Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 21 March 2023, if he will provide an update on Ireland's efforts at EU and UN levels to stop the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19871/23]
View answerIreland is consistently engaged at the European Union and United Nations in response to Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression.
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.
In response to Russia’s illegal invasion, the EU has adopted ten major packages of sanctions on Russia. These are the hardest hitting and most expansive sanctions in EU history. At the April FAC, I reaffirmed Ireland’s support for additional sanctions in response to Russia's actions, particularly on individuals and entities involved in the heinous crime of the forced displacement of children from Ukraine to Russia, as well as the need to strengthen measures against circumvention. I also highlighted Ireland’s efforts to ensure accountability and our support for a just peace.
At the United Nations, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace, overwhelmingly adopted by the General Assembly, with 141 votes in favour in February.
Ireland has co-sponsored five other UN General Assembly resolutions in response to the invasion, condemning Russia’s aggression; calling for humanitarian access; voting to exclude Russia from the Human Rights Council; condemning the illegal so-called referendums in the occupied parts of Ukraine and subsequent illegal annexations; and recognising the need for an international mechanism for reparations for Ukraine.
Ireland also used our voice at the UN Security Council throughout 2022 to hold Russia accountable.
We have been strongly supportive of the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative, and of EU efforts to alleviate food insecurity. I discussed this with the United Nations Secretary General during my visit to New York in March, and reiterated Ireland's ongoing support for the UN's efforts.
