Micheál Martin has told MEPs that it has been an “honour” for Ireland to welcome over 34,000 Ukrainian refugees to our shores.
The Taoiseach was addressing the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday where he also said that Ireland is backing Ukraine’s application to join the EU.
There is likely to be a decision made on this at the European Council meeting of the 27 EU leaders later this month and Mr Martin said he will be campaigning strongly for Ukraine.
In his speech to the 705 member parliament, the Taoiseach said: “Ukraine’s cause must be the cause of every person who believes in free democracy.
“As the European Council said once again last week, Russia must end its slaughter and withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine.
“I know that the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament is here in Strasbourg today and to him I say Ireland unequivocally supports your country, your people, and your right to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.
“We strongly support the toughest possible sanctions – and we do so understanding that this involves costs for us all.
“We are honoured that more than 34,000 Ukrainians have sought shelter in our country.
“How many times have we heard ideologues from the extremes condemn and attack the European Union?
“Yet today, for many millions of people on our borders, it is the flag of blue with a circle of golden stars which symbolises their wish to be free.”
The Taoiseach expressed regret that Ireland and the EU had not done enough when Ukraine was initially attacked by Russia in 2014.
He said: “In 2014 the people of Ukraine took to the streets to demand a democratic and European future. For this they suffered invasion and partition.
“We did too little to stand with the people of Ukraine then. We did too little to reject Putin’s new imperialism and his demand to control other countries in a sphere of influence.
“And this happened while he was constantly investing in extremist parties and disinformation in our countries – putting us all on notice that the destruction of the EU was a core policy objective for him.
“We must stand with Ukraine, not just during this war but in the months and years ahead.
“Our agenda must be Ukraine’s reconstruction, its securing of democracy and its inclusion within our Union.
Mr Martin added: “I strongly support Ukraine’s application for membership and I look forward to the Commission’s Opinion.
“I hope that, when the European Council meets in June, it will be possible to send the people of Ukraine a clear and positive message.
“Ireland’s lived experience – and we are not alone in this – is that EU membership is transformative.
“It is not only about access to markets and to economic opportunity, though that is, of course, important, it is about what it means for people.”
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