I will begin by thanking all Members for their contributions on the motion, the purpose of which is to seek the approval of Dáil Éireann for Ireland to participate in enhanced co-operation on the establishment of a loan for Ukraine. I have heard Members' comments and reactions. I hope to respond to some of the key points that they raised. We must not lose sight of why we are doing this. Ukraine has experienced almost four years of Russia's illegal aggression against its people and its territory. The brutality of Russia's actions has caused immense suffering and loss for the people of Ukraine, huge economic and fiscal costs and extensive damage to its infrastructure, particularly its energy infrastructure. What we are talking about here is keeping people alive by keeping them warm. It is essential that we do not forget that, Russia in a fundamental violation of the UN Charter and international law, launched an unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, a European country and a fellow member of the UN. Ireland supports increasing the pressure on Russia to halt its brutal attacks, agree to a ceasefire and seriously engage in peace talks with the US and Ukraine. Our continued solidarity with and support for Ukraine in conjunction with our international partners is essential. We know that it has significant financial needs and urgently requires the financial assistance to which the motion relates by the second quarter of this year. As the Minister said, since the onset of the war in February 2022, Ireland's total allocated support to Ukraine amounts to over €464 million. This is basically for the purposes of stabilisation, humanitarian assistance and non-lethal military support. The motion is entirely consistent with our ongoing position regarding support for Ukraine, which, to date, has included political, humanitarian, non-lethal military and economic assistance. The loan involved is for Ukraine's immediate needs in 2026 and 2027 and does not even factor in the extensive recovery and reconstruction costs Ukraine will face in the future. In response to the request from the Labour Party, the Social Democrats and others, the Government will ensure that the funding provided by Ireland is aligned with our well-established policy of military neutrality as has been the case to date. If people want to know what we will do in the future, they should look at what we have done in the past. Most Irish people agree that it is important for us to show our ongoing commitment to and support for Ukraine in light of the Taoiseach's commitment to provide comprehensive financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to it and its people at the December European Council meeting. I note the comments of those who disagree with this motion regarding Irish neutrality, but I disagree with them. This financial support will not just help Ukraine with its defence capability - and I underline that - it will also help with the continued functioning of the state and its ability to provide basic public services in order that its people can survive. We have all seen the horrendous pictures of Ukrainians trying to survive in temperatures of -10°C or -15°C following drone attacks by Russia. Ireland's policy of neutrality means that it does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. I thank Members for their comments, which reflect the importance of these issues to all of us, and ask them to support the motion.

Sentiment score: 0.11