167. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the defunct, unused or surplus military equipment that has been offered to the Ukrainian authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53649/26]

177. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence if an assessment was carried out as to the operational readiness of light tactical armoured vehicles before they were offered to Ukraine; if so, the results of this assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54226/26]

188. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which light tactical armoured vehicles typically equipped with remote weapons stations for machine guns or grenade launchers can be classified as non-lethal military aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54181/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 177 and 188 together.

Ireland’s programme of military assistance to Ukraine has focused on the provision of non-lethal military equipment and support.

In identifying equipment for potential donation, the Defence Forces assess whether items are surplus to operational requirements, can be released without impacting Defence Forces capabilities, and would be of practical benefit to the Ukrainian authorities. Any equipment identified for donation is subject to a detailed assessment by the Defence Forces and my Department to ensure that its transfer does not adversely affect operational capability and complies with all relevant legal obligations and Government decisions and policy.

More broadly, since the full-scale invasion, equipment offered or provided by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces has also included non-lethal military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces such as mine clearance flails, vehicles, body armour, medical kids, ready-to-eat meals, explosive ordnance disposal robots and surplus Giraffe radar systems.

In accordance with Government policy, Ireland has not provided lethal military equipment, weapons or ammunition to Ukraine. The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine through a combination of humanitarian, financial and non-lethal military assistance while ensuring that the operational readiness of the Defence Forces is maintained.

In terms of the recent offer to donate Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle (LTAV)s to Ukraine, the fleet was withdrawn from service after reaching the end of its planned service life. Following a detailed technical assessment, the Defence Forces concluded that the LTAV fleet could be made available for donation for potential restoration and operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The purpose of the offer was to provide protected mobility and transport capability, should the Ukrainian Government accept the donation, rather than offensive military capability. The vehicles were offered without weapons, ammunition or weapon systems.

The classification of military assistance as lethal or non-lethal is determined by the nature of the equipment being supplied. In the case of LTAVs, their classification as non-lethal military assistance relates to the vehicles themselves and the capability being provided. Vehicles supplied under non-lethal assistance programmes are not equipped with weapon systems, ammunition or other lethal-effect capabilities. Their primary purpose is to provide protected mobility, force protection, casualty evacuation, logistical support, and the safe transportation of personnel and equipment.

Accordingly, light tactical armoured vehicles supplied without mounted weapons, ammunition or integrated lethal capabilities are regarded as non-lethal military assistance. Furthermore, no decision to transfer equipment is implemented unless the Government is satisfied that the transfer is consistent with Ireland’s policy on the provision of non-lethal military assistance and does not impact the operational capabilities of the Defence Forces.

I am satisfied that the classification of such vehicles as non-lethal military assistance is consistent with the nature of the equipment supplied and with the Government’s longstanding approach to the provision of non-lethal military support.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine expressed its sincere gratitude for the offer and for Ireland's continued support, but ultimately decided not to accept the vehicles. That was an operational decision for the Ukrainian authorities, who are best placed themselves to determine what equipment can be integrated effectively into their existing logistics, maintenance and training systems.

Ireland respects Ukraine's assessment of its own requirements, based on its own defined needs and will continue to engage closely with Ukrainian counterparts regarding areas where Ireland can make a practical and meaningful contribution, in line with Government’s policy in this regard.