Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what efforts he is making to help optimise the EU's support for Ukraine against the invasion of that country by Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50271/23]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is confident that the European Union's support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49943/23]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how he is working to ensure that Ukraine has the multi-faceted support required to ensure that Russia does not succeed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50239/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 161 and 162 together.

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. Ukraine continues to be a regular focus of discussions at EU level, most recently at the November Foreign Affairs Council where it was clear that Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast.

The EU's response has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. So far almost 5 million Ukrainian refugees have found sanctuary in EU Member States, with Ireland alone hosting over 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war.

While EU Member States may have different positions on individual issues related to Ukraine, this does not detract from the EU’s overall steadfast support to Ukraine. The leaders of EU member states know that continued support for Ukraine is necessary to safeguard the security of Europe as a whole.

Overall assistance to Ukraine pledged at EU and Member State level to date amounts to approximately €85 billion. The European Commission has so far this year disbursed €16.5 billion of an up to €18 billion Macro-Financial Assistance package agreed for Ukraine in 2023. This package will allow Ukraine to continue to pay wages and pensions, maintain essential public services, ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia.

In June, European Commission President von der Leyen announced a €50 billion package aimed at covering immediate reconstruction costs and supporting Ukraine over the next four years. The Ukraine Facility, which is still subject to approval by Member States, would ensure the EU’s sustained support for Ukraine as it continues to withstand Russian aggression, while addressing the complex challenges around reconstruction and the reforms underpinning the enlargement process. Ireland is supportive of mechanisms that assist Ukraine and support them on their path to EU membership and we welcome the proposal as a further sign of our commitment to Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion has led to the unprecedented mobilisation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine under the EPF to date, consisting of approximately €5.22 billion for lethal equipment and approximately €380 million for non-lethal equipment. Ireland constructively abstains on all lethal equipment elements of the support packages and our full share of funding – approximately €122 million– is directed exclusively toward non-lethal support.

At the June and October 2023 European Councils, 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 individual Member States’ security and defence policies.

Ireland strongly supports Ukraine's European perspective. The Commission's enlargement report has recommended opening negotiations with Ukraine, and a decision is expected on the issue at the European Council meeting in December.

The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Discussions on the proposals for a 12th package of sanctions against Russia are ongoing. Building on the measures introduced in the 11th package, there will be a continued focus on strengthening implementation and combatting circumvention. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and we continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring that all measures adopted are fully and effectively implemented.

Together with our EU partners, Ireland continues to build support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, including by engaging on President Zelenskyy's peace plan and reiterating key messages on the global consequences of Russia’s invasion with our global partners.