Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús báire, ba mhaith liom a rá go gcáineann Sinn Féin gníomhaíochtaí na Rúise agus iad ag sárú teorann agus ceannas na hÚcráine. Seasann muid le muintir na hÚcráine ag an am iontach deacair seo, agus is cinnte go seasann an Dáil leo fosta.

I begin by expressing on behalf of Sinn Féin our complete opposition to the actions of the Russian Government in its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and internationally recognised borders. I am sure all of us in this Dáil are united in our condemnation of the latest actions of Russia overnight in initiating a military invasion of Ukraine. I extend our solidarity to the Ukrainian people at this time. This morning, we all witnessed distressing scenes of families fleeing their homes and early reports of casualties. A humanitarian response needs to follow. What work is under way at this early stage by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and by the Government in its capacity as a member of the UN Security Council, to co-ordinate a humanitarian response to affected people and areas?

Significant and severe economic sanctions must follow this latest action and such breaches of international law cannot pass without response. Sanctions need to be targeted not only at the Russian Government but also at the assets of those connected to Putin's state apparatus, many of whom live or hold significant assets in European capitals. We expect the Irish Government will do what it can in this regard. Will the Tánaiste give an update on the tranche of sanctions that are under consideration and those that would be supported by the Government?

Of course, we also have our own responsibilities in this regard. Russia and Putin's inner circle possess large amounts of offshore wealth. The International Financial Services Centre, IFSC, is a major source of finance to the Russian economy, with €118 billion having been funnelled from the centre to Russia between 2005 and 2017, second in Europe only to Luxembourg. Often, this has been through section 110 structures, an issue that has been raised repeatedly by my colleague, Deputy Mairéad Farrell. For example, VB, a Russian state investment company whose supervisory board has been controlled by members of Putin's government, raised €9.3 billion between 2010 and 2013 through a section 110 vehicle here. Will the Government end the use of these section 110 companies, many of which have charitable status, that are being used to channel funds that could be connected with Russia's state apparatus and Putin's inner circle? The Taoiseach is in Brussels, so the Tánaiste might give assurances as to whether this is one of the issues that will be under consideration and discussion later today.

It is inevitable that recent developments will result in further spikes in the cost of energy, and the price of crude oil and gas has already spiked in recent days. Of course, this comes at the worst of times, when people are already under severe financial pressure due to the rising cost of living. I again implore the Tánaiste, therefore, to bring forward further targeted measures to support workers and families, who will bear the brunt of these costs.

To return to the events that are, unfortunately, unfolding in eastern Europe, given our status, position and military neutrality, and our seat on the UN Security Council, Ireland is uniquely placed in Europe and at the UN to make a case for the intensification of efforts to find a peaceful way forward. Will the Tánaiste outline on this very difficult day the next steps in the State's diplomatic response to this crisis?

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