6. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his engagement with other EU member states with regard to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38587/25]

Sentiment score: -0.15

I want to ask the Tánaiste about the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, which we hope will be able to investigate and prosecute senior government and military leaders responsible for the crime of aggression up to and including heads of state. He might update the House in that regard.

Sentiment score: -0.35

What is interesting from listening to the debates here in the past week is the criticism of the Government about its stance on the Iranian regime from some of the far left voices in the House and a complete ignorance about who supplies an awful lot of these drones to Russia to continuously attack a part of Europe. I understand the special tribunal I referred to in the question is the first international judicial body since the Second World War with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute individuals regardless of their position suspected of committing the crime of aggression. The establishment of the tribunal marks the culmination of years of legal work by Ukraine, its partner countries, the Council of Europe and the European Union to ensure justice for the victims of Russian aggression. Can the Minister elaborate on the European input into that and the development of that special tribunal?

Sentiment score: -0.21

As Chair of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, I met the ambassador recently. I am a little concerned that so much time in the House is spent on Gaza, which I understand, particularly as Chair of the committee, is justified, that Ukraine has slipped down the agenda and we need to keep it up. The continued acceleration of attacks by Russia poses a significant threat to the European Union. The Minister mentioned the largest attack in the past couple of days. In Ireland, because we are so remote, sometimes we do not appreciate that fully. However, a threat to the European Union threatens the values we take for granted and essentially threatens our way of life. The continuous highlighting of this Russian aggression against Ukrainians is necessary in the House. I welcome the opportunity and the Tánaiste’s answers on the tribunal.

Sentiment score: -0.16