Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We need to provide humanitarian aid. It is a humanitarian crisis, particularly when millions of people are leaving the country at the same time.

As the Taoiseach indicated, I will focus my concluding remarks on external relations and on our ongoing efforts to combat disinformation and to secure free and fair elections. Under external relations, in addition to the broad-ranging discussion on our relationship with China, in advance of the EU-China summit on 9 April leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Last week was the fifth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and Sebastopol, and this remains a cause for concern. The EU remains absolutely committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not recognise this violation of international law. From Ireland’s perspective, we fully share this position and believe that we must continue to call on Russia to observe the fundamental principles of international law and restore Ukraine’s internationally agreed borders. Unity at EU and international level must remain the cornerstone of our approach to Russia. Ireland fully supports the five principles agreed by EU Foreign Ministers in 2016 that guide our interaction with Russia. Of these, we attach particular importance to the idea of increased people-to-people contact. A strong and stable relationship between the EU and Russia is desirable as a long-term strategic goal. Unfortunately, however, we see little evidence currently that Russia is seeking to improve its relationship with Europe.

With regard to the recent tropical cyclone in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Ireland contributes to the EU humanitarian response mechanisms, which include an initial emergency aid package of €3.5 million, as well as €250,000 in initial humanitarian assistance. In addition, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, have confirmed that Ireland will contribute over €1 million to the affected countries, and this includes €400,000 to be released by the embassy of Ireland in Mozambique to the World Food Programme.

Ireland has been proactive in countering disinformation, including through the establishment of an interdepartmental group on security of the electoral process and disinformation, which has been working since December 2017. The current EU Presidency places a huge emphasis on this, particularly given the upcoming European elections. We are doing everything we can to work with it.

I want to reiterate the Tánaiste's earlier points in regard to the Golan Heights. We see this as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation and we have no plans to change that position. What we are trying to do is engage with our international counterparts to highlight the serious concerns we have and to continue to try to support those people. The Tánaiste is working with us and will engage further with Deputy Daly.

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