Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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With the agreement of the House, I will share time with the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne. A Chathaoirligh Gníomhach agus a Theachtaí, I thank you for the opportunity to have this important debate in Dáil Éireann today as we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We are at a critical moment in terms of the trajectory of Russia’s war in Ukraine. How Europe and the international community respond will have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine, European security, international law and the future of a multilateral rules-based order.

This week three years ago, Russia launched an unprovoked and unjustified all-out aerial, sea and land invasion of its peaceful neighbour. Since then, indescribable suffering has been inflicted upon the people of Ukraine. Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, with thousands more, including children, forcibly removed, tortured or arbitrarily imprisoned by Russian forces. Despite recent Russian rhetoric ostensibly seeking peace, the facts speak for themselves. Russian forces continue their offensive along the front line seeking additional territorial gains, while Russia’s relentless aerial bombardment on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure continues unabated. It is talking peace but practising war.

On Sunday evening, on the eve of the third anniversary, Russia launched its largest overnight drone attack against Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. Russia's aerial bombardments are indiscriminate and do not distinguish between military targets and civilian infrastructure. Their sole objective is to impose terror, inflict suffering and break the spirit of the Ukrainian people. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

The European Union has been steadfast in its solidarity with Ukraine since the first day of this terrible war. This solidarity was reaffirmed in the clearest manner this week. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, were in Kyiv on Monday, joined by a large number of European Commissioners, including our former colleague Michael McGrath, and the leaders of many countries. The Taoiseach joined by video link a summit of world leaders convened by President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

In his remarks, the Taoiseach was clear in stating that in this dark moment, Europe needs to step up. We must say more, do more and spend more to ensure that Ukraine gets the supports it needs now to defend its territory and enter negotiations from a position of strength. If we do not do this, we will surely pay a much higher price down the line.

The EU’s continuing commitment to Ukraine was also a key issue at the Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended in Brussels on Monday. This was an important moment for the EU to reiterate our commitment to stay the course in support of Ukraine. At this meeting, I reaffirmed Ireland’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine. Ireland and our European partners have been clear. There can be "nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine". Equally, there should be "nothing about Europe, without Europe". I also discussed with my EU colleagues how Europe can step up its support for Ukraine at this critical time. Work will continue ahead of a special European Council that has been called on 6 March to further discuss the European response.

The House will be aware that recent developments in Washington and the resumption of political contacts between the United States and Russia have indicated shifting US policies and priorities. I believe in the importance of maintaining a strong EU-US relationship. We welcome the commitment of the United States to support the achievement of peace for Ukraine. We all want to see an end to this conflict and peace in Ukraine but how we make peace matters. We must aspire to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Ukraine must be central to any process and it must determine the timing and terms of any agreement. These principles guide Ireland and the EU’s approach on this key issue of fundamental importance for us all. We will engage with our American friends to make these points and reiterate that a bad deal for Ukraine is a bad deal for all of us.

The House will be aware of the important debates at the United Nations on Monday. The Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, was present in New York to restate Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The UN General Assembly voted in significant numbers in favour of a resolution setting out these fundamental principles. It calls for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, one based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Ireland, along with an overwhelming majority of EU member states, was proud to co-sponsor and vote in favour of this Ukrainian-led resolution. The House will be aware that the General Assembly also adopted by the same margin a resolution put forward by the United States but one that included crucial amendments supported by Ireland and our European partners.

Ireland has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine since day one of Russia’s war. Since February 2022, Ireland has committed over €380 million in political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military support to Ukraine. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Russia’s full-scale invasion triggered the largest displacement crisis in Europe in decades, with millions displaced and in need of continued, life-saving support. Access to the most basic needs, including water, shelter and protection services, continues to be extremely challenging for many.

During my visit to Kyiv in September, I witnessed the brutal consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion first-hand. While there I stood side by side with President Zelenskyy and signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and co-operation between Ireland and Ukraine.

Ireland has also responded by welcoming Ukrainians displaced by the invasion to our country. Since February 2022, over 110,000 Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland have sought sanctuary in Ireland. Many of them remain and many have integrated well into Irish society and are contributing to our culture and local economies. I have no doubt that, in time, they will play a crucial role in rebuilding their country, when it is once again safe to do so.

It is clear that what Ukraine needs most right now is military support as it exercises its legitimate right to self-defence. Through the Department of Defence, we have provided direct military support in-kind. This includes ten tonnes of meals, 200 units of body armour, two mine flails, 30 Defence Forces vehicles, satellite communications systems, Reacher Robots and Giraffe radars, as well as €2 million to the information and communications technology, ICT, coalition we have joined with our European partners. Defence Forces personnel have also provided training support to 762 members of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Ireland has to date committed approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. At EU level, the release of the majority of this funding under the European Peace Facility is currently blocked. Our priority must be ensuring that Ukraine gets this support quickly so it can defend its territory and enter negotiations from a position of strength. I will bring proposals to Government which will enable us to provide €50 million in non-lethal military support to Ukraine as quickly and efficiently as possible. Discussions are ongoing at EU level on a further package of military support for Ukraine and Ireland is engaging actively in these discussions, in keeping with the Government’s established policy.

We need also to recall the challenge the current situation poses for European security and defence. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all EU member states have examined and re-examined their foreign, security and defence policies. This is also the case for Ireland. Our commitment to a values-based foreign policy, multilateralism and a policy of military neutrality does not insulate us from the impacts of a rapidly changing and volatile international security environment that has become the new reality across Europe. We recognise the very real sense of threat felt by many of our fellow member states. This was clear from my meetings at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month. We must respond to that. It is our duty and obligation to take our own security and our responsibility towards our like-minded partners, more seriously than ever.

Russia’s actions have undermined the foundations of the international rules-based system on which the United Nations is based. The principle that borders cannot be changed by force protects us all. Yet, a permanent member of the Security Council has cast that vital principle aside. This should concern us all. It must surely not be rewarded. During our term on the Security Council, Ireland delivered consistent, principled and powerful criticism of Russia’s war, in defence of the UN Charter and the people of Ukraine. We have supported all eight General Assembly resolutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including successful action to exclude Russia from the Human Rights Council.

At the Council of Europe, Ireland has been a founding member of the register of damage and is actively participating in negotiations to establish a claims commission for Ukraine. Nuclear safety and security must apply in all circumstances, including in armed conflict. Ireland condemns Russia’s continued illegal occupation of a nuclear power plant. Only two weeks ago, a highly explosive drone struck the protective confinement shell of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The consequences of a nuclear incident, whether by accident or design, are unfathomable.

Over the past three years, we have heard horrific reports of the gross and systematic violations of human rights by Russia. There have been strikes on civilian infrastructure, strikes on hospitals and cynical so-called double-tap strikes that are designed to hit life-saving first responders. Bucha, Kharkiv and Mariupol are place names have become etched in our collective consciousness. That is why we must work to hold those responsible to account, including those responsible for effectively abducting and kidnapping the children of Ukraine. One of Russia’s most brutal and egregious crimes is that large-scale forcible transfer of Ukrainian children from their homes. Imagine taking people's children from them and offering them up for forced adoption. This may well amount to a war crime.

Ireland will continue to engage with international partners to promote accountability for Ukraine and its people. The International Criminal Court has now issued arrest warrants for six senior Russian suspects, including Putin. Ireland is a member of the core group of states that has recently made important strides towards establishing a special tribunal on the crime of aggression. In response to Russia’s illegal aggression, the European Union has adopted unprecedented sanctions. We must continue to exert maximum pressure on Russia and limit its ability to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine.

A broad range of sectoral sanctions have been put in place, including measures targeting Russia’s military, technology, transport and energy sectors. I welcomed the adoption of the 16th package of measures by the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. Together, these measures are having an impact. They are making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and generate revenue to pay for its illegal war.

The decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine offers the prospect of a brighter future for the Ukrainian people. In many ways, it is part of the security guarantee. Ukraine belongs in the European Union. Ukraine is part of the European family.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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We believe that, ultimately, the greatest security guarantee we can offer now to Ukraine is membership of the European Union, remembering the European Union is the greatest peace project the world has ever known. We will continue to advocate at an EU level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path. We hope that agreement can quickly be found to open negotiations on the first cluster of chapters.

We have been really impressed by the reforms Ukraine has undertaken to date while in the middle of a war. We are committed to working with our Ukrainian partners in the years ahead as they progress along their European path, including in the context of our upcoming Presidency of the European Council next year.

As we look to Ukraine’s European future, Ireland is also engaged in discussions at EU level around short-term recovery efforts and preparations for a successful longer term reconstruction effort. Ireland joined EU, G7 and international partners in supporting the joint declaration of support for recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine last September. This declaration reaffirms our strong commitment to helping Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs and to supporting its long-term recovery and reconstruction.

Ireland is supporting life-saving and protective measures for women, children and those displaced by conflict by working to repurpose damaged buildings for social housing use and to provide housing repair solutions to vulnerable war-affected populations. In addition, I am pleased to tell the House that Ireland has established bilateral co-operation with Lithuania and the European Commission on the construction of school bomb shelters in Ukraine.

Russia’s war represents not only a challenge for Europe. It is a war that is having global impacts. It has compounded an already fragile global food security situation, with major implications for food and agricultural commodity prices. Russia continues to weaponise hunger by targeting Ukraine’s grain and port infrastructure, disrupting supplies.

Russia’s war has had a significant impact on global energy prices. I commend Ukraine’s initiatives to ensure global food supplies, despite attempts by the Russian Federation to weaponise food and undermine global food security. As a long-standing champion of global efforts to reduce hunger and starvation, Ireland is committed to ensuring access to nutritious food as we work to tackle ongoing instability and economic and environmental challenges.

As we mark this grim milestone, we also recall with admiration, on the third anniversary, that Ukrainians continue to demonstrate outstanding courage, resolve and determination. Today, Dáil Éireann should honour their heroic efforts to defend their country and the fundamental freedoms that we in Ireland, and people right across Europe, hold dear and the basic right of all people to live peacefully, within their own borders, without fear of being attacked.

While the current challenges may seem insurmountable, we must not falter in our resolve. We must stay true to our values, beliefs and support for Ukraine. We must stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We recognise that our continued support for Ukraine is a necessity, not a choice. That is why Ireland stands with Ukraine now and in the future. Slava Ukraini.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I am glad to have this opportunity to take part in this debate as we mark the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine - nobody else's. I join the Tánaiste in recognising the unrelenting suffering that has been inflicted on the people of Ukraine in recent years. Those people are ably represented in Ireland by the Ukrainian Ambassador, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, who is in the Gallery with members of her community.

As Russia continues to prosecute its war of choice, ordinary Ukrainian civilians continue to pay the highest cost. That their spirit remains unbroken is a testament to their remarkable resolve and resilience. I was really struck by that last week when I met Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, who is a good friend to many of us. Her resolve in the face of not only the war against Ukraine but all the other political challenges the country is facing was incredible.

