An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-24 ============================================================ Aubrey McCarthy (IND), University of Dublin I congratulate my friend Kairi Künka, the Estonian ambassador, on national Estonia day. I would also like to mark another significant occasion today which is, as the Cathaoirleach mentioned, the fourth anniversary of the Russian illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine. It was an act of aggression that has caused immense suffering, displacement, hurt and loss of life and it continues to affect the stability of Europe. I want to extend a huge welcome to Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador, to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. She has done an amazing job in Ireland representing her people. I also welcome visitors to the Public Gallery, many of whom are friends of mine. We have Max Reva who achieved the highest points in his leaving certificate and is now in Trinity College. We have many of my friends from Tiglin as well and other war veterans from Ukraine who have fought in battle there. When we see such resilience, we realise their presence here honours this House. This is not just a theoretical war. It is very real and many of them have lost homes and loved ones and are living in precarious circumstances. They are very welcome here. Ireland welcomes them and stands with them. Four years on and the resilience of the Ukrainian has absolutely amazed me. It is extraordinary. Their courage in defending their sovereignty, their democracy and their right to live freely has inspired all of us. This House shows unwavering support at this critical time. Last year we welcomed the Ukrainian President and First Lady to this House. The President spoke not only about the military and humanitarian challenges facing Ukraine but also about the importance of international solidarity, democracy and the rule of law. The presence of the President really deepened the relationship between our two peoples. I want to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 58(1) on the Order Paper be taken before No. 1, without debate. The motion in question, which was tabled by me and supported by my colleagues in this House, states: That Seanad Éireann ... reaffirms its support for Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion and calls on the Government to do as much as possible to maximise Ireland’s role in renewing international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I thank colleagues from across the House for supporting this motion, which is a call for Ireland to continue playing a constructive role in securing a peace that is just, durable and grounded in respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity. When we remember Pierre Zakrzewski, the first person with a connection to Ireland to be tragically killed in Ukraine while working for Fox News, we realise that despite the hardship and loss, the spirit of Ukraine has not been broken. The ambassador, Larysa was on "Morning Ireland" this morning and she spoke about her parents having to climb up to the 31st floor, without any lifts, without water and without electricity. That is hardship but I believe that peace will come and when it does, the courageous people and those nations who refused to look away will be pleased to see such a peace. Slava Ukraini . --- 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/2026-02-24/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:41+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-02-24