Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
40. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on his discussions with the German Foreign Minister in relation to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/24]
View answerI am committed to working closely with my EU partners, including Germany, to ensure Ukraine gets the support it so urgently needs to continue to defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks.
My recent visit to Berlin was an excellent opportunity to discuss bilateral and EU support for Ukraine with our German partners. Germany is one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in terms of military and financial aid. Germany is also hosting over 1 million Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Ireland, like Germany, has been unequivocal and steadfast in its support for the people and Government of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Foreign Minister Baerbock welcomed Ireland’s support for Ukraine, evidenced by some 100,000 Ukrainians being offered refuge in Ireland, representing 2% of Ireland’s population. She compared Ireland’s current generosity with its past assistance to German children post WWII as part of the Operation Shamrock programme.
Foreign Minister Baerbock further noted that solidarity with Ukraine is a pan-European obligation and that Ireland and Germany are working to ensure the Ukrainian people can live in peace.
I thanked Minister Baerbock for Germany’s leadership in ensuring Ukraine and its people have the means to defend themselves and the freedom of their country.
We continued these discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, where EU Foreign Ministers were clear in their commitment to continue providing strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.
