Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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164. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13721/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The unanimous cross-party Dáil motion adopted last week could not have made clearer Ireland’s strong condemnation of Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and immoral war. It is a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. The targeting of civilians and of civilian infrastructure; the use of prohibited weapons; and indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks; are unacceptable. Russia has clear obligations to fully comply with international law and in particular international humanitarian law.

At its meeting On Tuesday 7th March, the Government re-iterated its grave concern about Russia’s aggression and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. The continuing Russian military action against Ukraine is illegal and immoral, involving the utterly unacceptable targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of prohibited weapons and indiscriminate attacks.  A full and comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of the Russian military from Ukrainian territory is what is required to ensure the safety of civilians there.

The Government has announced contributions totalling €20 million in humanitarian assistance from Irish Aid funding to support key humanitarian partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries in responding to the crisis.

The Government also considered the implications for Ireland and the actions being taken here regarding the humanitarian and economic issues arising, including the preparations to welcome people fleeing war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland. Very significant planning and preparatory work is taking place across Government to provide accommodation and other essential supports to those who have arrived here already, as well as the large numbers of further people expected to arrive.

My Department is responsible for administration of the Employment Permits System. Temporary protection has been granted to displaced persons from Ukraine in accordance with Section 60 of the International Protection Act, the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022. The operation of this Directive is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. This temporary protection permission will allow individuals covered to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of such permission being extended for further periods.  The granting of temporary protection will include a range of entitlements individuals may wish to avail of, including the entitlement to seek employment or self-employment and vocational training education activities in Ireland.

My Department is working with its enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, to assess the direct and indirect impacts on supply chains and distribution and sales channels for client companies that are engaged in trade with the regions subject to sanctions.

Ireland has been working closely with our EU partners in adopting sanctions in response to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. My Department is one of three National Competent Authorities for EU Sanctions and has specific responsibility for the implementation trade sanctions. My officials are working closely with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to ensure comprehensive implementation of these measures. My Department is also engaging directly with traders, through online channels, webinars, and bilateral contacts, to raise awareness of the sanctions and to assist them in complying.

Finally, my Department has established a cross-Department Senior Management Team to ensure strong leadership and good coordination for its ongoing response to the situation in Ukraine.