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

Yes, it is important to focus on what the Bill covers. Our intention was always to be clear on the sums involved and to be able to have this discussion. The Bill will allow for a potential Irish contribution of up to €76.9 million in respect of EU member state guarantees for the 2022 macrofinancial assistance programme for Ukraine and for a contribution of up to €63.65 million regarding interest rate subsidies for the 2023 macrofinancial assistance programme. The MFA for 2023 is designed such that the EU budget will be called on first to cover those subsidies, but in the event it falls short, some or all of that €63.65 million could be sought from us. Of course, we cannot predict what that may be, but that is the exposure.

Separately, the Bill will provide for the possibility, if required, to make once-off payments of up to €35 million in respect of the work of the European Investment Bank, up to €10 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and up to €10 million for the Council of Europe Development Bank. Ireland has committed to supporting the accession of Ukraine as a member state and we are, obviously, very against, and always have been, Russian aggression against both Ukraine and the EU generally. We hope to see Ukraine very much on a path to membership and be able to look at everything in that context over time. As for a direct answer to the Deputy's very fair question, that is the exposure for which the Bill will provide.