Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his latest engagements with the Russian Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57458/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have not met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland in person since Russia’s unjustified and illegal further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Officials in my Department have met with the Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). This is the international agreement on arrangements for diplomats and diplomatic missions to which both Ireland and the Russian Federation are party.

Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to formally convey the Government's views on the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.

At my instruction and in coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned by my Department on 3 October. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September purporting to annex part of the territory of Ukraine.

The Russian Ambassador was called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November. At that meeting, the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed, and Ireland’s position in respect of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine was reiterated.  Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, was also reiterated. The Department of Foreign Affairs was given a copy of the list of 52 citizens subject to the travel ban. The Department informed the individuals concerned.