Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne.

Irish support for Ukraine remains unwavering. Many Members of the House have referred to the circumvention of sanctions. I understand we are now on the brink of agreeing our 13th package of sanctions against Russia, which will be exceptionally important. I acknowledge the great work of the EU sanctions envoy, David O'Sullivan. He is currently working with third countries on the circumvention of sanctions. It requires a huge amount of work and is very challenging because of the various mechanisms countries, unfortunately, employ. We are giving much support to that. Almost 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures.

In my opening contribution I mentioned the register for damage, which is key to the Council of Europe's strategy to gather vital evidence for the ICC to take a case in the future. It is important that Ireland supports that as well, which we firmly do.

The people of Ukraine have proven time and again that they value the fundamental rights of freedom and democracy and are prepared to fight for them. The decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine recognises the significant progress made in implementing EU reforms in such extraordinary circumstances. It offers the prospect of a brighter future for the Ukrainian people.

lreland is very much committed to supporting Ukraine as it progresses along its European path. Senator Byrne referred to the accession of ten countries, the anniversary of which we will celebrate this year. At that juncture, Ireland held the Presidency of the European Union. We are working closely with Ukraine to provide it with key assistance in that regard, which will be so important.

We have seen countless victims of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. We have all seen images and heard reports of the horrors perpetrated under Russian occupation in towns such as Bucha and Irpin. It is likely that similar atrocities have been or are being committed elsewhere. We are working with our international partners to support the documentation and investigation of these cases.It is key that we put in place structures so that, when the time comes, effective cases can be brought and justice served to these victims and their families.

With respect to the breadth of Russia's violations, Ireland was to the forefront of efforts at the UN Human Rights Council to establish the independent international commission of inquiry. The commission will investigate the alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law and related crimes in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. One of the most egregious issues relates to the large-scale forcible transfer of children. It is clear that Russia is forcibly moving Ukrainian children either to Ukrainian areas temporarily occupied by Russia, to Russia itself or to neighbouring Belarus. Almost 20,000 children have been identified by Ukraine as having been forcibly taken from their homes. This is one of the most horrific aspects of the invasion. I remember that when we were at the United Nations, the first lady of Ukraine detailed the horrific consequences that families are facing, with children being taken out like it is a big reset. It is incredibly horrific to see families suffering so much and some children will never know their parents as a result. This is one of the most horrific aspects of this invasion and Russia needs to be held to account.

At the Human Rights Council, both in our national capacity and as part of the European Union, we have condemned in the strongest possible terms the abduction or kidnapping of these children and we insist on their unconditional release. We are committed to ensuring the safe return of all children and other civilians who have been unlawfully deported during the course of this brutal invasion. To this end, we are participating in the International Coalition of Countries for the Return of Ukrainian Children, whose primary objective is to identify practical steps for the international community to help bring deported children back home. We will continue to engage with the entire international community to ensure accountability for Russia's reprehensible actions in Ukraine so that justice is served to the victims of this conflict and families that were torn apart can be reunited once more.

I thank Senators for their attention and engagement today. Ahead of Saturday's two-year anniversary, although peace might seem an uncertain prospect, we must not falter in our resolve. We recognise that our continued support for Ukraine is a necessity, not a choice. Our response to Russian aggression in Ukraine will have far-reaching long-term implications, not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole. That is why Ireland stands with Ukraine now and into the future.