Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy did well there. My view is that we consistently apply the sanctions. Trade has not been banned in its entirety by the sanctions. One has to acknowledge the rights of companies in that framework. That said, many Irish companies have pulled out of Russia, adding to the pressures the sanctions are creating.

The EU is seeking to reduce its dependency on Russian gas and oil. The common procurement idea was flagged at the most recent EU Council meeting and would be somewhat similar to the procurement of vaccines. It would be optional for member states to be involved. The idea is that the Union as one group would command better pricing and have greater leverage in the pricing of fuel into the future.

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