Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take the point that you have to have knowledge in an area before you can deal with the area. As stated previously, the funding is directed exclusively to non-lethal support in line with the programme for Government, and to supply medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel. Through the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat, casualty care, de-mining and mine clearance and drill instruction and training. The Defence Forces are planning other modules and identifying opportunities for support.

As regards the funding for the coming year, €30 million for this year was allocated in the budget for the support of Ukraine and to address food security and humanitarian needs.

The Deputy is right that we provide funding for casualty care, de-mining and mine clearance. Regardless of the level of knowledge people have before that, we are not funding people on how to lay mines, but in how to clear and neutralise mines when they locate them.