Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

We need to continue showing solidarity with Ukraine in the face of this unjust war. The systematic targeting by Russia of civilians, medical facilities, maternity hospitals, and schools, along with the mass abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, shows all the hallmarks of genocide. Ukraine is still facing an ongoing existential threat but is bravely fighting back against a much bigger aggressor. Almost four years on from the Russian invasion, we need to continue standing with Ukraine. In this context, like others, I welcome President Zelenskyy's impending visit next month. Hopefully, he will be able to make it over.

On 26 October, the European Council reaffirmed its continued unwavering support for Ukraine's independent sovereignty and territorial integrity. This needs to continue in a tangible way. We in Ireland must maintain our non-lethal military support. We must continue to assist Ukrainian refugees and offer protection and opportunities as a free nation. There are debates, of course, about the levels of support on an individual basis, some of which are valid and some are dog-whistling. However, we must always remember that we have Ukrainian guests with much to offer us, especially at a time when we cannot fill many types of jobs. We must build on the work that has been done to further integrate Ukrainians into the Irish way of life. We must provide supports but also incentives for them to work and improve their language skills further. We should educate them about our culture and our society. The same applies to any group that is genuinely fleeing persecution and war. However, we have a special duty to support Ukraine in different ways as an EU member state given our military neutrality.

That said, we need to upgrade our own defences, for example by investing in cheaper drone technology and other weaponry to defend our sea border and monitor ongoing Russian incursions into our economic zone. We are not immune to Russian aggression, whether in the form of submarines or the so-called shadow fleet, cyberwarfare or troll farms. Until that regime changes, we have to do what we can to protect ourselves, support our fellow EU member states, support Ukraine and realise we are all in this together as Europeans.

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