Gino Kenny
Question:215. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on Ireland’s contributions to the unfolding war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23594/22]
View answerThursday, 12 May 2022
Questions (215)
Written answers
In line with the commitment laid out in the 2020 Programme for Government and the provisions of the memorandum on the European Peace Facility (EPF), approved by the Irish government in March 2021, Ireland’s financial contribution supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces via the EPF is directed towards providing non-lethal support such as food, medicine and personal protection equipment which have been specifically requested by the government of Ukraine. This equipment could include such items as body armour and helmets. A similar approach is followed by both Austria and Malta.
Ireland is providing its full contribution to the EPF assistance measures, Ireland’s contribution currently stands at €33m. It is expected that a further tranche of funding for Ukraine via the EPF will be proposed in the coming days, taking the total support provided by the EU to €2 billion. If this proposal is approved, Ireland's share will stand at approximately €44m.
Following a direct request from Ukraine, the Defence Forces has provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The contribution of the ready-to-eat meals and body armour is a specific element of the Government’s contribution through the European Peace Facility and is in addition to the further €20 million provided in humanitarian assistance to the UN and the Red Cross which is already being disbursed through UN and NGO partners in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
That also includes a dedicated Ukraine civil society fund of €2 million specifically to support NGOs responding to the crisis.
Ireland is also one of over 40 countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ireland is providing a further €3 million to the ICC, which will assist with regard to all situations before the court.
The Health Service Executive has also provided medical supplies through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Rapid Response Register has been activated, making skilled humanitarians available at short notice to the UN system.