I also support the Tánaiste's assessment that the current situation is a turning point in terms of the trajectory of Russia's war. It is clear that this is an existential issue for many of my European counterparts. This House needs to understand the way parliaments in Poland and Lithuania, across all parties, view this situation. At times, there is division or even nuance in this Parliament. While it is important to have difference of opinion, Opposition parties here should look at what opposition parties are saying in parliaments across Europe on this issue. This is a moment when Europe and parliaments in Europe need to stand together, in solidarity with Ukraine and in defence of those European values and the European Union.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Nation states in Europe have only really been allowed to exist in the last number of decades, primarily through the European Union. Our European colleagues see that as under severe threat now from Russia's aggression.

The European response to date has been significant and multifaceted, encompassing political, economic, military and humanitarian support, while imposing costs on Russia for its actions. The most dreadful support we have had to give is supporting bomb shelters for children. That is support we have given and it is necessary for the people of Ukraine.

We have given support through the EU civil protection mechanism. We have given humanitarian assistance, economic support and military support as well. The EU is holding Russia to account. Seventeen successive packages of restrictive measures have been passed, the most recent one just this week. Individuals and entities numbering 2,400 are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. Irish financial institutions have frozen €2 billion of funds belonging to those individuals and entities. A broad range of sectoral sanctions has been put in place. The objective of these sanctions is to impose costs on Russia and its enablers for its actions in Ukraine, while undermining its ability to fund its war and killing machine. Ireland has supported strong sanctions on Russia and will continue to do so. I encourage all parties in this House to encourage their MEPs to support the range of measures that is necessary to continue to hold Russia to account.

Ireland has benefited from the European Union's enlargement. Our 50 years of European Union membership have transformed our economy and society, amplified our global influence and protected us as a free, sovereign, independent nation. We believe all European countries deserve the same chance, provided of course they meet the necessary criteria for membership.

The people of Ukraine have proven time and again that they value the fundamental rights of freedom and democracy that the European Union has been able to guarantee for its citizens over many decades. The people of Ukraine have made clear their desire for a European future. They have shown that they are prepared to fight for this with their lives. We have a responsibility to respond to their legitimate aspirations and expectations for peace, freedom and security.

Ireland was among the first supporters of Ukraine's European path. We not only welcomed the decision in June 2022 to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine but we were one of the member states to put it forward. Since then, we have been impressed with the progress Ukraine has made in its reform efforts, while defending itself against the illegal and brutal invasion by Russia. December 2023 marked another milestone, with the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations, which we strongly supported. This was followed by the first Intergovernmental Conference in June 2024 and I hope to sit at further Intergovernmental Conferences during the Polish Presidency. This will send another signal of hope to the people of Ukraine that their future lies in the European Union.

We will support Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and a prosperous future. Its people want the good life. They want democracy and freedom. They want what we have in the European Union. They do not want what Russia has, which is autocracy, spending 10% of GDP on the military and putting mainly men of all ages into the war machine. This has to stop.

EU enlargement has become, as the Tánaiste said, a matter of security for the people of Ukraine. It is, however, a geostrategic imperative for us in Europe as well. Russia’s expansionist ambitions and efforts to rewrite history highlight the clear need for continuing ever-closer co-operation between the EU and our partners in the western Balkans and eastern partnership regions. Our future security depends on it. Our security and that of our European partners and the European Union, which is so important to us, are also directly threatened by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. We see this in the debates and discussions across all the member states. We see a rise in hybrid and cyber incidents, both those that have been publicly declared and many that have not been publicly revealed, particularly attacks on private companies. Lots of these things are happening. These pose serious threats to our democracies, societies and economies and, indeed, to our undersea cables.

The Government is committed to broadening and deepening our international security engagement, as well as our domestic efforts to ensure the security of our country, which is a mark of an independent sovereign nation. There are no plans to alter our policy of military neutrality but I have to say it galled me to go to the UN Security Council in October 2022 to renew Operation Althea, our peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, wondering until the last possible moment whether Russia would veto that particular resolution of the Security Council. We did not know until very late in the day. If Russia had vetoed it - and it did question it - with me, as Minister of State, supplicating myself at the UN Security Council, we were gone. No matter what this Dáil or the Irish people said or what we all say about how proud we are of our UN peacekeepers abroad, if Russia had used a veto that day or were to do so on any day that operation is to be renewed, our troops would have to go home. That is the law of the land. That is what we want to change. We want to assert our sovereignty in this Parliament and our policy of military neutrality and to continue our proud tradition of our soldiers, the peacekeepers who have gone all around the world and sacrificed so much, including some of their lives, for peace in other countries. It is incumbent on us to take our security and our responsibility to like-minded partners more seriously than ever. The Government is committed to doing this.

Three years ago, the Russians and many other people thought that Kyiv would be captured in three days. It was not. Russia underestimated the strength and resolve of the people Ambassador Gerasko represents. Russia underestimated the unity and determination of the free peoples of the European Union and our partners. We will stand with our European partners. We will support Ukraine. It is the right thing to do because our European future depends on it.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Anois, ag dul ar aghaidh go dtí Sinn Féin, glaoim ar an Teachta Mary Lou McDonald.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Cuirim fáilte ó chroí roimh Larysa Gerasko. The ambassador is very welcome. Today, we think first and foremost of the people of Ukraine. Three years ago, Russia launched a brutal criminal invasion of Ukraine. Putin's invasion continues to be an attack on Ukraine's right to self-determination, sovereignty and peace. It is also a violation of international law.

We have witnessed the largest land conflict and the greatest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. The human cost of Russia's military aggression has been paid, first and foremost, in a terrible loss of life. The United Nations estimates that 12,654 civilians have been killed, including 669 children. For three long years, the people of Ukraine have bravely resisted and withstood Putin's bombardment of their beloved country. They continued to show the world that they will never give in to Russia's terrible military aggression and Ireland has stood with them, standing on the side of international law towards the day that Ukraine's right to live as a free nation is restored.

The focus of the international community must now be on achieving peace and building a pathway to peace through genuine engagement, constructive dialogue and an inclusive talks process. That, of course, means that Ukraine must have a seat at the table. The very idea that you can build a successful peace while sidelining the invaded nation runs contrary to the most basic of common sense. Any successful peace process must see a restoration of respect for international law, the upholding of Ukraine's right to sovereignty, self-determination and freedom and the right of Ukraine to live as a free nation. Russia's military aggression cannot be rewarded. Peace must prevail.

European Union support for Ukraine has undoubtedly shown Europe at its best. It is a stance rooted in the value and principles of international solidarity, democracy, self-determination and human rights. This, sadly, has not been the case when it comes to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and the genocide against the Palestinian people. In international relations and law, just as in life, consistency matters.

Both these conflicts unfold at a time when the hawkish agenda at the European Union is escalating a drive towards even greater militarisation. This is coupled with a growing push from the European Commission to undermine the independent foreign policies of member states. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is constantly being cited as a reason the European Union must militarise, increase spending on weaponry and arms and force a singular defence policy. This is flawed and dangerous thinking. It leads the European Union down the cul-de-sac of militarism and inevitable war. We must work to ensure that the European Union remains, at its core, a partnership for peace. Militarisation and a loss of control of foreign policy is not a way forward. Rather, it sets Europe on a course that repeats the tragic mistakes of the past. Sadly, it is now clear that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have bought into this dangerous agenda and now seek to dismantle Ireland's neutrality.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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No, we do not.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I want to be very clear. Ireland has built a powerful voice for peace and justice in the world. We are seen as an honest, credible actor in international affairs-----

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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And you are not.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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-----because of our status of being military unaligned and our long-standing tradition of neutrality. Ireland's neutrality is our strength.

It is now about showing leadership on the world stage, finding solutions, de-escalating crises and contributing to peacekeeping. Ireland's principled refusal to embrace military might as a means of resolving the world's problems is respected. Neutrality is part of who we are as a people, a cherished and shared value of the nation and one which retains, as we know, overwhelming support. There is no public appetite to change the current position on neutrality.

It has allowed Ireland to stand as a champion of peace, equality, democracy and international law. Moves by the Government to undermine our neutrality, developed over a century of diplomacy, are incredibly short-sighted and would have long-lasting repercussions.

I am very alarmed by reports that the Tánaiste is ready to bring to Cabinet legislation aimed at discarding Ireland's triple-lock neutrality protection. Such a move would breach multiple commitments given to the Irish people, particularly during the EU referendums on the Nice and Lisbon treaties. It also constitutes a fundamental and very negative shift in Irish foreign policy. Sinn Féin will oppose all attempts by the Government to dismantle our neutrality. We will stand up and defend it every step of the way. Let me say this. If the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are so confident that dismantling our neutrality commands public support and if they are determined to proceed, I ask them to put that plan to the people by way of a referendum and let them decide.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no proposal like that.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Le trí bliana anuas tá muintir na hÚcráine tar éis an fód a sheasamh go cróga i gcoinne ionradh brúidiúil na Rúise ar a dtír. Tá gá arís le meas don dlí idirnáisiúnta agus do cheart na hÚcráine flaitheas, féinchinntiúchán agus saoire a bheith aici. Ní féidir ligean don Rúis tairbhe a shaothrú óna ionsaí bagrach míleatach. Caithfidh an tsíocháin a bheith i réim. The people of Ukraine have spent three long years resisting Russia's brutal invasion of their homeland. They have not given up on the dream of a future of peace, freedom and self-determination. Ireland will stand with Ukraine until that dream is realised. I hope and pray that a workable peace process is achievable in the near future and that we will not be back here to mark the fourth anniversary of the invasion, but that will require everyone with political influence and power stepping up to the mark and reaching for peace and justice. Ireland supports Ukraine in joining the EU, if that is the will of its people, and we will work to help secure a future of stability and prosperity. We must continue to choose to be a voice against war, militarisation, colonisation and the destructive mantra that might is right. We must continue to be a voice for peace, diplomacy, dialogue and international law. These, in the end, are the very values that guide our solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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I begin by acknowledging the presence in the House of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador, and all the representatives of the Ukrainian community in Ireland. I thank the ambassador for continuing to keep Members and the Irish public aware of the reality of life in Ukraine . On behalf of my Ukrainian constituents in Cork, I thank her for the representation she provides for them.

Three years ago, Vladimir Putin's Russia launched a brutal war of aggression on its neighbour Ukraine, and "brutal" is truly the word to use. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the largest land conflict and greatest displacement of people in 80 years. I reiterate that Russia's attack on and bombardment of the Ukrainian people is an attack on sovereignty, peace and the right of a nation to be sovereign, independent and free. It is a vicious and violent expression of the dead-end belief that might is right and that military power can dominate humanity. The result to date of this most brutal invasion has been the killing of more than 12,000 civilians, men and, women and girls and boys, and the injuring of over 30,000 people since 24 February 2022, as verified by the UN human rights monitoring mission. Some 84% of the casualties have occurred in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine and the other 16% in territory occupied by the Russian Federation. What is extremely concerning is the sheer scale of civilian harm we are seeing in Ukraine. Unfortunately, the situation in this regard is only getting worse. Casualties rose by 30% in 2024 in comparison with 2023 as hostilities intensified on the front line and the Russian Federation increased its use of aerial bombs, short-range drones, long-range missiles, loitering munitions and double-tap attacks. Landmines and explosive remnants of the war now contaminate 139,000 sq. km of land in Ukraine, posing serious risks to civilians both now and far into the future as the country is rebuilt.

