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

110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an inventory of non-lethal supports that have been provided by Ireland to Ukraine, within a foreign policy context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4090/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While Ireland is militarily neutral, the Government has been clear that Ireland is not politically neutral in terms of our response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. Ireland believes in and is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter. These include the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.

Ukraine has the same fundamental right as every other sovereign and independent State to choose its own foreign policy and to ensure the security and defence of its own territory.

Together with other EU partners, we remain strongly committed to supporting Ukraine in defence of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. 

At EU level, and in this context, we have joined other Member States in agreeing approximately €3.5 billion in support under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to Ukraine. 

In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland’s support for Ukraine under the EPF is directly solely towards non-lethal assistance. In this regard, our contribution now stands at approximately €77 million and helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.

In addition, Ireland has previously provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine. 

In terms of humanitarian assistance Ireland was among the first to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, I announced a significant Irish Aid package on the first day of the invasion that subsequently increased to €20 million. This comprehensive package is funding both the UN Appeal, Red Cross movement and Irish based NGOs.

Last month my Department announced the provision of €25 million in funding channeled quickly and efficiently through trusted partners, to assist the Governments of Ukraine address immediate challenges arising out of the war in Ukraine, with an emphasis on support for the civilian population.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

111. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further action he expects to be taken against the Russian Federation in view of its ongoing illegal war being waged on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have been consistent in our condemnation of Russia and have supported measures to support Ukraine at every opportunity.

Ireland has consistently supported imposing strong sanctions against Russia and is fully committed to their implementation. The EU has imposed the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in its history in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, adopting its ninth package of sanctions on 16 December 2022. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and extensive import and export controls, among other measures. EU restrictive measures relating to Ukraine currently apply to a total of 1,386 individuals and 171 entities. 

The European Commission is currently preparing a proposal for a tenth package of sanctions. This new package is expected to further restrict the export of technology to Russia, tackle circumvention and introduce new listings of individuals who have supported the war in various ways. The Commission and Member States are also exploring legal avenues to use assets that have been frozen under the Russia/Ukraine sanctions to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine. In order to reduce Russia’s revenues that fund its war, the EU has banned the import of Russian crude oil since on 5 December 2022, along with a G7-agreed oil price cap. A similar ban and price cap for refined petroleum products is due to enter into force on 5 February 2023.

We have also worked consistently with partners to isolate Russia diplomatically. We have supported action at the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and other multilateral fora, to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to work with Ukraine and with like-minded partners in these and other bodies in calling for States to condemn Russia’s invasion of another sovereign State and for Russia to be held to account for their actions.