Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to join with Members of the House in commending the Cathaoirleach on the speech he delivered at the historic joint session of the Houses this morning. He did this House proud, as did the Ceann Comhairle of the Lower House. The quality of all speeches made us proud to be part of the democratic world and parliamentarians.

The debacle which immediately preceded this day, when it was understood that an invitation had been extended to the Russian ambassador, had the potential to ruin a very special and poignant day. In light of that, I ask for a review of the protocols, practices and procedures around such invitations. We should never afford additional privileges to people in such an unhelpful situation. It could have sent out the wrong signal. It took diplomacy too far and could have backfired. Luckily, it did not and a diplomatic stand-off was averted at the last minute. It might have caused some people not to turn up this morning. Thankfully, all's well that ends well.

I have reliable information on the names of the companies in Ireland still trading in Russia. I ask the Acting Leader to assist us in ascertaining the exact names of these large firms, which are publicly listed companies. That would be the first step. I would suggest the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs invites in the CEOs of those companies to explain themselves. There are two sides to every story. A lot of explaining has to be done in light of what we are witnessing and the carnage and barbaric acts carried out by Russia. If the Acting Leader can assist us with an officially confirmed list of the firms concerned we will inquire further into this. We owe it to the people of Ukraine.