Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

Earlier, I had the great personal honour of welcoming, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, President Zelenskyy and the First Lady, Olena Zelenska, on their first official visit to Ireland and Leinster House. I thank all of the staff of the Seanad, the Dáil and the Leinster House complex and everybody involved in organising this visit. I know for certain that it would not have happened without them. They made it all look so easy and seamless. I say a huge "Well done" to everybody involved.

President Zelenskyy also met with the Taoiseach and with our own Uachtaráin, Catherine Connolly. The State visit and the meeting with the Taoiseach and the President serve to underline Ireland's commitment to the Ukrainian people. Irish people identify very strongly with the Ukrainian struggle. We identify with the resistance to tyranny and bullying and with Ukrainians' defence of democracy, peace and their sovereignty. Since the war began, Ireland has welcomed thousands of Ukrainians, many of whom are settled, working and living in our communities and adding to them. We can be proud of that achievement. Since the war began, the State has provided more than €380 million in non-military aid to Ukraine, including humanitarian and other forms of aid. More than anything, we say loud and clear again today that we stand with the Ukrainian people. They deserve a peace that is lasting, sustainable and grounded in the rule of law. For that peace to be achieved, Ukrainians have to be at the negotiating table. There can be no peace without them at the table. Any deal that does not recognise their territorial integrity will fall far short of what we should all aspire to, not just for the Ukrainian people but for us, as a European community.

In the time remaining, I want to briefly mention our small businesses and hospitality operators. They are the heart of our local communities, creating employment and providing services but they are under a lot of pressure. Their margins are being squeezed, which is threatening their very viability. There are very strong supports in place. I acknowledge Government supports, from increased cost of business, ICOB, grants to power up grants to PRSI relief, all of which help but they need more to be able to survive. They need targeted support, simplified application processes, rental reform and a cut in red tape. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister of State with responsibility for small business and enterprise to the House, at his earliest convenience, for a debate on how small enterprises and our hospitality sector can be best supported.