Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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239. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the training of Ukrainian soldiers is in contravention of Ireland’s neutrality; his views on whether it will damage Ireland’s stance as a neutral state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55930/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Russia’s appalling military aggression against Ukraine has highlighted more than ever the importance of solidarity and cooperation amongst like-minded partners in upholding the rules based international order. While we are militarily neutral, the Government has been clear that Ireland is not politically neutral in terms of our response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.

As part of the EU’s ongoing support to Ukraine, EU Foreign Ministers agreed on 17 October to establish an EU Military Assistance Mission to provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. Ireland fully supported the establishment of the Mission and an Irish contribution is under active examination.

The provision of any such support would not contravene Ireland's policy of military neutrality. In practical terms, as practised by successive Governments, this policy means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. However, our approach has never been one of isolationism; rather our neutrality has informed our active approach towards UN and EU peace support operations and crisis management, and our contributions to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

In this context, Ireland has been a long-standing supporter of the EU’s Common, Security and Defence Policy and an active participant in the EU’s civilian and military CSDP missions and operations around the globe, including EU Military Assistance Missions focused on providing training to third countries, at their request.