Irish companies trading with Russia
Deputy Ó Murchú asked about a list of Irish companies still trading with Russia and about EU sanctions, block-buys and fuel mitigation measures. The Taoiseach said sanctions were being applied, many Irish firms had already withdrawn, and the EU was exploring optional common procurement of gas and oil.
President Zelenskyy spoke about Russian war crimes and many other issues, including hunger being used as a weapon. We all accept we need to hurt the Russian war machine and its finances. There has been much conversation about the IFSC and section 110 companies. The Ukrainian ambassador, H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko, spoke to the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs about a list of Irish companies that were still trading with Russia.
I get that some of that has changed but I do not think they have received an answer on that. She gave the information to the Department of Foreign Affairs so could we get an update on that? Sanctions will move-----
Comment on this
It was a list of Irish companies that are still trading with Russia. It was given to the Department of Foreign Affairs and they have not been given an answer back.
Sanctions are moving to coal, oil and gas. Where is the EU on block-buys? We need the mitigations.
Comment on this
Block-buys for fuel and energy. We need alternative sources but the EU is talking about block-buys. We need leverage as regards VAT. Then there are the humanitarian efforts we need to make. We have a housing crisis. Both the EU and ourselves need to be imaginative in relation to producing a result. That is about four questions.
Comment on this
The Deputy did well there. My view is that we consistently apply the sanctions. Trade has not been banned in its entirety by the sanctions. One has to acknowledge the rights of companies in that framework. That said, many Irish companies have pulled out of Russia, adding to the pressures the sanctions are creating.
The EU is seeking to reduce its dependency on Russian gas and oil. The common procurement idea was flagged at the most recent EU Council meeting and would be somewhat similar to the procurement of vaccines. It would be optional for member states to be involved. The idea is that the Union as one group would command better pricing and have greater leverage in the pricing of fuel into the future.
Comment on this
If we could just chase the answer on the list.
