Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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2. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); if he will consider allocating targeted funding for this project as part of Ireland’s wider financial support for Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6772/26]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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3. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the matter of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied) at an EU level to propose direct funding for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6773/26]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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6. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider facilitating a meeting with an Irish based engineer that is part of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6923/26]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 3 and 6 together.

Since the launch of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ireland has been a steadfast and consistent supporter of Ukraine. A key part of Ireland’s response to the war has been through the provision of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance, which has amounted so far to some €173 million. This funding has been provided for a wide range of humanitarian and stabilisation supports designed to provide the most effective assistance possible to the people of Ukraine.

Our humanitarian response has primarily been channeled through long-standing trusted partners including UN agencies and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Ireland’s flexible support helps humanitarian partners to reach the most vulnerable people, whether they remain close to frontlines, are displaced elsewhere in Ukraine, or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

As part of this work, we have partnered with both the UNFPA and the international development programme of Estonia to deliver sustainable health care facilities in Ukraine. These supports are intended to target specific needs, including the continued provision of maternal and perinatal care during attacks, the refurbishment of an Intensive Care Unit, and the provision of training for health care professionals. We have also partnered with UNHCR on the construction of core homes for people whose houses have been destroyed; and we have partnered with Lithuania on the construction of shelters for schools, so that children can remain in education in areas experiencing missile attacks.

In considering how Ireland can provide the most effective assistance to the people of Ukraine, potential projects are subject to in-depth and thorough appraisals, to ensure that, where possible, they reach the most vulnerable and respond to clear, demonstrable and well-defined needs. For projects in the areas of health and medicine, there is an assessment of alignment with the needs identified by recognised local and international structures, including those of the World Health Organisation.

As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine approaches, the Government remains fully committed to responding to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, for as long as is necessary. Officials are ready to meet with those promoting the proposal referred to. All assistance to Ukraine this year will continue to be assessed within the framework of providing the most effective supports to achieve the greatest impact for those most in need.