Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. Is there an intention to have any Irish involvement in monitoring events in Ukraine and, if so, will the Minister elaborate on that? In the run up to this crisis, to what extent was advice from eastern states in the EU sought? Clearly, they would have a greater understanding of the sensitivities of the area than the EU states in this part of Europe.

Can the Minister comment on the question of economic sanctions? It appears that the effective response, if there is to be one, would be in that area. However, there would be loss on both sides if that road was taken. Has thought been given to that?

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