stated explicitly that the money that is being offered up, particularly here, does not cut the mustard in any way, shape or form and is not good enough. Mrs. Miculet also went into some detail in regard to the forward planning that Moldova needs to consider.

We had a fair bit of conversation on the worries about what Russia will do, and I get that none of us can necessarily game-play that. I have no doubt there is a huge amount of preparation being made in that regard. One of the points I want to raise relates to an issue raised by Deputy Duffy. Given the worries the two ambassadors are talking about, there have been not only the false flag operations and whatever that might mean with regard to Transnistria, but there is also the attack on the bridge close to Palanca and it was said that that route is cut through. From where the two ambassadors see it, there is going to be an influx of refugees from Odessa which would be very difficult to deal with in regard to how they will travel and so on. What needs to be done? We are hoping we do not have to deal with the nightmare situation but this war has shown we are dealing with one nightmare after another and it makes absolute sense that preparations are made.

As regards the asks, we need to do our best. The two ambassadors have been very straightforward in regard to the meetings that are required and specifically in regard to the money. It would be absolutely wrong if we and the State did not follow up on that. It would be an abject failure from Ireland and the rest of the European Union if we did not do all of those pieces that are necessary.

I get where Senator Doherty is going in regard to the fact there needs to be a ramping up of sanctions to ensure we put the maximum pressure on Vladimir Putin’s regime at this point in time.