Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of the Government in relation to a factory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I want to assure you that Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty remains unwavering. Ireland is at the forefront of efforts across the United Nations and the European Union to bring an end to the conflict.

The EU has imposed sanctions targeting Russia for its illegal attack on Ukraine. These sanctions are designed to hurt the Russian economy and not the Irish or European economies. Further sanctions are being considered this week

Aughinish Alumina plays a significant role in the broader EU economy and the global aluminium supply chain. It operates the largest alumina refinery in Europe producing approximately one third of the EU's alumina. The importance of Aughinish Alumina to the local economy cannot be over-stated. In a small economy such as Ireland’s, and in a predominantly rural area, it is a very large employer and is a major contributor to the local economy and an important company regionally and nationally.

Minister Donohoe and I met with Aughinish Alumina recently, along with department and IDA officials. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and working to ensure the refinery remains operational.