Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures the Government is taking at EU level to assist the people of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14668/22]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Ukraine’s application to join the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/22]

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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125. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any recent conversations with European Union counterparts in relation to the Ukrainian refugee crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15479/22]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of Ireland in tackling the future challenges for the European Union in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine. [15365/22]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the application submitted by Ukraine for membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15341/22]

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on discussions at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council on the need to progress Ukrainian membership of the European Union as expeditiously as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 102, 125, 141, 142 and 155 together.

The EU has been united in providing support to Ukraine in its struggle as a consequence of Russia's unjustified and illegal further invasion since 24 February.

The EU has implemented the most comprehensive sanctions in its history, with the most recent round of sanctions adopted on 15 March. These sanctions have been adopted in close cooperation with partners, including the US, UK and Canada. The measures adopted to date target the financial, energy, technology and defence, airspace and transport and media sectors, in both Russia and, to a lesser extent, Belarus. Trade between the EU and the two breakaway regions in Donetsk and Luhansk has been restricted, and the export to Russia of a range of luxury goods has been banned. Individual sanctions have been imposed on almost 700 decision makers, military figures, oligarchs and propagandists and fourteen entities since 23 February.

The impact of sanctions on the Russian economy has been swift. In response, Russia has published a list of “unfriendly countries” (and territories), which includes all EU Member States, as well as the US, Canada, UK, and others who have imposed sanctions.

The EU has also provided €500 million in military assistance to Ukraine, comprised of €450 million in lethal and €50 million in non-lethal aid through the European Peace Facility (EPF). Ireland constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package but will pay our full share (approximately €11 million), directed to non-lethal elements. At our meeting in Brussels on Monday, EU Foreign Ministers also signalled their political approval for an additional €500 million in military support. In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, Ireland’s total share will again go towards non-lethal elements.

Ireland fully supports Ukraine's application for EU Membership. EU leaders have acted swiftly in inviting the European Commission to submit its opinion on Ukraine's application to become a member. The EU membership process has legalities and benchmarks which need to be met. We should not forget that there are other countries pursuing this process. That needs to be managed sensitively. We all recognise that the Ukrainian people are upholding the fundamental values at the heart of the European Union, in many cases with their own lives.

The EU agreed on the 4 March 2022 to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. This allows for beneficiaries to receive the support and protection of the Irish State through a quick and streamlined process. Such people have protection status for up to a year (with a possibility of extension where appropriate so overall period would not exceed three years), and would be entitled to access employment and State supports including, accommodation, healthcare and social welfare on the same basis as Irish Nationals. The decision of 4 March sets out the categories to which the Directive should apply i.e. to Ukrainian nationals who had been residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and their family members. The Decision also applies to stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine, who benefitted from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and who have been displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 plus their family members. Third Country Nationals and Stateless persons with permanent residence permits granted by the Ukrainian authorities who cannot return safely to country or region of origin, are also eligible for Temporary Protection.

My Department has already put together a €20 million Irish Aid humanitarian package enabling humanitarian organisations on the ground, including UN agencies and the Red Cross Movement, to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine. Urgently needed medical supplies from Irish stocks are being made available through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

On 17 March the EU agreed to allow Frontex provide Moldova with operational support for border management.

To address the question on future challenges for the EU arising from Russia's illegal military aggression in Ukraine: While we cannot predict the future, Ireland has played an active, constructive and compassionate role at EU level in meeting recent challenges. We will continue to do so.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will deploy consular staff from his Department along the Ukrainian borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova and Romania to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. [15036/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, where Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack is causing immense suffering. I recall that this House's support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unanimous and unwavering. My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure a coordinated national response.

My Department's Consular staff are assigned to deal with Irish citizens and there are currently minimal numbers of Irish citizens arriving at borders. Support for refugees is provided by humanitarian workers including those from the UN system, the Red Cross Movement and local NGOs, coordinated with local government administrations in each of the border countries. My Department has already put together a €20 million Irish Aid humanitarian package enabling humanitarian organisations on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine.

The EU agreed on the 4 March 2022 to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. This allows for beneficiaries to receive the support and protection of the Irish State through a streamlined process. Such people have protection status for up to a year (with a possibility of extension where appropriate so overall period would not exceed three years), and are entitled to access employment and State supports including accommodation, healthcare and social welfare on the same basis as Irish Nationals. The Decision sets out the categories to which the Directive should apply i.e. to Ukrainian nationals who had been residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and their family members. The Decision also applies to stateless persons, and nationals of third countries, who benefitted from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and who have been displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022, plus their family members. Third Country Nationals and Stateless persons with permanent residence permits granted by the Ukrainian authorities who cannot return safely to country or region of origin, are also eligible for Temporary Protection.