Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I greatly appreciate the contribution by the Taoiseach and look forward to the Minister of State's responses and his insight into the recent European Council meeting. The focus of the contribution in the pre-European Council debate was largely on the energy impacts of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine. That continues to have a tangible impact on our country, notwithstanding the desperate measures taken by the Russian regime this morning to sanction 52 Members of these Houses. Energy prices, accommodating so many welcome refugees in the State and the general global insecurity are impacting on us greatly.

Much has been done in respect of the desire to impose a windfall tax on energy companies. We all agree that doing this collectively at European Union level will have the most impact but it is becoming increasingly urgent because this windfall tax needs to be given back to ease the burden, the energy difficulties and the cost-of-living crisis in heating a home or keeping the lights on in a business. Those crises are being driven by a vicious and oppressive war in Ukraine by a terror state. I ask that it continue to be a top priority for Ireland when discussing energy at European Union level to get this windfall tax or measure introduced.

In respect of the war in Ukraine, it is clear that the European Union and Ireland, as part thereof, are on the right side of history and of this conflict. I welcome the decision taken by the European Union to commit 15,000 personnel to training missions for the Ukrainian military and the reports that Ireland has signed up to it. There are limitations on what we can do due to our opaque policy of military neutrality. My opinions on that are well known - and I will set them aside - but the notion of contributing small numbers of members of the Defence Forces to missions like teaching Ukrainians to clear land mines and IEDs is a righteous one that should have the support of all Members of the House. We need only look at our history or the history of conflicts around the world to see the impact these crude IEDs have had on so many lives, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The notion we can play a part in helping one Ukrainian child or civilian be safer is a good one. I hope members of our Defence Forces contribute and that it is not just a couple of individuals but all those capable of delivering the training and in a position to go. Clearing land mines and IEDs is something in which we have a particular skill set. We have the most modern equipment for it and have invested in this area of our Defence Forces' capabilities. I strongly support any Irish involvement in this new EU measure above and beyond what has been rumoured in the press. I ask the Minister of State to take away that the Irish people want the Government and Defence Forces to do as much as possible.

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