A delegation from the foreign affairs and trade committee is going to Canada in early December. I welcome the new ambassador. Deputy McGreehan is convener of the Canada-Ireland Inter-Parliamentary Friendship group, and hence her particular interest in it. There is some resistance to waiving pre-legislative scrutiny on the CETA agreement from some quarters in the House. There is a little bit of romantic notion about where Ireland is in the world in some quarters and maybe there needs to be a more realistic appreciation of where Ireland needs to be. Prime Minister Carney from his time as Governor of the Bank of England seems to have huge understanding and is well informed about this country.
Sentiment score: 0.48
These questions were transferred to me. Will the Tánaiste outline the discussions he has had about the possibility of utilising the €1.87 billion in frozen Russian assets, which are the ones in Ireland that we know of, for reparations for the war of aggression against Ukraine?
Sentiment score: -0.33
In my experience as chair of the foreign affairs and trade committee, the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland came in last week. We received a comprehensive statement. Has the Tánaiste or Taoiseach considered initiating some sort of round table facility with leaders of the Opposition? It strikes me that we get, and rightly so, incredibly exercised about events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine. This does not need to be binary. However, there seems to be a real lack of understanding in certain parts of the House on the actual necessity to engage with the Ukrainian peace and the threat that Russia poses. That threat is spreading across Scandinavia into the shadow fleet off the shores of this island, yet there does not seem to be the same deep embedded appreciation for the threat that poses to us. I do not know whether a number of mature adult conversations need to be had on a regular basis and based on confidentiality because there are security issues. That was not part of the question; I have run into it.
Sentiment score: 0.03
Have they ever sought a briefing on it?
Sentiment score: 0.00
On the frozen assets, the Ukrainian ambassador made the point that the lawful of frozen Russian assets must become central to reconstruction. What is the view of the Government on that? That reconstruction would be around the rebuilding of infrastructure, supporting of victims and enabling the return of displaced Ukrainians. An estimate of €300 billion in assets internationally remains frozen globally, including close to €2 billion in Ireland. The Ukrainians are certainly of the view that these resources should serve peace and not remain unused while destruction continues. What is the view of the international community specifically on the assets not remaining unused?
Sentiment score: 0.19
This question was transferred to me from Deputy O'Meara. It asks for the Tánaiste's response to the recent escalation in the intensity of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Sentiment score: -0.15
I thank the Minister of State. The Ukrainian ambassador was very appreciative of the non-military assistance the country has been given when she came before the committee last week. The Minister of State referred in his reply to regional destabilisation. I was fortunate and privileged, with the Minister of State's colleague, Deputy Barry Ward, Chair of the EU affairs committee, to be part of an EU election observation project in Moldova. The Russians had been attempting to interfere with elections there. Clearly, it is not just warheads, missiles and drones but it is right across. The Ukrainian ambassador told the committee that something like 11,000 Shahed drones have been used in the first six months of this year, as well as 9,000 other types of attack drones. We have been talking about sanctions and the Minister referred to the 19th iteration of these. Does he think they are biting? Could he reassure the House about that?
Sentiment score: 0.23
It is not contained in my question but I know one of the things we contribute towards is de-mining. I am throwing the issue at the Minister of State in an unanticipated way and will accept a written response on it. It just came to mind. Can the Minister of State inform the House about what that involves and what the money is expended on?
Sentiment score: 0.10
I ask the Tánaiste the way in which Ireland is supporting the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Sentiment score: 0.46
One thing this conflict has in common with what is going on in Gaza is that I cannot think of one single thing that would guarantee intergenerational conflict more than the use, abuse and the taking and maiming of children. It almost guarantees that the memory just simply cannot absolve itself of the horrors of it and that the atrocity will live on. In spite of that, the Ukrainian Government, through its ambassador, has expressed deep appreciation for the role that Ireland has played, particularly in the recent high level meeting of the coalition that has been established in New York in the last month or so, and for our continued active engagement. However, this is one of the most truly appalling crimes. It is a crime against humanity. It beggars belief and understanding as to how someone, a country, a government or a regime could stoop so low. I will not come back with a second comment so I am happy to take the Tánaiste's final response on this. It is truly one of the most appalling crimes that could be committed in a war situation or any situation.
Sentiment score: -0.17