Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
407. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a campaign by an organisation (details supplied) and its calls for greater co-ordination and planning, stronger communications and engagement with civil society organisations meeting the needs of people fleeing Ukraine and the communities in which they now live; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38885/22]
View answerI thank the Deputy for bringing my attention to this campaign concerning the needs of those fleeing the war being waged against Ukraine by Russia.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland and is leading on the foreign policy aspects of this crisis, including on support to the Ukrainian armed forces for the defence of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and the protection of Ukrainian civilians through the European Peace Facility; the imposition of sanctions on Russia and Belarus; support to Ukraine in their successful application for EU candidate status; support for the UN and NGOS providing emergency humanitarian aid to those in most need in Ukraine and neighbouring countries; and leading efforts at the UN Security Council, the Council of Europe and other international organisations to hold Russia to account for its actions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also participates in the Senior Officials Group, chaired and coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, which meets on a weekly basis to coordinate the Government's response to the Ukraine crisis, including the response of relevant Departments to the needs of Ukrainians in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive. The issues raised in the Ukraine Civil Society Emergency Response submission focus on the areas of responsibility of a number of government departments who provide supports to Ukrainians in Ireland and within whose remit the various policy proposals and suggestions fall.
