Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has created a humanitarian crisis, which Ireland has responded to, from the start. So far, we have provided over €40 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours. This humanitarian assistance is focused on those most vulnerable and hard to reach, such as women & children, displaced persons, those closest to the conflict lines and marginalised populations.

Humanitarian assistance for Ukraine this year has met critical needs, including the construction of prefabricated homes, provision of food, safe drinking water and cash assistance. We have also provided for psychosocial assistance and aid to protect women and girls who are particularly vulnerable. In addition, we contribute to humanitarian assistance through our core and flexible funding to international partners including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the International Red Cross.

In addition, Ireland strongly supports the EU humanitarian response. Since the invasion, the European Commission has allocated €733 million in humanitarian assistance, of which €685 million was for Ukraine, and €48 million for Moldova.

The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) has been a crucial channel for EU assistance to Ukraine. The European Commission has helped to establish logistics hubs in neighbouring countries where assistance can be received and consolidated before being sent to Ukraine. To date over 96,000 tonnes of assistance have been channelled to Ukraine, with an estimated value of over €796 million.

Ireland has provided in-kind assistance through the UCPM, including support to the health and energy sectors.