John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with much of the sentiment just expressed and nor would I like to see the situation exploited to that end. I know many of my colleagues would agree with that. It is important to make the point that not so long ago, in the aftermath of the annexation of Crimea, a number of Members of the European Parliament representing parties opposite, whom I will not name because I do not want to politicise the particular debate, criticised the European Union for being overly confrontational towards Russia. They now have to own that and to respond to it in the current context.

I am fairly clear in my own mind as to what Ireland needs to do. We are militarily neutral. As has been stated here, we are a small neutral country on the periphery of Europe. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed in regard to the Russian ambassador. He lied to an Oireachtas committee. He more than likely has lied to the Minister and the Government. He lied to the nation last week. All of that is in regard to this issue. I presume he lied, as did his officials, to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council when the Russian embassy sought to significantly expand its premises and facility on Orwell Road. That is a very valuable lesson for us, particularly in regard to espionage, our data centres and our cybersecurity.

While I accept the Tánaiste's comments earlier today with regard to the importance of maintaining diplomatic connections, relations and channels, particularly in the interests of protecting Irish citizens both in Ukraine and in Russia, he will understand that the impulse in regard to the call for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador and the initiative arose out of a sense of powerlessness and anger in the face of Russian actions. We can certainly expel the bulk of the Russian team at the embassy, particularly its spying team, listeners and that section of its diplomatic corps. I also think the Taoiseach needs to call in the ambassador soon and give him a dressing down, not least in regard to the lies he told the Government and the people of this country.

Enough on that. I will move now to what we can do as a militarily neutral country with a very proud record in regard to humanitarian support and relief of other countries. I hear a lot of words here today. I know they are incredibly well-meaning but on occasions like this I cannot help but be reminded of the scene in the "Life of Brian" when the committee gets together and there are proposers, seconders, alternative motions and further motions and the crisis has passed before they get out of the meeting room and no solid action has been taken. What does a militarily neutral country do? We got our lead today from Adi Roche that we need to send money and support. Clearly, we cannot send ships but we can send shiploads of relief supplies. The Government must not just support NGOs in doing this, it must lead on it. We cannot send soldiers but we can send volunteers to assist with refugees. Again, the Government must lead on this and not just depend solely on NGOs to lead on it. The Government needs to facilitate it. We cannot send tanks and trucks but we can send truckloads of supplies, comfort, food and humanitarian aid. The Government needs to lead and facilitate this. We cannot send warplanes but we can send aeroplanes to transport those refugees to safety and to our shores. The Government must lead and facilitate in this regard.

Let us accept our conscious decision in regard to military neutrality, but take control of what we can take control of. Let us use the power that we have, which is tremendous human power and good will, and put it to good effect.

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