Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 24 January 2024, the details of Ireland's financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra21. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland will continue to support Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 21 together.
Ireland's overall financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 amounts to over €212 million, comprised of over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian funding and commitments of approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility.
Within these overall figures, funding for humanitarian assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs amounted to €20 million in 2022, and €19 million in 2023 respectively.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided assistance for stabilisation and recovery efforts, including through the World Bank Trust Fund to support for critical infrastructure and public services; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support SMEs and Small Business Impact Fund and funding for UN agencies and NGOs for communities devastated by the war.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided funding to ensure accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine. This included €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court to support ongoing investigations, including with regard to Ukraine.
Further funding is being provided in support of reform governance efforts, including to the Council of Europe Development Bank Ukraine Solidarity Fund, and through the OSCE, OECD and NGOs.
The Department has also provided over €1 million in peace and stability funding to Ukraine across 2022 and 2023. This makes a total of some €78 million to date from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Other Government Departments have made contributions including in-kind and monetary supports to Ukraine, including €8.4 million in medical aid contributed by the HSE, €1 million from the Department of Defence towards the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) via the European Peace Facility (EPF) and approximately €1.2 million from the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in Ukraine.
Ireland has also donated two mine flails, 5,000 ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour from Defence Forces stocks, two and containerised water treatment plants and tools, equipment and spare parts for repairing gas and electricity networks.
Through EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat casualty care, demining/mine clearance, drill instruction training, and training on the use of mine flails
Ireland committed €43 million in 2023 to address the wider consequences of the war globally, including food insecurity, increasing fragility, and acute child malnutrition. In total, Ireland provided over €75 million to address the wider consequences of the war in 2023.
In 2024, Ireland has allocated €35 million to support to Ukraine and its neighbours to address ongoing humanitarian needs, and progress towards its early recovery and eventual reconstruction.
Ireland has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. In December, we welcomed the European Council decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. This sends an important signal of hope to the Ukrainian people.
In February, the European Council agreed a €50bn package of financial assistance to Ukraine. This package is designed to provide predictable funding in the coming years to help Ukraine meet its immediate needs as well as to assist with early recovery and reconstruction. Ireland welcomes agreement on the Ukraine facility, which we have strongly supported.
We hope that the European Union will shortly agree on additional funding for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility.
