Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh an ambassador. Sadly, it would appear that in 2022 we still have old men dreaming up new wars for younger men to die in. We have all watched with growing unease the increase in the military build-up along the border of Ukraine and Russia and what has been a very uneven and fraught relationship between the two states since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. We watched events in this region in 2013 and 2014 and we have seen action, reaction and sanctions. We have seen how those with the least ability to protect themselves, the ordinary citizens, suffered the direct consequences of others’ actions and decisions — neighbours’ decisions. The collective psyche of this country continues to be affected by its past, as evidenced in the statements before the current ones in the House. Our instinct, because we have never invaded and colonised another country, is to align ourselves with those regarded as the smaller dog in the fight, those considered oppressed. I believe this is one reason so many Ukrainians now call Ireland home. Ukraine, while rich in mineral resources in addition to natural gas and grain that it exports, has a quite poor economy. However, it is growing. Ukraine’s people are facing the genuine prospect of invasion and a resulting major conflict with the potential to expand beyond their borders and region. Contrast their position with the strength of neighbouring Russia.

I will return to an issue Deputy Mairéad Farrell referred to earlier, one she raised in September 2020 and that was reported in the Irish Examiner. Billions of euro have been funnelled to Russian firms from shell companies based in Ireland. Section 110 companies based in the IFSC raised funds for some of Russia’s most important, state-backed and oligarchically controlled companies previously subject to economic sanctions and accused of criminal activity. We need to know if this is still the case. It needs to be clarified. Are the firms still operating here? What is their tax status? To what extent do they avail of tax breaks here?

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