Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire and we need to keep the sanctions regime under review. We remain fully committed in Europe and in Ireland to keeping in place the sanctions that are already in place. We have had an unprecedented number of rounds of sanctions and Ireland wants to continue to work with European counterparts to make sure any loopholes or agility that exists in respect of those sanctions are closed. We remain open and willing to constructively engage on any further sanctions, should they be required.

To be blunt, the US proposals for a temporary ceasefire are welcome. Anything that brings about a cessation of violence, stops the killing and gets people around the table to talk about peace is a good thing. I share the Deputy's view that so far, we have seen little in terms of intent from Putin in that regard while Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively, despite the ongoing military assault on towns, cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure. I know we share this view but the other point is how peace is made and what peace looks like also matters, should we get to that point of substantive talks.

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