Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair, all the committee officials and colleagues on the committee. Pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)(a) and 181(1), I welcome the opportunity to address the committee on the Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023, which was published on Monday, 18 September and passed Second Stage on 5 October 2023. The Bill is important in the context of how Ireland is seen to respond to the current Ukraine crisis and, indeed, future crises where Ireland may play a role in a multinational response. I reiterate the importance of the swift passage of the Bill to ensure that Ireland can fulfil its commitments at EU level regarding financial supports for Ukraine for 2022 and 2023. It is vital that Ireland participate fully in this initiative, which demonstrates clearly the solidarity of the EU with the people of Ukraine. Ireland recognises the scale of challenge faced by Ukraine in both the short term and long term. I look forward to good engagement on the Bill, recognising it was exempted from pre-legislative scrutiny for the reasons I have outlined.

As far as I am aware, neither the Opposition nor the Government has tabled amendments for this Stage. There was a good discussion and general agreement on the essence of the legislation on Second Stage. I can give an overview of the operation of the Bill or we can take it as the Chair wishes.