Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his European colleagues continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine with particular reference to the ongoing implications for European peace and security including food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/23]
View answerRussia’s illegal full scale invasion of Ukraine continues to dominate the European landscape, and my European counterparts and I are continually monitoring the situation.
This week at the Foreign Affairs Council, EU Foreign Ministers received an update on the situation on the ground from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba, and discussed the main strands of the EU’s support to Ukraine, including military support.
Ireland has joined other Member States in agreeing approximately €5.5 billion in support under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to Ukraine. In line with the Programme for Government, our support for Ukraine under the EPF is directly solely towards non-lethal assistance. Our contribution currently stands at approximately €122 million and helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel.
The European Union and its Member States have collectively pledged assistance of over €67 billion to Ukraine and its people, including financial support, humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military assistance, and the hosting of refugees fleeing the war.
I was pleased to see that the €4.5 billion of the €18 billion in EU Macro-financial assistance for 2023 was disbursed in January of this year. This regular, stable funding will help ensure that Ukraine can meet the most immediate needs of its people in the face of ongoing Russia attacks.
At the April FAC, I highlighted Ireland’s support for sanctions against the Russian regime, and the need to strengthen measures against circumvention. I also spoke of the need to focus on protection of civilians and safeguarding of children, particularly in light of the concerning reports that Ukrainian children are being forcibly transferred to Russia. I also highlighted Ireland’s efforts to ensure accountability for Russia’s violations of international law and our support for a just peace.
Ireland remains deeply concerned by the serious global impacts of Russia’s war, particularly on food insecurity. We have been strongly supportive of EU efforts to alleviate food insecurity, most notably the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. The EU has stressed the importance of the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and I discussed this issue with the UN Secretary General when I met him in New York in March.
We continue to engage with our partners in third countries on these global impacts, and the need to uphold the rules based international order. The overwhelming support for a UN General Assembly Resolution in February, on the anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion, condemning Russia's continued attack against Ukraine and calling for a peaceful resolution, in line with the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace, was very welcome.
Ireland has also been to the fore in working for accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine, including through support for existing mechanisms such as the ICC, ICJ and European Court of Human Rights, as well as exploring options for a Special Tribunal to try the crime of aggression.
