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

It is important to reiterate that Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal and unjustified war of aggression. The response by the Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. Member states have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, EPF, to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment.

In line with the programme for Government, Ireland constructively abstains in all lethal equipment elements of the support packages. Our full share of funding - approximately €122 million to date - is therefore directed exclusively towards non-lethal support. This is the basis on which Ireland's involvement in the EPF was decided by the Government, and agreed with and understood by our European Union partners. In addition, Ireland's contribution towards the common costs of the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine, EUMAM Ukraine, totals €4.16 million to date. Further contributions by Ireland are likely this calendar year.

Through their participation in EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have provided: two modules of training to the Ukrainian armed forces in de-mining and clearance, which were conducted in Cyprus; three modules of tactical combat casualty care and combat lifesaver, which were conducted in Germany; and two modules of drill instructor training in Germany. The Defence Forces have a draft programme of training to be provided up to March of this year, which is subject to regular updating.

The Department of Defence has previously provided approximately 10 tonnes - or 5,000 units - of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour, which were shipped from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine. I have also approved the donation by the Defence Forces of two DOK-ING mine clearance systems, mine flails, to the Ukrainian armed forces. Mining is a huge issue now in Ukraine and it is currently foreseen that this donation, as well as training on their use and maintenance, will take place in the near future.

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