Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I have stated in this House previously, as has my party leader, Deputy Martin, that Fianna Fáil fully supports the Government's position in condemning the illegal actions by Russia. We believe the decision by the European Council to extend the list of persons subject to sanctions was a reasonable reaction. It is welcome that at least, the European Union is working together on this issue. Moreover, the propaganda that has been put out by the Russian authorities and the Russian Government on a constant basis must be counteracted. The message again must be put across clearly that the referendum that was held was completely illegitimate. Are there further proposals by the European Union to have further meetings or discussions at Council of Ministers or Heads of Government and State level or with other international blocs such as with the United States, NATO or with whatever international organisation with which it believes it should be engaged on the concerns about the Russian build-up, as well as the concerns about possible action being taken in eastern Ukraine?

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