Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.

EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment.

In line with the Programme for Government, Ireland constructively abstains on all lethal equipment elements of the support packages. Our full share of funding – approximately €122 million (to date) – is, therefore, directed exclusively toward non-lethal support. This is the basis on which Ireland’s involvement in the EPF was decided by the Government and agreed with and understood by our EU partners.

A further €1 million has been contributed to date towards the common costs of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). A further contribution by Ireland is likely before the end of the year.

Through their participation in EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have provided training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in Demining & Clearance (in Cyprus) and in two modules of Tactical Combat Casualty Care /Combat Life Saver (in Germany). The Defence Forces are currently delivering a module of drill instruction training to the UAF. They have a draft programme of training to be provided up to March 2024 which is subject to regular updating.

Later this year, it is intended that the Defence Forces will donate two DOK-ING Mine Clearance Systems (mine flails) to the UAF, as well as training on their use and maintenance.

At the June 2023 European Council, EU leaders agreed to stand ready to contribute to future security commitments to Ukraine, and discussions are ongoing in Brussels on this. The Council Conclusions recognise that these commitments will fully respect Member States’ security and defence policies, such as Ireland’s.

The establishment of a dedicated ‘Ukraine Assistance Fund’ under the EPF has been proposed, with an annual budget of approximately €5 billion and a potential total ceiling of €20 billion for the period 2024-2027 as a core element of such support. This proposed envelope would cover lethal and non-lethal support as well as some of the costs associated with the EU military assistance mission, EUMAM Ukraine.

If this proposal for the establishment of a dedicated "Ukraine Assistance Fund" is agreed, it has the potential to significantly increase in Ireland’s contribution to the European Peace Facility. In line with the commitments in our Programme for Government, any increase in Ireland’s share of EPF funding for Ukraine will continue to be directed exclusively towards non-lethal military support.