Millions of Ukrainian people have been forced to leave their homeland. I acknowledge the people in Ireland who have done what they can to support the Ukrainian people who arrived here. In spite of this, ordinary civilians in Ukraine have persevered, shown immense courage and resilience, continued their everyday lives and kept their country going despite the severe challenges and brutality they have faced. They are faced with incredible challenges and attacks that greatly impact on their ability to provide education, healthcare, heating supplies and water distribution and just get on with day-to-day living. There is no doubt in my mind that Russia significantly underestimated Ukraine and the resolve of its people, which has been clearly demonstrated in the past three years.

Ukraine's energy infrastructure has come under severe attack. There have been 14 large-scale, co-ordinated attacks since last March alone, which has created a serious electricity deficit and increased the difficulties for ordinary people. I acknowledge the serious danger in relation to the nuclear facilities at Zaporizhzhia and Chornobyl. The Taoiseach cited some of the locations of the most offensive incidents and attacks on humanity, such as Bucha, Mariupol and elsewhere. There is no question but that what we saw in those locations was barbarism on the part of the Russian Federation. These are completely unacceptable and despicable attacks on the Ukrainian people.

The Irish people have been clear on whose side they stand. For 36 months, the courageous people of Ukraine have stood against the Russian onslaught and brutal invasion. I acknowledge and welcome further sanctions, financial and otherwise. It has long been our view that the Government could have gone further in relation to financial sanctions, but we welcome the most recent round. As we hope peace may be delivered, when and on what terms we do not know, on that day there will be a need to support the Ukrainian people in rebuilding their country. The Irish people have supported the Ukrainian people in the wake of this invasion. I reiterate Sinn Féin's solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

I reject entirely the commentary offered by the US President that characterised President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator. Those were objectionable comments, and he is certainly no such thing. It is the leadership of the Russian Federation that represents authoritarianism in this conflict.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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We are clear that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a blatant breach of international law. It is full-scale aggression that has been defined by the potential war crimes committed by the Russian military against innocent people. Sinn Féin calls for a co-ordinated and concerted effort by the international community to secure an end to the hostilities and build peace. We want to see a peaceful settlement for the people of Ukraine, but we wish for peace based on a just and sustainable settlement that respects Ukraine's rights. Ireland should use its voice to the greatest extent to achieve and support an end to the conflict in the Ukraine.

Ireland remains a militarily neutral country. As I said during an earlier debate with the Tánaiste, we do not agree with any changes to the triple-lock neutrality protection. In our view, peacekeeping happens under a UN flag or a UN mandate. Neutrality and having an independent foreign policy allow Ireland to be a consistent advocate for international humanitarian law and a champion for the UN framework. This does not mean, however, that we are politically neutral and it is our very clear view that this is a war of aggression and that the Russian Federation is the aggressor.

Today, we mark three years since the commencement of the brutal war in Ukraine. We would all have said this time last year that we would have hoped not to have marked another year of war. Sadly and tragically, many more people have been killed in the intervening period. Unfortunately, the people of Ukraine have been let down in that regard. Nonetheless, I hope this time next year there will be peace. I know the people of Ukraine hope for peace, but it must be on a just and sustainable basis and the Ukrainian people must be at the table in any negotiations. That is the only way we will be able to see a peaceful settlement for the people of Ukraine and for humanity. I hope this happens sooner rather than later. Any new negotiations regarding the future of Ukraine can only take place with Ukraine at the table. Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Ukraine.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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I will be sharing time with my colleague, Deputy Robert O'Donoghue.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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I acknowledge and thank Ambassador Gerasko and I welcome members of the Ukrainian community to the Gallery today. For three years we have seen horrors in continental Europe that we hoped we would never see again. In 1918, we hoped we would never see trench warfare again. In 1945, we hoped we would never see tanks roll across the sovereign borders of another European nation. We hoped that we would never see the ethnic cleansing happen again that we saw in the Balkans in the 1990s. Unfortunately, all three and more are happening in Ukraine after the brutal, illegal and unprovoked attack and invasion by Russia three years ago.

It was a black and white violation of the UN Charter and international law. As of 31 January, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that conflict-related violence had led to 12,605 civilian deaths and the injury of 29,178 civilians. The military death toll remains very high. The continued abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war at the hands of the Russians, including torture and sexual violence, remains unabated. It is a humanitarian catastrophe caused and made by Russia.

When Russia made its illegal advances three years ago, it expected to roll over Ukraine in a matter of weeks. Instead, what it met was the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. The Russians tried to lay waste to cities, targeted civilians, and destroyed infrastructure, in an attempt to try to break the will of the Ukrainian people. Even with the support of the US and other western powers, the odds were still stacked against Ukraine in the face of the Russian onslaught. However, Ukrainians have fought hard to defend their sovereign territory, although losing many men, women and children in doing so.

It is important in these times that are so fraught with uncertainty that we as a nation remember our values. Ireland is a militarily neutral country, but we are not nor never have been politically neutral in the face of illegal wars or war crimes - quite the opposite. Our position must always be informed by the principles that have driven our foreign policy since the foundation of the State. They are principles that we as a nation cherish deeply - support for international human rights and humanitarian law, just peace settlements and a rules-based international order.

The reality is that, due to the last three years, our principles will be tested in the years to come. The ground on which we now stand is shakier than it has ever been, and global alliances are not what they once were. The European Union can no longer trust the American Administration to be the friend and ally it has been since the Second World War. Ireland cannot accept a world order where the strong man pillages and plunders. Donald Trump and his cabal are acting in an utterly disgraceful manner. The direction of travel on the invasion of Ukraine seems clear: It seems Russia will be rewarded for its illegal war of aggression through keeping the lands it currently controls. Ukraine, perhaps in exchange for security guarantees - although that remains unclear, will have to sell its natural resources to the United States in a deal that seems more like war reparations than it does an economic trade agreement between peer nations. We can read between the lines on what we know about this deal. This is the United States pillaging and plundering Ukraine for its rare earth minerals and natural resources.

We even heard this morning that members of the Ukrainian Parliament do not know even the basic details of what deal is being proposed. This is an international heavyweight bullying smaller nations. There is no justice in that. It is Russia that should be forced to resource the rebuilding of Ukraine along, in the first instance, pre-2022 borders. It is the responsibility of the European Union to push back on any deal that cedes lands to the aggressor in this war. Let us make no mistake, Russian aggression will continue if it is allowed to continue to control any lands that it has illegally taken. If a peace settlement is foisted upon the Ukrainian people, Russia may stop for a few weeks or months, or even a couple of years, but it will not be deterred indefinitely. If we want a just peace - one that will endure, any settlement reached must be based on a sovereign Ukraine.

The coming weeks will be vital in determining the international landscape we will face in the years ahead. Ireland must be prepared to push back on global superpowers dividing up a sovereign European country. We have already seen how that story ends. These rapidly shifting tides must also act as a reminder for Europe that we must not let the might or financial resources of any country determine or shape our shared values.

To that end, it is clear Ireland must discover a new nimbleness in our own foreign policy and honestly reassess who our true allies are and who we can rely on. For many years we have punched above our weight diplomatically and we have been a voice for peace across the world. That must continue. We must redouble those efforts. We must also take the chance now to engage with European allies to forge stronger alliances with one another with an eye to further afield and strengthen alliances with other like-minded nations such as Canada. It will be through the strengthening of alliances that we can begin to separate ourselves from our reliance on an increasingly rogue United States, which has shown that, on any given day, it would leave us, as it could leave Ukraine, high and dry.

If, as it seems, the United States moves away from what has been a complex foreign policy - but one that has always at least claimed to be rooted in standing by its allies and promoting democracy - to a more transactional foreign policy in which it will deal with any nation on any issue to ruthlessly promote the Trump Administration's own vision of American interests, then we as an Irish nation must stand firm. We are firmly in a new age of international relations, a darker age. If the latest video from Donald Trump's own social media platform on Gaza is anything to go by, it is a grotesque, dystopian vision of an international order.

I welcome the news that Ireland will contribute more in financial aid to Ukraine. We must be more active in helping to find a peaceful settlement to this war that removes Russia from Ukrainian land. Importantly however, we must also be stronger and louder with our own values. We cannot allow ourselves to shirk our own responsibilities or values on the world stage. We must play a role in ensuring that we see a free and liberated Ukraine.

Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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Members should make no mistake; we are now living in a different world. The vote in the UN this week and the sidelining of both Ukraine and our EU allies in the talks in Saudi Arabia have put a definitive end to the idea that history ended with the downfall of the Soviet Union. The world has changed and we should not ignore that. America's pivot to Asia flagged that guaranteeing common European security was no longer the priority it might once have been. This is being exacerbated by the current US Administration, which has caused an existential crisis within the EU in recent weeks. While I accept that the current administration has not yet given up on Europe, as Europeans, we must evaluate all options in the best security interests of the EU, its expansion, and Ireland's economic interest within it, through securing the Single Market from aggressive expansionist states to our east.

In the absence of the US security backstop, many commentators are suggesting Europe's soft power may need to be complemented by a harder power dimension, regardless of how that affects Irish neutrality. We must think through how that might play in regard to our neutrality and to our interests in the world, and that of our EU partners. If that is the road Europe chooses to go down on common defence, be it in support of Ukraine or to defend the integrity of the Single Market, we are looking at a large step towards European integration. As no single member state can shoulder the cost of such integration we will have to look at the likes of eurobonds and that will probably have a knock-on effect on EU fiscal policy, which will affect this country.

As a country, we must figure out who our reliable allies are and who are not, and what is in our interests and what is not. Anyone who thinks we can go back to the old normal is ignoring the fact that geostrategic alignments are changing rapidly. We cannot wait another four years for the next incumbent of Pennsylvania Avenue to be more accommodating to the Irish cause and the Ukrainian cause.

The EU was forged in crisis. I commend Ukrainians on their progress towards EU membership. Only by working together as allies can we return to some semblance of the rule-based order under which Ireland has flourished so successfully economically and tackle the big issues of the day. We are faced with scenarios now that were unthinkable at Christmas, all of which will be costly, be they paying the additional cost of aiding Ukraine, to continuing the fight for independence or fulfilling the objectives of the Treaty of Rome. While we will always stand in solidarity with Ukraine, these scenarios must be considered carefully in this House.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to share time with my colleague Deputy Devlin. I will take six minutes and he will take four. I welcome H.E. Larysa Gerasko. She has shown incredible friendship to many Members of these Houses and to the people of Ireland. I also welcome the visitors from Ukrainian communities all over Ireland who are in the Public Gallery. We need to acknowledge the contribution that so many Ukrainians are making to all of our communities. We must continue to build on that friendship.`

In concluding his remarks to the joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022, President Zelenskyy stated: "Let us bring our efforts together and show that, jointly, Ukraine and Ireland can do much more than the biggest country in the world was trying to destroy." That spirit of solidarity between Ireland and Ukraine should continue. The question we must ask on this day on which three years since Russia's brutal invasion - and let us be clear, as the Minister of State said, it was Russia that was entirely responsible - is what more can we do. I suggest that we invite President Zelenskyy to again address a joint sitting of the Houses. This would allow us to again express solidarity and to hear directly from the very brave President of Ukraine.

