Article 20 of Treaty on European Union Regarding Enhanced Co-operation: Motion Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-27 ============================================================ Robert Troy (FF), Longford-Westmeath I thank everybody for their contributions to today's discussion on this motion, which seeks the Seanad's approval for Ireland to exercise the option in accordance with Article 29.4.7 of Bunreacht na hÉireann to participate in enhanced co-operation on the establishment of a loan for Ukraine. I have noted the reactions and comments and hope to respond to some of the key themes raised across the time remaining. I acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion in the House on this proposed loan. The one point I take, which we can all agree on, is the need for continued support for Ukraine, and to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. That requires financial assistance. Ukraine is seeking this financial assistance now, because without it, they are in a much-weakened position as they enter negotiations with Russia. Of course, everyone's aspiration is that negotiations will be successful and will reach a peaceful conclusion, but withholding this financial assistance at this stage will not do anything to benefit or strengthen Ukraine's hand in these negotiations. We must not lose sight of why we are taking this vote. Ukraine has experienced four years of Russia's illegal aggression against its people and territory. The brutality of Russia's actions has caused immense suffering and loss for the people of Ukraine - large economic and fiscal costs as well as extensive damage to its infrastructure. It is essential that we 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 fellow UN member. Ireland supports increasing the pressure on Russia to halt its brutal attacks, agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously in talks with the US and Ukraine, including by building on the sanctions imposed to date. Despite what some Senators claim, Ireland is not moving away from the institutions of multilateralism and we are continuously engaged in those institutions. Our continued solidarity with and support for Ukraine, alongside our international partners, is essential. They have significant financial needs and urgently require this financial assistance by the second quarter of this year. The proposed loan, using the enhanced co-operation mechanism, is for their immediate needs over 2026 and 2027, and does not even factor in the extensive recovery and reconstruction costs they will face in the future. It is important for us to show our ongoing commitment to and support for Ukraine, giving further substance to the Taoiseach's commitment to provide comprehensive, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people at the December European Council. From today's discussion, it is clear there is widespread support for Ukraine, as I said, and I welcome that. To those who may disagree with this motion, I note their comments around Irish neutrality but the Government disagrees with their sentiments. This financial support will not just help Ukraine with its defence capabilities but provide help and support continued functioning of the state and its ability to provide basic public services. We have all seen the horrendous pictures of Ukrainians experiencing subzero temperatures following sustained Russian drone attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ireland's policy of neutrality means Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has repeatedly underlined, Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Ireland's support for Ukraine's right to defend itself from Russia's brutal attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter and has been outlined in detail by the Government since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is critical that Ireland and its EU partners continue to help address Ukraine's urgent financial needs to allow it to exercise its inherent right of self-defence, to support its microfinancial stability and to best position itself during the ongoing peace negotiations. Ireland's support for the proposed loan is entirely consistent with our ongoing position on support to Ukraine, which to date has included political, humanitarian and non-lethal military and economic assistance. It is for that reason I propose rejecting the amendment to the motion put forward by Sinn Féin. Once again, I thank Senators for their comments and proposed amendments. They reflect the importance of this issue to us all. Ireland has consistently shown its support for Ukraine and will continue to do so. Opting to engage in enhanced co-operation on the loan to Ukraine will not only demonstrate our concern for its urgent financial needs but help to support it on its pathway to membership of the EU. Beyond this, it will also provide vital support for the European economy and security. It is in this context that I urge Senators to support today's motion. --- Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted. Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-27/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:33+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-01-27