Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I rise today to echo what my colleague, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said, in calling on the Leader of the House to organise a debate on Ukraine as we mark three years since Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion - three years of war, suffering and absolute displacement of the Ukrainian people, but also extraordinary resilience from the Ukrainian people. From the start - I will echo what Fiona said – Ireland has stood with Ukraine. Our Government has provided humanitarian aid and supported EU sanctions. We have welcomed more than 110,000 Ukrainian refugees to our shores. The generosity of the Irish people has been remarkable. However, we must ensure our support does not end there.I will never forget when this crisis became a reality for me. When I was at the Tiglin centre in Greystones for the parade on St. Patrick's Day in 2022, I received a phone call from the then CEO of the Red Cross, Liam O'Dwyer. He was ringing to ask if I could take in a family or two, three or four. By the end of St. Patrick's Day, the buses had arrived with 117 people, mothers and children who had fled from their country with only one bag. I remember one particular child. He was 13 years of age and had cerebral palsy. His father carried him from the taxi. His name was Rodion Kudryk. He is now part of our community in Greystones. With the kindness of the Irish people and the safety we have provided, he is now a pillar. He has a new electric wheelchair and is certainly part of our Greystones community. I was asked by the Ukrainian ambassador, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, to speak at the peace rally this past weekend and I saw once again the strength of the Ukrainian people both here and abroad. I realised that their fight is not over and that our responsibility to stand with them remains. That is why I urge the Leader of the House to organise a debate. We must affirm and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine. We must assess Ireland's ongoing role and ensure that we are doing everything possible politically, economically and diplomatically to support their fight for freedom. The war continues and the need remains. Ireland must stand firm.