Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions will begin on applying another round of tough sanctions on Russia at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting. [25900/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine. The sanctions adopted to date are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. These targeted measures are focused on impeding Russia’s ability to wage war.

Over 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. There are also a broad range of targeted sectoral measures in place, including restrictions on the export of sensitive goods and technology from the EU to Russia to prevent Russia from accessing key materials for its military, energy, technology and transport sectors.

On 23 February 2024, the EU adopted a 13^th package of sanctions, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine. That package included the listing of almost 200 additional individuals and companies involved in Russia’s war effort and the addition of 27 Russian and third country companies to the list of entities associated with Russia's military-industrial complex subject to tighter export controls. The package also included further measures targeting the sale and supply of drone components to Russia.

Discussions are currently ongoing on a 14^th package of sanctions against Russia, which I hope to see adopted shortly. We welcome the focus in this package on further strengthening efforts to combat circumvention, in particular to limit Russia’s access to sensitive items and battlefield goods.

In discussions with EU partners, Ireland will continue to emphasise the need to maintain pressure on Russia through the adoption of strong, targeted sanctions.