Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 19 of 7 March 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. [20855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's overall financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 amounts to some €340 million, comprised of over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian funding and commitments of approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
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 critical infrastructure and public services; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Small Business Impact Fund to support SMEs, 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’s 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.
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, approximately €1.2 million from the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in Ukraine. To date, Ireland has disbursed €4.164 million from the Department of Defence’s Vote 36 under the EPF in relation to EUMAM Ukraine, to support the common costs of the Mission and the Mission’s non-lethal assistance measure.
Through EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training to over 400 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in training modules which include tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training. Ireland has also donated ready to eat meals and body armour from Defence Forces stocks as well as demining equipment to Ukraine (mine flails) and provided training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on this equipment. The Defence Forces are currently planning other modules and identifying other opportunities for support. Ireland also provides a small number of staff positions in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Belgium and the Special Training Command (STC) in Germany.
Ireland is also supporting civilian security sector reform through the provision of eight civilian experts to the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), nearly all of whom are working in support of the Mission’s activities to facilitate Ukrainian authorities to investigate and prosecute international crimes.
In 2024, Ireland has allocated €35 million in 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's 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 this “Ukraine Facility”, which we have strongly supported, and on the additional €5 billion in military support for Ukraine under the new Ukraine Assistance Fund under the EPF.