Ireland is known for the exercise of its soft power. In a couple of weeks, the Taoiseach will meet the President of the United States. In diplomatic terms, it is critical that we speak to those with whom we disagree and continue to engage with them. I agree with colleagues that there are many issues on which we disagree with the United States, but I am quite confident that the Taoiseach will raise the situation in Ukraine and Ireland's continued support for that country with President Trump and Members of Congress.

The Tánaiste has already outlined that we should reiterate our support for Ukraine's sovereign right to be able to join the European Union. It should be remembered that during Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 1990, German reunification happened. In 2004, we witnessed the most extensive enlargement of the EU when ten countries joined. I hope that during our Presidency in the latter half of 2026, considerable moves will be made towards Ukraine's future membership of the EU.

It is important that the EU express solidarity at this time, not just with our friends in Ukraine but also with many of the countries of central and eastern Europe that have been warning us of the Russian threat for many years. Perhaps those of us in a more comfortable position were not listening. I was very taken by Deputy Robert O'Donoghue's very measured and considered contribution in which he referred to changes in the global world order presenting a challenge to all of us. This does present a challenge for these Houses on issues of defence and security. It means that we need to be alert to the challenges that we face.

It should not be forgotten that the cyberattack on the health service at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic came from Russia. We need to remember that Russian vessels are arriving in Irish waters unannounced. These are the kinds of challenges that we will have to face. I say to those who criticise countries in central and eastern Europe for their defence spending that we must be much more realistic about what needs to be done. They are talking about spending up to 5% on defence. Of the Russian Federation's total expenditure last year, 40% was on defence and security. Of course, these countries will have to up their game when it comes to defence.

I find it rich that the leader of Sinn Féin turned these statements on Ukraine into an attack on the Government. We all know how Sinn Féin's MEPs have consistently voted in support of Russia. As far as I am concerned, people on this side of the House will not take lectures from the leader of Sinn Féin, who last week eulogised an individual involved in the killing of a member of the Defence Forces.

This country will always show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We will always put the defence and security of this country first. All of those from Ukraine who are here, will continue to be welcome and will continue to have the support of the Government on Ukraine's path to membership of the EU. Ukraine will continue to have our friendship and support. We also express this support to the Baltic states, Poland and the other countries that border Ukraine. This is a really important debate, and the message from this House has to continue to be Slava Ukraini.

Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the opportunity to examine the situation in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. I acknowledge the presence of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, and the members of the Ukrainian community who have travelled from all corners of Ireland to be here today. You are all most welcome.

Three years on, it is more important than ever to stress our steadfast support for the people of Ukraine, and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN charter. The terms and conditions for any peace agreement must be in line with these principles. There can be no agreement on Ukraine without Ukraine. It is for the people of Ukraine to chart their own future.

I visited Ukraine in August 2022 as part of a parliamentary delegation from across Europe. I witnessed first hand the devastation and human suffering wrought on Kyiv and other cities by Russia. Homes, schools, crèches, businesses, community centres and industries were all targeted and destroyed during the Russian invasion. Attacks on civilians have continued through Russia’s drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. A feature of my interactions with Ukrainian people in Kiev, both in my constituency of Dún Laoghaire and here today, has been their thanks to the Irish people for our generosity over the past three years. Irish people have welcomed them into their homes, schools and communities. At the march last Sunday, "Thank you, Ireland" was chanted continuously. We heard that message. We thank the Ukrainian people for their support and their engagement in Ireland.

The Tánaiste and the Minister of State referred to Irish-Ukrainian co-operation on the parliamentary friendship group. Co-operation is essential to provide support to build bomb shelters in schools. That is quite a scary sentence to say in this day and age but, unfortunately, it is what is required in Ukraine. The EU must also act much more quickly on Ukraine's candidacy, to ensure that it becomes a full, participating member of the EU. Ireland will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine until a lasting, sustainable peace has been achieved.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Ireland stands resolutely with the Ukrainian people as they defend their nation's right to freedom and sovereignty. Sinn Féin supports the utilisation of all diplomatic, economic and financial sanctions against Russia in response to the breaches of international law and flagrant disregard for human rights. As a neutral country, Ireland must be consistent in its stand for the observance of international law, whether it is by Russia, Israel or any other country. The efforts of the international community must be focused on building a pathway to peace through engagement and dialogue. Too many lives have already been lost. Too many have been destroyed as a result of the loss of homes or loved ones.

The war must end with the unconditional withdrawal of the Russian military and their foreign allies from Ukrainian territory. Ireland, a neutral country, a country that was occupied, divided and colonised, is well suited to acting as an honest broker in a situation such as this. The world has need of such intermediaries as it becomes more and more polarised. In more than 100 years we have not seen such a large number of great powers eye each other with such wariness and suspicion. We see this in the UN Security Council where, for the first time, all five of the permanent members seem to be pulling in different directions. In the absence of arbiters who can stand and be trusted to act without fear or favour, ending a war such as this becomes all the harder, if not impossible.

The Ukrainian people cannot afford for this war to go on and on. This war did not begin three years ago. That was only an escalation of the unrest and disruption that had already displaced thousands. Sadly, the doctrine of the Russian world is the idea that anyone in the Russian sphere of influence is theirs by right and that the Sea of Azov should be Russian alone. This is naked Russian imperialism and nothing less, with a desire to conquer and colonise eastern Ukraine for its industrialised areas and wealth of natural resources. Imperialism and colonisation have no place in the modern world. No one State can deny the self-determination of another. Countries cannot aid Ukraine in war only to turn it into a vassal state afterwards. The surrender of territory or mineral resources cannot be a precondition to peace or support during a conflict. The Ukrainian people cannot be held to ransom as the threat of violent subjugation hangs over their heads. The war must end and Ukraine must be restored so that millions of displaced people, those who stayed in Ukraine and those who fled with their families to safety, can go home and begin to build their lives in peace. Those who lent supplies and arms during the conflict must commit to building and supporting any peace process as vigorously as they did in contributing to the war.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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I welcome our guests, including the ambassador and the Ukrainian community. We also have representatives from the Ukraine civil society forum who have done incredible work in co-ordinating and assisting with our response to this terrible war. In preparation for today's discussion and statements I was trying to cast my mind back to before 24 February 2022 and before the war. When we discuss historic wars we hear about the paradigm shift that happens. It really is hard to remember the time before it but it is nothing compared to the experience of those people in Ukraine and from Ukraine who are experiencing such a living hell right now, with loss of life and with families and communities torn apart. Right now 12 million people are displaced and almost 2 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. All of this is exacerbated by the USAID freeze and the problematic ways in which we are seeing a response from the US President Donald Trump. The mental weight and impact of the war on the people of Ukraine cannot be underestimated. Bullets and bombs cause scars but even when they do not, there is trauma in fleeing and living under bombardment.

Trump and Putin have decided they want to sit down and find a resolution to the war. I am here today to say this is not how this works. People in any occupied territory, be it Russian-occupied Ukraine or anywhere else, have a right to self-determination. This will not be achieved by two strongmen sitting down and deciding their fate. The UN has been sidelined and the international community has been ignored so far in this. We cannot let this happen. We in Ireland need to use our diplomacy, we need to use our human rights expertise and our profile, and we need to use aid to make sure the situation is resolved.

I thank the Ukrainian people who have come here to Ireland. They have enriched our communities and our lives. They are members of our sports clubs, our schools and our places of work. They have been an absolute joy to integrate into our communities. They have breathed life into communities that were otherwise faltering in parts of Ireland. I also thank the Irish hosts who have been part of providing accommodation to so many Ukrainians who have come here. It is a real success story that we have provided accommodation to this number of people in the Ukrainian community through hosting services. I want to make sure we put on the record that we want to see speedy and full policy proposals coming from the Government on the future of this and how it will be handled.

I will quote two hosts who are friends of mine, Mark O'Mahony and Louise Holden. They chose to open up their home like so many Irish people have done. I asked them to put into words what their experience has been. They told me that a mother and her young daughter from Kyiv stayed with them for a year and they saw, behind the news, a young family uprooted and dreams and plans shattered. They said it felt right for them to lend these people a hand and they were rewarded for it. They saw a young woman study, get qualified and start a job in finance. They saw a young girl gain confidence in a foreign language. They gave their father and family in Ukraine peace of mind that they were safe. They were grateful for the opportunity to do it and it made them proud to be European and proud to be Irish.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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I also welcome our special guests to the Chamber today. Three years ago Ukraine suffered an invasion of the most horrific form, an invasion the likes of which we thought was left behind in the 20th century and the horrors that emanated from the Second World War. Then we looked at the tanks rolling down the roads towards Kyiv and an image that will stay in my mind is the horrific bombing of the maternity hospital in Mariupol.

In the three years that have passed since, those who have come here from Ukraine have brought friendship and enhanced our towns, cities and villages. We have benefited in a way we probably could not have imagined previously and for this we should be eternally grateful. However, this week in my constituency many people from Ukraine - who came here in search of sanctuary and found a home, placed their children in schools, made friendships in the community, joined our sports teams and became part of the fabric of community life - have been told they will be uprooted, they cannot stay there anymore, they have to take their families out of schools and move to some other place. This is a horrific form of cruelty and does not denote any sense of solidarity. While we may offer words, the actions of the State, not only in my community but in areas the length and breadth of the country from where we have heard reports of such things, is cruel, unjust and re-traumatising those who previously had to uproot their lives. It should be stopped.

Ukraine suffered a brutal invasion three years ago. Three years on, it is the United States that is looking to strip it of parts. We should acknowledge this for a multitude of reasons because it makes us question our place in the world and who are our allies. It leads us to a simple realisation. The only role for Ireland, a proud Republic which understands invasion and has stood against oppression, and the only role that matters for us despite what some of those in Fianna Fáil will tell us, is to be unrelenting in the pursuit of peace. When the bombs start dropping we are a small country with a proud history but our role can only be to pursue peace.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne spoke about how this needs to make us question our defence and looked at the Opposition as if somehow it was we who left the Defence Forces in such a ragged state that we could not have a ship going out to sea. That was not the Opposition, it was a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government. We believe in an enhanced Defence Forces. We understand the necessity of radar technology to understand what is going on beneath our seas. We absolutely need to have a conversation about Ireland's place in a world that is getting increasingly darker and where the dogs of war are starting to bark. Those subservient forces to my right think we should bark behind the biggest dogs. That is not what we should be doing. What we should be doing is being proud, strong and unrelenting in the pursuit of peace and standing up for the international institutions that were built out of these same conflicts. Now is not the time to remove ourselves from the triple lock and the UN mechanisms that go with it. Now is the time to stand for those principles.

