Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
52. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50118/23]
View answerIreland is deeply concerned at Russia’s failure to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This initiative was vital in delivering life-saving food products from Ukraine to countries most impacted by food insecurity. We support efforts of Turkey and the UN Secretary General to restore the deal and put on a sustainable footing.
Ukraine has since made some progress in pushing back the blockade by the Russian navy of Ukraine’s ports and parts of the Black Sea. This has allowed for the establishment of a “humanitarian corridor”, enabling over 60 ships sail to and from Ukrainian ports, restarting the export of grain. I am pleased to see that so many ships have been able to safely traverse this corridor and hope that this can continue.
In parallel, the European Union is facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain via the "solidarity lanes" through neighbouring countries.
However, Russia has consistently targeted grain silos and port infrastructure, so Ukraine’s export capacity for grain has decreased by 40% compared to last year. Just as worrying is the recent news of a Liberian flagged cargo ship being struck by a missile in the port of Odesa, killing a Ukrainian port worker and injuring three crew members on board the vessel.
Ireland plays a leadership role in tackling hunger globally. Ending hunger is one of the core priorities at the heart of our international engagement and development programme. This year, Ireland will provide at least €284 million in support for food, agriculture and nutrition around the world. To help counter the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on the most vulnerable, Ireland will provide €2 million to President Zelenskyy’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative.
We will continue our efforts both to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, and to counter the global impacts of the Russian invasion.
