Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also express my condolences and those of the Government and this House to the Mason family. I spoke to Rory's father yesterday, an incredibly dignified individual who is clearly very proud of his son's courage and principles and is also trying to deal with an extraordinary family tragedy. He asked for some space and privacy for the family. We should all respect that while at the same time expressing our sympathies to Rory's brother, sister, parents and those around them.

Since Russia commenced its unjustified and unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, I have consistently expressed Ireland's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Ireland has pushed for the Security Council to hold Russia accountable, to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately and to call out Russia’s cynical attempts to use the council and other UN bodies to spread disinformation. When I addressed the Security Council on 22 September, I made clear that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a grave violation of international law and an attempt to change internationally recognised borders by the use of force.

On 30 September, Ireland voted in favour of a resolution at the UN Security Council condemning the Russian Federation’s organisation of sham referendums in regions within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. We categorically reject the so-called results of those illegal and illegitimate referendums and announcements purporting to annex Ukrainian territory. They have no legal effect anywhere in the world. Immediately following the Russian announcement of the referendums, EU foreign ministers agreed to prepare a new sanctions package. Member states were asked to put forward proposals and Ireland joined with Poland and the Baltic states in proposing a range of new sanctions. This latest package comes into effect today and comprises sectoral measures and new listings. It also extends the scope of the Donetsk and Luhansk sanctions regime to include the other occupied territories. It also includes a framework for the G7 oil price cap so that the EU can implement it once it is finalised.

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