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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I would also like to welcome our Ukrainian dignitaries and friends this evening.

Monday marked the third anniversary of Russia's brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have shown heroic courage fighting off Russian aggression over the past three years. Eight years prior to that full-scale invasion, parts of eastern Ukraine were seized by Russia and the local population in these occupied regions have lived under a reign of terror since. The broader Ukrainian population is now facing an extension of that reign of terror within land that may be permanently occupied by Russia under a so-called peace deal forged by Putin and Trump.

In 2022, we welcomed Ukrainian refugees to this country in large numbers. They are now, after integrating into our communities, being crudely uprooted as we enter new political headwinds. In my constituency of Cork East, a large group of Ukrainian residents were served with an inhumane, emotionally detached eviction notice in January. The residents have become part of the local community in east Cork. They have children attending schools and are working locally. The families are contributing to the local community and economy. This crude eviction notice jarred fundamentally with the integrated, connected lives the families have created in east Cork. In a further cruel twist, they were told they could not bring pets to their new accommodation, and we have heard similar eviction stories around the country since January. There is clearly a calcifying of political attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees that is very worrying.

The eviction notice for the Ukrainian residents in Youghal has been paused and while this is welcome, they are now plunged into another type of constant stress and worry; a limbo in which they know that their current living circumstances are going to change outside of their control yet they have no sense of when that will happen or what exactly it will involve.

When, as a Government, we invite people to seek refuge here and promote the idea if not always the practice of integration then the Government has a duty to not just suddenly uproot those families and sunder them from their connections at the point when they are actually integrated, and doing this purely because political fashions have changed. As Ukraine is being discarded by the US Government and thrown to the wolves in the Kremlin, decency and compassion and sensible planning need to win out over populist reactivity in our policies towards their refugee population here. What is the Government’s plan for the Ukrainian refugee population here? Is there one? People need to plan their lives. They should not be at the mercy of a reactive, knee-jerk politics.

Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I want to raise a specific issue with regard to the war in Ukraine, that is, the issue of Ukrainian children being held prisoner in Russia. A report by researchers at Yale University gives a detailed account of Russia's child deportation campaign. There is a network of 43 Russian facilities to which Ukrainian children have been moved since February 2022. Many of the camps are in Crimea and southern Russia, close to Ukraine. The researchers say that at least 6,000 children have been transferred to the camps, but the figure is probably far higher. I want to highlight this issue.

On a broader level, we must be in no doubt what we are dealing with regarding Russia. It invaded Crimea in 2014 and we accepted it. It invaded eastern Ukraine in 2022 and it was only limited because the US and Europe united. This arrangement is now in question. Europe now realises that it can no longer rely on the US and must plan to defend itself. This is a reality that cannot be denied. Europe did very little to stop the Balkan Wars in the 1990s, again relying on the US. The UN could do nothing. Russia saw this weakness.

As Mr. Anders Rasmussen, former Secretary General of NATO, said this week, "Europe must come to terms with the fact that we are not only existentially vulnerable but also seemingly alone." Russia longs for a return to the days when it controlled eastern and central Europe, and that was not so long ago. It could happen again. At this stage, what Ireland can do is limited - we are a small country - but we need to re-establish our reputation as an honest broker in international matters. We need to be steadfast in our defence of democracy and the rule of law. We must retain our values, remain responsible and not be sidetracked by populism. We absolutely need to take seriously the task of defending our country and our territorial waters, and not have such complete dependence on others. This will cost us, but we have no choice.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to welcome ambassador Gerasko Larysa and the Ukrainian population to our Dáil Chamber this evening, and all those who are in the Public Gallery.

It is very hard to believe it is now three years since the war in Ukraine began. I remember the morning it began. I was in my office watching "Sky News" and there was huge fear for the capital that Russian troops would advance on Kyiv. People said it would not last two or three days. There was talk that President Zelenskyy may have to flee to America - can we imagine if he had fled there? - but he stood his ground, and the Ukrainian people stood their ground. It is a testament to the resilience of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian armed forces that they have withstood three years of Russian invasion and aggression. In another political arena, President Zelenskyy is now perversely being dubbed a dictator. He is a hero, and that needs to be on the Dáil record. He is a bastion for democracy in a region of our world where the strongman, the Kalashnikov and the missile are seen as the tools to subvert a people, invade a country, kill 46,000 people, displace 12 million people and kidnap thousands of children. These are the actions of a dictator. These are the actions of Vladmir Putin.

In the early days of the Ukrainian war, I remember seeing on the news on television one night a Ukrainian man who had fought in the Red Army that had liberated Europe. He was almost 100 years of age, and he had medals across his chest to prove it. He broke down in tears to think that the army he believed in, the army that liberated Europe, could 80 years later be the same army to invade his homeland, kidnap children, bomb hospitals and murder civilians. Shame on Russia. Shame on Putin. It is Putin who is the dictator in Europe, and the Russian people eventually through election or whatever means will need to elect a democratic leader to rule their country in the proper way. The Russian Embassy across town is keeping an eye on us today. There are 52 of us - I am one of them - on the Kremlin blacklist, and I have no problem remaining there for as long as I am alive because we can be proud as a Dáil and as a Government for standing in the many ranks of politicians globally who have stood up against the dictatorship and bullying of the Russian state at this time.

A comparison can be drawn with what we are seeing in Russia and Ukraine with Operation Barbarossa of 1941 the same way tanks rolled over the Ukrainian border. Ireland, as a member of the European Union, needs to stand resolutely with the Ukrainian people so that they get peace but more importantly, that their territorial boundaries are retained. Anyone who studies Irish history - we are all experts on it down here, but maybe our Ukrainian friends do not know Irish history so well - will know that Ireland endured 800 years of invading forces and plantations. In 1921, it was believed that in 1922 a deal could be brokered, and it would lead to peace and we could still have territory. It did not, because there is still a corner of our country occupied. We had the Good Friday Agreement, but it is only a stepping stone to unification. It is a source of hurt for this country even a century later that Northern Ireland exists as an entity.

I want to welcome in particular Misha Yerhidzé from west Kerry who is in the Public Gallery. My colleagues want to pay particular tribute to you in a moment, but we are particularly proud of you. I saw you on the news the other day. Tá tú go hiontach ar an mbosca ceoil, agus cuirim fáilte mhór romhat chuig Dáil Éireann inniu. Is fear iontach thú. Go raibh míle maith agat. I want to pay tribute to the many communities that have fantastically welcomed the Ukrainian people; true friendships have been born. It is important that the Government in the coming months reflects on how some of the Ukrainian population are in full-time employment and full-time education here. There needs to be some mechanism whereby if they are that embedded in society, working or being educated here, they can remain here and contribute to our country just as we have contributed to their welfare.

It is so important at a time when there seems to be loud-hailing of democracy and talking down President Zelenskyy and his people, that this Government and Parliament has faith in the Ukrainian people and in President Zelenskyy and says "Slava Ukraini".

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador, Gerasko Larysa, and all the Ukrainian people here today. I wish to extend a very warm, special welcome and céad míle fáilte to Misha, the ten-year-old boy who is now a fluent gaeilgeoir after a very short two years and who plays the bosca ceoil. I welcome his sister, Varvara, his mum Hanna and her partner from Ballyferriter in west Kerry, Dónal Ó Catháin. It is an absolutely tremendous story and it shows the way the Irish people and the Ukrainian people have interacted. It is a credit to our schools and teachers and our Government to be fair about it.

As we mark the third anniversary of the tragic war on Ukraine, it is important to reflect not only on the suffering and hardship endured by the Ukrainian people but also on Ireland's response to the refugee crisis. Ireland can be proud of our Government's and our people's efforts to provide sanctuary to the displaced citizens of Ukraine. We have extended a welcome and have provided homes to those who have lost everything. In this time of crisis, we have stepped up. While we face challenges accommodating large numbers of people in need, managing our resources and updating our facilities, we have learned and adapted. Ireland's response remains grounded in humanity. I urge us all to continue to treat these refugees with compassion, despite the voices of doubt and division that surround us. However, there are still areas that need urgent attention, and our healthcare, transport, and housing services are under immense pressure. These vital services, essential to the well-being of both refugees and our own citizens, must be supported, expanded and improved. Investing in these areas is an investment in our future, a future where everyone regardless of their background has access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive.

I want also to highlight the experience of one of our local communities, which reflects the broader picture of what we face. The people of a town in Kerry in March 2022 welcomed 50 Ukrainian pupils into their schools, increasing their student population by 50% overnight. This was a significant challenge to their teachers, staff, students and the entire community, yet through immense efforts, goodwill and unwavering community support, they made it a success. These families have become part of Cahersiveen town, building relationships, overcoming the language barrier, securing employment, joining the local GAA teams and contributing to the fabric of society there. Now, however, these same families are being informed through sudden emails that they must relocate, often with little or no notice and usually just before a bank holiday weekend, it must be said.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Time is up, Deputy.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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This disruption is not just inconvenient, it is deeply damaging. These children and families have already endured the trauma of displacement, have finally started to rebuild their lives in safety and now they are being asked to uproot again----

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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A Theachta----

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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----with no consideration for their emotional or mental well-being. This is both heartless and impractical. I urge the Government to reconsider this approach immediately. Decisions that affect people's lives, especially vulnerable children----

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Is leor sin. Déanfaidh sin cúis.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am finishing. Ireland's response to the Ukrainian crisis in Ukraine has been admirable. However, we must continue to adapt, learn and approach the challenges with a spirit of solidarity and care for all. Let us not forget that behind every policy, every decision----

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Thank you.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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---- there are people, real lives, real families who deserve nothing less than our best efforts to treat them with dignity and respect. Thank you.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I probably allowed more flexibility than I ever will again. I call An Teachta Carthy.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Three years ago this week, Vladimir Putin unleashed a brutal and criminal invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people deserve great praise for their defence of their country and its sovereignty but the price they paid has been costly. Some 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the invasion of February 2022. The number of children abducted runs certainly to the tens of thousands at a minimum. The reality of the destruction of human life, of the maimed and the wounded across civilian and military personnel arising from Putin's war may well result in closer to 1 million. An end to the bloodshed is required. The war must end and we need the full withdrawal of Russian forces from sovereign Ukrainian territory. We need the return of every abducted child. For there to be any chance that a peace is sustaining and lasting, a starting point must be that the Ukrainian people themselves are party to negotiations. As a neutral country with an independent foreign policy, Ireland should utilise every diplomatic lever at our disposal to insist upon exactly that. The Ukrainian people can no more be expected to have another's concept of peace foisted upon them than they can be expected to endure occupation. Ireland should be a champion of peace, conflict resolution, multilateralism, the UN Charter and international law.

