Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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President Macron recently hosted a number of European leaders, including the Taoiseach, and a number of international partners at an informal meeting in Paris to consider the current situation in Ukraine. I understand that a broad range of ideas were discussed, including possible additional military support to Ukraine to assist the country in its efforts to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.

Ahead of this month’s meeting of EU foreign ministers, the EU’s focus in respect of military support to Ukraine is centred on agreeing the modalities for the proposed Ukraine Assistance Fund, within the wider framework of the European Peace Facility (EPF). Once agreed, it is envisaged that this new Fund will help to ensure sustainable and predictable military support for Ukraine for the period ahead.

Ireland's assistance, as provided through the Ukraine Assistance Fund and the EPF, will continue to consist of non-lethal military support, in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government. Support through the Ukraine Assistance Fund does not involve the deployment of EU military personnel to Ukraine and there have been no proposals made, or discussions at EU level, to do so.

A further pillar of the EU’s existing support is the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, EUMAM Ukraine, which was established in October 2022. The Mission provides specialist training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinates existing Member State training activities. All such training is delivered within the European Union and not on Ukrainian territory.

In Ireland’s case, the Defence Forces have already delivered a number of training modules, including in demining and combat casualty care, together with EU Member State partners. There are no plans to deploy members of the Defence Forces to Ukraine, in any capacity.