Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

From the response we have seen from the Government which has been outlined in the House today it is obvious that we, as a State, have done a significant amount so far to support Ukrainian war refugees coming to Ireland for safety while their country continues to suffer an unconscionable attack from Russia. We have reacted quickly in putting processes in place to welcome Ukrainians coming to Ireland and we have facilitated through practical means the compassion that the Irish people feel at this difficult time.

The Red Cross has received thousands of pledges from members of the public to accommodate Ukrainian refugees and, as Ukrainians get to know our communities, schools and workplaces in the coming period, more strong bonds between Ukrainian people and Irish people will be formed. For many years, our country has benefited from the presence of the existing Ukrainian community here. Of course, since February, Ukrainians have arrived here in dreadful circumstances and for reasons we fervently wish never had to be. Notwithstanding that, we are looking forward to getting to know the newest members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland.

We hope that their time in Ireland will allow them to create fond memories and strong friendships, despite the distress that this situation has brought about. It is important to acknowledge that the vast majority of Ukrainians do not wish to be here and want to be home and to return home. It will be our duty to give them the opportunities while they are here and when this war ends, to rebuild that beautiful country to make it fit again for the Ukrainian people.

This Friday, Ireland and Ukraine will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations. Ukraine declared its independence in August 1991 and in the following year Ireland and Ukraine formally established relations. Since then the ties have only grown between our two nations and in recent years Ukraine has pursued closer association with the European Union. The European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement, which we fully support and was not supported by all parties in this House, has allowed Ukraine to pursue closer association with the European Union and is very much what the Ukrainian people want, and what Putin does not want, which is a deepened co-operation between the European Union and Ukraine. We are very proud in this country to support the signing of the association agreement and to see the work that Ukraine has done since then, as envisaged in the agreement.

We all know that in 2014, Ukraine was invaded by Russia and indeed the Dáil condemned that at the time. I am glad to see that the condemnation this year is unanimous as it was not at that time. From 2014 Russia has illegally occupied the Crimean Peninsula. I hope that those who accepted that at the time have changed their minds by now. Russia has also stoked separatist agitation in Donbas. Again, both are inherent parts of Ukrainian territory. Ireland has always been unwavering in its stance that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld.

Since 24 February this year the country has been under large-scale attack in a dramatic escalation of aggression. Ireland has used its voice, including at the UN Security Council, to denounce Russia’s aggression and to call for an immediate ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Russian troops. In the midst of all of this, our 30-year anniversary of diplomatic relations offers an opportunity to reflect on the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Ukraine and on the insistence of both countries on their sovereign and independent statehood. This dark period has shown us that the Ukrainian people’s desire for freedom, democracy and independence will never be extinguished. The Ukrainian people’s European choice and EU perspective is clear and Ireland supports Ukraine fully in that aim.

I am delighted with the strong words that the Taoiseach has consistently given on that EU perspective. Ireland has stood with Ukraine for the 30 years of our diplomatic relations. We opened an embassy last summer and we stand firmly with Ukraine now more than ever.

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