Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact a motion will be brought forward condemning Russia's actions. I believe we should do it as soon as possible. We will work with the Taoiseach on that. It is absolutely necessary that everybody in the House supports this and shows their colours on this.

I have a deep concern in relation to the issue of Russian money coming into this country and being cleaned. My colleague, Deputy Howlin, brought forward the Proceeds of Crime (Gross Human Rights Abuses) Bill, known as the Magnitsky Bill, in 2020. We should bring this through the House, because the legislation of 2018 referred to by the Taoiseach is, unfortunately, simply not covering it. Collectively, we must seriously consider it. Deputy Howlin brought this Bill forward and we are open to changes, but this is absolutely necessary now.

This country has to lead by example in terms of what is going on. This is a very dangerous period for the world and Europe and we have to lead by example. We have a big role in the UN Security Council. In fairness, the Taoiseach had a big meeting yesterday, but we also need to lead and show that we will not tolerate a country that behaves in this manner, namely, the Russian Federation, and we will deal with it in the manner in which can deal with it through the legislation I propose. Will the Taoiseach support this? Will he also outline when he will bring forward the motion to condemn Russia's actions of recent weeks?

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