Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy Harris, I thank the House for facilitating the motion today. I will try to respond to some of the Members' queries before I sum up.

Consistency was mentioned by a number of Deputies. This directive will ensure that there is consistency across all EU sanctions through the shared definition of criminal offences so it is not limited to the sanctions on Russia. It is important to make that point.

It is unfortunate that Deputy Michael Collins chose to use his speaking time to make a point about international protection applications and people coming into the country without documentation. As Deputies Kenny and Ó Ríordáin have rightly pointed out, many are fleeing conflict and are fleeing very difficult situations. It should be noted that we treat everybody fairly in this country and we try to do so. It is unfortunate that he used his time to raise that point here today.

On some of the specific points raised by Deputy Boyd Barrett, I have addressed the consistency issue. Ireland does not unilaterally impose sanctions. That is true of all sanctions, not just those related to Russia. We do implement sanctions, including UN sanctions collectively with other EU member states.

Deputy Berry raised the €1.8 billion in frozen Russian funds. That fund is frozen but not yet confiscated. Discussions are ongoing at EU level on what is a legally complicated matter in relation to the possible confiscation and use of the funds, for example for the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war has ended. The Commission's freeze-and-seize task force co-ordinates effective cross-EU implementation of the sanctions adopted against Russian and Belarusian individuals and entities. Again, there is a cross-departmental international sanction committee chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs so work is ongoing on that.

Deputy Mattie McGrath asked if sanctions are an effective tool. Yes, they are. This is a war of attrition, in which Russia is trying to grind Ukraine, partner countries and the EU down. That is why we need a consistent partnership approach. Above all, we need unity. That is what we are doing with this approach.

Similarly, Deputy Pringle mentioned the time in relation to the debate and the negotiations and peace talks. Under current circumstances, Putin does not want peace and certainly not on the terms that have been put forward to date. It is critical that we continue to exercise this pressure. Separately, Deputy Kenny spoke about the funds. It is about consistency of approach. I note Deputy Ó Ríordáin's point about Deputy Howlin's Bill of November 2021.

I wish Deputy Catherine Murphy all the best as she stands down as co-leader of the Social Democrats. I mentioned the cross-departmental international sanctions committee, which is chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and co-ordinates the domestic implementation of sanctions in Ireland.

As I mentioned in my opening remarks, with Russian aggression against Ukraine ongoing, the EU wants to ensure that restrictive measures are fully implemented and the violation of those measures does not pay off. I have outlined the new measures included in the directive that we have come here today to discuss. I also gave an overview of the measures included in the tenth package of EU sanctions, which was agreed on 24 February. Since the start of the war, Ireland has been consistent in advocating for a maximalist approach to sanctions. First and foremost, sanctions deprive Russia of the funds and technology that it needs to continue fighting. The impact of sanctions on the Russian economy has been significant. Russia’s GDP fell in 2022 alone, in some reports by up to 4%. It will likely continue to shrink this year. The EU’s export restrictions have already created a technological lag, which has reduced productivity in many sectors of the Russian economy, including its military sector. This economic decline also minimises Russia’s ability to wage war. EU sanctions aim to incentivise behavioural changes. The sanctions adopted to date deliver a clear message to President Putin and all those who support and finance this unjust war that their actions have consequences.

In terms of using frozen Russian assets to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine, Ireland has expressed openness to exploring proposals. However, it is important to be clear that this is legally very complicated. Current conversations are focused on using immobilised public funds, meaning money deposited by the Russian Central Bank in EU countries. We are not aware of any such deposits in Ireland. A new ad hocworking group has been created in Brussels to discuss this further.

In view of the gravity of the situation we are currently witnessing, it is vitally important that all necessary measures are taken to ensure that those who attempt to violate sanctions are dealt with robustly and consistently across the EU. This directive is an important part of those EU-wide efforts. Ireland opting into this proposal will ensure that we are at the table with our European partners and can be involved in the detailed discussions. I commend the motion to the House.

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