Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the defence supports that he has sanctioned for Ukraine; and if further supports will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23502/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and we continue to assert Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

My Department, Civil Defence, and the Defence Forces have been providing a number of supports for Ukraine.

While Ireland has constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package to support Ukraine, we are paying our full share (€33 million) and our funding will go to non-lethal elements, consistent with the terms of the Programme for Government. The Department of Defence has provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour, which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine.

Following a request from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, lands at Gormanston, Co. Meath have been made available for emergency accommodation and a reception centre, The facility is now ready for operation with an initial capacity of 320 with 24 hours notice. Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, has also now been made available to Kerry County Council at their request to accommodate Ukrainian nationals.

My Department is also engaging with OPW and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs regarding the possibility of using Ratra House in the Phoenix Park to accommodate Ukrainian nationals

The Defence Forces have provided logistical support to the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, and to the Irish Red Cross in progressing the pledges of accommodation received.

From the middle of March, Civil Defence units across the country have been involved in supporting Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. This has included setting up and operating temporary rest centres in 21 local authority areas around the country. They have also transported Ukrainians to and from their accommodation and to meetings for school registration and medical appointments etc.

My Department will continue to engage across Government through the Senior Officials Group on the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, and the Humanitarian Crisis Housing Task Force in relation to any further requests for accommodation or other supports, that are required from the Defence Organisation.