Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

On Ukraine, I condemn outright Russia's increasingly heavy and brutal bombardment of civilian infrastructure. We have seen more civilian casualties in Kharkiv and Kyiv in recent days. It is appalling to see that and I join with Deputy Malcolm Byrne in looking for an update on a timeline for possible accession. Ireland has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine's proposed accession to the EU.

I raised earlier the plight of the crew of the Madleen and asked the Taoiseach to take steps at EU level to address the concern that many of us feel at reports that Israel is to be in attendance on 23 June at an EU southern neighbourhood ministerial meeting. I understand that there is considerable disquiet in many member states, including Ireland, at the prospect that the Israeli foreign minister might even participate in this meeting, the purpose of which we are told is to deepen EU co-operation with Israel and other southern partners, including Palestine, Egypt and Jordan. I would like an update on that. I know the Taoiseach did not have time to address that point when I raised it earlier with him.

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