The European Union, which should have been a strong advocate and negotiator for peace, has instead been drawn into militarism. We should not forget that in the past when war fever and arms races swept Europe, it has only ever led to more war. At a time when we see so many world leaders, especially in Europe and the United States, undermining the international institutions built up over the past 80 years, Ireland must be a consistent voice in advocating. If Russia is to be sanctioned for its crimes, then so too should Israel. If Vladimir Putin cannot set foot within the European Union for fear of arrest and trial before the International Criminal Court, nor should Benjamin Netanyahu be able to. If we reject Russia's irredentist aspirations, then we must also reject Israel's. The future of Ukraine belongs to the Ukrainian people, and the future of Palestine belongs to the Palestinian people, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. When we fail to acknowledge these facts consistently or call out others who fail to do so, we diminish the international institutions left to us by a generation that did not want to see the horrors of the past repeated. When we exclude a sovereign people from discussions on their own future, we diminish our own history and the aspirations and legacies of those generations. We diminish our credibility in contributing constructively to peace, humanitarianism and conflict resolution across the world. These are not legacies that we should wantonly cast aside. Ireland must always be a champion for international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Anois an Grúpa Teichniciúil Neamhspleách agus Páirtithe, naoi bomaite, Teachta Connolly ar dtús.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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It is me, then Deputies Connolly and O'Gorman. The Putin regime's invasion of Ukraine was an absolutely brutal, unjustified, criminal action and he should get out. Putin should get out of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have the absolute right to resist that brutal invasion and occupation. However, particularly the powers that dominate NATO, the US, Germany and the UK, are not reliable allies in supporting people who are resisting occupation and oppression. They are not motivated by a desire to support people who are resisting occupation or who are trying to defend principles of international law. That is the key point. The Ukrainian people have discovered that to their cost since Trump came into power. Trump is now saying that the price of gaining support from the United States is that the Trump Administration wants to loot hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious minerals from Ukraine. This is exposing the imperialist character of their intervention in all of this. It is a mistake for Ukraine to align itself with powers that are that cynical and that riddled with double standards. The double standard is most apparent when we think that the US, the UK, Germany and so on are simultaneously arming a power that has been guilty of a genocidal massacre against the people of Palestine and continue to support that apartheid, brutal regime and illegal occupation, the brutal persecution and oppression of the people of Palestine. Ireland must stand consistently against all occupiers, all perpetrators of genocide and breakers of international law. We should not align with the double standards of the powers that dominate NATO.

We want to consistently stand with the occupied and oppressed, whether they are in Ukraine or Palestine.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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It is right that we had a minute's silence today and that we have statements on the illegal invasion by Russia of Ukraine. It is important that we continue to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. I welcome the visitors to the Gallery and also those who have left. The figures are indeed shocking, with 12 million people displaced from their homes in Ukraine. As of 31 January, the UN has advised that there had been 12,605 deaths and 29,000 people had been injured. I am sure the figures are much higher. It is really important that we call out what Russia has done and what Ireland has done in welcoming over 120,000 Ukrainians into our country. They set an example of how to integrate with their ability with languages, and indeed with traditional Irish music and the Irish language. All that is to be praised.

I would like to make more general points in the context of the looming change of legislation on the triple lock. If we have learned anything it is, as Deputy Richard Barrett has just said, that there are countries we certainly cannot trust. America is one of those and England and France are others. What is behind their motivation is simply an arms industry, more war, ongoing war, normalising war and making huge profits. That needs to be called out over and over. The Government is now using what Russia has done while not calling out America. In the speech today Trump was called our friend, Trump who has trampled on international law, supporting Israel trampling on international law and reducing Gaza to nothing. That is our friend and we do not seem to see any contradiction in calling out Russia - rightly so - but not calling out America or any of the other major powers. I have a huge problem with that.

I have a huge problem with the EU, which has lost its direction. It talks about a strategic compass but does not talk about a moral compass. The head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has said she stands shoulder to shoulder with Netanyahu. I have serious difficulties with that, as should all of us here in the seat of democracy in Ireland given our history of colonisation. We owe it to the people of Ukraine to stand with them given that we know what it is like to be colonised. We know how long it has taken to break away from that colonisation. We have taken a long time to break it in our minds as well. It is one thing to break it on land and another thing to break the mentality of the colonised. We should build on that history and our strength as an independent sovereign nation to call out truth to power, no matter where that is, certainly in relation to Russia and Putin but also in relation to America and all those in countries, including Britain, which has just decided to increase its defence spending while reducing its aid abroad.

As we talk about the displaced Ukrainians, with the greatest of respect, they are part of 120 million people displaced, the highest ever number fleeing from war, catastrophe and violence. We should use our voice on that as well.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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This week, we mark a grim milestone for Ukraine, which has withstood three brutal years of invasion, occupation and displacement. Millions of lives have been turned upside down. We speak today during another dark chapter in this story, namely, the faltering support of the United States and President Trump's shameful capitulation to Putin's agenda.

I remember this week three years ago. I remember the bewildered people literally arriving through the doors of the Department of integration on Baggot Street because they thought they had nowhere else to go. Shellshocked and landed in a country on the other side of Europe, I remember the looks of relief and gratitude when they learned that they would immediately be given shelter, clothing and food, and that their children would go to school. It was an incredibly difficult time for them. In those initial intense weeks, the State mobilised rapidly to put in place a huge humanitarian response to cope with the thousands of arrivals each week - 6,000 per week at the highest point. I recall the hundreds of civil servants in the Department of children, other Departments and Government agencies who got up from their desks and went to Citywest. One day they were working in corporate affairs, childcare policy or youth participation and the next day they were assisting families to find bed spaces, ensuring children could be enrolled in schools and scouring the country for new accommodation. It was an incredible act of humanitarianism by the Irish State and one which has been sustained now for three years.

How we best sustain that effort in a way that keeps support alive for the many thousands of Ukrainian refugee families who will remain here after the expiry of the temporary protection directive is critical. At present over 15,000 households are in receipt of the accommodation recognition payment, ARP. It is supporting close to 35,000 people and we know that the Minister and the Government are reviewing that payment amid calls from some in this House to abolish it altogether. The creation of a sharp cliff edge here would have profoundly negative consequences for thousands of Ukrainians living in our country. It is essential that the Government rapidly clarify that it will continue the ARP and give certainty to the families and the hosts who depend on it. Time is running out and it is not fair for the Government to keep these people in such a state of uncertainty.

The Government also needs to put in place clear plans for when the temporary protection directive finally expires. It would be valuable for the Minister for Justice to come to the House and outline the position the Government is taking at EU level regarding how Ukrainians will be treated once the directive expires. These decisions will need to be made in less than a year and we need to understand now how the Government plans to respond to this situation.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Three years ago, Ukrainians awoke to a living nightmare. Russian forces had launched a full-scale invasion with the intention of destroying Ukraine's democracy and snuffing out its existence as a sovereign independent state. Russian tanks rolled across the border, Russian troops rushed to seize key objectives and Russian missiles pounded Ukrainian cities. This was not simply a land grab or an attempt to influence an election; this was Russia attempting to fully subjugate and occupy its neighbour. The goal was simple, in applying tactics not seen since the Second World War to recreate a sphere of influence which collapsed with the end of the Cold War. All of this was justified by a sophisticated 21st century disinformation campaign. Russia expected Ukraine to fold and for the rest of the world to simply accept that. How wrong it was. Across multiple fronts, Ukraine's soldiers conducted a defence which was heroic and ingenious. Russian troops intending to take Kyiv turned tail and ran, and Ukraine survived.

Since the beginning of the invasion, Ireland and our fellow European Union member states have stepped up to support Ukraine and its people in their struggle for sovereignty. Ireland has hosted over 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war. I was proud to join a march through my home town of Nenagh last Saturday to stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian community who have called Nenagh and north Tipperary their home. I am proud beyond measure that my community is so actively demonstrating our country's humanitarian, decent values in providing a place of safety for those forced from their homes by the brutal unjustifiable war of aggression. Across Tipperary, Ireland and Europe, Ukrainians have been welcomed into our homes and communities with warmth, understanding and compassion.

I welcome the commitment by the Government to provide further aid to Ukraine, including through donating air defence equipment.

There has been much speculation and comment in recent days on the prospects of talks to end this war. Like the millions of Ukrainians displaced across Europe and those bravely fighting on the front lines against Russian brutality, I would welcome a return to peace in Ukraine. However, we must be clear that when Russian tanks rolled across Ukraine's frontier in February 2022, they passed a point of no return. It cannot be business as usual with a frozen conflict ripe for Russian manipulation in years to come. We cannot forget the massacres at Bucha, the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and the brazen attempt to remove Ukraine from the map.

There is a moral and security imperative for Russia to be held to account for the horrors it unleashed. In this regard, I welcome the recent progress towards the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. I also commend Commissioner Michael McGrath on his continued leadership on behalf of the European Commission.

We must ensure that the €210 billion in Russian state assets frozen within the EU are fully utilised by Europe to the benefit of Ukraine and its people in reparation for the destruction caused. Whatever form a negotiated settlement takes we must be clear on two things. First, Russia is and will remain a threat to Europe and our democratic way of life. Second, we must take concrete and robust measures to protect ourselves and European partners from future Russian aggression. As the Taoiseach stated recently, it is time for us to get serious on defence. I would like the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people living in north Tipperary and Nenagh to know that they are welcome in Ireland and in my home area for as long as they need a safe place and a home to call their own.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ukrainian ambassador and the delegation for attending today. Three years ago, Irish people looked on in horror at what was taking place in Ukraine. In different ways we tried to respond to the challenges faced by the Ukrainian people. In a symbolic gesture, Dublin City Council of which I was a member initiated a process that ultimately twinned Kyiv with Dublin. More recently, when I was Lord Mayor of Dublin, we opened up the house to celebrate Ukrainian independence day.

In much more than symbolic terms, Irish people put their hands up to support those who fled war. Almost 19,000 hosts welcomed Ukrainians. Three quarters of those hosts were people who had never hosted refugees and more than half of them were matched with guests through independent channels rather than through official partners or local authorities. While this demonstrates the strength of bonds in Ireland, the State must develop a better capacity to link individual citizens and hosts with potential guests. As the Irish Red Cross has noted, it costs the Government €45 a day to run State-provided accommodation. The host-led model of providing accommodation to Ukrainians costs €13 a day per person and is more socially sustainable.

In the round, our integration efforts have been profoundly successful. There are thousands of examples of this throughout the country. Many Members will have seen the recent video on Joe.ie of Misha who was relocated to Kerry. He is a ten-year-old Ukrainian boy who, I am both delighted and slightly embarrassed to say, speaks better Irish than I do. It was moving to see the joy that our national language and culture can bring to those who came here to flee war. In my constituency the volunteer-led Rathmines Ukrainian centre has offered a remarkable range of services to Ukrainians in the community, fostering inclusion and trust between locals and those who have had to relocate. These are clear examples of how integration enriches us all.

