Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What is happening in Ukraine remains an outrage not just to Europe but the entire world. It should be said very clearly that any attempts by the Russian Federation to indicate its so-called peace talks will result in anything meaningful must be backed up with troop withdrawals, and according to the Americans they have not taken place. In Ireland, however, we must continue to support the Ukrainian people in Ukraine, Poland and in other countries on the borders, as well as here in Ireland as best we can. I repeat what the Tánaiste said a number of weeks ago about refugees arriving here.

We must do our best with all that is available to us. I commend the Red Cross on the extraordinary work it has done and the exceptional generosity of the Irish people who, the last I checked, have donated over €20 million to charitable causes in an effort to support the Ukrainians arriving into Ireland. That, backed up with 22,000 offers of accommodation, is an extraordinary sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Sanctions of course are not the only way in which we can influence this war and its outcome. We must also ensure that our opportunity to speak directly to the Russian Federation is not lost in this. While I personally welcome the expulsion of four diplomats from the Russian embassy, perhaps unlike others I am cautious of shutting down the opportunity to engage in multilateralism. It is an extraordinarily important component even in the face of atrocities and war crimes.

We must ensure that the children of Ukraine who are on our shores are supported in every way possible. That includes various Departments fast-tracking the qualifications recognition of teachers, support staff and linguists to ensure the children are supported in the classroom. The humanitarian aid this country has supported through its grant of €20 million to various schemes on the ground is ensuring that the food shortages that are being seen in Ukraine are being addressed. As has been mentioned by many colleagues, the Government must ensure that the human trafficking opportunity which I regret to say is present in this crisis is supported here to ensure that it does not occur.

We in Ireland need to be seen to support the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to the European project as quickly as possible. However, we must ensure it is not just words. We must back it up with prompt actions to ensure they can join the European family.

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