Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what the Minister of State said regarding his commitment to dealing with this issue. I also acknowledge what he, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Taoiseach have done and the solidarity with the Belarusian people they have expressed. I am very heartened by what he said on the opportunities that may arise this week to advance matters and I am very encouraged by the fact that Ireland clearly supports sanctions against Belarus. This is an important step. I regret, as the Minister of State said, that there are difficulties beyond Ireland's capacity that are preventing this from happening. Europe has to act, however. It must not be seen to sit idly by as an authoritarian dictator continues to act apparently with impunity on the border of the EU.

What I hope will happen is that the Taoiseach will take the ultimate step of saying publicly that Mr. Lukashenko should step down. I acknowledge there is broad consensus politically in Ireland on this, and I understand the difficulties that arise from such a statement but given that other European leaders have made this clear view known, for example on behalf of France and the UK, I hope the Taoiseach will also take the step of calling for Mr. Lukashenko's resignation.