Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I fully support this motion and unequivocally support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Implicit in that is the absolute right of Ukraine to determine its own future and alliances, including membership of the EU. I am pleased to see that the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly, with just nine against, to approve EU membership for Ukraine. The right to self-determination includes Ukraine's right to join NATO if that is the choice of the democratically elected Ukrainian Government. The first paragraph of this motion references our right as the Irish nation to determine our relationships with other nations. It is the same for Ukraine and, indeed, the Baltics - the tiny Estonia and the slightly larger Latvia and Lithuania - if they wish to remain members of NATO and not bow to Putin's threats. Those countries have declared their independence and have democratically elected governments. That is the beginning, middle and end of it. If we proclaim our right not to join NATO, then they have an equal right to join or not to join it.

The attack on Ukraine was premeditated and well planned, as Putin amassed his troops on the borders of Ukraine for many months, the details of which are clearly outlined in the European Parliament motion on Ukraine of 15 December. The invasion of Ukraine is another step in years of Russian action dating back to 1991 and, latterly, to 2014 and Euromaidan – support for promoting Brexit, interference in US elections, the proliferation of disinformation and cyberattacks linked to Russia, including that on our own HSE. All of this was done in an effort to destabilise, sow doubt and dissent between countries, weaken our democratic states and undermine our institutions, especially those that promote civil and human rights. While we strongly pledge our support to Ukraine, it is important to remember that this is not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern meant to establish a new world order. It is a frightening prospect for all of us but a terrifying one for those in Kyiv and other cities.

As I drove from Sligo to Boyle this morning, a distance of just over 40 km, I could not help but think of the 40 km convoy of troops, tanks and missiles bearing down on Kyiv and the shocking despair of those waiting in bunkers and underground and those defending their city. I am afraid that we may spend many more days, weeks and even months watching our large and small screens as this unfolds in front of us and asking ourselves what we can do as individuals and collectively as a government. Many of the actions taken by Ireland as part of the EU contribute to a strong response – closing off money trails to Russian banks, freezing many of the assets of the Russian Central Bank, enforcing no-fly zones, etc. – but I have a question. I am not sure that all the loopholes have been closed. We know that money finds a way to move. Oil and gas find a way to move and they have to be paid for. I am genuinely asking whether we have done all that we can. Where the IFSC and the upwards of €118 billion in dark money moving through Dublin and on to Moscow and elsewhere are concerned, have we done everything that we can? I am not sure that our hands are clean, and if we are unsure, then now is the time to wash them.

We are not sending military hardware to Ukraine because we are neutral. I support that position. We might revisit it but that is for another day. We have contributed €10 million and will contribute a further €9.5 million. Many Irish citizens are contributing. Perhaps the Government might consider the State matching those contributions, whatever they are.

My final point is on our role in the UN. It is an area where, as a neutral state, we can make our best impact. I understand that Russia has a veto and has used it. We must not forget that, when Ireland applied to join the UN in the late 1940s, Russia vetoed our application, so it has form. As a small peacekeeping country, though, Ireland can play a niche role on the world stage. Right now, the UN is our theatre. I wish the Government well in its work in the UN.

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