Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Since the Seanad last sat, we learned the sad news of the passing of a fellow parliamentarian on the island. On behalf of the Green Party-Comhaontas Glas, I convey my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and the DUP on the sudden loss of Christopher Stalford, who represented the people of South Belfast since 2016 and had been the Assembly's Principal Deputy Speaker since 2020. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Like previous speakers, the Green Party is appalled by the developments in Ukraine, and the aggression. The Russians are not only recognising but are occupying the two eastern provinces in Ukraine. It is in flagrant breach of international law and the Minsk agreements and is a wholesale assault on the sovereign integrity and the territory of Ukraine. It is a matter to which this House perhaps should devote a separate debate. Last week, we celebrated 100 years and one thing that was said is that we can play an advisory role to the Government. We can think differently.

Maybe in a debate, Ireland, which has a good solid reputation, could in a most difficult situation pave some small way forward. At such a debate, I would why Ireland is not one of the following eight EU member states which have signed a declaration on the EU membership perspective for Ukraine, namely, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, the Slovak Republic, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. I believe the Czech Republic and Romania are due to give that support. It is a complex and challenging matter applying to be a member of the EU. I would like an explanation. There may be a reason for it. There are other countries conspicuous by their absence from that support. We talk the talk but when Ukraine wanted to come into the EU, which is such a difficult task, Ireland with its credibility was not leading the way.

Also, we have learned from the peace process here. Despite a long-term occupation on the island, it did not stop peace. It did not stop the silencing of the guns. Have we something to offer our fellow European neighbours here as we face the worst outbreak potentially of bloodshed and war since the Second World War? Could we nudge some great peacemakers, like them or not, such as former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, Gerry Adams, Lord David Trimble, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ms Monica McWilliams, and Liz O'Donnell? If they were asked, they would bring our credibility and experiences. It is a precious peace, albeit not a perfect peace, on the island of Ireland but maybe we can bring something to at least trigger bilateral talks, which, according to what I am reading, do not seem to even be happening at present. There is no sign of bilateral talks. I note both parties might be reluctant to enter bilateral talks but as a catalyst, even if it is behind the scenes, Ireland, as a credible country, has something to offer on its own peace journey.