Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

I very much welcome the opportunity to speak on this today. It is almost four years since the invasion occurred. It is important that we acknowledge in the House the role Ireland has played over the four years. In particular, I commend the Irish citizens and communities who have worked so hard on integrating people from Ukraine and supporting them, right across my constituency and right across Ireland.

What is happening is utterly barbaric and the loss of life is really difficult to comprehend. I spoke to a Ukrainian family the other day and they outlined the horrific situation that is still happening on a weekly basis. Aontú will continue to condemn the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. As we enter its fourth year, it is really important that we in Ireland and the international community uses every possible lever. We have a very strong and proud tradition of peace and neutrality. I urge the Government to use this competence that we have to initiate dialogue. Every action and communication from the international community should be to de-escalate this situation. I urge the Government to play an active role in that. The priority must be to prevent further loss of innocent life and destruction of infrastructure by actively championing negotiations consistent with Ukrainian sovereignty but the UN Charter as well.

Our stance on Ukraine is intrinsically linked to our policy of neutrality and our commitment to peace. This is currently being challenged by the Government as it proposes to dismantle the triple lock. I urge the Government to remember where the triple lock came from. This was a key commitment in an EU referenda.

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