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Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Ceisteanna (135)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

135. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports that his Department is putting in place for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has provided considerable diplomatic support for Ukraine. Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders is unwavering. Since Russia’s further large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ireland has stated clearly that this is a blatant violation of the UN Charter and a breach of international law for which Russia must be held solely accountable. Ireland has also engaged intensively at EU level in support of Ukraine, including on the largest package of sanctions in EU history on Russia. Ireland will also contribute to the European Peace Facility’s support of Ukraine through providing non-lethal support.

Ireland joined with 38 other state parties in referring the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court, ICC, to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ireland has also acted decisively at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly in support of Ukraine. 141 UN member states voted in favour of a resolution, which we co-sponsored, deploring Russia’s aggression.

My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, has put in place a €20 million humanitarian response fund, which is being delivered through Irish Aid partners present in Ukraine and ready to immediately provide support to Ukrainians affected by the conflict. Among those partners are the Red Cross Movement and UN agencies, including UN OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO. In addition, a dedicated call for proposals for Irish NGOs ready to respond is also being launched.

Guiding the Irish Aid response is the need to get resources to those affected as quickly as possible. By supporting trusted partners active on the ground with cash, Irish Aid is enabling them to deliver without delay while protecting valuable supplies channels from being overloaded. This initial Irish Aid humanitarian package puts emphasis on support to refugees, including the protection of women and girls as well as education, on healthcare and on humanitarian response including establishing much needed humanitarian corridors. Ireland is also part of the EU humanitarian response, which since February has disbursed over €93 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Working with the HSE, and in response to a request from the Ukrainian government through the coordinated EU Civil Protection Mechanism, my officials have supported the dispatch of medical supplies to Ukraine.

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