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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Intense fighting is continuing in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Bakhmut. Russia is continuing its regular missile attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure across the country. Ireland remains unwavering in its support of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to defend itself against Russia's brutal full-scale invasion. Ireland is supportive of the ten-point peace formula announced by President Zelenskyy last November. In March, the European Council reiterated the European Union's support for the plan noting that the European Union will continue to work with Ukraine on it.

To date, Ireland has welcomed more than 80,000 Ukrainians under the temporary protection directive. This figure equates to some 1.5% of our population. Ireland has provided over €174 million in bilateral support for Ukraine. This has included €52.5 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance through the European Peace Facility.

Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine. European Union member states have imposed ten major packages of unprecedented measures since the invasion of Ukraine last year. Ireland is supportive of further packages of sanctions focused on degrading Russia's capacity to continue its aggression against Ukraine. We are also focused on ensuring that all measures adopted to date are fully and effectively implemented.

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