Monday will mark three years since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. I wish to express my solidarity, and that of the Labour Party, with the people of Ukraine who have endured such devastation over those three years and have defended their country so courageously against Russia’s imperialist aggression. I condemn last night’s remarks by US President Donald Trump implying that Ukraine had started the war. Indeed, I condemn what we are seeing now with the sidelining of the European Union and, most importantly, the sidelining of Ukraine from Trump’s so-called peace negotiations with Putin. Ireland is militarily neutral but we are not, and should not be, politically neutral when it comes to standing with Ukraine. I am asking how the Government can best continue to show solidarity with Ukraine as we approach this anniversary. Will the Taoiseach commit to retaining support for the accommodation recognition payment at its current level?

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I will be attending a virtual meeting of European leaders later this afternoon convened by President Macron regarding the unfolding situation on the war in Ukraine. We will take that opportunity to reiterate our support for Ukraine. I will also be pushing strongly for the EU to accelerate the membership process and the application from Ukraine to become a member of the EU. Apart from the economic, social and wider aspects of membership of the EU, there would be a significant security benefit to Ukraine by virtue of being a member of the EU. The Ukrainian Government has responded very admirably. I welcome what US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, namely, that there needs to be a sustainable and durable peace and that Europe and Ukraine will have to play a part in any outcome to any talks that may develop.

What about the accommodation recognition payment?

The Minister for Justice is dealing with that.