Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, roimh an rún seo agus roimh an díospóireacht a bheidh againn anocht. Gabhaim mo leithscéal le moltóirí an rúin as tús na díospóireachta a chailleadh. Bhí mé ag cruinniú de Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge.

I welcome the motion and this important discussion. I apologise to Senator Seery Kearney for missing her initial remarks as I was at the Joint Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community. People have been clear, steadfast and supportive of the Ukrainian people and their struggles.

Hope is important. I welcome the news that the Governments of Russia and Ukraine are involved in peace talks in Istanbul. While there are sceptical responses to these talks from some quarters, which is understandable, we know from the conflict here and our own experience, and experiences elsewhere, that all wars and conflicts are ultimately settled through peace negotiations. The end of the war in Ukraine will emerge from peace talks, whether it is these talks or another set of talks. All of us in the Chamber should encourage, and be encouraged by, developments in recent days.

Until there is an agreed peace and approach to demilitarisation of the situation in Ukraine by the withdrawal of Russian forces, international pressure must be maintained on Russia to end its aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. That pressure needs to include further sanctions, where necessary, from the international community. I want to acknowledge the courage and heroism of the people of Ukraine, in particular the bravery of those Ukrainian nationals here who have returned home to defend their country.

The actions of Russia are illegal and unjust. I want to repeat the call made by my party leader, Deputy McDonald, a few days ago for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. This growing call comes amidst the Government's expulsion of four Russian diplomats earlier this week.

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine demands ongoing action from the EU and international community to ensure the pressure on Russia to end its aggression is relentlessly pursued. As part of that international pressure, the Government should use its privileged position as a respected non-aligned nation with a long and distinguished history of peacekeeping missions with a seat on the UN Security Council to assist the search for an end to the war in Ukraine.

We need to see the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, as endorsed by the Security Council in UN Security Council Resolution 2205. We also have an important role in the humanitarian effort that is under way to respond to the refugee crisis and the displacement of millions of people from Ukraine. In that regard, I would like to thank the Irish diplomatic staff and NGO personnel involved in humanitarian aid in Ukraine. As has been acknowledged by colleagues across the debate so far, communities throughout the State and in the North are supporting refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The invasion of Ukraine is rightly seen around the world as an appalling act of aggression against the people there. It is also seen as a fundamental breach of the international order and how disputes are settled through diplomatic efforts. The Russian Government should immediately call a permanent halt to its aggression and withdraw its troops. In such a climate, the prospects of a permanent peace and solution will be found.

I support the moves by the Government to assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, some of which were listed by Senator Seery Kearney in her contribution. I want us to take the same proactive humanitarian approach of solidarity to all of those fleeing the horrors of war and occupation, no matter where they come from. I look forward to hearing next week from President Zelenskiy in his address to this House and the Dáil.

I also look forward to hearing the response of the Minister of State in terms of outlining how the Government will deal with the very necessary need to support those fleeing Ukraine. I would like to hear how that can be managed in a practical sense and in a way that assists them, gives them the utmost protection and support, and does not compromise the needs of communities, something with which we are all too familiar. I support the motion and commend my colleagues in the Fine Gael Party for bringing it before us.