Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland can do more to assist Ukraine to defend itself militarily against the brutal aggression of the Russian invading army and Russian aerial attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4443/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has been consistent in our support for Ukraine since Russia's further invasion in February 2022. While Ireland is a militarily neutral country, meaning that we do not participate in a military alliance or common or mutual defence arrangements, we are not politically neutral in our response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. We have supported measures to help Ukraine at all multilateral fora of which we are members.

At EU level, recent discussions have focused on the provision of additional, more sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine. In January, it was agreed to increase funding under the European Peace Facility to €3.5 billion. In line with our approach to the initial Council Decision, Ireland will constructively abstain from the Assistance Measure concerning the supply of military equipment, and platforms, designed to deliver lethal force. We will instead contribute our full share to the non-lethal Assistance Measure (this will bring Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility to approximately €77 million.)

Also in January, the Commission disbursed a first instalment of €3 billion, of the up to €18 billion Macro-financial Assistance package for Ukraine. With this stable, regular and predictable financial support throughout 2023, Ukraine will be able to continue to pay wages and pensions, and maintain essential public services such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people. It will also allow Ukraine to ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia in its war of aggression, such as energy infrastructure, water systems, transport networks, roads and bridges.

Additionally, Ireland has consistently supported imposing strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and is fully committed to their implementation.

We will continue our steadfast support of Ukraine for as long as it takes.