We are a small, open country in a world where big players have become increasingly assertive and willing to override norms. If we are to influence anything internationally, it is imperative that we remain at the heart of the EU. The Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, are working hard on this as we prepare for our EU Presidency. We also have a conscience. Whether on Gaza, Ukraine or our leadership in peacekeeping missions in the Lebanon, the Golan Heights, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Mali and Congo, our commitment to the rights of the preyed upon is unwavering. That is why I must conclude by turning to the current events. Some parties have accepted the false narrative that Ukraine and the West provoked Russian aggression. Putin and others are using it to justify an unacceptable peace offering. This is nonsense. Ukrainian kids and families are not here because the US forced their hand. They are here because Putin is a revisionist and a despot.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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We all remember with disbelief the morning we saw on our screens the invasion and attacks on Ukraine by Russian forces ordered by Putin and his regime in Moscow. There has been massive suffering and hardship and an enormous number of civilian and military deaths on both sides. It is heartbreaking to see the constant stream of videos. It is as if we are watching video games of drones chasing people down and killing them. It is absolutely horrific. Similar to Gaza and the occupied territories in the West Bank and Palestine, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure, including electricity plants, healthcare and educational facilities, colleges and homes. Similar to Gaza, these amount to war crimes. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hypocrisy on the Government side when Members rightly talk about Russia and Russian leaders being sanctioned while, at the same time, there is utter silence about sanctions on Israel for the exact same actions that are being carried out by the Israelis.

I call for a co-ordinated and concerted effort by the international community to secure an end to the hostilities and build peace. The Irish people have opened their hearts and homes to tens of thousands of Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion. Irish people know about invasion. We know occupation and we know all about partition. Our country is still partitioned over 100 years since the liberation of 26 of our 32 counties.

All wars end and this war should end today. Sinn Féin calls for a sustainable, permanent and just outcome to the war through a negotiated peace settlement. It is clear that many Ukrainian people here in Ireland want to return home to a stable and peaceful country. We are all united in this desire for a sustainable and just peace. The message to Trump and Putin and their regimes must be clear. Any new negotiations regarding the future of Ukraine can only take place with Ukraine at the table. Nothing can be decided about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

Ireland is militarily neutral. However, we are not politically neutral. Ireland can send out a very powerful message that peace with justice is the only pathway forward for the people of Ukraine and indeed also the ordinary people of Russia.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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I, too, welcome the visitors from Ukraine to the Public Gallery. The war in Ukraine is first and foremost a human disaster. More than 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers are thought to have been killed in the war so far. It is estimated that 12,000 civilians have been killed also. It is estimated that 116,000 people fighting for the Russian military are also dead in the fourth year of this war. That is a death toll of nearly 200,000 people as a result of this conflict, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of people who have been seriously injured by this war. It is estimated that 3.7 million people in Ukraine have been internally displaced and 7 million people from Ukraine have been globally displaced. These figures represent human devastation on an industrial scale. Each individual death is a catastrophe for that individual. The damage that has been done to Ukraine will last for generations. Even with the will of the whole western world to rebuild that country, there is no doubt there will be intergenerational damage done as a result of the war.

The war was started and prosecuted by Vladimir Putin. The Russian invasion is the cause of the war. It is an attack on the democratic and territorial rights of the people of Ukraine. Russia is responsible for the death and destruction. It is right that the international community has stood against Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Every country should have the right to democratically determine its own foreign policy, who it is aligned with and whether it is neutral. This is the definition of democratic autonomy and self-determination.

I believe that Ireland should help the people of Ukraine but that help should be humanitarian. We should provide medical help to those who have been injured, try to feed and clothe those who have been made homeless and try to rebuild that economy. We should also sanction Russia to pressure it to end the war.

Ireland has a competitive advantage when it comes to peace. Violence on our island has given us a competency for peace negotiations. It has given us a key insight that peace is built on negotiation and not war. Peace is built on justice. If the Good Friday Agreement teaches us anything, it is a recognition that there are two sides with a mutually exclusive understanding of what is happening and mutually exclusive objectives.

Today is not the day for it, but NATO and the EU have questions to answer over the destabilisation of that region in the past.

There has been a concerted effort by this Government to use the war in Ukraine to ditch Irish neutrality. I believe our neutrality may also be a casualty of that war. Historically, small countries have been sceptical of the intentions of military blocs. Military blocs most often orientate their military actions for their own economic objectives. We have seen that countless times, most recently with the US in the Middle East. Small countries such as Ireland would also have little or no influence in the decisions of these large military blocs. We would have to have young men and women fight those wars, but we would have no say over those wars. That would be a grave mistake as well.

Active neutrality allows for courageous, nonaggressive engagement with the rest of the world. Our record in UN peacekeeping, nuclear non-proliferation, decolonisation, significant aid to developing countries and supporting Palestinian self-determination has given us an internationally recognised position as an honest broker. Unfortunately, I do not believe that this Government actually uses this opportunity at all.

I believe that this Government is taking material steps to bin Irish neutrality. Two years ago, Micheál Martin came home from the Conference on the Future of Europe and said that he would be open to EU treaty change that would allow for the changes to the functioning of the EU. That treaty change would allow for military and security matters to be changed in how decisions are made. Right now, we have seen Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael actively seek to take apart the triple lock. There is no doubt that the Government has been outsourcing our international policy to the EU, and now it seems that the Government is also looking to involve us in EU military actions.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine three years ago was a terrible attack on a sovereign nation, escalating into a conflict that has killed more than 1 million people, created 7 million refugees, displaced 3.7 million people internally and put almost 13 million people, including more than two million children, in dire need of humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands of children were also abducted by Russia and forcefully taken away from their families. Despite its vicious, indiscriminate military assaults and many war crimes committed, thanks to the bravery and steadfastness of Ukraine, very little has changed on the ground compared to what was already in situ following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent war in Donbas.

The adoption of the ineffective Minsk agreements and the pathetically weak response of major European nations, particularly to the Donbas war, emboldened Putin to invade Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Europe belatedly responded with military and civil aid, as did the US. Ireland also played its part in providing support in line with our policy of military neutrality. In the initial stages of the invasion, the international community, led by the then normal United States Administration and European allies, rallied to support Ukraine. The US Congress appropriated nearly €174 billion from fiscal years 2022 to 2024, and supplemented appropriations to aid Ukraine. This assistance was instrumental in bolstering Ukraine's defence and providing humanitarian relief. However, recent shifts in US policy have thrown this into disarray.

President John F. Kennedy and President Zelenskyy have both addressed the Dáil. We respected both their contributions, but we had a particular cousinly relation with JFK when he came to Ireland. He was seen as one of our own, coming back to the old sod - a Catholic coming back from America made good. Our relationship with America goes back generations. Some 40 million diaspora claim to have some form of Irish heritage on this island. The Americans are our cousins, our friends and our relatives. The Americans are a great people and we have always believed in American exceptionalism. We have followed European policy socially, but always admired the American dream from afar. We cannot lecture our friends and cousins in America about the democratic choices they made. I know, however, from speaking to some of them, that many of them regret their decisions. They may have voted Republican because they felt the Democrats were not actually addressing some of their bread-and-butter needs, but what is happening now is nothing more than the systemic attempt to dismantle democracy in the US. There is no point in an Opposition Deputy being a nice person and trying to placate the US Administration. I want to put on the record for 40 years' time that we have a narcissist in office in the United States. He is someone who puts transactions above what is morally right; someone who abuses and mistreats women; and someone who has an unstable tech head in his administration trying to disassemble the working people of America. It is not my place to comment on America's democratic right to elect people like this, but I want to put it on the record that they still have a chance in the congressional elections in two years' time to have some sort of a positive impact for their people. I am saying that in the same way as Elon Musk tried to interfere in the German elections and talk about the AfD. We will leave it up to the people to decide, but to our friends and cousins in America, please speak out against the transactional abuses that your President is committing regarding Ukraine and Palestine. Glory to Ukraine and I thank our guests today.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Anois, tá Baill an Rialtais ag roinnt deich bomaite. Tá an Teachta Ward ar dtús.

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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A little over three years ago, when the Russian troops rolled into Ukraine, I think few of us had any confidence that the Ukrainians or the Ukrainian army could resist that attack; barbaric as it was, sudden, yet not entirely unexpected in many quarters, but it was absolutely ferocious. We have been surprised, and perhaps very much impressed, by how Ukrainian forces have managed to not just keep back the Russians, but actually take back land and ground and to assert themselves in the context of a brutal conflict.

I visited Ukraine shortly after war broke out in May 2022, along with my colleague, Senator Garrett Ahearn. We were the first parliamentarians from Ireland to visit Kyiv after the outbreak of war. It was the first time standing in Kyiv, talking to ordinary Ukrainian people, and our colleagues in the Verkhovna Rada - politicians in Ukraine - that I got the impression that Ukraine actually could do that and that it had been underestimated in terms of its approach to the war. Three years later, I have not changed my view in that regard. I am deeply impressed by the resilience and the commitment of Ukrainian people to defending their homeland and to ensuring they do not again become a province of a state ruled from Moscow.

It is astonishing to see the Russian attitude to this. Rather than being honest about what it is actually doing and that this is a land grab and an imperialistic move by Vladimir Putin - not that that is surprising - it puts this rhetoric out there, perhaps even believing that those of us who know what is happening might actually believe it or subscribe in any way to its apparent justification for what has happened. That baffles me, to be perfectly honest, perhaps not as much as the attitude of the current US Administration does. The notion that there is a solution to this war that can be arrived at without Ukraine's involvement or assent is a nonsense. I do not know how Donald Trump thinks for a moment that that could even hold if Ukraine is not involved and it does not buy into it. If Trump thinks he can, he has underestimated Ukraine in exactly the same way that Vladimir Putin did when he started this war three years ago. That attitude is not going to help. The reality is that any ceasefire or deal at this point that consolidates the position of the Russian forces in terms of occupying places such as Crimea must be unacceptable.

I am immensely proud of the European reaction and the Irish reaction to this, both in terms of what we have done to help those who fled the war, particularly in eastern Ukraine, but also in terms of the humanitarian response. Communities the length and breadth of this country have shown their compassion and understanding of where Ukrainians are. There is a way to go yet. It is not over, but I have faith in Ukrainians' ability to stand up for themselves, along with the necessary support of the European Union and European Union countries.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Ar dtús báire, is mór an onóir dom labhairt anseo inniu den chéad uair sa Dáil. Gabhaim fíorbhuíochas le muintir Chill Dara Thuaidh as ucht an onóir seo a thabhairt dom. Chomh maith leis sin, gabhaim buíochas le m'fhoireann agus le mo chlann as an tacaíocht a thug siad dom i mo shaol sa pholaitíocht agus ar ndóigh sa toghchán deireanach.

As this is my first time speaking in the Dáil, I am deeply honoured to stand here today as a representative for Kildare North.

