Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what most of the previous speakers stated. Who could not be affected by the plight of the Ukrainian people - those in Ukraine, those who have come to Ireland and those who are displaced across Europe now? Obviously conditions are very difficult for them upon arrival in Ireland but conditions are equally difficult throughout much of Europe, where weather conditions are far more inclement and more difficult to be homeless in.

It is important that Ireland maintains a position of neutrality. I have always maintained that position. What we can offer militarily is close to nothing, in my view. We can barely militarily defend our own territorial waters, much less join a force led by a French vice admiral in order to carry out works in Ukraine, no matter how well-intentioned. What we can achieve diplomatically, particularly if we maintain the neutral position that Ireland has traditionally held, is immensely greater in terms of alleviating the suffering of Ukrainian people and ensuring that those who are here and who want to return to Ukraine - I appreciate that not everybody will want to return at the end of this - will be in a position to return to a peaceful Ukraine that is rebuilding itself.

The whole issue of candidate status for membership of the European Union is a little bit of a red herring, particularly in view of the fact that one of the essential prerequisites for membership of the EU is agreed and defined borders. Of course, to a very large extent, what this matter is about is Ukraine's border with Russia. I completely accept that aggression and unilateral force is not the way to change internationally agreed boundaries but nevertheless, we are a long way from having agreed borders.

It is also very important that we clarify the status of the up to 30 members of the Defence Forces in the newly established EU military assistance mission under the command of a French vice admiral, the stated aim of which is to enhance the military capability of Ukraine's armed forces. We must also clarify whether Dáil Éireann approves the costs that will arise therefrom and the cost of participation in various EU funds that are funding military activity in Ukraine.

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