Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
323. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will elaborate and provide details regarding European Commission proposals for pre-finance purchase of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine; if Ireland’s approval for this EU initiative has been approved by Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile discussions are ongoing at EU level about the possibility of directly procuring additional military support on behalf of Ukraine, no formal proposal has been presented to EU Member States by the European External Action Service (EEAS).
However, a non-paper, prepared jointly by the EEAS, the European Commission and the European Defence Agency on speeding-up delivery and production of ammunition for Ukraine, has been circulated and is expected to be discussed at next week's informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers, during which I and my colleagues will have the opportunity to further discuss the EU's support to Ukraine.
Moreover, at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 February, which I attended in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, High Representative Borrell and a number of Member States drew attention to the significant Ukrainian needs on the ground, particularly in terms of ammunition supplies.
Ireland will engage fully in the discussions that follow any formal proposal as they progress, mindful of the commitments in the Programme for Government and the position that we have consistently taken in relation to the European Peace Facility, with a view to ensuring that any Irish contribution is directed exclusively towards non-lethal military support.
