Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
142. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, during his recent visit to the United Nations, he sought a progress report on the work of the anti-corruption task force for Ukraine established this year to work with G7 nations and the UN to reduce the risk of corruption in Ukraine; if he will continue to monitor the progress of the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42638/23]
View answerI am aware of the establishment of an anti-corruption task force by G7 Justice Ministers in July of this year. I welcome this initiative, which will strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption in Ukraine. I look forward to hearing updates on its progress in due course.
Tackling corruption is an essential part of the reforms Ukraine needs to undertake in order to advance its EU candidacy, and is one of seven recommendations put forward by the Commission in its June 2022 Opinion on Ukraine’s application to join the EU. I welcome the recent steps Ukraine has taken to complete that recommendation, having made some progress so far, including the adoption of legislation reinstating the asset declaration system, and efforts to address reported instances of corruption within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
Ireland continues to advocate strongly in favour of EU accession for Ukraine. Ukraine has clearly chosen its European path and demonstrated its desire to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures and make its own democratic and sovereign choices. The OECD’s Ukraine Country Programme, to which Ireland has committed €0.5 million, was developed in close co-operation with, and reflects the priorities of, the Government of Ukraine, including stronger institutions and governance and continuing the fight against corruption. This programme will help bring Ukraine closer to OECD standards and good policy practices and ultimately also support Ukraine’s accession to the EU. The G7 Anti-Corruption task force will also play a role in helping Ukraine to address these issues, and in so doing will support it on its EU membership path.
At the UN General Assembly High Level Week, a key focus was on building support among international partners for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Ireland in coordination with other EU Member States used UNGA High Level Week as an opportunity for dialogue with the wider UN membership on the global consequences of Russia’s invasion that are impacting on all countries, but especially the most vulnerable.
