Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Merezhko for his detailed opening statement. I am very sorry for what his country and people are going through. He can be assured of the absolute support of the Independent parliamentary group, of which I am a member, in his country's struggle with Russia.

I will focus on diplomacy in my questions. Mr. Merezhko brought up a number of points. I take his point on the difference between negotiation and communication. My first question concerns prisoner exchanges. I congratulate Ukraine on getting so many of its prisoners back, in particular the Mariupol defenders. What is the line of communication between Russia and Ukraine? Is it between Kyiv and Moscow? Is it a local arrangement? Is it through an intermediary like the ICRC?

My second question is about the Black Sea grain deal. I again congratulate Ukraine on securing its part of the deal. What is the situation in Odesa? Are there silos with spare capacity? How many ships a day or a week are sailing through the Black Sea full of grain? Does Mr. Merezhko see an extension past 17 November for the grain deal?

We are grappling with the same situation in Dublin in respect of our Russian ambassador who was before the committee in this very room twice in the past 18 months. He completely misled the committee, as we expected him to do. What is Ukraine's position on Russian ambassadors, embassies and consulates around the world? Would it appreciate if Ireland expelled our Russian ambassador? Would it prefer that we reduce the staff numbers in the Russian embassy to allow at least some semblance of communication between Ireland and Moscow?

My next question relates to generators. I presume Mr. Merezhko is aware that Ireland is prepared to give non-lethal aid. Deputy Brady touched on the fact that there seems to be a need for fuel and generators, in particular diesel generators. Is that something Mr. Merezhko would welcome from Ireland?

He may not have an answer to my next question. Ireland has committed about €65 million to the European peace facility. I am not sure how much of that has been drawn down; I am hearing very little. Apparently the €65 million is ring-fenced for non-lethal assistance to Ukraine. Does Ukraine need non-lethal assistance? Are we providing money for a purpose that is not really needed by Ukraine?