Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to the full and effective implementation of sanctions on Russia and the prevention of their circumvention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50056/23]
View answer180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to further strengthening sanctions on Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50240/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 180 together.
Ireland has strongly supported EU sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and emphasised the importance of effective implementation.
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Since February 2022, the EU has imposed import and export restrictions on Russia. Economic sectoral sanctions have been put in place to target exchanges with Russia in specific areas, including Russia’s military, financial, energy, technology, transport and media sectors. In addition, almost 1,800 individuals and entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures. To date, Ireland has frozen €1.85 billion of funds belonging to such individuals and entities.
The additional measures introduced this year in the 10th and 11th sanctions packages included new reporting requirements to strengthen enforcement and significant additional measures to combat circumvention. Discussions have begun on a 12th package of sanctions, which will seek to further strengthen implementation and combat circumvention, in particular via third countries. The 12th package is also expected to include additional individual listings, as well as measures to strengthen the implementation of the oil price cap.
Analysis of trade flows of goods and technologies to third countries of items of particular importance for the Russia military and industrial complex is ongoing across the EU to inform discussions on preventing circumvention and strengthening implementation. The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, has also been working to address circumvention and has travelled to a number of third countries to engage with them on this.
In Ireland, the level of coordination and cooperation on sanctions across Government has increased significantly in response to the war in Ukraine. The Cross-Departmental International Sanctions Committee (‘CDISC’) monitors, reviews, and coordinates the implementation, administration and exchange of information on sanctions in Ireland.
At EU level, coordination among Member States has increased to ensure that sanctions are implemented in a harmonised way. The Commission has published guidance and FAQs covering a broad range of topics and continues to update them, in order to assist stakeholders in applying sanctions packages. Ireland regularly participates in a range of expert group discussions to co-ordinate and share information on the implementation of the Russia sanctions with our EU partners.
The extensive sanctions imposed on Russia are having an impact. Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to maintain this pressure on Russia and impede its ability to wage aggression in Ukraine.
