Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak today. I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, and her colleagues here this evening. I offer my full support to the Ukrainian people at this extremely difficult and worrying time.

Unfortunately, the situation in Ukraine had deteriorated rapidly over the last days. The action of Russia and its President Putin is causing great concern, not only to the citizens in Ukraine but to all of us in the EU.

I have spoken with many Ukrainian nationals who reside in my constituency. It is clear from speaking with them that they are greatly worried for their home country and their many friends and families there. Surely, if history has taught us anything it is that war is not the lasting solution. I acknowledge the efforts of our Government as part of the wider EU effort to find a diplomatic solution, but it is clear to see that Putin has his mind made up on the course of action he intends to take. This, unfortunately, looks like military action, a course that nobody wants.

It is important now that the EU and its counterparts continue to try to reach a diplomatic solution. I agree with and support the calls by the Taoiseach yesterday, when he called on Russia to de-escalate and withdraw his military forces from the Ukrainian border. As the Taoiseach stated, the action of Russia is clearly a violation of international law and a breach of Ukraine's sovereignty. The bottom line is that those actions breach fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which clearly states that all member states must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or the political independence of any state. What Russia is currently engaged in clearly breaches this UN charter.

I am pleased that Ireland stands in solidarity with Ukraine. As I said earlier, I have spoken with a number of Ukrainian nationals who reside in my constituency in the town of Dundalk. While they are extremely worried about the current situation, it is also clear that they are willing to defend their rights. Will the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, clarify what actions are being taken to protect Irish nationals who are currently in Ukraine? We certainly do not want a situation where they are caught on the hop if the circumstances deteriorate any further and they are left stranded. Will the Minister of State give an update on this? Will he outline exactly what actions the Irish Government intends to take so that Irish nationals in Ukraine are safe? What are the measures in place to ensure their rapid evacuation if needed?

In its response yesterday the EU quickly imposed sanctions on Russia, which I support fully. The only question I would raise is around the so-called "Russian funds" being channelled through Ireland. This was referred to last night on RTÉ, and it was suggested that the vast majority of this money, which apparently is channelled through the financial systems in Ireland, comes from dubious sources. If this is the case, the Irish Government must take swift and decisive action in this regard. We cannot have a situation whereby Russian money is laundered through Ireland's financial system. It would leave Ireland in a position where on the one hand we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and with our EU neighbours, and on the other hand our financial system is being used to launder Russian money. I ask the Minister of State to also look into that. I call on the Government to make a statement in relation to this, and to confirm the actions it intends to take to stop this.

I offer my full support to the Ukrainian people at this extremely difficult and worrying time. I encourage all sides to pursue the diplomatic process that will result in a long-term peaceful solution. We on this island, no more than most, know that war and violence does not lead to a lasting solution, only heartache and bitterness.

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