Carol Nolan
Ceist:238. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (238)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified further invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on 24 February, Ireland has stood in unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine.
My Department has led on Ireland’s foreign policy response to this flagrant violation of international law and norms, including through multilateral engagement with European Union partners and at the United Nations, the development of sanctions and the provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens affected by the invasion, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
I have met EU Foreign Ministers in a series of Foreign Affairs Council meetings since 24 February, to discuss and shape the international response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Ireland has taken a forward stance on the European response, contributing to an ambitious sanctions package, the provision of aid and assistance to Ukraine, and the reevaluation of how the European Union engages with Russia.
At the United Nations, Ireland has been at the forefront of efforts to hold Russia internationally accountable for its actions. We have actively supported Security Council and General Assembly meetings on Ukraine, and have urged others to join us in condemning Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Ireland co-sponsored a strong UN General Assembly resolution, condemning Russia’s aggression and calling for their immediate withdrawal, which was adopted with the support of the overwhelming majority of UN Member States. Ireland has called for the safe passage and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, including medical and food supplies, to those in need and has stressed the importance of safeguarding women and children during conflict. We have called on Russia to uphold its obligations under international law and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine.
Ireland has supported motions and resolutions to suspend Russia’s participation in various international bodies, including the Council of Europe.
My Department has also provided all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens affected by recent events. My officials remain in ongoing contact with registered Irish citizens in Ukraine, currently totalling around 55 people, and are in direct contact to provide assistance and support to families with surrogacy arrangements.
This is also a regional crisis and Ireland's Embassies in all of the affected countries continue to provide support and services at a time of heightened demand as well as engaging with their host governments in support and solidarity
We have thus far committed €20 million in humanitarian aid from the development assistance programme managed by my Department (Irish Aid) to help mitigate the impact of the appalling violence inflicted on ordinary people in Ukraine.
My Department continues to engage across Government in support of the wider national response by Ireland to this multi-dimensional crisis which is on a scale not seen in Europe since the Second World War.