Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I thank all the Deputies who have raised this important matter. As opposed to speaking down through the section, because we all know what is in the section, I will just deal with the matter that has been raised. I understand the concern colleagues have in relation to this. The setter of policy in this area is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I am happy to consult with the Tánaiste and his officials with regard to this. In relation to the implementation of a change here, I need to gain legal advice to see if the use of a statutory instrument would be sufficient to nullify a provision in this area. On foot of this matter being raised here in the committee, I will do so. I can understand why Deputies are raising it. I have checked to see if this is being claimed in the context of Russia. For the last year that I have information available to me, which is 2023, no claimants claimed this relief for use in Russia, which I imagine is a direct consequence of the implementation of the sanctions packages that all Deputies on this committee would be supportive of, 19 rounds of which Ireland has implemented up to this date. On foot of this matter being raised, I can assure the committee that it has not been used for the last year we have information for. In the previous year, 2022, less than ten claims were made with regard to Russia. Coming out of this committee I will consult with the Department of foreign affairs on this and if the Department of foreign affairs has the view that something like this was no longer appropriate, consider what would be the best way of giving legal effect to this. I will ask my officials to engage with the Department of foreign affairs as soon as possible and I will raise this matter with the Tánaiste. It is a reasonable point for Deputies to raise. We should not have any Irish business operating in a way that is not in line with the sanctions that have been implemented. It is reasonable to therefore ask if the scheme plays any unintended role with regard to that.