Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome. The images coming from Ukraine that we see on our television screens are heartbreaking, especially the distressing scenes of women, children and elderly people fleeing Ukraine. We can only imagine the many emotions Ukrainian people are going through right now. As I said earlier today, it is surreal to be witnessing what is day six of a war in Europe. All of us who value freedom, sovereignty and the right of self-determination of free peoples can only look on in horror at the actions of the Russian Government and its leader in embarking on the type of invasion that we have not seen in Europe for decades.

Of course, we have seen such acts of aggression around the world in modern times, in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend our solidarity to the Ukrainian people at this desperate time. Ireland, more than most countries, understands the impact of occupation. We know the importance of sovereignty and the right to self-determination. We also understand the importance and difficulty in finding peace.

All of us are united in our condemnation of the actions of the Russian President. No country and its people should be subject to the kind of military aggression that is bringing death and destruction to Ukraine. What is critical now is that the international community, through diplomacy, brings about a peaceful resolution to stop this war. The way out of this, as with any conflict, is through politics and dialogue. As a militarily neutral state, Ireland has played an important role in peacekeeping and in the battle against nuclear proliferation. Now, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, we must do whatever we can to stop this war and ensure the right of Ukraine to a peaceful future as a sovereign independent state.

We must also use our role on the UN Security Council to bring about a speedy resolution to stop the war. Ireland must be a voice for peace, justice and freedom. We support the strongest possible sanctions against Russia as part of the diplomatic effort to stop this war.The EU is not a military alliance. Its strength is its promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and peace. That is what we focus on, not further militarisation.

We support the decision by the Government to abstain on the EU using its money to pay for weapons for Ukraine. We support the decision of the Government to contribute via the purchase of protective equipment. What the Ukrainian situation is showing us is the need to focus on diplomacy, peacebuilding and the promotion of democracy, key values that we must not forget in the current situation. No one involved in this conflict should stand on a narrow ground of principles. Ceasefires should be immediately called and negotiations must begin to resolve the issues that lie at the heart of this conflict. There is a way out of this. I believe that, as with any conflict, the way out is through politics and dialogue.

In the meantime, we must also step up our support for those displaced by this conflict. Ireland must play a full part in accommodating our fair share of refugees as part of a comprehensive EU response. I, like others, also want to acknowledge that there are many in Russia who do not want this war. We send to them our solidarity as they protest the unjust actions of their leaders. This war must end speedily and Ukraine's borders must be respected and recognised.