I thank Deputy Callaghan for a pertinent question. Needless to say, the Government in its entirety, and most of the House I expect, remain deeply concerned about the situation on the ground in Ukraine where we see Russia is demonstrating a clear desire to continue escalation and conflict. US proposals for a partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a first and indeed, positive step forward. However, while Ukraine has agreed to the ceasefire proposals, Russia is insisting on conditions and has intensified its attacks, targeting Ukraine's towns and cities, its ports and its energy infrastructure. Ukraine is more in need of our support than ever; to defend itself against these continuing attacks and to be in a position of strength for negotiations. Earlier this month, the Government approved €100 million of bilateral non-lethal military support for Ukraine. Work is ongoing towards the allocation and disbursement of this funding via two key channels. The first will be through Ukraine defence contact group, UDCG, coalitions on de-mining and ICT. The second will be through procurement partnerships with EU member states already procuring military support through Ukrainian industry. This will support the provision of non-lethal military equipment in priority areas identified by Ukraine, for example non-lethal elements of air defence such as radar systems and anti-drone jamming devices. Ireland has committed approximately €250 million in non-lethal military support to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, EPF. Through this mechanism, Ireland makes payments to the EPF which are used to fund non-lethal military support. Ireland constructively abstains from all EPF measures designed to deliver lethal force. At an EU level, the release of the majority of funding under the EPF, however, remains blocked by Hungary, meaning Ireland has been able to disburse only a proportion of its commitment to date. In the absence of agreement at EU level, we have stepped up our bilateral support. Since the full-scale invasion, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have also provided non-lethal military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces which include mine clearance flails, vehicles, body armour, ready-to-eat meals and is progressing further donations, including ordnance disposal robots and Giraffe radar systems. Ireland is also participating in the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine and the Government will continue to consider all options.

Sentiment score: 0.38

It is proposed that up to €20 million be provided to the two UDCG coalitions as outlined, both of which Ireland has joined and at which is represented by the Department of Defence. It is proposed €80 million will be allocated to procurement partnerships with other EU member states. As I said, examples of relevant non-lethal supports could include non-lethal elements of air defence such as radar systems and anti-drone jamming devices. The reason I mention those specific things is that these are the request of the Ukrainian Government. They are what the Ukrainians need to stop the bombs falling on cities like Kyiv and on forces on the front line. These bombs are being dropped not just on military targets but also on civilian facilities, particularly, as I mentioned, energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools, playgrounds and everything else in between. It is horrific. As regards being able to access this equipment as quickly as possible, speed is a priority. The vast majority of procurement will take place with local partners in Ukraine, who are able not only to turn it around quickly but to deliver it to the places where it is needed as soon as possible.

Sentiment score: 0.03

This is a key issue when we come to the combined European effort in support of Ukraine. We are being asked to do more for Ukraine by other allies around the world, but not all 27 EU member states are prepared to do that or are pulling their weight. That is why the €250 million allocated to the European PEACE facility is what we want to see developed. It is part of a much wider package. That is why we are reverting to the bilateral method of using €100 million, which we can get to where it needs to be as quickly as possible. I will be quite frank: Hungary is not being a willing partner of the European Union; it is being a direct block to saving lives on the ground in Ukraine and ensuring this conflict comes to a quick end. The longer this conflict goes on, the more our energy prices stay up, the more people are being displaced, the more our grocery prices are being put up and the more all the people of Europe, whether they are Hungarian, Irish, Ukrainian or Belgian, are at risk from an aggressive power. We have to go around the system. The EU is being imaginative and Ireland has committed to play its full part with the high representative.

Sentiment score: 0.11