Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach has said, last weekend, Ireland marked the 50th anniversary of our membership of the European Communities. The treaty of accession was signed by the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, and the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Patrick Hillery. The decision to join the European Economic Community, EEC, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Irish people in a referendum in which 83% of the population voted "Yes". It is a decision we have never regretted since, as demonstrated by opinion polls showing consistent support for the EU. In short, membership of the EU has transformed every aspect of Irish life for the better, socially, culturally, economically and politically. It has allowed us to truly take our place among the nations of the world.

I also wish to raise the issue of the proposed Russian naval exercises to be held 240 km off the south-west coast of Ireland next month.

As we know, these exercises are due to take place within Ireland's exclusive economic zone, EEZ, although not in our territorial waters. The Russian ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Yuriy Filatov, has stated that these exercises are "not a threat to Ireland", that "no harm is intended" and that this is a "non-story", which "has been hugely overblown". I do not agree with the ambassador's comments. We cannot be oblivious to the global context of this proposed action. I refer to the threat from Russia to invade Ukraine. Everyone knows there are heightened tensions in Europe now. Unfortunately, such naval exercises are routinely undertaken by Russia and other military powers. This exercise, however, is intimidating and threatening. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, was right to say this planned activity is "not welcome" and to brief his EU foreign ministerial colleagues on the issue.

The former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, was right when he stated this move by Russia is "provocative in its timing and nature". It is intimidating. Why not carry this out activity somewhere else instead of on the western seaboard of the EU? There is also the potential for disruption to marine life and fishing grounds on the Porcupine Seabight, to whales and dolphins especially. There is also the question of possible damage to underwater communications cables. We can probably not do much about this planned activity but it increases our determination to stand in solidarity with our European neighbours in Ukraine and to support the implementation of major sanctions on Russia should it decide to invade that country.

Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the threat of a Russian invasion of the country is escalating. Some 125,000 Russian troops are being massed on Ukrainian borders. We are told that Russia feels threatened by the spread of European liberal democratic values, but those of us who subscribe to these values make no apology for doing so. Ireland and the EU have clearly supported Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU is united in solidarity with Ukraine, and it will support a comprehensive and severe range of sanctions and restrictions on Russia should it decide to invade Ukraine. It has also brought forward a financial package to help Ukraine, and that is very welcome. Talks between the US and Russia are continuing, NATO members are considering the threat, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, is considering the matter, and discussions have taken place among EU foreign ministers. The Taoiseach was right yesterday when he said we need a de-escalation of tensions. Every effort should be made to bring about a negotiated settlement of this crisis and to avoid a military confrontation. This approach would be far preferable to military action by Russia and NATO-led countries in the region.

Meanwhile, as we have heard, talks between the UK and the EU regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol continue. Further meetings between the British Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič are scheduled for next week. We are told that the latest round of talks has been constructive. While no one is willing to impose a deadline for a conclusion of these talks, they must be given added momentum now due to the added proximity of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in May. We must also hope the current events involving the Conservative Party in Britain do not encroach on these negotiations. Again, this prospect highlights the need to bring these matters to finality as soon as possible.

I also take this opportunity to send my sympathy to our MEPs on the death of the President of the European Parliament in January, David Sassoli. His death brought about genuine sadness in the European Union and I extend my condolences to his family on his passing. The European Parliament has since elected a new President, Roberta Metsola from Malta. She is the youngest MEP to obtain this post and I wish her every success in her new role. I also welcome the support given at the European Council meeting in December to Lithuania, which has serious issues with China now. Again, it is important for the EU to show solidarity if any member state is threatened in this way. I note what the Taoiseach had to say regarding the eastern partnership summit and the poignancy of an empty chair representing the absence of Belarusian participation at that meeting. I again use this occasion to raise the plight of political prisoners in Belarus and to call for their release immediately. It is unacceptable that innocent people involved in politics there have been imprisoned. We must not forget their plight.

The council also dealt with the ongoing pandemic issue. Associated with that is the need for vaccine equity. The EU is the largest donor and exporter of Covid-19 vaccines in the world. In the short term, that is the way to proceed regarding Covid-19 vaccine equity. I refer to the COVAX mechanism. I welcome that Ireland is wholeheartedly participating in that mechanism. The Conference on the Future of Europe continues, and I have no doubt the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Thomas Byrne, will keep us updated on those events.

The final issue raised in the debate here was the so-called strategic compass. I have a question tabled for answer by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, tomorrow on this issue and Ireland’s approach to it. My question also asks whether Ireland’s approach will involve our tradition of peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy through the UN. It is important our unique tradition as a member state in the European Union is brought to that process, and I have no doubt the House will continue to give this issue of the strategic compass further consideration in advance of the summit meeting in March.

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