Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister elaborate on the work he is doing, in tandem with the Tánaiste, to develop those trading links? It is very important, in light of current events, that we continue to make the strong point that Ireland stands with Ukraine and that its sovereignty must be maintained. Ukraine is a key ally, not just of Ireland but of our partners in the EU. Should events unfold negatively in the coming days, the EU must not be slow to consider sanctions and other options. That said, it is essential to stress that Ireland continues to support negotiation and every move towards a diplomatic resolution to tensions in that region, although some would argue there are no tensions there.

The embassy in Kyiv and all of the other consulates and embassies the Minister has listed are vitally important and it is essential they are augmented in the coming years and that Ireland continues to grow this network. It is vitally important in so many areas.

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