Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of brief questions. The ambassador and her team are most welcome again. I thank her for updating us on that very important survey. It is great hear some very positive findings from it. As the Chair said, it would be great get a copy of the documentation just from an evidence based point of view.

My first question is on the number of displaced Ukrainians in Ireland at the moment. The number seems to have stabilised around 33,000. I know it is very difficult to forecast but does the embassador think it is likely that this number will continue to stabilise or does she see a continuing flow from both Ukraine and from the wider European Union into Ireland? Is 33,000 a number we can go firm on to some extent?

I am familiar with international reports that a number of days ago Lithuania, through a crowdfunding mechanism, raised US$5.4 million to buy a drone to assist the Ukrainian armed forces, and I am conscious of Mr. Yermak's appeal for defence and protective weapons to win the conflict in Ukraine. Could that same model work in Ireland? The ambassador is aware of my position in favour of giving projective and defensive weapons but I recognise the Irish Government does not want to do this at this time. A large number of people have contacted me directly saying they would like to make a contribution even if the State is unwilling to do so at the moment. Does the ambassador think a similar crowdfunding mechanism could be used in Ireland to provide similar technology to the Ukrainian armed forces? Is this something we should consider exploring?