Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
33. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of Ireland's contribution to the defence of Ukraine through the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the supports that have been sent to the Ukrainian army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 56 together.
The European Peace Facility allows the EU to support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces. In February, March and again in April of 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF). To date, a €1.5 billion package has been approved that will allow the EU to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, and to protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian military aggression.
In line with the commitment laid out in the 2020 Programme for Government and the provisions of the memorandum on the European Peace Facility (EPF), approved by the Irish government in March 2021, Ireland’s financial contribution supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces via the EPF is directed towards providing non-lethal support such as food, medicine and personal protection equipment which have been specifically requested by the government of Ukraine. This equipment could include such items as body armour and helmets. A similar approach is followed by both Austria and Malta.
Ireland is providing its full contribution to the EPF assistance measures, Ireland’s contribution currently stands at €33m. It is expected that a further tranche of funding for Ukraine via the EPF will be proposed in the coming days, potentially taking the total support provided by the EU to €2 billion. If this proposal is approved, Ireland's share will stand at approximately €44m.
Following a direct request from Ukraine, the Defence Forces has provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The contribution of the ready-to-eat meals and body armour is a specific element of the Government’s contribution through the European Peace Facility and is in addition to the further €20 million provided in humanitarian assistance to the UN and the Red Cross which is already being disbursed through UN and NGO partners in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
It also includes a dedicated Ukraine civil society fund of €2 million specifically to support NGOs responding to the crisis.
In addition, Ireland is also providing a further €3 million to the to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assist with regard to all situations before the court.