My heartfelt thanks go to my family, friends, team and supporters, whose help, support and encouragement made this moment possible. To the people of Kildare North, thank you. I promise to work day and night for our community and our country. I send special thanks to my wife, Aly, for her incredible support. Politics is never a solo journey. I could not have done this without her. I am delighted to share the news that Aly and I welcomed our new son Liam two weeks ago today. Becoming a father only deepens my commitment to building a better future for all our children. I will work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Kildare North to ensure that we receive the services we deserve, from crèches and schools to healthcare, public transport and community services. I am committed to securing a second bridge for Celbridge, resolving the issues at Castletown House, delivering a community centre and swimming pool for Maynooth, revitalising Leixlip town centre and ensuring proper public services and public transport for Naas, Clane, Kilcock, rural Kildare and the entire county.

As we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I acknowledge the H.E. Larysa Gerasko and members of the Ukrainian community who are here today and reaffirm our steadfast support for the Ukrainian people. Their resilience and courage inspire us all. Ireland stands with Ukraine, and we will continue to support it in pursuing a peaceful and just end to this devastating conflict. I acknowledge the 19,000 Irish hosts of Ukrainian guests and I urge the Minister of State to extend the accommodation recognition payment to March 2026. Stability is crucial for hosts and guests alike. Any changes to this scheme must be phased in gradually with clear alternatives and full consultation with hosts and front-line services such as Helping Irish Hosts. I also put on the record my support for Ukraine's membership of the European Union.

I am here to bring a pragmatic and dynamic voice to this House. Along with my colleagues, I will advocate tirelessly on behalf of the people of Kildare North and this country in the interests of making real progress for our communities.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Comhghairdeas leis an Naoise eile on his maiden address sa Dáil.

Much of the debate today has been around the military side, but like others, I will mention the EU humanitarian response to this war. The invasion began on 24 February 2022 and the European Union activated the temporary protection directive, TPD, in March 2022. That was pretty quick. Some 6.8 million people had to seek refuge from this conflict, mostly in the European Union and its immediate neighbours. This was the first ever use of the TPD. It enables residency, employment, access to social welfare,education and medical care, all of which are important. There is no doubt that , some wanted and hoped for the European Union to be overwhelmed and flooded by these numbers, but it has coped very well at a humanitarian level. As other speakers mentioned, more than 100,000 of those who fled Ukraine came to Ireland. Many have been hosted by families who receive the accommodation recognition payment. Like others, I encourage the Government to make a clear statement soon on the extension of the accommodation recognition payment so that both our international guests and those hosting them have the clarity they need to plan for the future. I would like to understand and hear from the Government in due course about where things are going with the TPD. It will be a matter for discussion at European level and I would like the Irish Government to take a strong lead in those discussions.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I commiserate with the people of Ukraine who have gone through so much and I welcome the visitors to the House today. I do not know whether they are still here. They are welcome to the Dáil to see what the people here are saying and thinking about.

I am glad that Ireland has done its best for the Ukrainian people. Hotels provided accommodation and all the necessary facilities for the Ukrainian people. We have to especially thank the schools and teachers who at very short notice accepted children into their schools and did their best. It was difficult because many of them did not speak English and it was a burden, but they also helped schools to remain open and keep the number of teachers in rural places. In other places, maybe they were overcrowded, but everyone did their best for them. There is no doubt that they have suffered a great deal. Thousands have been killed and thousands have been displaced. There is humanity in each and every one of us, and we are sad to see that happen.

Something similar happened in Ireland more than 800 years ago. Our people suffered a lot until the culmination of the events that took place between 1916 and 1922, when we gained independence for most of our country. We are still without the very important Six Counties.

Ireland has played its part, perhaps better than some bigger countries with larger populations and greater finances, such as France and so on, that are situated much closer to Ukraine. For one reason or another, we seemed to accept around 120,000 people. That is a lot. They are welcome, especially as many of them are working. Some others are not, and they must be encouraged to work now and play their part. It would not be fair to ask people to leave or move their children who are now in schools and have friends. It would not be fair at this stage to force them to leave where they are, but we need them to work and play their part and for whatever benefits they get, like anyone in Ireland getting benefits, they have to be means tested, accept that and pay their taxes like all of us.

We have suffered a lot in that time as well. We did not lose lives, but the country has suffered a great deal financially. We have paid €5 billion or so to accommodate these people. All I ever asked for is that the same concessions they have related to renting houses be given to Irish people who are homeless and having severe difficulty accessing homes or houses.

We must remember that the cost of fuel has gone up and has stayed up consistently and many people are suffering who have to travel, including those in the transport industry and other sectors. We see diesel and petrol prices have gone up from about €1.20 to €1.80 and more in places. Green diesel was 40 cent per litre and is now around €1.30 per litre. That is savage. We are paying more for electricity now than any other country in Europe because we need gas for electricity.

What is important to us - Europe will say it must build up its defence forces and so forth - is our neutrality. I would hate to think that this would trigger our removal from being neutral and cause us to join a European army. People are very worried about that. I see the Minister of State shaking his head. I hope it will not happen. That is why I mention it. We saw how de Valera stood up to Winston Churchill at the time of the Second World War. We prided ourselves on being neutral and we must stay neutral. In no way are we able to confront or take on forces from anywhere. We are better off staying neutral. It has served us well for more than 80 years. Neutrality is important to the people of Ireland. I ask the Minister of State not to forget that.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Healy-Rae.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I left one thing out. When we talk about means testing of carers and other means testing, we have to be fair.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I greatly appreciate the opportunity to close this very important debate today. I also welcome our Ukrainian friends who are here in the Gallery, especially their truly excellent ambassador. I thank them for their continued advocacy. There was a sheer breadth of contributions over this period, from all parties and none, from such a range of Deputies. It is a rare time we see such universality and agreement reflected. That should be commended. I thank all Deputies for continuing to show their support and the support of the Irish Parliament and the Irish people for Ukraine.

lreland’s solidarity is firmly anchored in the unwavering position of support and solidarity shown by the European Union since day one of this latest illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression by Russia. EU unity has been the hallmark of our shared response over the past three years of war on European soil and it must continue thus. A collective European response has provided essential support to Ukraine as it fights to defend its freedom and to uphold the common values that unite us all as Europeans.

The EU remains as firmly committed to support Ukraine today as we mark this terrible anniversary. Together with our European partners, and here in this House, we recognise what is at stake. Russia’s war in Ukraine represents not just an existential threat and challenge for the people of Ukraine. It poses the greatest threat to the EU and European security since the Cold War. Along with our friends and partners in Europe, Ireland finds itself in an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment. In addition to the direct military threat Russia poses to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, we face a range of hybrid threats from which no country is immune. Russia has weaponised migration, food and energy in its efforts to undermine European stability and unity.

Russian state actors and aligned criminal groups operating from within the Russian territory have engaged in malicious cyber activity targeting critical infrastructure and democratic institutions across Europe. Ireland has also been directly targeted by this activity. We see a similar pattern around disinformation where the Kremlin and other malign actors continue to spread distorted and false narratives, not only linked to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine, but more broadly with a view to undermining European democracy. We see this also on our own soil. I take the points made by Deputy Cathal Crowe. I take the fact that I am sanctioned by the Russian Federation as a mark of credit. I am proud to see my name on that list, as is Deputy Crowe's.

We are at a critical juncture in the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. This is a defining moment for Ukraine and for the security of the European Continent. As President Zelenskyy has made clear, no one wants peace more than Ukraine. Ukraine must be directly involved in any potential peace negotiations and must define the terms and conditions under which it will enter into a peace agreement. We must make it very clear from here that there cannot be discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine. The EU and its member states collectively have provided more support to Ukraine than any other partner. Russia’s war directly threatens European security. There must be a European voice also in any negotiations. These negotiations must aim to arrive at a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart.

Ireland is proud to have co-sponsored a resolution that was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Monday, which aims to further progress these efforts. Despite rhetoric from Moscow purportedly seeking peace, the facts simply do not bear this out. Escalations in hostilities, unpredictable attacks and mandatory evacuation orders continue to harm civilians across all regions of Ukraine. Last year the humanitarian crisis grew with intensified attacks across Ukraine, and with continued strikes on energy infrastructure leaving many to endure harsh winter conditions. Ireland has responded by providing more than €130 million in humanitarian and stabilisation support to Ukraine since February 2022. Our funding has provided essential humanitarian assistance with a focus on the most vulnerable, as well as support for early recovery efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Irish people have also responded with generosity, welcoming more than 110,000 Ukrainians who have fled this conflict. I pay tribute to former Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, who mentioned his own role on this with the previous Government. I also share the opinions of Deputies Gibney and Ó Muirí in stating quite clearly that the Ukrainian people are welcome here and will continue to be welcome here for as long as is necessary. Of course real concerns have been raised on the future of the schemes, which I am assured the Government will lay out in clarity very soon.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reports of gross and systematic violations of human rights by Russia have been consistent, including violations of the rights to life, liberty and security of persons. Human rights abuses include the large-scale forced deportation and imprisonment of civilians, mistreatment of prisoners of war, and repression in the partially occupied territories of Ukraine. I take to heart the very clear points made by Deputy Timmins on the treatment and capturing of children.

Ireland will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and call out Russia’s flagrant violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We must not become desensitised to the atrocities perpetrated by Russian forces and the immense suffering inflicted upon the Ukrainian population. lreland will continue to pursue accountability for Russian actions in Ukraine as part of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

I am conscious that Ukraine marks several important milestones this month. The Ukrainian response has impressed us all, with its determination, courage and resilience. At this critical moment, we in Europe and in Ireland must not falter in our resolve. If Russia is allowed to prevail, illegally seizing territory by force, and causing untold death and destruction with impunity, this will simply embolden President Putin, and give a green light to other actors to attempt the same. This is a question of right over might, and of respect for international law and the universal principles which underpin the multilateral system. What happens today in Ukraine, can tomorrow happen anywhere in the world.

We will continue to make the case to our global partners that the impacts of Russian aggression, and how we respond, go far beyond Ukraine, and beyond Europe. Our response to Russia’s aggression will act as a message to others who might seek to change international borders through the use of force. We must recall that while Ukrainians fight to defend their very existence, for Russia, it remains a war of choice. Their ongoing and relentless bombardment of civilians and civilian infrastructure makes clear that Russia has no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Russia is also clearly looking for signs that European support for Ukraine is weakening. That is why now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon Europe to step up. Faced with such a critical threat to the security of our Continent the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. Overall assistance to Ukraine pledged both at EU and member state level to date amounts to €134 billion, which includes financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support.

On Monday, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted a 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. These measures are having an impact, making it harder for Russia to access battlefield goods and revenue to pay for its illegal war. We must continue to exert maximum pressure and limit Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression.

We will continue to work with our EU partners to ensure Ukraine continues to get the support it needs to defend against Russia’s attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Now is the time for Europe to move forward, together, and constructively. We must say more, do more and commit more to ensure that Ukraine gets the support it so urgently needs to defend itself. Just as it did in direct response to the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the European Union must and will step up again. Ireland recognises that our continued support for Ukraine is not only the right thing to do, but is in our fundamental national interest. It is vital not only for the people of Ukraine, but for safeguarding the security of Europe as a whole. How we respond as an international community will have far-reaching consequences for the future of our rules-based system. This is why Ireland stands with Ukraine, now, and in the future.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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That concludes statements on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.