Brendan Griffin
Question:52. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on how we can further support Ukraine in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28882/23]
View answerThursday, 15 June 2023
Questions (52)
Written answers
Ireland has been unequivocal in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine, following Russia’s full-scale invasion. We remain unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to defend itself against sustained Russian aggression.
Ireland is actively engaged in multilateral fora, including at the European Union and United Nations, and we continue to work with partners to identify ways to further support Ukraine. To date, the Irish Government has committed over €183 million in bilateral support to Ukraine, comprising €61 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million of military assistance via the European Peace Facility. Ireland has also made a €3 million voluntary contribution to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for use in all situations before the Court, including Ukraine, as well as providing a variety of in-kind assistance, including medical supplies and energy network items.
Most recently, in the immediate wake of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, Ireland allocated €1 million to support urgent humanitarian needs on the ground. The funds will be allocated to the IFRC to support the local response by the Ukraine Red Cross Society. Additionally, Ireland has welcomed over 84,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive, which equates to some 1.6% of our population.
Ireland is supporting the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). There is currently one Defence Forces officer in a senior staff position at the mission’s Operational Headquarters in Brussels and three officers who have taken up staff positions in the multinational Special Training Command (STC) in Germany. Six members of the Defence Forces also recently helped to deliver a course in Demining and Clearance to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Cyprus in April.
At EU level, Member States have adopted ten major packages of sanctions against Russia. These are the hardest hitting and most expansive sanctions in EU history. Ireland is supportive of further sanctions packages, focused on degrading Russia’s capacity to continue its aggression. We are also focused on ensuring that all the measures adopted to date are fully and effectively implemented.
Ireland supports of the 10-point Peace Formula announced by President Zelenskyy last November and believes that it is for Ukraine to determine the terms, conditions and timelines for any peace negotiations and agreement. We are actively engaged in many of the areas that it covers, including food security, nuclear safety, and accountability.
Ireland has been to the fore in working for accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine. We support the investigations of the ICC Prosecutor in Ukraine and call for full cooperation by all States Parties, including in the execution of arrest warrants issued. We support the establishment of a special tribunal to try those responsible for the crime of aggression in Ukraine. At the Council of Europe, we have supported the establishment of a register of damage caused by Russian aggression.
It is important that our current support to Ukraine also extend to its longer-term recovery and reconstruction. Ireland is engaging with Ukraine and partners to put in place the necessary structures and mechanisms to ensure a successful reconstruction effort.
Ireland is, and will remain, a strong supporter of EU Enlargement, and of Ukraine’s European perspective. Last June, we warmly welcomed the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and we stand ready to further support Ukraine on its path to EU membership.