Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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233. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any engagement with European Union officials in relation to the expulsion of the Russian ambassador from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13634/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal, immoral and unjustified further invasion of Ukraine. Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and its right to choose its own foreign and security policy path, is unwavering.

In response to this assault on Ukraine, the EU has adopted the most extensive sanctions in its history. The aim of these sanctions is to incentivise President Putin to find a political solution to the conflict that he has created, and to reduce the funding and equipment available to Russia to continue its illegal actions in Ukraine.

Sectoral sanctions target the Russian financial, energy, technology and defence, and transport sectors. Sanctions have also been introduced to prevent Russian state-owed media from spreading disinformation in the EU. Individual sanctions have been introduced on Russian persons and entities, with 510 people and 5 entities subjected to asset freezes and travel bans (for persons) since 23 February. The EU has also imposed trade restrictions on Belarus for its support to Russia, and has sanctioned Belarussian military leaders. I also refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 299 on 3 March, which provides a detailed overview of all of the EU sanctions that have been adopted in response to Russia’s aggressive actions since 23 February.

Preparatory work continues on additional sanctions. Ireland has made clear that it will support the widest possible sanctions, as a concrete demonstration of our solidarity with Ukraine.

Regarding the Deputy’s query regarding the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Ireland, I believe there is value in keeping diplomatic channels open with Russia, not least to protect our interests and our citizens. Like all of the other responses we have deployed, we are coordinating closely with EU partners to ensure decisions have a meaningful impact. The issue will continue to be kept under review.