Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I acknowledge the announcement last month of that €36 million. It is very welcome. Perhaps the Minister of State will give the House an estimate on the overall contribution the State has made on that fund since its inception in 2022.

One of the most reprehensible acts that has been done in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia and to Belarus. It is worth saying that many children have been deported to Belarus as well, and this is not spoken about enough or known widely. Does the Minister of State have any estimate on how many children have actually been returned from Russia and Belarus to Ukraine at this stage and how many families have been reunited? It is one of the most heinous and cruel acts that has been committed during this conflict. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would provide an update.

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