Carol Nolan
Ceist:246. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (246)
Freagraí scríofa
I want to make it very clear that my Department and the Defence Forces will play their part in the forthcoming national effort in assisting the people of Ukraine in their hour of need.
My Department is fully engaged in ongoing cross-Government considerations of how best we can respond, whether in the form of providing accommodation for displaced Ukrainian nationals arriving in Ireland or otherwise. We stand ready to assist in any way possible, including in the provision of logistical support by the Defence Forces to other Departments and/or State agencies.
While my Department has significant land holdings throughout the country, current levels of occupancy of Defence properties is generally well utilised. That being said, I am sure that there is no reason why some of our land bank could not be used, for example for the provision of modular buildings. My Department is currently exploring the capacity available within the land portfolio and will engage with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to this matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is contributing to the European Peace Facility Assistance Measures which were agreed recently. Ireland's contribution of approximately €10 million, which will be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs, will go exclusively towards the provision of non-lethal equipment. The provision of this funding will allow the EU to quickly respond to the Ukrainian request and responds to a specific ask from the Ukrainian authorities.
We are continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and my officials in both the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs continue to engage in all discussions on the matter as required.