Sorca Clarke
Question:394. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if any consideration has been given to sending military equipment to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16392/22]
View answerTuesday, 29 March 2022
Questions (394)
Written answers
On the 14th of March, I approved the provision of approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals (MREs) and 200 units of body armour to Ukraine. These supplies have already been transported by Defence Forces personnel to a Polish logistics hub which was established for the co-ordination, administration and delivery of military equipment (lethal and non-lethal), from donating EU Member States and third countries to Ukraine. This contribution comes from existing Defence Forces’ stocks and forms a specific element of Ireland’s support via the European Peace Facility towards the provision of non-lethal equipment.
As regards the provision of lethal equipment, the Programme for Government clearly states that Ireland will not fund lethal equipment through the EPF. This is the basis on which Ireland’s involvement in the EPF was decided by the Government and agreed with our EU partners. Ireland's entire financial contribution to the EPF measures will, therefore, be used for the provision of non-lethal equipment for the armed forces of Ukraine.
To date, the Government (through the Department of Foreign Affairs) has contributed approx. €11 million through the European Peace Facility to the EU’s initial package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine. This support has now been doubled to €1 billion and Ireland will now contribute a further €11 million, all of which will go towards non-lethal elements.
The Irish Government is also providing €20 million in humanitarian aid, as well as medical supplies. Those funds are already being disbursed through our partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.