Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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117. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland can influence the international community to direct further humanitarian aid to those suffering as a result of the invasion of the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40913/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland remains steadfast in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine.

The conflict since the illegal Russian invasion in February 2022 continues to drive people from their homes, adding to the 3.6 million already internally displaced. As Ukraine faces into another winter, Ireland's humanitarian funding continues to target the most vulnerable, including women and children, displaced persons and those closest to conflict lines.

On 4 September, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste announced a significant new package of €36 million in assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours. This will help provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace and stability. It includes €23.5 million in humanitarian assistance to trusted international partners, including the UN and Red Cross family. As the conflict, and the associated needs on the ground, evolve over the winter months, this funding will support those most in need.

Ireland also strongly supports the EU humanitarian response. Since February 2022, the European Commission has allocated €966 million for humanitarian aid programmes to assist those affected by the war in Ukraine. Of this, €895 million has been allocated for humanitarian programmes within Ukraine and €71 million to support refugees in Moldova.

The European Commission has coordinated its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This has been a crucial channel for EU assistance channeling more than 150,000 tonnes of assistance to Ukraine. Ireland has provided in-kind assistance through the UCPM, including support to the health and energy sectors.

We also continue to use our international influence to promote actively, and defend, International Humanitarian Law and to strengthen accountability. From Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and elsewhere, International Humanitarian Law is vital to limit the inhumanity of war, to protect the civilian population and to enable humanitarian actors to safely access and assist populations in need.

The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to continue to defend itself against Russian aggression, and to address the humanitarian consequences of this unjust war.