Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department’s response with regard to the Russian war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57849/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the further invasion of Ukraine in February, Ireland has been steadfast in its support for the Government and people of Ukraine, and is committed to continuing to provide vital protection and support. The latest figures show that some 64,000 Ukrainians have registered in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to date.

Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the EU budget. Financial support provided by my Department to date includes €20 million in humanitarian aid, a €66 million commitment through the European Peace Facility, and a €3 million commitment for the International Criminal Court (ICC). In line with a commitment in our Programme for Government, Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility has been directed toward the non-lethal elements of the support package.

Ireland continues to use our membership of the UN Security Council to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately. Ireland supports investigations into all apparent war crimes, and accountability for those responsible. Ireland is one of over 40 countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC. €1 million of the €3 million to the ICC has already been disbursed to the Office of Prosecutor and will assist in the investigation of the situation in Ukraine, along with other situations before the court. On 8 September, Ireland submitted a request for leave to intervene as a third party in the proceedings brought by Ukraine against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. In addition, Ireland on 19 September filed a declaration of intervention in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The EU adopted its eighth sanctions package on 6 October. Ireland welcomed this package and has called for consideration of further measures. The measures we have imposed are having a significant impact. We need to continue to work together to  maintain this pressure.  To date, Irish financial institutions have frozen €1.9 billion of assets belonging to sanctioned Russian individuals or companies.