I apologise to Senators for having had to leave for approximately half an hour during this debate. I assure them it was for a good reason relating to some of our consular interests in Ukraine. We are trying to work with families involved in very complex surrogacy cases in Kyiv at the moment and to put in place arrangements for them, which is very challenging in these circumstances. I will respond to a number of issues. I was not here for the contribution that some Members have spoken about but, to make it clear for…

We are on the side of international law, the UN Charter, peace, European values, democracy, the rule of law and European solidarity with other countries around the world in the face of horrific Russian aggression. That is what we are on the side of. If people choose to try to undermine that message or not to work with us in sending a clear message to people in Ukraine who are literally fighting for their survival and the future of their families and country, that is up to them, but I have been very clear on this is…

So has France.

Here we go.

In the past 24 hours.

I move: That Dáil Éireann: recalls: — that in the first Article of Bunreacht na hÉireann the Irish nation affirmed its inalienable, indefeasible, and sovereign right to choose its own form of Government, to determine its relations with other nations, and to develop its life, political, economic and cultural, in accordance with its own genius and traditions; — that Ireland believes in, and is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), which include the sovereign equal…

Yes. I am sorry. I will work on that and make sure it is done.

Deputy Brady cannot call for dialogue and then in the same breath call on us to expel the Russian ambassador.

It is completely contradictory.

It is completely contradictory and he knows that.

As a matter of accuracy, I am told the Deputy did get a detailed reply from the Minister for Finance. It is important to correct the record in that respect.

I will follow up afterwards just to make sure that is the case.

I am not having a go at the Deputy.

It will be done mostly through international organisations. That is what is being asked for in terms of achieving central co-ordination. The challenge now is getting in and out.

What if the situation calls for it?

Deputy-----

Has the Deputy read the motion? It is a UN motion.

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue. Ireland and all of our EU partners stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people on this shocking day when Russia, unprovoked, has initiated missile strikes and a ground invasion on their country. Today's invasion by Russia of Ukraine's sovereign territory and its attack on its people is an outrageous and immoral breach of the most fundamental and basic international law. Prior to the events overnight and today, the EU had already stepped up its support to Uk…

I can remember as an MEP travelling to Kyiv as an election observer during what was then called the Orange revolution. I remember the excitement the night before the election in Freedom Square in Kyiv and the sense of momentum and change at that time in Ukraine. Of course, there was some division too in the context of east and west, but it was a time of genuine hope for a new direction for a country that was looking west, with hopes and ambitions for the future. For those of us who have followed the ups and downs a…

I welcome this opportunity. I also welcome Senator Dolan's family to the Seanad Chamber today. They should be very proud of their sister and daughter in the context of the role she continues to play in this House. At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, we decided to provide €1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine. We hope this package will assist the Government and people of Ukraine in addressing some of the difficulties the Russian military build-up in and around their country, which has been dest…